Good Shepherd - Introduction

PURPOSE:

To assist priests in integrating a life of health (physical/mental) and holiness. This means affirming priests in their vocations, their humanity, and their commitment to serve in the Church. It is not psychotherapy/counseling. It is meant as a resource to maintain the health and holiness of each participant.

WELLNESS:

We will strive to facilitate “wellness” as part of every person’s vocation, both lay and ordained. We wish to strengthen the ability to experience God’s loving mercy through the capacity to love oneself and to give love to others in friendship, community, and service. Wholesomeness, joy, and holiness -- these are our summary goals.

FORMAT:

The primary means of support will come through a brief newsletter that provides suggestions for navigating the physical/emotional/spiritual challenges priests frequently encounter. In addition to the newsletter, we envision the possibility of periodically facilitating a video conference meeting to discuss newsletter content or other points of interest to the presbyterate. These sessions will be nonintrusive and will simply be an opportunity for discussion. No intense sharing will be sought or solicited. Everything will be in service of maintaining healthy priestly vocations in a confidential manner.

GOALS:

Our hope is to empower priests to live lives that involve: • Recognizing God’s presence in their life stories and the ability to recognize one’s basic self-worth.

• Acknowledging and managing responsibly one’s weaknesses and limitations.
• Naming, celebrating, and improving one’s gifts and using them in service to the Body of Christ.
• A renewed sense of community and reconciliation and knowing how to engage honestly and compassionately with others.
• Taking responsibility for maximizing one’s emotional, spiritual, and physical health while continuing to discern, choose and recommit to one’s vocation.

*If deeper or significant issues arise, we envision them being referred to either spiritual direction or counseling.

FREQUENCY:

With sustainability in mind, we suggest a bimonthly or quarterly newsletter combined with 1 hour video-conference call where newsletter content can be discussed. Confidentiality will be a hallmark along with a shared understanding that weightier matters may be better addressed in spiritual direction, therapy, or with another peer confidante. 

ASSESSMENT:

Means for the evaluation of the effectiveness, feasibility, and sustainability of this effort would need to be determined in consultation with the Bishops and/or other clergy.