Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Appendix A: Program for Newly Ordained Priests

priests—especially in determining the pastor(s) who will be their immediate guide(s) in their first years. In this, the pastor is a delegate of the diocesan bishop himself. The pastor must offer a model of a selfless, disciplined, authentic, and effective priest of Jesus Christ. He needs to examine the maturity of his own words and actions and be aware of the lessons he communicates. Some pastors who are effective in their leadership might not be good candidates for the role of pastor to a recently ordained. The diocesan bishop needs to avoid pastors with strong ideological biases or contempt for the younger clergy. The pastor need not be a buddy to the new priest, but he must have a sense of humility before the insights and interests of a new generation. He is charged not to mold the man in his own image but to help mold him in the image of Jesus Christ, the High Priest. 246 Training pastors for this role is also important. Even if they do not attend the ongoing formation programming, they form a critical element in the ongoing formation team. At the least, the pastor needs to understand and support the rationale of the program and help the new priest to plan his time well so that he will be able to take part in program events. Ideally, the program also offers pastors training for their role in supervising the young priest in his first years. Some pastors identify their role in this regard as being mentors, but this is a misunderstanding of the term (see below under “The Mentor”). The role of a mentor is primarily supportive. Although a pastor can and should be supportive, the heart of his contribution is supervisory. He helps the young priest to find the balance of ministry and prayer, work and rest. He helps the man understand accountability and his responsibility to others and to the mission. He offers concrete feedback on preaching and work performance. He also bears the burden of communicating serious concerns to the diocesan bishop, or to his delegate, if a young priest struggles with alcohol, substances,

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