What is meant when a priest is said to be "pastoral"?

[Lepanto]

What is meant when a priest is said to be “pastoral”?

If you think “pastoral” should mean something different, what would it be?

 

[verdigirl]

I think it means that they have a good manner with their congregation, that they are caring in their instruction and guidance. I always refer to the term “good bedside manner,” but that could be construed as an unfortunate choice of words these days.

 

[peary]

What is meant when a priest is said to be “pastoral”?

If you think “pastoral” should mean something different, what would it be?

It means that a priest is “shepherd” of his flock and is there for them, to look out for them, to guide them in Christ’s Truth, to protect them, and look out for them when they are lost.

 

[Elzee]

What it should mean - he cares about his congregation and demonstrates this care by being faithful to the teachings of the Church and instructing his congregation to do the same; administers the Sacraments and the Mass faithfully

Unfortunately, I have met many priests who use the word ‘pastoral’ as an excuse for doing what they want - despite the rubrics or teachings of the Church - because they believe it is in the best interest of their people. :tsktsk:

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What is meant when a priest is said to be “pastoral”?

If you think “pastoral” should mean something different, what would it be?

It should mean that he is caring and concerned about the souls in his care.

Usually it means that he is willing to bend the rules and tell people what they want to hear.

 

[Elzee]

It should mean that he is caring and concerned about the souls in his care.

Usually it means that he is willing to bend the rules and tell people what they want to hear.

Sounds like we’ve had some of the same experiences with this word.

 

[THurifer2]

It means that a priest is “shepherd” of his flock and is there for them, to look out for them, to guide them in Christ’s Truth, to protect them, and look out for them when they are lost.

And sometimes Christs Truth is difficult for people to accept…so they accuse the priest of being a poor pastor when in reality he is a good pastor…

Reminds me of a recent even that took place in the communion line…ooooops! NEVERMIND.

 

[baltobetsy]

This priest was “pastoral.”

Betsy

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

It should mean that he is caring and concerned about the souls in his care.

Usually it means that he is willing to bend the rules and tell people what they want to hear.

I don’t care for this definition. It implies that most of our priests haven’t a clue to pastoral care.

I hope I am not naive to think that many of our priests have our souls best interest in mind when they are giving pastoral care to their assigned flock. Perhaps it depends what part of the country one lives in, but at least here in the Midwest, we have been blest with many priests who know what they are doing. Having said that, I have encountered priests who give poor pastoral care. It seems a minority rather than a majority. Yet it is the minority of poor pastors that grab the attention making a poor name for the many good pastors out there.

 

[jmcrae]

What is meant when a priest is said to be “pastoral”?

In my experience, it means a priest who knows how to live out his vocation selflessly - in practical terms, it means that he doesn’t rush through the Mass as though he had someplace more important to be; if you ask him to hear your Confession, he stops whatever he is doing and makes time for you; if you ask him to bless your Rosary, you don’t get the feeling that he’d rather be throwing it out the window than blessing it (nor does he spend as much time giving you heck for interrupting him and asking him, as it would have taken him to just bless it in the first place).