A recent study from the University of Chicago designated that priests have the happiest profession in the world. Writers, professors and artists rounded out the top of the list. They all have something in common: service towards others and low wages.
But beyond this ideal, becoming a priest is also costly. For example, a chasuble costs between $1,200 and $2,700. Or even the very basics, the formation of seminarians costs about $190 per day, and the learning process for priests doesn't end after a few years.
Once ordained, many tend to areas beyond their parishes, and must travel for miles per day, covering their own expenses in order to reach their faithful.
Plus, being a priest is a 24-hour profession, and they must be available and on call at a moment's notice.
Dioceses from the French region of Normandy calculated these costs. So they launched an online campaign to 'Adopt a priest.â? Their aim is to raise funds for individual priests.
This way, each Catholic can donate small sums for a specific expense. These include, either 140 euros for the formation of a seminarian; 50 euros for vestments; 80 euros for transportation or 10 euros for a food basket.
Using the motto: 'Help your pastor,â? the website www.soutienstoncure.com makes it easier for Catholics in France to make a direct impact on the needs of priests, that often go unnoticed.
MZ/RCA
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Up: MZ
