One of the many factors that have contributed to this restructuring of the Archdiocese is to help priests live healthier lives, which contributes to healthier parishes.  In the last four years, we had four priests in active ministry die unexpectedly (Heart attack, Cancer, etc.).  Another priest has taken a medical leave because of fighting cancer.  Another priest was named a bishop, which, while a good thing, meant that was a sixth priest we unexpectedly lost from active ministry.  On top of this, we had two priests, within the last two years unexpectedly leave priestly ministry entirely.  (Both had been ordained with me in 2017).  This now totaling eight unplanned and unexpected losses of priests from active ministry, on top of the usual number of priests retiring (a few of whom delayed their retirement or came out of retirement to help manage things).  Being tight on priests as it is, this led other priests to be spread more thin to cover these losses.  We have had three other priests over the last four years take time away for residential treatment, two for mental health, and one for alcoholism.  Thankfully those three priests have since been able to come back to active ministry having received the help they need. But while each of them was gone that also put further strain on priests covering their parishes while away.

While we have priests from other countries leave their homelands to generously come and do ministry for us too, we also know that their visas can be subject to the whims of the federal government.  (Such as was the case with Fr. Stephen Audu of Nigeria, who was a pastor in Dubuque, but the Federal Government refused to renew his visa).

I’m not sharing this with you to make you feel sorry for myself or us priests, but just trying to present the fuller picture, another factor playing into this restructuring.

This restructuring will relieve much of the mental burden and stress placed on a priest.  Every pastor will have in his assignment at least one, if not two or three “associate pastors” (parochial vicars), who themselves are experienced priests with whom they can talk through different ministry issues.  It is also easier for a priest to take his restful “time off” when they know there are other priests to tend to things while gone.

Furthermore, it is easier to spot if a brother priest is struggling, and have earlier intervention to get the help he needs before it spirals into to total burnout, depression, or self-destructive behaviors (i.e. alcoholism).  Archbishop has also stated strong and clear expectations for priests to have fraternity with each other within their pastorate and thus to care and support one another.

The restructuring will allow for healthier priests which will translate into healthier more vibrant parishes.  This is a time where we are being called to “pull together” both as brother priests, but also as fellow parishes so to be stronger, healthier, more supported and better together.

Peace,

-Fr. Kevin