When a priest is appointed to his first pastorate, a new set of skills is required and new questions arise, personally and pastorally. For the newly appointed pastor, the Institute offers a program to support him as he takes on the role of parish leader.
In this two-year program, cohort groups of 15 – 20 new pastors participate in sessions designed to orient and mentor them.
Practical Training
The program includes:
- Two on-campus gatherings (one each fall for two years) for training and formation in areas directly affecting new pastors.
- A diocesan-based orientation program on the policies and procedures of the individual diocese.
- At the end of the two-year program, a funded capstone retreat in the spring, at a beautiful, relaxing setting other than Saint Meinrad, celebrates the priest’s completion of this initial ongoing formation.
- Ongoing mentoring, provided by diocesan mentors trained by the Institute, will be encouraged during the priest’s first two years as a pastor.
Learning to Be a Leader
Topics at the fall workshops at Saint Meinrad include:
Session I: Canonical, Legal and Financial Issues for Pastors
- Canonical and Legal Issues for Pastors
- Building the Parish Staff
- Living Alone, Living Well
- Stewardship, Tithing, Budgeting and Fundraising
- Learn more >>
Session II: Developing and Leading a Vital Parish
- Using Volunteers Well
- Parish Communication Tools
- Catholic School System
- Parish Revitalization
- Learn more >>