Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

APPENDIX A: PROGRAM FOR NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS | 101

Planners may also incorporate programs for the group such as healthy cooking classes. Including health club membership fees as a benefit for priests may encourage newly ordained priests to develop exercise habits early in their priesthood. The next section specifically addresses topics related to the emotional well-being of the new priest. Generally, however, all of those charged with responsibility for ongoing formation need to be attentive to signs of emotional distress in a new priest. The pastor and mentor have a particular responsibility to be vigilant for signs of isolation, angry outbursts, severe procrastination, substance abuse, or any other indications that a new priest may be struggling emotionally. Part of the work of pastors and mentors is to help a new priest be self-reflective in this regard and committed to the well-being of his peers. Planners need to consider what topics should be addressed in the first years of a new priest’s ministry and then create tools to address these topics. In this planning, again, they will find it vital to draw from adult learning models. Adults learn best in participatory models. The most effective manner of instruction for adults is concrete practice. Therefore, in finding presenters, planners should seek practitioners and experts who will give the men the opportunity to bring their concrete experiences for questions and discussion. Other tools such as case studies, group problem solving, and discussion are also effective with adults. These techniques— along with being reluctant to simplify issues and prompting priests to evaluate programs, even when things are going well—promote the estab lishment of dynamic and strong practices and minimize the possibility of problems. Any given diocese has educators who can offer advice in crafting these methods for the program. Although the following is not comprehensive, here are some key conversation topics for the ongoing pastoral and human formation of new priests. The relative weight and order of the topics need to be considered in light of the seminary programs attended by the men. 253. PASTORAL AND HUMAN FORMATION 254. 255.