The priests were among the elite in medieval society, and among the few who had any education. Village priests were less educated than those of the larger parishes. They could barely read or write, had no library, and learned the liturgy by heart. They were none too well-off, typically working in the fields or raising livestock, like lay farmers. They were not celibate, enjoyed folk entertainment and games, dancing and going to the tavern. As time went on, looser morals and educational decline spread to the towns and monasteries. By contrast, the priests in the larger parishes and towns owned more property, and with the exception of service to God, did not have to resort to any manual work.
The duties of the priest encompassed preparation and serving of mass, hearing confessions, taking care of the church (its operation and decoration), visiting the poor and the sick, arranging charity collections, collecting dues, conducting baptisms, weddings, last rites and funerals.
The priests were among the elite in medieval society, and among the few who had any education. Village priests were less educated than those of the larger parishes. They could barely read or write, had no library, and learned the liturgy by heart. They were none too well-off, typically working in the fields or raising livestock, like lay farmers. They were not celibate, enjoyed folk entertainment and games, dancing and going to the tavern. As time went on, looser morals and educational decline spread to the towns and monasteries. By contrast, the priests in the larger parishes and towns owned more property, and with the exception of service to God, did not have to resort to any manual work.
The duties of the priest encompassed preparation and serving of mass, hearing confessions, taking care of the church (its operation and decoration), visiting the poor and the sick, arranging charity collections, collecting dues, conducting baptisms, weddings, last rites and funerals.