Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

94 | GUIDE TO ONGOING FORMATION FOR PRIESTS

with large staffs. Management principles—such as those associated with “high reliability organizations”—can prepare priests for the inevitable crisis. Another broad but crucial topic is the effective collaboration of priests with the lay faithful in the administration of a parish. More specific topics for training can include ways to benefit from parish and finance councils, fiscal accountability and responsibility, the handling of sensitive personnel issues, and advice on how to maintain a physical plant. Last and perhaps most specific of all, workshops on personal organization and time manage ment may be particularly helpful to young priests and new pastors who feel overwhelmed by the many demands on their time.