Lusaka Archdiocese Priests Attend On-going Formation on Stress Management and Parish Administration

By Fr. Arthur Ntembula

LUSAKA – Diocesan priests in Lusaka gathered on September 17, 2025, at the Marian Shrine for an ongoing formation program focused on the practical challenges of modern ministry. The ongoing formation, organized by the local association of priests, addressed key topics including stress management, parish administration, and the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. A total of 36 diocesan priests attended the program.

The first session, facilitated by Fr. Leonard Namuvumba, focused on stress management, with a particular emphasis on the issue of burnout. Fr. Namuvumba stressed the importance of priests taking care of both their physical and spiritual well-being. “Burnout and fatigue are a reality for every priest,” he noted, highlighting the need for vigilance against chronic stress, which can negatively impact pastoral work. He encouraged priests to take “time out to replenish” whenever they feel fatigued and outlined common causes of stress and practical ways to overcome them in their ministry.

The second session was led by Fr. Solomon Tembo, who delved into the intricacies of parish administration and the Sacrament of Marriage. Fr. Tembo highlighted the importance of adhering to canonical provisions to ensure that marriages are celebrated in accordance with Church law and that parishes are managed effectively. The session also covered a range of pastoral and practical issues related to the sacrament, sparking a wide-ranging discussion among the participating priests.

The formation was moderated by Fr. Evaristo Chuya, who also serves as president of the local association of priests. The program was designed to provide priests with essential tools and knowledge to navigate the demands of their ministry in order to better serve their communities where they do apostolate.