Workshop Prepares for Pastoral Internship

Seminarians and pastors enjoyed getting to know one another during a two-day workshop to help prepare them for pastoral internships which begin in August and run through May 2019.

“The seminary is thankful for the involvement of the pastors who are already very busy and yet are willing to spend additional time mentoring these future priests,” said Father Anthony Stephens, C.P.M, who directs the Pastoral Intern Program and the Field Education Program at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.

The workshop provided time for participating seminarians and pastors to be introduced to one another and discuss different learning opportunities for the intern over the nine-month internship. They also received instruction regarding the goals and objectives of the intern program which is designed to help seminarians experience the flow of parish life.   

Eight seminarians will participate in the internship program next year. Interns typically have been in seminary formation for three to four years and have completed Second Theology. Most Mount St. Mary’s seminarians take part in a parish-based, live-in experience during their formation, depending on the requirements of their individual diocese or religious order.  

The pastoral internship is especially valuable to help seminarians understand how to apply the theological training received at the seminary in the pastoral context of the parish.  Interns work with pastors on a variety of assigned projects: learning parish finance and administration; teaching in the parish school or catechetical program; taking Communion to the sick and shut-in members of a parish; offering presentations and mock homilies to prepare for preaching; and helping with youth and young adult ministries.  

“Most men become even more excited about their future ministry as priests during their internship,” Fr. Stephens noted. “Many develop a special relationship with the people at the parish where they intern. Parishioners provide valuable feedback and support for the seminarian and help him hone his skills as a preacher, catechist and spiritual father.” 

Interns also learn the importance of maintaining a balanced schedule of work, prayer, exercise and rest time. Fr. Stephens noted, “With fewer priests available for ministry, it is very important that a man do his best to maintain good health in order to serve the Church.”

Photo Credit: E.L. Hubbard Photography

Pictured are the participating seminarians and pastors from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Scott Brand will participate in the pastoral intern program through the Diocese of Youngstown.