The Ministry of the Servants of the Paraclete

The Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete is a religious congregation of men dedicated to ministry to priests and Brothers with personal difficulties.

The Congregation was founded by Rev. Gerald Fitzgerald in Jemez Springs, New Mexico in 1947. A man of enthusiasm and vision, he began his ministry as a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston and later became a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross. While working as a Holy Cross priest, Father Fitzgerald developed a vision of a religious community whose mission would be to serve the needs of other priests and religious experiencing difficulties in their lives and ministry. His vision led him to the mountains of New Mexico where he founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete.

Today, the Servants of the Paraclete offer holistic therapeutic programs for priests and religious of St. Michael's Community in St. Louis, Missouri and Vianney Renewal Center in Dittmer, Missouri.

In establishing sound holistic programs. the Paraclete Fathers and Brothers have invited many people from various helping professions to join them in their ministry. Each program offered by the Paracletes combines the best in spirituality, psychiatry, psychology, theology, medicine, sexuality, social awareness and physiology.

It is the policy of the Servants of the Paracletes never to refuse care to any priest or Brother of good will who shows motivation and who is in good standing with his Bishop or Religious Superior.

PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

The Servants of the Paraclete philosophy of ministry can be described best by quoting from documents of the United States Catholic Conference and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. In the document As One Who Serves, we read:

"The person who is a servant leader is expected to be a healthy maturing person. It is important to consider and reflect upon the functions of the priest/religious, but the primary definition of understanding of ministry must be seen in terms at the person. The effectiveness of the priest's/religious' ministry is integrally related to his personal growth. In reality, the dimensions or responsibility of the priest/religious as servant leader are realizable only in the context of development of the priest/religious as person. Such development includes the emotional, intellectual and spiritual dimensions of growth.

The social sciences have offered insights and analyses concerning the behavioral dimensions which have to be realized as common to all. As a human person the priest/religious needs to be recognized and appreciate the warmth of being loved. Like any other human being, the priest/religious wants to be accepted. He wants to belong, to be and feel needed. He, like other people, passes through various discernible stages in life's growth. He has the need for some recognition of his efforts and respect for his person. Like others, he searches for intimacy with God and struggles to integrate his life in the presence of the Lord.

It is important to recognize these ordinary needs. They help in understanding much of the frustration, tension and conflict experienced by priests/religious. If the priest/religious does not understand that they are calling for fulfillment within his, his attitudes will be troubled and poorly developed. He will experience anxieties which he does not comprehend."

(As One Who Serves, Chapter iv, pp. 55-66. USCC Publications, 1977.)

The ministry of the Servants of the Paraclete helps priests and Brothers who are experiencing difficulties and working through the specific developmental phases of life. It is our philosophy that our ministry to priests and Brothers be holistic. Our programs address the physical, spiritual, psychological, intellectual, sexual, social and creative needs of those who come to us.

For more information please see the history.