Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

GOFP 95

Chapter 2: Ongoing Formation

Young priests therefore require harmonious maturation in order to be able to cope with moments of difficulty with faith and fortitude.” 71

Transitions 93 After surmounting the challenges that attend the first years of priesthood, a man starts to encounter transitions that again require particular attention. Leaving his first parish is often a painful experience. The commitment to celibacy can seem especially keen to a young priest who must uproot himself from the parishioners and families he has grown to love and serve. When he reports to his new assignment, the loneliness can be a bit overwhelming. Personal and fraternal means of support will be especially important in those moments. 94 In the early and middle years of priesthood, relationships with brother priests often undergo changes. Priests usually need to scale down some seminary friendships to focus time and energy on a more manageable number. New priest friendships also start to take root. These too are important transitions that call for suitable preparation and support. 95 Many priests today assume the responsibilities of a pastor only a few years after ordination. While they strive to be good shepherds to the people they serve, they will need to learn new leadership skills, church management, and financial accountability, as well as making key contacts within the diocesan curia. Of particular importance will be seasoned pastor-mentors who can guide new pastors well. It is not enough that these mentors be good pastors; they must be able to instill the qualities of good pastors in others. They will likely also be the best pastors to guide and form parochial vicars.

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DMLP, no. 111.

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