Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

32 | GUIDE TO ONGOING FORMATION FOR PRIESTS

dimensions of formation, and to strive always to become a more authentic Christian, a better man, and a holier priest. 63

83. Episcopal means of formation are found in the person of the dioc esan bishop himself, as when he directly encourages priests to embrace ongoing formation and sets an example for them. He makes priests’ gath erings, retreats, and formation events a priority and, whenever possible, is “present in person and taking part in an interested and friendly way.” 64 Episcopal means also include diocesan efforts such as priest convocations, retreats, days of recollection, and study days, as well as mentoring programs and many other ways that dioceses can support priests who wish to continue their formation. 65 Newly ordained priests require particular care as their priestly identity matures. They are encountering their first major challenges, and their initial enthusiasm is being tested. Without supervision and assistance, newly ordained priests can sometimes feel isolated and adrift. With the concern, availability, and ready assistance of the diocesan bishop, however, those first years can be a wonderful opportunity to grow and to chart a course in their priestly lives that will serve them, and the people they serve, for years to come. 66 84.

63 “The Bishop’s responsibility is based on the fact that priests receive their priesthood from him and share his pastoral solicitude for the People of God. He is responsible for ongoing formation, the purpose of which is to ensure that all his priests are generously faithful to the gift and ministry received, that they are priests such as the People of God wishes to have and has a ‘right’ to.” PDV, no. 79. See also CIC, c. 384; Congregation for Bishops, Apostolorum Successores (Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops), February 22, 2004, nos. 75-83. 64 PDV, no. 79. 65 “It is desirable that this formation be promoted in each Diocese by a priest or group of priests, specifi cally prepared for it and officially appointed to assist in ongoing formation.” Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 82. “Obviously this must not make the Bishop and the entire presbyterate forget their grave responsibility in avoiding any loneliness caused by negligence with respect to priestly communion. It is incumbent upon the Diocese to decide how to hold encounters among priests so they may experience being together, learn ing from one another and being of assistance to one another, because no one is a priest all on his own, and exclusively in this communion with the Bishop may each priest render his service.” DMLP, no. 115. 66 “A positive experience in many places has also been the organization, under the guidance of the Bishop, of brief encounters during the year for young priests, for example, those with less than ten years of priesthood, in order to be closer by their side while accompanying them during these early years; they will undoubtedly be occasions as well to discuss the priestly spirituality, challenges for ministers, and pastoral praxis, etc., in settings of fraternal and priestly togetherness.” DMLP, no. 111.