Australian Catholic clergy have strong sense of well-being

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry requested a survey involving 825 priests and deacons in a bid to identify how they can be better supported and, in turn, better serve their communities.

A second phase of the study involved interviews with 78 priests and deacons, who provided feedback on their working and personal lives.

The study found most clergy (95 per cent) valued their ministry and work and 73 per cent felt adequately supported. As well, 71 per cent said they were “hopeful” and 75 per cent had good or very good self-confidence.

Challenges expressed by clergy in the report included experiences of loneliness, difficulties in pastoral ministry, heavy workloads and gaps in training and mentoring.

Those taking part in the survey encouraged future priests and deacons to embrace their vocations with enthusiasm but to have realistic expectations, undergo deep discernment and engage with their local communities.

The study report Thriving (and Surviving) in Ministry proposed a plan for “targeted pastoral strategies to support clergy in areas of well-being, mental health and spiritual care”.

The Australian bishops agreed at their November plenary to set up a working group to explore ways to better support clergy.

Commission chair Archbishop Christopher Prowse said: “I encourage dioceses to read this report carefully and for clergy particularly to reflect with their bishop and others on the significance of these findings for the ongoing pastoral care of our priests and deacons.”

FULL STORY

Catholic clergy have strong sense of wellbeing (ACBC Media Blog)

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