Manning

Paul S. Manning wrote “Chapter 15: In Pursuit of Priestly Well-Being” for A Pastor’s Toolbox.  His chapter adopts the point of view of priestly spirituality, and cautions pastors to live in a healthy way and avoid burn-out and depression.  Jesus has a concern for everyone, including ministers in the Church, wrote Manning, and a priest cannot minister well if if he is distraught, lonely, and isolated.  Manning emphasized the importance of accountability.  It does not mean that the priest must always be available to his people and  please them.  Accountability also means that one must render an account of one’s stewardship to the Church as a whole, and that includes stewardship of one’s own human resources.  This chapter, the last in the Toolbox, reminds readers that a priest’s self-care is also a skill for parish management.