Assessment of Pastoral Ministry Expectations and Experiences among Catholic Priests of Kano Diocese, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed pastoral ministry expectations and experiences among priests of the Catholic Diocese of Kano, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the level of pastoral ministry expectations and experiences among catholic priests in Kano Diocese, Nigeria. The study was grounded on Luigi Ruller’s Psycho-Social Dynamics of Christian Vocation Theory. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The Pastoral Ministry Expectations-Experience Scale instrument was adapted and utilized for data collection. A total sample of 53 priests were sampled in the study using the census sampling technique. These samples provided the data used in the study via questionnaires administered through Google Forms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 27. The findings showed that most priests experience a high level of alignment between their initial expectations and their actual ministerial experiences. The study recommended that: regular workshops and retreats focusing on mental health, stress management and spiritual growth of priests; improved welfare of priests through basic material provisions, administrative guidelines and effective conflict resolution; seminaries and formation houses should ensure holistic approaches to formation, especially guiding seminarians to achieve self awareness; and priests should be encouraged to utilize opportunities for self-development and growth beyond formal formation programs. The study therefore suggested further research with different designs and among priests of different cultures in order to offer more insights into the dynamics of pastoral ministry expectations and experiences.