Promoting healthy priests

Many other professions require their 'members' to undertake ongoing education either as a requirement of employment or as a qualification for advancement. I'll be the first to admit that to see priesthood as a profession akin to one of these would be to make a grave error, for priesthood is not like other professions, but like other professionals, priests should always make room for a certain component of continuing education in their routines.

George Weigel explains that 'the reform of the priesthood must include continuing priestly education programs (which) focus intensely on deepening a man's theological understanding of himself and his priesthood - its New Testament origins, its historical development and the best contemporary analyses of this unique vocation.' (Courage, p. 178)

This ongoing formation can include any number of a variety of possibilities from taking advantage of programmes of study at various Universities to taking the time to read certain books and periodicals which provide critical analyses of the current affairs of the day, in the light of faith. In the past few years, the Congregation for Clergy in Rome has also launched a variety of initiatives for the continuing formation of priests and deacons.

When it comes to promoting on-going formation, every priest is ultimately 'the chief agent of (his own) ongoing education and formation, but an honest open, intimate relationship with his proper bishop is also a crucial part of any priest's life-long work of remaining faithful to his vocation and his vows.' (Courage, p. 179)

Especially in the case of diocesan priests, who in some instances live alone in their rectories, it has never been more important that they should take every opportunity to deepen the bonds of fraternity with their brothers. Only when priests are first friends, will they dare to trust one another with the stories of their joys and struggles, but this is a crucial part of promoting a healthy understanding of the mystery of service to which we are called.

Healthy priests know how to welcome newly-ordained priests, and often without uttering a word, provide example for those who are still learning about the day-to-day realities of living their vocations. Good examples of balance in prayer, relationships and devotion to the life of the ministry which is confided to us, including the asceticism which has characterized people of great faith throughout the centuries, often speak louder than any words that could ever be uttered.

Example is often the first thing that is seen by those who are considering the call to a vocation of priesthood. Here too, healthy relationships we cultivate are vital, for a priest who is perceived to be actively involved in giving of himself every day in service to the Church and who is grounded in a life of prayer often does not hesitate to challenge others to follow in the footsteps of the Lord.

At its core, promoting a healthy lifestyle for priests is all about remembering the basics and returning to them so that we remain grounded. While the celebration of the Eucharist should be the summit of each day in the life of a priest, we also need room for a healthy prayer life, for devotion to the work of proclaiming Christ's presence to those entrusted to our pastoral care, and for leisure activities. Oh, and a healthy dose of realism and a sense of humour help a whole lot too.