Sometimes in priestly life and ministry it is the little things that can become a big event. For example, as we enter the sanctuary, reverence the altar and proceed to the presider’s chair to begin Mass, we press the button on the microphone box in our pocket only to discover that the batteries are dead. To make matters worse, there is no one in the sanctuary who knows where the batteries are kept. Or worse yet, someone knows where the batteries are kept, but no new ones are available. A little moment becomes a source of frustration that deviates our focus on prayer.

Or perhaps we awaken from a slumber and reach for the cell phone to catch up on the news, only to encounter a black, lightless screen because the phone is devoid of the juice it needs to run. This is not a good way to begin the day. Or perhaps after a long day we retire to the La-Z-Boy and reach for the TV remote only to discover that nothing happens when we press the buttons. Another battery has died. As a result, the La-Z-Boy becomes a jump seat from which we go back and forth to the TV to change the channel manually and a restful time turns into a late-night calisthenics session. Each of these moments may seem small and trivial, but they can be disruptive and mushroom into something more. At the very least, they remind us that batteries need to be recharged.

The priesthood that we are so privileged to live does not come with batteries. While ordination to the priesthood brings grace and ontological change, there is still a sense in which “some assembly is required” on our part. Our priesthood is an unfinished masterpiece that demands continued attention and growth. In other words, there is always the need to be recharged and renewed. Just as no one can successfully live an adult life on an eighth-grade faith, no man can be healthy or vibrant in his priesthood when he allows his ordination day to become a graduation from formation. It is vital for every priest to continue to learn and to grow according to God’s plan.

In 2023, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests that can be found on the USCCB website. The document contains a quote from Pope St. John Paul’s II Vita Consecrata: “Due to human limitations, the consecrated person can never claim to have brought to life the ‘new creature’ who, in every circumstance of life, reflects the very mind of Christ. … None are exempt from the obligation to grow humanly and as Religious; by the same token, no one can be overconfident and live in self-sufficient isolation. At no stage of life can people feel so secure and committed that they do not need to give careful attention to ensuring perseverance in faithfulness, just as there is no age at which a person has completely achieved maturity” (No. 69).

Part of our fidelity to our vocation entails being committed to growth and refreshment, particularly in the realm of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation. This publication seeks to be an instrument of such formation. Despite our best efforts, however, there must be more to one’s ongoing formation and growth.

September is often associated with the practice of going back to school and the promise of new beginnings. While school days may be over for many of us, the learning that can enliven our priestly life and ministry must continue in other classrooms. Take time — make time — to become more intentional with ongoing formation. It is imperative that we do what we can to recharge the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral batteries that are essential to a vibrant priesthood. The Guide to Ongoing Formation, in speaking about a holy and healthy priesthood, states, “No matter how long or fruitful his formation in seminary, a priest’s growth does not end on the day of his ordination” (No. 40).

BISHOP DAVID J. BONNAR, editor of The Priest, is bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown.