Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

GOFP 307

Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

REPORTING 307 Priests are mandated reporters under canon law, subject to ecclesiastical sanction. 223 In addition, state and local governments establish legal requirements for mandated reporting of the abuse of minors (as well as vulnerable adults, in some cases). Given the variety of legislation even within a particular diocese or eparchy, those responsible for the ongoing formation of priests must determine the requirements and communicate them to the clergy. It should be noted that historically priests may have enjoyed a rather broad clerical exception to reporting laws. In many states the clerical exception has narrowed significantly in recent years. As these laws continue to change, those responsible for formation programs will need to monitor and communicate changes to the priests. MINISTRY BOUNDARIES 308 To speak of boundaries when referring to ministry may seem strange. Ministry by its nature draws the priest into the lives and hearts of the people he serves. For this very reason, priests need ongoing formation opportunities to think and speak about the challenges inherent in sharing such important matters and moments in the lives of others. For example, a parishioner might misunderstand compassionate concern for something more personal. Any priest who has spent time in parish ministry has experienced a person in distress who lacks a sense of the boundaries in the relationship. In addition, there are risks for the minister as well if he himself is experiencing some kind of personal distress. His own need for affirmation or intimacy might cloud the ministerial relationship.

223 See Francis, Vos Estis Lux Mundi , art. 3 §1; CIC, c. 1371 §6.

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