Does the work role of Catholic clergy contribute to the disenfranchisement of their grief?
Date
2015-09-01Author
Mooney, Dearbhla
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Mooney, Dearbhla. (2015). Does the work role of Catholic clergy in Ireland contribute to the disenfranchisement of their grief? Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 69(3), 151-155. doi: 10.1177/1542305015602713
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Abstract
While bereavement-related compassion fatigue and burnout have been studied in many helping professions, this researcher
has found no peer-reviewed articles based specifically on bereavement experiences of Roman Catholic (RC) clergy in Ireland
and only a handful on experiences of other religious ministers worldwide. There is a clear gap in research with regard to
clergy experiences of personal or professional grief, the possible effects this may have on them, or the supports they use to
help them cope. Peer support, some form of mentoring/supervision, and debriefing may help clergy to recognize their own
grief, have it acknowledged by others, and recognize their personal strengths and limitations. While prevention of burnout is
important to individual clergy, it is also vital for the health of the wider Church and formal support structures may be
necessary as part of the Church s duty of care towards its clergy.