Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

APPENDIX A: PROGRAM FOR NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS | 97

THE DIOCESAN BISHOP

244. This document continually emphasizes the role of the diocesan bishop in ongoing formation. This importance is especially acute in the case of the recently ordained. These first years build upon and strengthen the relationship between the priest and his diocesan bishop that formed during the priest’s years of initial formation. Ongoing formation program ming helps the new priest understand his place in the wider mission of the diocese and helps him recognize the link between the exercise of his ministry and that of his diocesan bishop. The programming also helps the diocesan bishop get to know his new priests better and gain insights for their future work and assignments. Above all, he exercises a fatherly role to encourage, admonish, and guide his spiritual sons. Although it may not be reasonable for the diocesan bishop to take part in every aspect of the ongoing formation of the recently ordained, his absence would seriously diminish its mission. In large dioceses the diocesan bishop might call upon auxiliary bishops to assist; but in all cases, the plan should directly involve the diocesan bishop and give him time with the new priests. The first assignment of the new priest has long-term effects upon his life and ministry. Care must be exercised in assigning new priests—espe cially in determining the pastor(s) who will be their immediate guide(s) in their first years. In this, the pastor is a delegate of the diocesan bishop himself. The pastor must offer a model of a selfless, disciplined, authentic, and effective priest of Jesus Christ. He needs to examine the maturity of his own words and actions and be aware of the lessons he communicates. Some pastors who are effective in their leadership might not be good candidates for the role of pastor to a recently ordained. The diocesan bishop needs to avoid pastors with strong ideological biases or contempt for the younger clergy. The pastor need not be a buddy to the new priest, but he must have a sense of humility before the insights and interests of a new generation. He is charged not to mold the man in his own image but to help mold him in the image of Jesus Christ, the High Priest. Training pastors for this role is also important. Even if they do not attend the ongoing formation programming, they form a critical element in the ongoing formation team. At the least, the pastor needs to understand THE PASTOR 245. 246.