Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Chapter 5: Intellectual Formation

give motivation to priests who are striving to build a regular habit of study. Above all, such groups enrich participants by promoting a lively discussion of important ideas, further reinforcing the benefits of a flourishing intellectual life. Episcopal Means 203 There are many ways that a diocesan bishop can foster the ongoing intellectual formation of priests. He can, first of all, give personal testimony to the importance of ongoing study, publicly sharing the fruits of his own reading. Priest gatherings, convocations, and study days are ideal opportunities for him to speak about the habit of study. He might wish to touch on what he has been studying; work it into talks, homilies, and pastoral writings; or simply discuss it with priests during parish visits. 204 A diocesan bishop can also host study days for priests that, at least occasionally, address deeper theological topics. 169 Such meetings can be more formal, perhaps including an address by a prominent theologian or author and allowing time for questions and discussion. They can also be simple and relaxed affairs, for example by inviting any interested clergy to discuss a thought-provoking article from a theological journal around a meal or before a social gathering. 205 Another way for a diocesan bishop to nourish the intellectual life of his priests is by providing material for their own ongoing formation. The diocese can encourage personal study, for instance, by offering an annual reimbursement for academic expenses, such as the purchase of theological texts and subscriptions to academic journals. The diocese can also partner with outside institutions to adapt study materials to 169 “It would be necessary above all to deepen understanding of the principal aspects of priestly existence by referring in particular to biblical, patristic, theological and hagiographic teachings in which the priest must be constantly updated not only by reading good books, but also by attending study cours es, conferences, etc.” DMLP, no. 94.

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