Using a nationwide sample of 515 diocesan priests we assessed their le
vel of stress and 28 organizational and personal factors affecting str
ess. The priests scored slightly lower in stress than the average of o
ther occupational groups. Younger priests and priests serving as assis
tant pastors reported the most, pastors reported the least The organiz
ational stressors experienced most frequently were inadequate feedback
on ministry tasks, inadequate rewards, and unfairness Yet the stresso
rs contributing most to intense stress were overwork, over-responsibil
ity for other people, and time pressure. Organizational problems withi
n the diocese were stressors only for non-pastors. Priests reported mo
re stress if diocesan communications were not open and if the Ordinary
was perceived as not taking an interest in them.