Diocesan priests in most dioceses almost always have a parish assignment. There are of course exceptions to this - some Directors of Vocations and others in full time Diocesan ministry may not have a parish assignment. Ultimately, though, one is ordained to serve the people of God.

This being said, religious priests in an order may not always have a parish assignment. Some have positions in their order, others are free to move about to give parish missions, teach, or other priestly ministries.

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