Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 405

Program of Priestly Formation

d. A mentor, as considered appropriate or necessary, with whom the newly ordained can reflect on ministry and life as a priest

The newly ordained priest should seek a spiritual director and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance regularly.

404

In the process of beginning priestly ministry and life, significant formational roles are played by the diocesan bishop, the director of ongoing formation for priests, and the entire presbyterate. In a particular way, the bishops in the United States have committed themselves to work individually in their dioceses/eparchies and, at the national level, to strengthen programs for ongoing formation and assist priests in living out their vocations in faithful and integral ways. 475 Personal accompaniment, so critical in the stages of initial formation, is just as critical throughout the lifetime of the priest. Concrete expressions of accompaniment for the priest, in addition to those listed above, include retreats and conferences, a common table, common life, and priestly associations. 476

405

475 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People , art. 17. 476 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 88.

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