Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

GOFP 258

Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

Mentors likewise need to have a sense of the whole program and a willingness to commit to meeting with their mentees approximately monthly (a minimum of ten meetings per year is recommended). As noted in part one of this appendix, the role of the pastor is supervisory, and his orientation needs to make the case for this approach. In the case of the mentor, the role is a matter of peer support. Mentors need guidance in avoiding the temptation to become an advocate for the mentee or an intermediary in ministerial disputes. 258 The pastor and the mentor are key monitors of engagement in the larger program. Their work will be assisted if the program provides rubrics for growth in ministry. 219 Both pastor and mentor need to attend to any signs of physical, emotional, or spiritual distress in the new priest. On the positive side, this attention means encouraging regular spiritual direction and prayer, exercise, and healthy living. When the pastor or mentor notes danger signs such as isolation, depression, anger, or substance abuse, he needs to bring those concerns to the man and to the delegate of the diocesan bishop. In preparing mentors and pastors for their respective roles in peer support and supervision, planners may find it useful to consider already existing programs or collaboration with other dioceses. FINAL NOTE 259 The elements described in this appendix require considerable effort, resources, and commitment on the part of a diocese. Where geography permits, dioceses may find it advisable to join in shared efforts. For those crafting the ongoing formation program, seminary formation programs and several national and regional ongoing formation programs offer useful resources and advice. 219 Rubrics offer characteristics or qualities that serve as goals and wayposts in ongoing formation. In categories such as homiletics, ministry with youth, pastoral care of the sick, and so on, the rubrics offer concrete descriptions of a skilled practitioner in these areas. The sixth edition of the USCCB’s Program of Priestly Formation is a useful resource in developing these rubrics.

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