New guidelines for parish priests include the need to adopt a simple lifestyle, characterised by a sense of sacrifice, modesty, adequate entertainment, travel and rest.

The liturgy must not be weighed down by ritual, unnecessary length, routine and nostalgia for the past

They should feel the need to find time in their day for prayer and increase their sense of humility and patience.

The guidelines have been reflected on and developed by the College of Parish Priests over the last few years and will be discussed during live-ins throughout this year.

Once finalised, they should help parish priests to remain focused on their specific office.

They address particular aspects of their life, including: the parish priest as a man of God; the spirituality of communion; evangelisation and catechism; relations with laymen; and the choice of the poor.

Parish priests must understand that the obedience they promised the Archbishop requires that they are in agreement with the decisions and directions issued by the College. They need to be at the “total disposition” of what their mission requests of them.

They should also feel the need to change structures and methods that lead to a new evangelisation, and they should set up adequate structures so that the sacraments would be accompanied by continuous catechesis.

The guidelines point out that their presence should go beyond the celebration of Mass to meeting people and building a sense of community.

“The liturgy must not be weighed down by ritual, unnecessary length, routine and nostalgia for the past,” they say, urging parish priests to be able to accept constructive criticism, build confidence in their community and be open to everyone.

Their challenges today include going out to look for the lost sheep, those who have distanced and are indifferent, the guidelines highlight.

Parish priests have to use all means to understand the social realities of their community, the signs of the times.

They have to strive to “bring out the positive from the traditional”, and have the courage to remove what is distracting, while, in choosing pastoral operators, their capabilities, motivation and commitment have to be considered.

The emphasis should lie more in “being” (a man of God), rather than “doing”, they say.