Bishops discuss use of foreign priests

Mentoring builds on inculturation programs

Bishop David Motiuk says international priests often need help understanding cultural
differences, such as increased roles for the laity or the role of parish pastoral councils.

Bishops of Western Canada met Feb. 26 to March 1 to discuss a pilot project that would mentor and provide support for foreign priests before they arrive in the country. The Western Catholic Reporter's Glen Argan writes:

Often foreign priests need help adapting to differences such as an increased role for laity and women, the role of parish pastoral councils, and approaches to financial oversight, which may be different than in their homelands, said Bishop David Motiuk.

The bishops' discussion was led by Sulpician Father Andrzej Szablewski, the human formation director at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton. 

The bishops also received an overview of issues involving the immigration status and visas for international priests from Josee Marr, the vice-chancellor of the Edmonton archdiocese, Bishop Motiuk said.

 For full story, see The B.C. Catholic website.