Goals:
1. To provide the young clergy with an integral introduction to the values and practical realities of the life and ministry of ordained ministers
2. To prepare the young clergy for greater positions of responsibility in the Church
Objectives:
1. To create and implement an On-Going Formation Program for young clergy, that is
a. sustainable;
b. effective and efficient; and
c. fitted to the needs, gifts and schedules of young clergy
I. HUMAN FORMATION
The young clergy of the diocese values and wants to grow in skills in
1. building intimate and affirming relationships with brother-priests and lay people;
2. living a healthy lifestyle; and
3. facing the joys and challenges of priestly celibacy.
To respond to these needs the following policies are proposed:
1. Organize the young clergy and elect and/or appoint a Coordinator for Young Clergy from among them.
2. Institutionalize the forming of support groups, by seminary/ordination batch, and whenever applicable, according to common interests such as sports, passion, etc.
3. Arrange talks and seminar-workshops on healthy living, celibacy, relationships, etc.
4. Encourage more informal gatherings among the clergy.
5. Give special attention to those who don’t regularly attend clergy gatherings.
II. INTELLECTUAL FORMATION
The young clergy of the diocese values and wants to grow in aptitude through
1. theological, liturgical and canonical updating;
2. training in pastoral skills for a more effective ministry; and
3. sufficient preparation for assuming greater responsibilities in the future
To respond to these needs the following policies are proposed:
1. Develop, in partnership with Aquinas University of Legazpi, an MBA in Pastoral Management, especially designed for clergy, religious and lay Church leaders.
2. Develop a Preparatory Course for Pastors, defined as an informal series of seminar-workshops to be provided for those preparing to become pastors and parish administrators, and those already holding the office, but cannot take the formal MBA Course. Hopefully, after undergoing these basic module, participants may be drawn towards taking the more in-depth and comprehensive treatment of these disciplines in the MBA Course. The following are suggested modules of seminar-workshops comprising the course:
a. Pastoral Leadership
b. Strategic Planning for Parishes and Organizations
c. Financial Management & Fund Sourcing
d. Human Resource Management
e. Canonical & Diocesan Statutes and Policies
f. Homiletics
g. Theological Updating (may also cover Socio-Political and Economic issues)
III. SPIRITUAL FORMATION
The young clergy of the diocese values and wants to grow in
1. their relationship with God;
2. fidelity to the Liturgy of the Hours; and
3. apostolic spirituality, expressed in the desire for regular renewal to better serve God’s People.
To respond to these needs the following policies are proposed:
1. Schedule an annual retreat for the entire presbyterium of the diocese; and another retreat within the year, exclusively for young clergy.
2. Institutionalize giving some days off for priests to go into personal retreat.
3. Require every young priest to engage in spiritual direction regularly.
4. Encourage common morning prayer among the clergy in their places of assignment.
IV. PASTORAL FORMATION
The young clergy of the diocese values and wants to grow in skills in
1. becoming more effective ordained ministers;
2. relating with the People of God and pastoral sensitivity; and
3. getting the most out of the lessons and experiences gained in their pastoral assignments.
To respond to these needs the following policies are proposed:
1. Institutionalize a “mentoring relationship” between young clergy and the pastor/senior clergy in their places of assignment.
2. Recommend to the Bishop and the Vicar for the Clergy to each conduct a colloquium with every priest, at least once a year. Prior to the colloquium, each priest may be asked to submit a short reflection paper expressing his experiences, hopes and views on his personal life, ministry and the Church.
3. Implement a systematic formation program, incorporating the pastoral assignments of young clergy. Below is a suggested Formation Schedule for Young Clergy.
1st-2nd year: Introduction to the Priestly Ministry. This period entails regular meetings by ordination batch, for processing and discussion, to be facilitated by a Mentor, an older priest. They will have one-year term assignments to two parishes. There will be no seminary or curia assignments at this time for clergy in this age group.
3rd-4th year: MBA Executive Clergy Track or Preparatory Course for Pastors. All young clergy will be asked to undergo either one of these courses. At this time, they will also have their third pastoral assignment, with a term of two years.
5th year: All young clergy will be encouraged to take further studies or specializations, taking into consideration their talents and interests, and the needs of the diocese. They will also have their fourth pastoral assignment.
No comments:
Post a Comment