Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

GOFP 272

Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

Ministerial Environment Problems 272 Attitude Toward Ministry: Burnout among priests occurs primarily when they lose interest in ministry. An interest level of 5 or below on a scale of 1 to 10 is of concern. 273 Parish Staff Issues: Staff shortages or frequent turnover can be cause for concern, as well as problems collaborating with parishioners, staff, fellow priests, diocesan personnel, and others. 274 Relationships with Superiors: It is important for a diocesan bishop or his delegate to consider whether a priest seems comfortable with him or anyone else in the leadership circle. A priest who is unable to communicate with the diocesan bishop or his delegates may simply be resistant; but if other concerns arise, the lack of a relationship can exacerbate the problem. Spiritual Health Problems 275 Prayer: Priests who do not pray daily are at risk. Questions about actual time spent with Liturgy of the Hours, sacraments, and private prayer will help uncover the reality of how much prayer is a part of a priest’s life. 276 Sacramental Practice: Priests who do not celebrate Mass daily unless assigned are depriving themselves of graces and of an intimacy with God that is particular to their vocation. Also, the failure to regularly make use of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation makes a priest vulnerable to falls and could alienate him from God’s mercy. 277 Relationship with God: A priest who articulates a true loss of faith or extreme distance from God needs a referral for a spiritual assessment.

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