Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

36 | GUIDE TO ONGOING FORMATION FOR PRIESTS

94. In the early and middle years of priesthood, relationships with brother priests often undergo changes. Priests usually need to scale down some seminary friendships to focus time and energy on a more manage able number. New priest friendships also start to take root. These too are important transitions that call for suitable preparation and support. Many priests today assume the responsibilities of a pastor only a few years after ordination. While they strive to be good shepherds to the people they serve, they will need to learn new leadership skills, church management, and financial accountability, as well as making key contacts within the diocesan curia. Of particular importance will be seasoned pastor-mentors who can guide new pastors well. It is not enough that these mentors be good pastors; they must be able to instill the qualities of good pastors in others. They will likely also be the best pastors to guide and form parochial vicars. Other positions that priests might assume include hospital or campus chaplains, vocation directors, seminary faculty, or chancery posi tions. These men undergo the usual challenges of a change in life while also needing particular formation for their new positions. Finally, transitions include the ordinary, but still difficult, changes that occur in every human life. When priests experience the death of their parents, for example, they are especially prone to difficulties. Priests under going these pivotal moments in life need extra support and guidance from friends and mentors. 95. 96. 97.

MIDDLE YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

98. As they enter middle age, men sometimes experience a “midlife crisis” that tempts them to reconsider the direction their life is taking and the commitments that they have made. Married men, for instance, can be tempted to question their previous choices about their spouse, family, or career. A priest, like other men, is called to respond to these temptations with fortitude, supernatural outlook, and joyful perseverance. They are an opportunity for him to rededicate himself to the Lord, to his priesthood,