Seminary directors look at impact of clergy abuse crisis

Published: 2004-04-20

BOSTON (CNS) -- About 70 seminary directors from across the country met in Boston April 13-15 to examine how the priesthood could emerge from the sexual abuse crisis as a stronger and more effective ministry. In workshops, talks, group discussions and a closed meeting with Kathleen McChesney, executive director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the seminary leaders discussed how to help those with addictions and the need for clergy to have ongoing formation and accountability. The convocation, with the theme of "Toward a Holy, Healthy and Effective Priesthood," was sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association's seminary department, and took place during the 101st annual NCEA convention in Boston. In an April 15 talk called "Priestly Formation in Turbulent Times," Father Paul Ritt, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Chelmsford and a faculty member at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, reiterated what many seminary leaders already know well: Priestly formation today is loaded with challenges.

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