Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

106 | GUIDE TO ONGOING FORMATION FOR PRIESTS

264. Exercise: Everyone should exercise. However, many priests choose not to. The key concern centers on a priest’s decision to decrease his exer cise significantly. He should be asked why. If he expresses a lack of energy and loss of pleasure in life, this development might indicate depression. If he feels less fit to exercise, a medical referral may be indicated. Substance Use: Smoking and alcohol consumption are not uncommon for priests. Questions a diocesan bishop might raise include the following: Has there been an increase in substance use? How much and for how long? Anyone who regularly consumes multiple alcoholic drinks a day should be asked to discuss his drinking patterns. Any use of illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs is a red flag. If even one person has suggested that a member of the clergy has a problem with substance use, the matter should be investigated. 265. 266. Mood Issues: Any ongoing, intense experiences of depression, anxiety, impulsiveness, obsessions, or compulsions indicate the need for a referral. Anger Issues: If a priest has discouraging or upsetting experi ences, how does he handle them? Aggressive behaviors need to be weighed according to the following factors: Can he speak objectively about his behavior after the fact? Is he able to focus primarily on his own shortcom ings? Are the level and frequency of aggression of concern to others? Empathy Issues: Being able to share feelings when appropriate and not to share when not appropriate—according to the nature of a rela tionship—is a sign of maturity. If a priest is consistently unable to empathize with others, this inability is cause for concern. Also, if the priest consis tently shares deep personal feelings with minors or others over whom he has an authority relationship, the situation should be investigated. 267. 268. EMOTIONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

SOCIAL SUPPORT PROBLEMS

269. Supportive Relationships: All priests should be able to identify people who know them well and whom they trust. If they do not commu nicate regularly with their support persons, personally and by phone or