Code_of_Canon_Law

1° they are in the first place faithfully and untiringly to fulfil the obligations of their pastoral
ministry;
2° they are to nourish their spiritual life at the twofold table of the sacred Scripture and the
Eucharist; priests are therefore earnestly invited to offer the eucharistic Sacrifice daily, and
deacons to participate daily in the offering;
3° priests, and deacons aspiring to the priesthood, are obliged to carry out the liturgy of the hours
daily, in accordance with their own approved liturgical books; permanent deacons are to recite
that part of it determined by the Episcopal Conference;
4° they are also obliged to make spiritual retreats, in accordance with the provision of particular
law;
5° they are exhorted to engage regularly in mental prayer, to approach the sacrament of penance
frequently, to honour the Virgin Mother of God with particular veneration, and to use other
general and special means to holiness.
Can. 277 §1 Clerics are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the
Kingdom of heaven, and are therefore bound to celibacy. Celibacy is a special gift of God by
which sacred ministers can more easily remain close to Christ with an undivided heart, and can
dedicate themselves more freely to the service of God and their neighbour.
§2 Clerics are to behave with due prudence in relation to persons whose company can be a
danger to their obligation of preserving continence or can lead to scandal of the faithful.
§3 The diocesan Bishop has authority to establish more detailed rules concerning this matter, and
to pass judgement on the observance of the obligation in particular cases.
Can. 278 §1 The secular clergy have the right of association with others for the achievement of
purposes befitting the clerical state.
§2 The secular clergy are to hold in high esteem those associations especially whose statutes are
recognised by the competent authority and which, by a suitable and well tried rule of life and by
fraternal support, promote holiness in the exercise of their ministry and foster the unity of the
clergy with one another and with their Bishop.
§3 Clerics are to refrain from establishing or joining associations whose purpose or activity
cannot be reconciled with the obligations proper to the clerical state, or which can hinder the
diligent fulfilment of the office entrusted to them by the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 279 §1 Clerics are to continue their sacred studies even after ordination to the priesthood.
They are to hold to that solid doctrine based on sacred Scripture which has been handed down by
our forebears and which is generally received in the Church, as set out especially in the