What is the difference between a monk, a friar, and a priest?

Monks and friars are members of religious communities, while priests are men ordained for sacramental ministry. A monk or friar may also be a priest, but many are religious brothers who are not ordained.

What a monk is. A monk ordinarily belongs to a monastery and follows a stable rhythm of prayer, work, community life, and contemplation. Benedictines, Cistercians, and Carthusians are familiar examples. Monks usually remain attached to a particular monastery and live according to a monastic rule, such as the Rule of St. Benedict. Their hidden prayer and worship serve the whole Church, even when their ministry is not publicly visible. Religious life is a consecrated state built upon the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience (CCC 915, 925).

What a friar is. A friar belongs to a religious family that traditionally combines community prayer with active ministry among the people. Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Augustinians are common examples. The word comes from the Latin for brother. Unlike the traditional stability of a monk, a friar may be assigned wherever his religious province needs him. Friars often preach, teach, serve parishes, care for the poor, or work as missionaries. They also profess religious vows and live according to the rule and constitutions of their community (Canon 607).

What a priest is. A priest has received the sacrament of Holy Orders. Through ordination, he is configured to Christ so that he can preach the Gospel, shepherd the faithful, offer the Eucharistic sacrifice, absolve sins, and anoint the sick (CCC 1562-1566). A diocesan priest normally serves under a bishop in parishes and does not belong to a religious order. A religious priest is both ordained and a member of a community. Jesus entrusted sacramental ministry to the apostles, and they appointed others to continue it (Lk 22:19; 2 Tim 1:6).

How the titles fit together. A Benedictine monk might be a priest or a brother. A Franciscan friar might also be a priest or a brother. A diocesan priest is neither a monk nor a friar. Religious brothers serve through prayer, work, teaching, charity, or other ministries without priestly ordination. When meeting someone, the simplest approach is to use the title he gives, such as Father or Brother, and ask about his community and ministry.