Priestly Wellness

PREFACE

The National Federation of Presbyteral Councils (NFPC) is pleased to introduce A Practical Guide to Priestly Wellness. The contenes of this document originated out of a discussion of delegates at the 2003 Conference of the NFPC. We are much indebted to Fr. Ray Dlugos, OSA, of the Southdown institure, Fr. David Louch CSsR, of the Carter Centre and Mr. Terry Colton, for their valuable input and professional facilitation skills during that conference.

A Practical Guide to Priestly Wellness, written by your diocesan delegates is just that, a guide. Wellness is a personal, ethical responsibility, as well as a personal and moral response to the gift of life by the Giver of life. As men and as presbyters we are called not only to celebrate this gift of abundant life, but as also share in the fraternal charity and support.

We encourage you to use this guide:

• as an aid to personal reflection;
• as a means for group discussions using the group process provided;
• as a basis for support groups;
• and finally, for Council of Priests and Deanery meetings.

I offer special thanks to the members of the writing team for their gift of time and talent in the production of this document. The members of NFPC from across Canada contributed to this guide. The NFPC also gratefully acknowledges the financial support of our member dioceses and bishops.

Our prayer and hope is that those who reflect on the contents provided in this guide will be moved to a fuller appreciation and celebration of the sacred gift of life entrusted in them. With prayerful appreciation of the gift of ministry you posess, and of your sacred journey in faith, I remain,

Fraternally in Christ,
J. Hamish Currie, (Rev.), Past President
National Federation of Presbyteral Councils

INTRODUCTION

Over the course of many years, the area of priestly wellness has been a major concern for the church, not only in Canada, but around the world. As the numbers of ordained priests continue to diminish and as workloads increase, it is more important than ever for those who remain in active ministry to take care of themselves. Each priest has a responsibility to care for his whole person.

In October 2003, the National Federation of Presbyteral Councils (NFPC) focused on the theme of Priestly Wellness at its meeting in Vancouver. It was during that meeting that those who attended came to an awareness that wellness is comprised of physical, spiritual, emotional/relational, and intellectual dimensions. Participants worked from a definition of wellness provided by Dr. Richard Gilmartin in his book Pursuing Wellness, Finding Spirituality.

Wellness is the commitment to live our lives in a way
that is responsible for our bodies, our minds and our
spirits. It is also our responsibility to accept whatever
fate for God hands to us, using this to create a life that 
brings us a sense of peace and happiness.

As priests we are called to mirror the vigor, generosity and energy exemplified by Christ who poured himself out in love for us. An effective priest must possess a passionate commitment, but not a passion that will withstand the tests of time and history, personal struggles and limitations, and the challenges associated with human relationships. This kind of passion is a gift and a blessing, one requiring proper maintenance and care. Such maintenance flows out of a process of:

• learning to live a balanced life-style;
• setting appropriate boundaries;
• caring for the self;
• nourishing our creativity and refreshing our souls;
• and finally, repairing and healing ourselves.

Then, the passionate commitment required of priests will bring harmony to their lives and energy and inspiration to the lives of those they serve.

If the passionate commitment of an ordained priest is to be effective, faithful and joyful in his service to others, it cannot be hampered by a lack of attention to his own needs. His physical health, emotional will-being, interpersonal intimacy, intellectual development, and spiritual growth are all important elements that must be integrated into his service.

The NFPC, in its previous document entitled Reflections on Priesthood, made us acutely aware of the importance of wellness.

As an extension of his own spiritual health, the priest
seeks wellness in all aspects of his life. He desires to
be faithful to the will of God, to the expectations of the
church, to his own personal experiences, and to the
lived experience of the faith community.

Wellness requires accountability. Priests, if they choose, can easily avoid real accountability in areas concerning their own health and will-being. A priest's lifestyle is such that no one has a claim on him, reminding or challenging him to care for himself. Genuine intervention can be easily dismissed as intrusive.

It is our hope that the reflections and questions offered in this document will facilitate a greater openness among clergy. If we are to care for ourselves, we must be ready to accept the caring suggestions made by others.

As men chosen from the people of God, ordained to be of service, we know that the words of scripture encourage us to seek help when it is needed. The Gospels possess some beautiful images showing how others overcame their fear and embarrassment to reach out and touch Jesus, to cry out for Jesus' help, and to accept the assistance of others.

Son of David, have pity on me,
Mark 10:46-52

If only I could touch the hem of His garment,
Mark 5:25-34

They lowered the paralytic,
Luke 5:17-20

In John's Gospel, proclaimed on Holy Thursday, Jesus takes off His outer garment and washes the feet of His disciples. He instructs them to "do as I have done to you." (John 13:1-15). Jesus makes it clear that in order for Peter to be worthy to serve others, he too must allow himself to be cared for and healed.

Whatever your circumstance, the challenge for all of us who are priests is to realize that we are ultimately accountable to God, to God's people, and to one another, In the end we need to be signs of hope for each other, and, indeed for the whole world.

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