At Ordination he makes promises that, with the grace of God, he will live up to.

Celibacy is of course one of these. Often thought of in a somewhat negative light, celibacy in fact is what frees the priest from other ties so that he is better able to serve the people entrusted to him. In a sense, they become his family - hence we call a priest ‘Father.’ Celibacy is not about living alone. It is not about a bachelor life. It is about being free to serve others. We can be confident that God will support those he calls in this way.

Obedience is also promised to the Bishop and to his successors. This obedience is not simply doing-as-you’re-told. As Christ’s mind was one with the Father, so priest and Bishop should work together for the good of the Diocese. It is the duty of the priest to seek harmony in relationships with his bishop and with his people. The promise of obedience is one of the things that helps us to do this. 

Service The priest also promises to serve the people of the parish(es) in which he serves by carrying out his ministry faithfully and by the example of his life and work