A vocation with no vacation

Some people think all priests live rather cushy lives with nice cars and comfortable rectories served by cooks and housekeepers.

“Is this the way to imitate Christ?” some argue (often foolishly).

Many priests, especially in smaller parishes, will quickly point out that they don’t have housekeepers. Other priests will point out that the things with which they are provided enable them to be more fully devoted to their ministry, especially in very large and very busy parishes.

There is at least one group of priests that can never be accused of living cushy lives:

“We don't use televisions, radios, and appliances of convenience. We don't smoke nor drink alcoholic beverages.”

“We don't take annual vacations…”

What do they do?

“We beg for our food.”

What else do they busy themselves with?

“Priestly ministry where there is no priestly presence: in mission areas, hospitals, prisons, soup kitchens, shelters of our Sisters and Brothers, in homes, in the slums and on the streets; personal, one-to-one evangelization, bringing the bread of God's Word into their lives.

“Going in search of the neediest; welcoming the Poor in Jesus' Name; forming the Poor as disciples; and sending them out as apostles.”

"'The Missionaries of Charity Fathers'" is a clerical religious Institute of diocesan right, whose members bind themselves to the Lord and to the service of His Church by the profession of the Evangelical Counsels of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, and the Fourth Vow of Wholehearted and Free Service to the Poorest of the Poor.

"Our Institute, founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, is committed to carrying on her charism within the ministerial priesthood, exercised in the service of the Poor as privileged bearers of the mystery of Jesus' presence and passion in the world today."





from the website of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers