Catholic Diocese Of Joliet

Bishop Conlon talks about Vatican II Council's Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests -- in Latin it is called "Presbyterorum Ordinis" -- and special spiritual requirements in the life of a priest. He identifies three areas that priests have to pay attention to in terms of their spiritual needs: humility/obedience, celibacy and poverty. Diocesan priests make solemn vows to be obedient to their bishops and embrace lifelong celibacy. Priests should seek will of Christ and the Holy Spirit -- that's where humility comes in. Priest does work of Christ and of holy spirit for the people, which means the priest is not a lone ranger. He is not doing things on his own; he has to have union with Christ and his bishop and the Holy Spirit. The priest works to build up the Body of Christ. He must recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the people he serves. The priest should live in the world but not of the world. He needs to develop a detachment of things of the world so that he is free to focus on his ministry.