In this program, typically begun during the second year of priesthood, the new priests continue the transition begun in the Newly Ordained Priests Program and begin preparing for becoming pastors for the first time.
Since a priest won’t know when he will become a pastor or the specific nature of his first pastorate (rural, urban, suburban, ethnic, clustered, etc.), the program addresses the “big picture” issues of being a pastor.
In the fall, the cohort of newly ordained priests from various dioceses gathers at Saint Meinrad for a second four-day holistic experience of education, formation and relaxation. This time, the focus is learning from motivational speakers, including successful and articulate pastors, theologians and lay professionals.
In the spring, the final gathering of new priests takes place at Saint Meinrad, two years after ordination, to develop the precise skills that a new pastor needs to minister well.
Learning to Be a Pastor
Topics covered at the Saint Meinrad workshops include:
Session I: Pastoral and Spiritual Leadership
- Spiritual Leadership
- Priest as Public Person
- Authority as Service
- Priest as Leader of Leaders
- Professional and Personal Boundaries
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Session II: Interpersonal Skills
- Conflict Management
- Divergent Ecclesiologies
- Males-Females/Introverts-Extroverts
- Running an Effective Meeting
- Strategic Planning
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