New Colorado program trains deacons, priests to walk together ‘in darkness’
The Archdiocese of Denver launched the Clergy Outreach and Resilience (COR) program to support priests and deacons facing emotional stress from their ministry. Deacon Ernie Martinez, inspired by police support programs, developed COR to help clergy recognize signs of stress and burnout in their peers. The program aims to create a culture where seeking help is viewed as wise rather than a sign of weakness. The initial four-day certification program, led by psychologist John Nicoletti, trained about 40 clergy members, mostly deacons, to intervene early when a brother is in crisis.
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The Archdiocese of Denver and Diocese of Colorado Springs launched the Clergy Outreach and Resilience (COR) program in January 2026.1
It trains priests and deacons to recognize signs of stress, burnout, and crisis in peers, fostering mutual support.1
Deacon Ernie Martinez, with 40 years in the Denver Police Department, drew from law enforcement peer support models.1
Father Brad Noonan, a former fire and police chaplain, contributed insights from informal "dining-table talks" after traumatic calls.1
A four-day certification led by clinical psychologist John Nicoletti trained about 40 clergy, mostly deacons.1
The program equips participants to intervene early, provide spiritual and emotional support, and connect to clinical care when needed.1
COR integrates peer support with a "deeply Catholic vision of brotherhood," rooted in Scriptures like Galatians 6:2 and John 15:12.1
It aims to normalize seeking help as "wisdom," preventing isolation amid burdens from grief, trauma, and suffering.1
Supported by Archbishop Emeritus Samuel Aquila and Archbishop-designate James Golka, Martinez and Noonan envision nationwide expansion.1
Martinez hopes no priest or deacon feels alone, quoting 2 Corinthians 4:8 to promote resilience: "afflicted but not crushed."1
Examine the Church’s pastoral duty to prevent clergy burnout
The Catholic Church recognizes the risk of ministerial burnout among clergy—priests and deacons—as a significant challenge that undermines their vocation and service. Episcopal leadership bears primary responsibility for prevention through ongoing formation, fraternal support, spiritual renewal, and balanced living conditions, as outlined in magisterial documents emphasizing holistic care for the ordained. This duty integrates canonical obligations with pastoral solicitude, fostering resilience via community, retreats, and family discernment to sustain zeal amid demanding ministry.
Bishops hold a central pastoral duty to safeguard clergy well-being, ensuring structures that prevent exhaustion. The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons explicitly addresses post-ordination formation to "avoid[] the risk of ministerial burnout," providing "ample opportunities to continue to develop and integrate the dimensions of formation into his life and ministry." This includes diocesan-level programs under the bishop's direction and community-level support tied to the parish priest, balancing service to the broader diocese with local demands.
The bishop appoints a Director of the Permanent Diaconate—ideally a priest or deacon—to oversee post-ordination formation, supervise deacons, and coordinate programs for the newly ordained. Similarly, for priests, the bishop must "ensure that [they] fulfil the obligations proper to their state," providing "means and institutions needed for the development of their spiritual and intellectual life" and "adequate means of livelihood and social welfare." Pope John Paul II urged bishops to be "close to priests and deacons who are experiencing difficult personal or pastoral situations," offering "very special help," especially to the elderly.
In Ecclesia in Oceania, bishops are called to organize "ongoing formation" with "spiritual, pastoral, intellectual and recreational opportunities" to "increase the capacity to minister effectively," including study leave and retreats. Pope Leo XIV recently echoed this in his 2026 address to Roman clergy, encouraging initiatives like shared meals, prayer, and sports to combat isolation, which exacerbates burnout.
Continuous formation is a key preventive measure, motivated by the grace of ordination: "Do not neglect the gift you have... Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks." Post-ordination programs focus on ministerial awareness, integrating human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions to prevent discouragement or ministry changes.
Canon 276 mandates clerics to pursue holiness through pastoral duties, daily Eucharist and Scripture, Liturgy of the Hours, retreats, mental prayer, penance, and Marian devotion—priests offering Mass daily, deacons participating. Bishops promote retreats and doctrinal formation (Canon 276 §2; 279 §2). Pope John Paul II stressed "periodiche riunioni fraterne" (periodic fraternal meetings) for physical, psychic, and spiritual rest, responding to Jesus' call: "Venite in disparte... e riposatevi un po’!" (Come away... and rest a while, Mk 6:31).
For deacons, human formation emphasizes family discernment to avoid conflicts where ministry zeal overshadows spousal/family needs, advocating preventive strategies over remedial crises. Pope John XXIII warned against isolation, idleness, or excessive activity, urging conditions that "best foster and be of service to their ardent zeal."
Burnout often stems from loneliness, countered by presbyteral fraternity. Pope John Paul II highlighted "priestly fellowship" for support, prayer, and sharing joys/hopes, respecting charisms while aiding those in difficulty. In Belgium, he called for unity in the presbyterate "like the strings of a lyre," with retreats and formation strengthening bonds between young and elderly priests.
Pope Leo XIV promoted "authentic priestly fraternity" through personal initiatives—study groups, lunches, golf—against "loneliness and isolation," especially for the elderly offering their fragility like the Eucharistic Bread. Ecclesia in Oceania urges priests to "minister to one another, in a spirit of brotherhood," building a "strong local diocesan clergy through mutual support."
While sources emphasize permanent deacons, principles extend to priests via shared ordination and canons. Deacons' married status requires family formation resources, maintaining "essential distinction of roles" while addressing cultural sensitivities. Bishops integrate deacons into diocesan life, with mentors providing support.
The Code of Canon Law (c. 275 §1) obliges bishops to foster "good order and reciprocal cooperation" among clerics. These duties align with Vatican II's Presbyterorum Ordinis (referenced in sources), promoting charity, prayer, and cooperation.
In summary, the Church's duty is proactive and multifaceted: bishops lead through formation, fraternity, and welfare; clergy engage in personal renewal; all rooted in charity and sacraments. This sustains vocational joy, preventing burnout as a communal witness to Christ's rest for his laborers.