Note: The Transition Facilitator is part of the Settling into Priesthood Program.

In the fall after a new priest’s ordination, the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates offers to send a trained facilitator into the parish. The facilitator meets with the new priest, his pastor and the parish staff, through a questionnaire and face-to-face meetings, to help work through any transition issues and concerns before they become serious problems.

The task of a transition facilitator is not the task of evaluation, but of facilitating a smooth entry into ministry, affirming the good, and encouraging the newly ordained in self-reflection and self-motivation for growth in holiness, happiness and effectiveness in ministry.

Through questionnaires, interviews and on-site visits, the facilitator seeks to help the newly ordained priest to appreciate his readiness for ministry and mark the progress he has made. The facilitator helps identify areas of needed growth, so the new priest can make plans to address those needs at the Settling into Priesthood Program held in the spring after ordination, where a personal grown plan will be developed.

The transition facilitator assists the newly ordained in finding his balance, strengthening his relationship with his pastor and staff, and talking through areas of conflict. In addition, the facilitator affirms the new priest’s gifts and talents and encourages him to strengthen and develop his skills.

Later in the priest’s first year, the transition facilitator visits the parish again, to continue offering counsel on making a smooth transition into parish life.

For information on using a transition facilitator, contact the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates at smipp@saintmeinrad.edu.