The 7 different professions of the Church

The Catholic Church has received from Christ himself four main missions: to proclaim the Word of God, to celebrate the liturgy and the sacraments, to be at the service of the poorest and of justice, and to live in relationships of fraternal communion. It is at the service of women and men so that they may grow towards greater light, unity and love.

1. The chaplain's job

Role

Chaplains seek with young people openly and critically the place of each person in society. They also seek answers to the ethical challenges of today's world. Finally, it is also an opportunity to take stock of their personal maturity.

Chaplains may give religious instruction, organise celebrations or participate in humanitarian acts. They plan and conduct various leisure activities. They may organise film evenings, disco evenings or campfire evenings. Finally, chaplains also act as mediators in some difficult situations.

How does one become a chaplain?

With a strong faith and a deep respect for the Catholic religion. It requires a strong team spirit, empathy and an open mind. To become a chaplain, you need to be able to explain complex issues, be independent-minded, not be afraid of conflict and be trustworthy.

Training

There are several possible approaches to becoming a chaplain. Indeed, it is possible to study theology, religious sciences or psychology. Additional training is offered by the Church if needed.

2. The job of a catechist

Role

Catechists are responsible for the religious education of young people. They accompany children and young people on their journey of faith. They talk to them about God and the world and pass on Christian values and beliefs. They offer a playful way of discovering God through games and questions about religion.

Catechists are usually employed part-time. Some volunteer their free time.

How to become a catechist?

You can become a catechist if you have the ability to accompany children and support them in the development of their life and faith. In addition, you need to follow a theological training course.

3. The Profession of Priest

Being a priest in the Catholic Church is a challenge for many men. Priests are men who have been deeply touched by God. That is why they commit themselves to serving Him on a daily basis.

His role

To be a priest is to be at the service of others. In fact, a priest helps and accompanies in all phases of life. He announces the Good News of Christ. He celebrates the sacraments and performs acts of justice and charity. Priests remind us that God is always present among us and that he saves us.

He is in the midst of everyday life, as an ambassador of God. A priest accompanies people through illness, death, loneliness or life crises. As a priest, it is also possible to work as a religion teacher or a specialised chaplain.

Priests lead celebrations, celebrate the Eucharist and administer sacraments such as reconciliation, baptisms and marriages. They preside at funerals or organise festivals such as Easter or Christmas.

How does one become a priest?

To become a priest, there are several possible courses of study. The most common is to have studied theology at a university, followed by a pastoral year, and to have done several internships. It is also possible to become a priest with a full professional training.

4. The job of the sacristan

His role

The sacristan has a varied working day which requires flexibility, but also manual skills and discretion. The sacristan has particular roles in relation to the liturgy. They look after the sacred objects, may guide the altar boys and take care of the liturgical vestments.

Most of the time, the sacristan is also responsible for the maintenance and furnishing of the parish rooms. All these actions have a positive effect on the life and work of the parish.

What are the requirements to become a sexton?

To become a sacristan, honesty and reliability are required, as well as a willingness to participate in the life of the community. Adaptability to children, teenagers, elderly and disabled people is also necessary. Training in a building-related trade is recommended.

5. The job of a musician in the church

Role

What would masses be without music? Musicians fill the roles of choirmaster or singer. Church musicians often put together projects and hire colleagues for certain occasions. Being a church musician often allows you to perform other professional tasks in parallel.

How to be a church musician?

The enjoyment of making and sharing music and a good level of interpretation are basic requirements. In addition, you need either a high school diploma, a vocational training diploma or a diploma in the field of music. There are a number of training opportunities for part-time church musicians.

6. The job of a pastoral assistant

Role

Eager to pass on their faith in God, pastoral assistants have a wide range of tasks linking the Church to society. First of all, they participate in the setting up of religious services and parish activities. They visit the sick, they can also give religious courses. They are active in youth work and accompany the scouts and altar boys. Finally, their last role is to support the volunteers.

In addition, pastoral assistants often also take on organisational tasks in a parish. They are active in work with the elderly or in adult education. They may also work with the homeless, accompany the sick or act as prison or hospital chaplains. They work in collaboration with the pastoral team and priests.

How to become a pastoral assistant?

To become a pastoral assistant you must first of all be a believer and a practising person.

You have to like to reach out to people and like to get involved in new things. What is needed is initiative, imagination, team spirit and service. Finally, you need to enjoy doing a variety of tasks and be willing to work irregular hours.

What training do you need?

To become a pastoral assistant, you need to have studied theology at a university, followed by a pastoral year. It is also possible to become a pastoral assistant with other professional training.

7. The role and profession of a religious

To become religious, one must be touched by the love of God. Furthermore, it is necessary to join a community to learn with others to live according to the Gospel, in poverty, obedience and chastity, following Jesus.

The rhythm of life is adapted to the prayers and needs of the community. Everyone is called to work according to his or her skills. By adopting such a way of life, the consecrated person bears witness to the influence of the Kingdom of God in the world.