Archdiocese helps priests in new roles with orientation

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Priests in completely new roles were advised to remember they are not alone in the Archdiocese of Mobile. 
Newly-appointed pastors, recently ordained priests and international priests visited Archdiocese of Mobile offices July 13-15 for an orientation to help get them acclimated. This year’s event, which is normally held annually but was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, included 12 priests –many who have been in their roles for a year.
But no matter his experience, it’s still good to know there is support.
“It can be very daunting in the parish, especially if you’re a first-time pastor or new priest,” said Fr. Andrew Jones, who began as pastor of St. Jude Parish in Montgomery last month. “Even if you’ve been a priest for a very long time, stepping into a new parish is a daunting task. … Having people who have done this before and whose job it is to support you is invaluable. Otherwise it’d just be a nightmare.”
All in attendance learned some history about the Archdiocese of Mobile, received introductions from various Archdiocese of Mobile executives, heard overviews about archdiocesan offices and how they can assist and took tours of various buildings. All priests also had workshops on Canon Law, civil law, parish life and safe environment.
“I think new priests and new pastors when they come to an orientation is a chance to have a broader understanding of the ministry, especially ministries in the archdiocese and how so many people in other ministries and offices are there to support them,” said Vicar General Msgr. William Skoneki.
Msgr. Skoneki added that orientations now are especially fruitiful because priests often enter their first assignment as a pastor with less experience. 
For example, Fr. Jones was ordained in 2018 and had two previous parochial vicar assignments before arriving at St. Jude Parish.
“I had five pastors before I became a pastor myself, so it's important to give them as many opportunities to learn from a variety of people,” Msgr. Skoneki said. “Younger priests become pastors much more quickly, often with only one or two assignments.”
 According to Fr. Jones, in some ways there’s not much difference to being a parochial vicar compared to a pastor. 
But in other ways, it’s a very different role.
“You’re still a priest,” Fr. Jones said. “Have you ever had a birthday party and someone asks you if you feel older? In one way it’s like that. In another way, it is very different because now you have more responsibilities in the civil realm. Now I have to have more meetings and sign checks - the managerial side of the thing changes.”
Pastors are also in charge of setting the vision, he said.
“Where are we going to go spiritually? Where are we going to go as a parish? What’s going to make us unique in the city of Montgomery? What is our vision? What is our charism? All of that falls on you,” Fr. Jones said. “That is very different. In a lot of ways, you’re still a priest and you still do the things a priest does. On the other hand, the buck stops with you, so you feel that responsibility.”
No matter how long priests spent in seminary, it can’t completely prepare them for their new role either. 
“So much of what you learn once you’re a priest is not teachable in seminary,  especially just the details of administration and just practical things – how to run a parish, how to get the financial and accounting and administrative help you need,” Msgr. Skoneki said. “So hopefully this helps them know they are not alone.”