Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Appendix A: Program for Newly Ordained Priests

i. Relationships with permanent deacons and lay ecclesial ministers j. Cultivation of good relationships and boundaries with staff k. Good confessional practices l. Relationship between the priest and his diocesan bishop; relationships within the presbyterate m. Moral theology “hot topics” and strategies for dealing with controversy n. Proper use of media and engagement in social media for ministry o. Chastity and celibacy as practically lived in priestly life p. Effective engagement with children and teens in light of the Church’s sexual abuse crisis q. Pastoral boundaries within the establishment of social friendships with parishioners Special Consideration 256 Those charged with supervising programs for the recently ordained may wish to incorporate insights from the Congregation for the Clergy’s 2013 Directory for Ministry and the Life of Priests into the programming content. Ideally, the new priests should read this document at least once during the program. Presenters should be well aware of the document. Orientation for Pastors and Mentors 257 As explained above, the pastor and mentor are key relationships in the first years of a new priest’s ministry. The diocese needs to offer orientation to those who exercise these roles so that their work is effective, consistent, and integrated into the entire program of ongoing formation. In both cases, part of the orientation will lay out the program and its expectations. Pastors need to prioritize the new priest’s participation in the program, even if that means the new priest might be absent from parish ministry to attend the programs.

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