International Priests

Diocesan Orientation Program For International Priests:
The need for orientation of the International Priests to the local church and society, and an understanding of the cultural contexts, are vital for effective ministry, both for the minister and the community to which he ministers.

The diocesan pastoral orientation program is designed to:

   a)   Welcome the newly arrived priests as they adjust to
          missionary life in the United States

   b)   Assist the priest in the task of becoming critically
         conscious of north American culture(s) in which they
         now serve

   c)   Facilitate their integration into a multicultural Church
         and a religiously diverse American society

In the development of a process of reception of international ministers, attention is to be paid to the following:

1. Before arrival in the United States: a pre-departure orientation      
2. Upon arrival in the United States:

       a.  Development of a personal support network for the
            priest

       b.  Diocesan orientation program

       c.  Enrollment in classes of English (ESOL)

       d.  Pastoral vocabulary enhancement

       e.  Provision of a mentor to assist the priest in his spiritual
            direction as well as orientation to ministry and life
            in the United States  
           

Cultural Orientation Program For International Priests and Ministers:

This program is designed for Priests and for Religious Sisters and Brothers who have come from other countries to work in the United States within the past five years and are already engaged in pastoral ministry here. Administered through the Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University, it is tailored to meet the particular needs of individual dioceses for the cultural orientation of priests and religious born and trained outside of the USA. Participants are to attend the entire series of three workshops.