An ordained priest shares in a special way in the ongoing work of Jesus Christ in the world. A priest offers his life for the service of the People of God and to be an instrument of the grace of God touching and transforming the lives of people. He is a proclaimer of the Gospel, the word of life and hope. He is a teacher of the truth; in preaching and instruction he presents the way of life that Jesus taught. He is the means by which the power of God's Spirit comes into and changes the lives of people. Beginning with Baptism this pre-eminent ministry of the priest is culminated in the celebration of the Eucharist. Through the ministry of the priest Christ is made present and active in people's lives.

A priest is also a pastor, modelling himself on Jesus, the Good Shepherd. As such he takes on the heart of Christ, full of mercy and compassion to those who are poor, suffering or struggling with their own weaknesses. He brings the healing love of Christ in the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the sick. He is available to listen, to understand, to comfort and to re-assure. He is there at key moments in people's lives - the joy of marriage, and the pain of death.

A priest is a man of the Church. He places himself under obedience to the bishop. He devotes his life to being a faithful servant of the work of the Church. He teaches what the church believes. He is loyal to the Pope and Bishops and works in a close brotherhood with his fellow priests.

A priest is a man of God. He is a man of prayer who spends time with God so that his own character is being constantly moulded according to the mind and heart of God. He is a listener to the Scriptures that call him to repentance and to serve generously. He stands before God to intercede for the needs of his people and for the needs of the world. He is a man of faith, whose strong and courageous trust in God enables him to be a leader in faith and to bring a clear spiritual vision to the events of history and individual life.

A priest is a man who knows his own humanity. He is a man who humbly knows he acts in the name of Christ and is an instrument of the work of God beyond the abilities of his own personality and gifts. He surrenders himself to the Lord to be used as the Lord sees fit.