Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Introduction

11 The document can also be profitably used in fraternal discussions. The insights of fellow priests, each striving to grow, can be mutually illuminating and encouraging. Such discussions are best held in the context of prayerful fraternity. 12 Finally, although the main body of this document can be useful to those formally entrusted with the care of priests, the appendices are specifically aimed at those involved in ongoing clergy formation at the diocesan level. 9 Each of the four appendices focuses on a topic deemed to merit a more detailed treatment: respectively, programs for recently ordained priests, tools for evaluating when clergy require assistance, cultural considerations in ongoing formation, and boundary education. 13 As priests of the United States, you give of yourselves generously and faithfully in serving the people in your care. Often enough, you do so at the expense of your own needs and personal growth. Our heartfelt prayer as your bishops is that these pages will help right that imbalance and provide tangible help in the lives of you, our priests, who wish to “stir into flame the gift of God” that you received at ordination. May that rekindled flame burn brightly and warm innumerable souls on their journey to their heavenly home.

9 Although this Guide is directed specifically to priests of the Latin Church, it may assist all Churches sui iuris in the United States when adapted to reflect the traditions, pastoral life, and requirements of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

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