Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate and understand the perceptions of graduates from Our Lady of the Mountain Seminary regarding the effectiveness of the pastoral field education program in preparing them for the role of Catholic pastor in priestly ministry. Due to a smaller number of Catholic priests, graduates of this institution were appointed as pastors without the adequate mentoring. As a result of graduate feedback, administration and leadership skills were added to seminary curricula. This study sought to understand the perceptions of graduates regarding the pastoral field education experiences intended to prepare them for their pastoral ministry after ordination. Pastoral field education should also effectively prepare emerging clergy for their priestly ministry, particularly the duties of a pastor. Literature supported the idea that pastoral field education programs should enhance training of the site supervisors, include quality theological reflection, and prepare the seminarians for the ministries in which they will serve. Graduates from Our Lady of the Mountain Seminary were interviewed to understand the effectiveness of pastoral field education on the actual ministry of a pastor. The data collected from the research study is presented as a Composition of Place case study. Recommendations for revisions to the pastoral field education program included mentor training, bi-weekly pastoral field education courses, theological reflection, integration of the academic courses to pastoral field education site assignments, and an appreciation of teaching as a part of priestly ministry.