National Statement on Ongoing Formation

by | Aug 5, 2012 | Ongoing Formation

The National Statement on Ongoing Formation can be downloaded from here.

 

National-Statement-OGF

 

 

THE BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF SCOTLAND

NATIONAL STATEMENT ON ONGOING FORMATION

Introduction

“Permanent formation is a requirement of the priest’s own faithfulness to his ministry, to his very being. It is love for Jesus Christ and fidelity to oneself. But it is also an act of love for the People of God, at whose service the priest is placed.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis 70).

Having considered the matter at some length the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland believes that a commitment to Ongoing Formation needs to be clearly present in the lives and ministry of the priests of Scotland. Few people today would question that the environment in which a priest ministers has changed. Forty years ago many parishes were staffed by two, three or more priests. Today the priest often lives alone. Some priests have pastoral charge of two or more parishes. This increased workload may raise concerns that the pastoral ties that have traditionally supported priests with encouragement, offering them stability, sustainability and personal support, are at risk as priests offer themselves in the service of a much wider group of people. In this changing environment a commitment to Ongoing Formation is a necessary part of faithful ministry.

Ongoing Formation is not time off from the parish but a way of making ministry more faithful, more effective and more fruitful. There is always a natural tendency for priests to regard their professional Ongoing Formation as something personal and something not to be shared. However, experience has shown us the sometimes heavy price that we have to pay when priests work in isolation neither self regulating or regulated by their Ordinary.

In discussing a possible approach to Ongoing Formation it is worth noting that programmes, however well devised, do not constitute Ongoing Formation. Ongoing Formation is an attitude that must accompany pastoral service. Ministry should never be taken for granted or considered automatic.

The Content of Ongoing Formation

Initiatives in Ongoing Formation should seek to help the priest face new experience and cope with transition. Initiatives in Ongoing Formation should consider the following areas.

  • Ongoing Formation in the First Years of Ministry

The first years of priestly ministry are very important since they model practice and set a style of ministry. Newly ordained priests, like all priests, need to know in their own experience the “communitarian form” of ministry; that is that all ministry is a “collective work”. (PDV 17)

  • Ongoing Formation for Priests in Transition

Changes in appointment can have a high emotional cost and can be painful. There is the need for the priest to celebrate what has been achieved and to accept new challenges. Programmes in Ongoing Formation should support priests in transition.

  • Ongoing Formation on Becoming a Parish Priest

In assuming the role of Parish Priest the priest requires new skills particularly in the areas of communication and administration. These can be learned and should not be simply presumed.

  • Ongoing Formation After Some Years of Ministry.

As a result of his years of experience the priest at this stage of his journey can be tempted to think that he can manage on his own and that he needs no contact with anyone. Priests in this group, who form the majority of priests in Scotland, need to experience the continuing challenge of ministry.

  • Ongoing Formation and Older Priests

As a mark of gratitude for the part they continue to play in the life of the Church Pastores Dabo Vobis 77 suggests that programmes in Ongoing Formation should also make provision for older priests assuring them of the Church’s continuing care.

 

The National Statement on Ongoing Formation can be downloaded from here. National-Statement-OGF