Priests & Brothers

Question: What’s the difference between priests and brothers, friars, etc.?

Answer: The distinctions titles and categories used for priests and the male members of religious communities can be confusing, especially since the categories can sometimes be intertwined as a man can be both a priest and a monk, or a brother and a friar. So, to help to piece the puzzle together, it’s important to begin by noting some basic distinctions:

The distinction between priests (who are ordained for sacramental ministry) and brothers (who are non-ordained members of religious communities and who are committed to lives of prayer and service).

Priests: A priest is a man who has been ordained for sacramental ministry and these fall into two categories: A) Diocesan (or Secular) Priests can either be attached to a diocese and who serve under a bishop. Their ministry is usually oriented toward pastoral service. B) Religious Priests are members of religious communities (like the Franciscans, Jesuits, Salvatorians, or Carmelites) and their lives are guided by the special mission and charism of their community. While both kinds of priest practice sacramental ministry, their spirituality and how they live out their priesthood can be very different.

Brothers: Brothers are non-ordained members of religious communities (such as those mentioned above) who live lives committed to prayer and service. Religious priests and brothers serve together in their communities and their ministries include much more than the care of parishes.

Monks, Friars, and Canons: These are broad categories that include religious priests and brothers, and each of these is connected to specific ways of life and spiritualities.

©LPi