Continuing Education for Bishops

[PoliSciProf]

I think this is the forum for this question. We are welcoming a new bishop to our diocese whichhas prompted the following line of thought. In many lines of work, especially in the management areas and professions, there are many workshops, seminars, programs, etc. that are available some of which may even be mandated. Leaving aside issues of theology, faith and morals, are there optional or required continuing education requirements for bishops in areas such as secular law, communications theory, policy process, personnel management, leadership, media relations, budgeting, organization theory, public relations etc., etc.? I ask because when I became department chairman, I attended such a workshop and found it to be invaluable. There are such programs for deans and senior college management. It seems to me that one does not enter (or should not enter) the priesthood to seek out a top management position in the Church. Yet such skills are needed. Sadly, I have known some bishops who were totally inadequate in such secular skills or knowledge. Are there mandatory secular knowledge requirements? Should there be ? My opinion, I think so but I await your comments.

 

[bmadamsberry]

I think this is the forum for this question. We are welcoming a new bishop to our diocese whichhas prompted the following line of thought. In many lines of work, especially in the management areas and professions, there are many workshops, seminars, programs, etc. that are available some of which may even be mandated. Leaving aside issues of theology, faith and morals, are there optional or required continuing education requirements for bishops in areas such as secular law, communications theory, policy process, personnel management, leadership, media relations, budgeting, organization theory, public relations etc., etc.? I ask because when I became department chairman, I attended such a workshop and found it to be invaluable. There are such programs for deans and senior college management. It seems to me that one does not enter (or should not enter) the priesthood to seek out a top management position in the Church. Yet such skills are needed. Sadly, I have known some bishops who were totally inadequate in such secular skills or knowledge. Are there mandatory secular knowledge requirements? Should there be ? My opinion, I think so but I await your comments.

There are no requirments for a continuance of education. On the theological side of education, once a priest has become a bishop, it usually means that he has a good foundation in theology (though not always). This line of education does continue, though not in the school room but rather in real life and real world examples.
There is no requirement for bishops in regards to managment, etc. It would be nice, because there are some VERY holy, great, and potentially wonderful bishops who lack management abilities. That’s why we should support them with our prayers.

 

[puzzleannie]

I Leaving aside issues of theology, faith and morals, are there optional or required continuing education requirements for bishops in areas such as secular law, communications theory, policy process, personnel management, leadership, media relations, budgeting, organization theory, public relations etc., etc.? .

yes the bishops of each country get together regularly for this purpose, in fact the US bishops just got done with their meeting. They have set agenda items and also chances to hear experts on “management” topics as these, or to send staff to such workshops. In addition the bishops of each country are called on a regular basis to the Vatican for their “church COE” and all the bishops meet in synods from time to time. Any bishop is also free to bring professionals into the diocese for the benefit of himself and key staff, something that is done regularly in any dioceses in which I have worked. are their canon law requirements? no why should there be.

 

[WatchingMedia]

I think this is the forum for this question. We are welcoming a new bishop to our diocese whichhas prompted the following line of thought. In many lines of work, especially in the management areas and professions, there are many workshops, seminars, programs, etc. that are available some of which may even be mandated. Leaving aside issues of theology, faith and morals, are there optional or required continuing education requirements for bishops in areas such as secular law, communications theory, policy process, personnel management, leadership, media relations, budgeting, organization theory, public relations etc., etc.? I ask because when I became department chairman, I attended such a workshop and found it to be invaluable. There are such programs for deans and senior college management. It seems to me that one does not enter (or should not enter) the priesthood to seek out a top management position in the Church. Yet such skills are needed. Sadly, I have known some bishops who were totally inadequate in such secular skills or knowledge. Are there mandatory secular knowledge requirements? Should there be ? My opinion, I think so but I await your comments.

Bishops and Pastors hire others for administrative work.
Their MAIN TASK according to the CCC, 2nd Ed is to “teach” the Faithful. They have lost sight of this over many years in the US.
The Apostles did not manage offices either.
Some of them need a refresher on the CCC 2nd Ed. This is what they need to propogate the Faith accurately in accord with Church teachings.

Normally I would not disagree with your post, but these are not good times for the Church due to poor catechesis of the Faithful by our Bishops over the past 30 to 40 years.
First things first - teaching the Faithful.

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[Digitonomy]

From what I’ve observed, bishops usually have a fair bit experience from prior to their appointment dealing with a lot of the administrative challenges. Those who aren’t competent at this, aren’t usually chosen as bishops. However, I agree with you that refresher courses and workshops in areas they may feel weak in would be beneficial - I’m not sure how much of that the USCCB does, or other national or regional conferences of bishops.

puzzleannie:

are their canon law requirements? no why should there be.

For the same reason other professionals have such requirements. Without them, there will be a number of people who feel they are too busy, or don’t really need any continuing education.