Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the USA

Q2. Can psychological feedback be offered to an international pastoral minister in such a way that it is both sensitive and direct? Or, must one inevitably sacrifice either sensitivity or directness? A2. It is possible to be both sensitive and direct in offering psychological feedback. In a cross-cultural context, however, the combination of sensitivity and directness requires some additional work and patience. For example, if the one offering feedback takes enough time to establish a relationship with the international pastoral minister and expresses positive hopes for the ministry, a climate of trust can be estab lished for future interactions. Again, if the one offer ing feedback consults with established international pastoral ministers from the culture of the one who is to receive feedback, interactions can be marked by both candor and sensitivity.

Q3. Given all the complexities of intercultural psychological assessments and consultations, how can a diocesan or eparchial bishop or major superior find the right consultants? A3. This is admittedly a challenging task made even more so if the receiving diocese, eparchy, institute, or society is small and remote from large urban cen ters. It may be helpful to check with others who have found themselves in similar situations and have obtained the services of appropriate consultants. Another resource might be found among the estab lished international pastoral ministers of a given cul ture. They may have in their number those who can function as psychological consultants, or they may be able to offer referrals. Finally, one can hope that in the future regional resources in different parts of the country will be available to dioceses, eparchies, insti tutes, or societies.

Psychological Considerations | E-5