"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" Mt 19:21.

Men of ministry
Priesthood is a vital aspect of Church life. "Priests are ordained to preach the gospel, shepherd the people of God, and celebrate the sacraments," wrote the fathers of Vatican II in Lumen Gentium .

A diocesan priest is ordained to serve the local church in which he is ordained. For example, a priest who is ordained in the Diocese of Brooklyn is ordained for serve within Brooklyn and Queens, most likely in a parish.

By contrast, a religious priest is not ordained for a specific diocese. Because he comes from a religious community he is called to serve wherever his community serves in the universal Church. He expresses his service according to the charism of his community in the context of the great gift of being a priest.

Men in community
Members of religious communities profess vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and live together in community. After someone studying for the priesthood professes his final or solemn vows, he is ordained a deacon and a priest.

Informed by mission
A religious priest comes from a group that has a specific charism or special inspiration of the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church. A religious priest carries out his ministry within the broader context of his community's charism or mission.

The ministries of religious priests vary greatly.  Some priests work in parishes, schools, universities, or hospitals.  Others preach, do missionary work abroad, operate retreat houses, or do outreach work, such as running soup kitchens and taking care of the poor.  Some priests even serve as lawyers, webmasters, radio producers, or medical doctors.

Religious orders of priests in the Diocese of Brooklyn