By Josh Low
“Without priests, the Church would not be able to live that fundamental obedience which is at the very heart of her existence and her mission in history, an obedience in response to the command of Christ: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations’ (Mt 28:19)” – St Pope John Paul II in Apostolic Exhortation ‘Pastores Dabo Vobis’
Providing clergy in the Archdiocese of Perth with professional, pastoral, spiritual and material support in their role as servant leaders is behind the Archdiocesan Plan’s Support for Clergy Initiative.
Fr Brian McKenna, Chair of the Support for Clergy Working Party, said that just as Jesus called His first disciples, who were ordinary men going about their daily lives as fishermen, He continues to do so to normal men today.
Fr McKenna added that the men who are called are similar to the initial disciples in their ordinariness.
“They all have their idiosyncrasies and failings, but they also have a desire to deepen their relationship with God through Jesus.
“The formation of the initial disciples was done by Jesus himself. They developed a deep relationship with Him, listening and learning from what He said and did,” he said.
“Those called to be priests or deacons today are responding to the invitation they hear from God in their hearts, which is then confirmed when they are accepted by the Archbishop to take up their role in the Archdiocese.
“And so, the Archdiocesan Plan recognises the need of support for these men.”
Fr McKenna added that supporting the clergy, especially at this present moment in time, is of utmost importance.
“The horror of the actions of a few has deeply affected all of us, so we also know that this is a very difficult time to be a member of the Catholic clergy,” he said.
“Our faithful clergy need support and encouragement in their role as servant leaders and shepherds of the people entrusted to them. As we move forward, we very much need and appreciate the prayers and support of parishioners as well.”
The Board of Clergy Life and Ministry (for the further formation of those already ordained) existed for many years, but has now been revamped into what is now called the Clergy Support and Formation Board.
Made up of clergy, representatives of the laity and a female religious, its two key focus areas are Support and Formation.
Fr Peter Bianchini, The Archdiocesan Plan’s Support for Clergy Coordinator, said some of the key issues identified in the plan included the need for ongoing theological, spiritual, pastoral and personal formation, administrative support for parish priests and practical support (medical, ergonomic, accommodation).
“We divided the clergy into four groups; those who are enquiring until their ordination, the newly ordained until their 10th year of ordination, those from 10 years to retirement, and the retired.
“Working groups were then set up, and have been enquiring via questionnaires and surveys, the need and priorities of the clergy of Perth,” Fr Bianchini explained.
“After recommendations are made to the board following the survey analysis, they will then be sent for the Archbishop to review.
“At present, as a result of the surveys, we are trying to establish support groups and continue to organise retreats and seminars for the clergy, with sessions run every two months for those falling in the ‘under 10 year group’, with topics based on their suggestions,” he added.
“Ongoing formation is an indispensable requirement in the life of every priest and his exercise of priestly ministry.
“Therefore, our priests should feel (and be reminded that) that they are disciples on a journey, constantly needing a continuous configuration to Jesus Christ,” Fr Bianchini concluded.
From pages 22 to 23 of Issue 15: ‘Archdiocesan Plan 2016 – 2021: Halfway mark filled with determination to commit to bring Church in Perth closer to Christ’ of The Record Magazine