PRIESTS’ RETREAT: Challenges in Our Priestly Ministry 2018

Monday, November 5 – Friday, November 9, 2018

Retreat Description: Much has been written about ministry burnout and restoration of pastoral energy through renewed personal balance. Compassion Fatigue is one way of describing a major pitfall in ongoing enthusiasm fro the sacrificial loving demanded in our vocation. Many studies of PTSD can be helpful in renewing our call toward holiness of life which must include self-care, deep prayer, and our personal human development as persons and as priests. These themes will be explored together.

Presenter: Father Francis Benedict has been a monk of Valyermo since 1967. He earned an MA in Philosophy from Loyola-Marymount University and an MS in Theology from Mt. Angel in Oregon. He was ordained a priest in 1976. He served as the Abbey's abbot for 16 years. His special areas of ministry include spiritual direction, preaching retreats, and working with 12-step recovery groups. In addition to many responsibilities at the Abbey, he now serves as the Director of Oblates.