Francis Paul Cullen’s seven victims included four boys when he was the parish priest at Christ the King, in Mackworth, between 1957 and 1974.
Cullen, aged 85, had previously admitted 21 counts of child sex abuse.
Of these, 13 took place when he was in Mackworth. They involved four former altar boys.
The other victims were when he was in Buxton and Nottingham.
During the sentencing, statements were read out in court from some of Cullen's victims.
One of his Mackworth victims, a man who is now 61, said in his statement: "I can forgive but I can never forget."
A second Derby victim, who is now 58, and was abused from the age of eight, had given a hand-written note to the prosecution.
It said: "You said you had a calling from God when you joined the priesthood. You were correct - you had a calling but it was from the devil and I hope you get to meet your Maker.
"That first kiss you gave me opened up a Pandora's box and, when I was eight years old, you took my innocence away from me."
After the sentencing, Father Andrew Cole, spokesman for the Diocese of Nottingham - which covers Derby - said: "The Diocese of Nottingham is pleased that Cullen has been given a custodial sentence which reflects the gravity of his offences and the scandal which they have caused.
"We realise that no sentence, however long, can fully make up for the lasting damage which his victims have suffered but we hope that his sentence will contribute towards their healing.
"We will continue to work with the police and other statutory authorities whenever allegations of abuse arise and will ensure that our churches and parishes are safe and welcoming for all members of the community.
"We are truly sorry for the wrong that has been done by Cullen to his victims and their families; their trust was betrayed and their dignity violated. We will do whatever we can to support Cullen’s victims and all who have been affected by this tragedy.
"The abuse of children is evil and cannot be tolerated. The Catholic Church takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults extremely seriously, and it is our hope and expectation that no child or vulnerable adult should ever suffer at the hands of others."
