Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

46 GOFP

Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

46 As observed earlier, these obstacles come in the form of imperfections in the priestly culture itself as well as harmful factors in both the ecclesial and the wider social environment. This section groups these shortcomings under these three, admittedly overlapping, general subheadings: within the priesthood, within the Church, and from the wider culture. Within the Priesthood 47 Many of the challenges we face are of a more personal nature. For instance, an increasing number of priests struggle with the repercussions of unhealthy family dynamics in their upbringing. Many come from broken or dysfunctional families that have left them fragile, lacking in confidence, distrustful of authority, and sometimes in need of spiritual and psychological healing. These wounds are often compounded by the danger of isolation in a cultural environment that tends to prioritize individualism above all else. The rich tapestry of parochial relationships that once supported priests, often including life in common among priests themselves, is now greatly diminished. As a consequence, many priests experience their celibacy primarily as loneliness, as a difficult sacrifice, and not as a gift intended to expand the heart with a broad and profound love for God and neighbor. 48 Clergy shortages and aging presbyterates have contributed to higher workloads and stress levels among almost all priests. Many young priests are appointed pastor of one or more parishes shortly after ordination, causing them to feel underprepared and overwhelmed and to feel they have been left to fend for themselves. The mounting workload often leads to a frenetic focus on activity and pastoral

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