JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

It is obvious that the clerics exercise much authority and influence in Nigeria by the impact they make on their parishioners. Their lifestyle also poses a great impact on the parishioners; however they are being face with some challenges that indent in their lifestyle. This study examines challenges militating against credible lifestyle of Catholic clergy and Perceived practical measures that can be taken to make Catholic clerical lifestyle more pastorally productive. The study used descriptive survey research design and the data used for this study was sourced from 384 parishioners from Kano and Jigawa States using a well-structured questionnaire, The results shows that Majority of the Parishioners are Male within the ages of 25 – 29 years who have attained at least tertiary level of education and are not married. The results also reveal there is the challenge of celibacy in the life of Catholic Clergy in Kano Diocese, greater devotion to structures (doctrines, laws, hierarchy and buildings) than to love mercy and compassion and the catholic clergy in Kano are giving in to the lifestyle of and theology of prosperity gospel. on the likely practical measures to enhance credible lifestyle, the results shows that; catholic clergy should frequently visit the poor, the needy, the hungry, the imprisoned and the sick, catholic clergies should guard against ethnic sentiments and Catholic Clergy in Kano Should cultivate virtues of humility, respect and simplicity. The result revealed that the male do not differ significantly in their rating of the challenges facing credible lifestyle of the catholic clergy in Kano diocese. The religious groups were significantly different in their opinion on the likely measures that can enhance credible lifestyle of catholic clergy in Kano diocese with a level of significance. The study concludes there are significant challenges militating against credible lifestyle of catholic clergy in the catholic diocese of Kano. The study recommends young people aspiring to the catholic clerical life to take time and examine themselves properly and not be influenced by parents or siblings or be pulled into it by prestige or material glamour.