Vafhudr, that would be my take on it, yeah. Some cultures believe that is the real world and we are a pale reflection, other cultures the reverse, or something completely different. But I've known many different cultures and faiths, and have never encountered one that didn't at least have the concept.
And yeah, I see no reason why an honestly spiritual Christian priest of any denomination should not be willing to put her own future on hold to care for her folk. After all, that's her job.