Does the work role of Catholic clergy in Ireland contribute to the disenfranchisement of their grief?

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.