How much do priests earn in Colombia? Salary, benefits, and requirements explained – Infobae Colombia

How much does a priest earn in Colombia – credit Pixabay

59% of Colombians belong to the Catholic religion, which is why it is one of the main beliefs, as confirmed in the IPSOS 2023 global survey. A trend that is noticeable even in the different orders that are present in the country.

It is also reflected in the number of churches, basilicas and cathedrals that exist to date throughout the national territory, which is why in Colombia there are more than seven thousand priests, according to the latest census carried out by the Colombian Episcopal Conference.

However, this number tends to be smaller and smaller due to the crisis due to the lack of seminarians. But for now it is a distant concern because today there are still many young people who want to enter the seminary and lead a religious life.

Now you can follow us on our WhatsApp Channel and in Facebook.

In Colombia there are more than seven thousand priests – credit Reuters

And this professional career also has, like any other, requirements to obtain an order and monthly salaries when you already have the title. In addition, it has benefits and possibilities that other people in other jobs would not normally have.

Even the monthly earnings that a priest receives in Colombia are above what was thought, since many people believe that the office of a father is free and non-profit.

Priests do not do their management solely by vocation and have a monthly salary like any position in a company. According to the information provided by the parents themselves, the money they receive is called emolument or stipend and changes depending on multiple factors.

For example, it depends on the location of the parish, the services being provided and sometimes, they also make additional amounts with voluntary contributions from parishioners.

Additionally, each of the priests receives a different payment, the base of the payments is around a minimum salary of 2023, that is, $1,160,000, and these days there is already talk of an increase for 2024.

This salary may be higher depending on the payments of parishioners for the celebration of religious ceremonies such as baptisms, marriages, funerals, in addition to other procedures and certifications.

But the costs of celebrating these religious ceremonies are managed by the Ecclesiastical Tariff, which means that the price is already established for each service, and the more ceremonies a priest performs monthly, the higher his emolument will be.

The base of a priest’s payments in Colombia is around a minimum wage – credit Hans Scott/Agencia Uno

In the event of a promotion, bishops, in the first degree of ecclesiastical hierarchy, receive a payment of up to four minimum salaries, in addition to having the right to a private vehicle and driver.

Among the mandatory activities they have to carry out is to perpetuate Catholic traditions and beliefs, such as the day of the Holy Cross. They also have to perform administrative and social functions, act as a spiritual and moral guide, and participate in special events developed by the parishes, such as conferences, seminars and retreats.

• Being a man, Catholic, baptized or if you do not comply with this, you must carry out the conversion process.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Being a high school graduate, you must present the degree certificate that validates it.
• On the day of registration you must present a photocopy of your citizenship card.
• Present and pass the corresponding exams requested by the Catholic Church.
• Comply with all the requirements of the Colombian Episcopal Conference.
• Comply with the special requirements of the diocese where you are going to be ordained.
• Good physical and mental health is mandatory.
• Demonstrate your commitment to celibacy.
• If you are a foreigner who wants to be a priest in Colombia, you must have a work visa or a residence to be able to practice.
• Finally, once selected they have to submit a psychological exam, which evaluates whether they are psychologically and emotionally stable to be able to live the demands and mandates of religious life.

Priests in Colombia undergo a physical and psychological examination to be able to apply – credit Reuters
2024-03-31 00:00:19
#reveal #money #priest #earns #Colombia #benefits #enjoy