Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2002
Abstract
In the U.S Roman Catholic Church, there is a concern that incoming pastors are ill-prepared to manage parishes. In the past 40 years, the number of men entering the priesthood has dropped dramatically. In many dioceses across the country, this dwindling supply of priests has led to priests becoming pastors after only two or three years from ordination. With the declining number of priests, the traditional apprenticeship model for training priests to develop into pastors is becoming severely challenged. Historically, priests worked under the tutelage of a number of pastors (4 or 5) over a number of years (20 to 30 years) and served with a number of associate priests (apprentices) to gain and develop their skills to manage a parish. This study examines how this apprenticeship model has changed in three critical areas; shrinkage of time spent as associate priest (apprentice), number and quality of pastors (masters) served under and lack of living with and learning from other associates (apprentices). Not only has this apprenticeship model changed but there are a myriad of other complex and interrelated issues coming to bear on the incoming pastor. These issues include the transition of the parish from the old pastor to the new one, the parish setting, involvement of lay people, restrictions of Canon Law and lack of diocesan control over the parishes. This lack of formalized training, coupled with these other complicated issues, is leading to numerous problems for these incoming new pastors adjusting to and managing their parishes effectively. This ethnographic study will explore, through the experiences of three newly appointed pastors, their transition from priest to pastor. Given the challenges associated with being an effective pastor, this study examines several key questions: How do priests learn managerial skills in the priest-pastor transition? What is the underlying philosophy behind training new pastors concerning managerial skills? How do priests adapt to the managerial requirements of heading a parish? What knowledge gap is inhibiting incoming pastors from becoming effective managers? Are there alternative models of administering a parish that are more effective? The primary sources of data collection for this ethnographic research project were phenomenological interviews, observations and examination of relevant literature. Research was conducted at a variety of locations in a Midwestern Roman Catholic Diocese including four parish rectories (priest’s residence), the seminary and numerous Church officials’ offices. Interviews were done with three recently appointed pastors, an experienced pastor and a number of church and lay officials holding different positions in the diocese. Each of the interviews was audio taped, transcribed and coded. This study concludes with a number of suggestion that are designed to assist the U.S. Roman Catholic Church and this diocese in identifying areas and creating a process by which new pastors are better prepared to handle the challenges of managing a parish.
Keywords
priesthood
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Brizz, Terry, "A Priest in Transition" (2002). Student Scholarship. 57.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/57