What’s the difference?

Monk

– A man who dedicates his life to God through a monastic community

– Lives in a monastery

– Makes vows to God dedicated to poverty, chastity, and obedience

– Life is structured around prayer, work, silence

– “Hidden life” oriented toward God and intercession

– Can be an ordained priest

Priest

– An ordained minister who serves the Church and its community

– Lives in a parish church or assigned ministry

– Promises celibacy (unmarried, in Latin Church), under a bishop

– Life is structured around Mass, preaching, counseling, administration

– “Active life” oriented toward serving God by serving people

– Not always a monk

Source: Catechists of St. Francis Xavier