Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

GOFP 255

Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

Therefore, in finding presenters, planners should seek practitioners and experts who will give the men the opportunity to bring their concrete experiences for questions and discussion. Other tools such as case studies, group problem solving, and discussion are also effective with adults. These techniques—along with being reluctant to simplify issues and prompting priests to evaluate programs, even when things are going well—promote the establishment of dynamic and strong practices and minimize the possibility of problems. Any given diocese has educators who can offer advice in crafting these methods for the program. 255 Although the following is not comprehensive, here are some key conversation topics for the ongoing pastoral and human formation of new priests. The relative weight and order of the topics need to be considered in light of the seminary programs attended by the men.

a. Marriage, marriage preparation, and the pre-judicial or pastoral inquiry prior to a petition for a declaration of invalidity of marriage 217 b. Canon law case studies for pastoral life

c. Intercultural competency d. Homiletics and preaching e. Time management and life balance

f. Whole-hearted commitment to one’s assignment without accepting additional responsibilities which detract from it g. Discernment regarding readiness for additional responsibilities, such as offering spiritual direction, leading retreats, and so on 218 h. Personal grief and pastoral care of the grieving

217 See Francis, Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus (By Which the Canons of the Code of Canon Law Pertaining to Cases Regarding the Nullity of Marriage Are Reformed) , August 15, 2015, arts. 2-3. 218 See PPF, nos. 43, 229r, 340, 381-382.

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