Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Chapter 6: Pastoral Formation

from being someone’s property to becoming a shepherd whom other pastors questioned because his preaching was attracting people from not only other parishes but both races. Fr. Tolton is a model for priests of every era, but especially for those who feel persecuted or isolated. 223 Both of these parish priests suffered personal struggles, from slavery to a virus outbreak, from losing the family breadwinner to studying abroad. Both were called by God to serve diverse populations; they both “knew the smell of their sheep” and recognized the signs of the times. The priest today is invited to find in Fr. McGivney and Fr. Tolton inspiration and challenge. They offer inspiration to live life with greater pastoral charity. Following their heroic example and challenge can help us let go of anything that does not conform to serving the Lord and his people. These priests give us great examples of what can be accomplished when we give without counting the cost. 224 The strongest pastoral foundation for priestly work is a life of discipleship and holiness. It is important for priests, as disciples ordained for ministry, to enter fully into the lives of people and understand the challenges they face. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37), Jesus reminds us that the love of neighbor means getting close to the other and making the other’s problems one’s own. Pope Francis echoes this: “It is important to maintain contact with the people, with God’s faithful people, because there is the anointing of God’s people: they are the sheep. By losing the smell of the sheep, by distancing yourself from them, you can be a theorist, a good theologian, a good philosopher, a very good curial official who does all the things,” but you will have lost “the ability to smell MEANS OF PASTORAL FORMATION Personal Means

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