Priest Yesterday Lay Today: Facing the Challenge

This study aimed to understand the way of life of a former Catholic priest and his underlying views on priesthood and the church in general. This research utilized the qualitative design of research employing the case study approach as it tried to delve into the life experience of the participant involved. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting the participant. The research focused on the reasons of the participant’s exit, his joys and difficulties after leaving the priesthood, how he faced the challenges of daily life along with the shadow of his past, his definition of priesthood, and how he sees his future. The primary reason for him leaving the priesthood is the experience of burnout. In trying to fit into the world, the participant experiences both joys and difficulties. Facing the challenges of daily life, the participant maintained independent attitude and optimism. He changes his perspective in life, learned to become humble, realized the need to retool his skills, and maintained an active prayer life. His view of priesthood and the future were also discussed. This study recommended priests to avail regular breaks, the Church to develop an intensive pastoral counseling for priests, priests to seek advice upon exit, to retool their skills, for the community to avoid judging former priests and for the Church to restructure the priestly formation.

Keywords: Former Priest, Priestly Formation, Transition, Secular.