The Whetstone 25-26
Offerings
CONTINUING FORMATION OF THE CLERGY
2025-2026
ANNUAL RETREAT FOR PRIESTS (1 or 5 CFUs)
As part of his responsibility for spiritual formation, each priest is required to make an annual retreat of up to five days. To assist him, the Archdiocese of Seattle offers an annual retreat for priests. The cost of the retreat is to be covered by the priest’s source of salary. In the case of priests with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy. Join for the entire week, or just Wednesday.
Date: January 12–16, 2026
Speaker: TBD
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
PRIEST DAYS (5 CFUs)
All priests of the Archdiocese are invited to and expected to attend Priest Days, for refreshment, fraternity and formation. The cost of Priest Days is to be covered by the priest’s source of salary. In the case of priests with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy.
Date: June 21–24, 2026
Speaker: TBD
WELLNESS CHECK AT PRIEST DAYS (1 CFU)
Caring for one’s health is an integral part of ongoing human formation. Clinicians from Quest Diagnostics, in partnership with the Benefits Services Office and the Office of the Vicar for Clergy will perform the blood draw and assessment during several windows of time during Priest Days. Those who also participate in the free hearing screen should claim 1 CFU.
Registration required
2024-2025
REGIONAL BODY & SOUL RETREAT DAY (1 CFU)
Making time for prayer with Fr. Joseph Altenhofen. There is no cost, space is limited.
Registration closed
Date: December 11, 2024, 10:30am-3:00pm
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
ANNUAL RETREAT FOR PRIESTS (1 or 5 CFUs)
As part of his responsibility for spiritual formation, each priest is required to make an annual retreat of up to five days. To assist him, the Archdiocese of Seattle offers an annual retreat for priests. The cost of the retreat is to be covered by the priest’s source of salary. In the case of priests with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy. Join for the entire week, or just Wednesday.
Registration closed
Date: January 13–17, 2025
Speaker: Fr. Stephen Rowan
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
REGIONAL BODY & SOUL RETREAT DAY (1 CFU)
1-day retreat for priests and deacons with Fr. Joseph Altenhofen on Carrying the Cross. There is no cost, space is limited.
Registration closed
Date: February 25, 2025
Location: St. Philomena, Des Moines
REGIONAL BODY & SOUL RETREAT DAY (1 CFU)
Overcoming distractions with Fr. Joseph Altenhofen. There is no cost, space is limited.
Registration closed
Date: April 30, 2025, 10:30am-3:00pm
Location: St. Charles, Burlington
REGIONAL BODY & SOUL RETREAT DAY (1 CFU)
Making time for prayer with Fr. Joseph Altenhofen. There is no cost, space is limited.
Registration is closed
Date: October 30, 2024, 10:30am-3:00pm
Location: Sacred Heart, Lacey
PRIEST DAYS (5 CFUs)
All priests of the Archdiocese are invited to and expected to attend Priest Days, for refreshment, fraternity and formation. The cost of Priest Days is to be covered by the priest’s source of salary. In the case of priests with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy.
Registration closed
Date: June 22–25, 2025
Speaker: Rhonda Gruenewald
WELLNESS CHECK AT PRIEST DAYS (1 CFU)
Caring for one’s health is an integral part of ongoing human formation. Clinicians from Quest Diagnostics, in partnership with the Benefits Services Office and the Office of the Vicar for Clergy will perform the blood draw and assessment during several windows of time during Priest Days. Those who also participate in the free hearing screen should claim 1 CFU.
Registration closed
2025-2026
DEACON CONVOCATION (5 CFUs)
Each deacon and deacon spouse is expected to attend the annual convocation. The cost of the convocation, for both deacon and spouse, is to be covered by the deacon’s source of salary. In the case of deacons with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy.
Date: October 3–5, 2025
Speaker: Bishop Shawn McKnight, a leading authority on the ministry of the deacon and author of Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological and Sociological Foundations.
Location: Ocean Shores Convention Center
ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT FOR DEACONS (2 CFUs)
Each deacon and deacon spouse is expected to make the annual retreat for deacons. The cost of the retreat, for both deacon and his spouse, is to be covered by the deacon’s source of salary. In the case of deacons with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy.
Date: March 6–8, 2026
Speaker: TBD
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
2024-2025
SOUTH SOUND DEANERY REGIONAL GATHERING (1 CFU)
These regional gatherings for deacons and their wives are an opportunity with the bishops to experience fellowship and reflection over a shared meal.
Registration closed
Date: November 21, 2024
Location: St. Michael, Westside Chapel, Olympia
EASTSIDE DEANERY REGIONAL GATHERING (1 CFU)
These regional gatherings for deacons and their wives are an opportunity with the bishops to experience fellowship and reflection over a shared meal.
Registration closed
Date: January 23, 2025
Location: St. Louise, Bellevue
REGIONAL BODY & SOUL RETREAT DAY (1 CFU)
1-day retreat for priests and deacons on Carrying the Cross, with Fr. Joseph Altenhofen. There is no cost, space is limited.
Registration closed
Date: February 25, 2025
Location: St. Philomena, Des Moines
ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT FOR DEACONS (2 CFUs)
Each deacon and deacon spouse is expected to make the annual retreat for deacons. The cost of the retreat, for both deacon and his spouse, is to be covered by the deacon’s source of salary. In the case of deacons with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy.
Registration closed
Date: March 14–16, 2025
Speaker: Fr. Stephen Rowan
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
REGIONAL BODY & SOUL RETREAT DAY (2 CFUs)
Participants of this 2-day retreat with Reform Wellness will encounter the Divine Physician through scripture and the sacraments, shift from self-reliance to reliance on Christ, assess the current state of their body and soul, and attend workshops on healing and whole-person well-being. There is no cost, space is limited.
Registration closed
Date: August 21, 2024
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
DEACON CONVOCATION (5 CFUs)
Each deacon and deacon spouse is expected to attend the annual convocation. The cost of the convocation, for both deacon and spouse, is to be covered by the deacon’s source of salary. In the case of deacons with senior status, costs are covered by the Archbishop according to the annual notification, through the Office of the Vicar for Clergy.
Registration closed
Date: October 4–6, 2024
Speaker: Ned Dolejsi and Fr. Bryan Dolejsi
Location: Ocean Shores Convention Center
Thanks so much for our deacons and wives who joined us at Deacon Convocation 2024! It was a great weekend. Our next Deacon Convocation will be October 3-5, 2025 with Bishop Shawn McKnight, a leading authority on the ministry of the deacon and author of Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological and Sociological Foundations.
2025-2026
NEWLY ARRIVED INTERNATIONAL PRIEST RETREAT (2 CFUs)
International priest new to the Archdiocese of Seattle in the last two years are encouraged to attend this overnight retreat held at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center. This retreat is the first of three training sessions that are developed specifically for the international priests in their first year after arriving.
Dates: September 17-18, 2025
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
NEWLY ARRIVED INTERNATIONAL PRIESTS (2 CFUs)
During the first year upon arrival, newly arrived international priests are expected to attend several sessions of formation, fraternity, enculturation, training, and orientation to the policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Dates: November 11-13, 2025; December 10, 2025, February 12, 2026, April 16, 2026
Location: Virtual via Teams
NEWLY ORDAINED 1st YEAR MENTORING (5 CFUs)
The primary emphasis for continuing formation of the newly ordained is the strengthening of priestly life through mentoring. In addition to the mentoring of their supervising priest at the place of assignment, these mentoring sessions are led by an experienced pastor, and offer the priest in his first year since ordination a monthly opportunity to come together with their brother priests in their class, reflect on the life of a priest, and better understand the practical realities of priestly life and parish ministry.
Dates: TBD
Location: Chancery, Teams
NEWLY ORDAINED 2nd YEAR MENTORING (2 CFUs)
The primary emphasis for continuing formation of the newly ordained is the strengthening of priestly life through mentoring. In addition to the mentoring of their supervising priest at the place of assignment, these mentoring sessions are led by an experienced pastor, and offer the priest in his second year since ordination a bi-monthly opportunity to come together with their brother priests in their class, reflect on the life of a priest, and better understand the practical realities of priestly life and parish ministry.
Dates: October 8, 2025; December 3, 2025; February 4, 2026; April 22, 2026
Location: Chancery, Teams
2024-2025
NEWLY ARRIVED INTERNATIONAL PRIEST RETREAT (2 CFUs)
International priest new to the Archdiocese of Seattle in the last two years are encouraged to attend this overnight retreat held at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center. This retreat is the first of three training sessions that are developed specifically for the international priests in their first year after arriving.
Dates: September 25-26, 2024
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades
NEWLY ARRIVED INTERNATIONAL PRIESTS (2 CFUs)
During the first year upon arrival, newly arrived international priests are expected to attend several sessions of formation, fraternity, enculturation, training, and orientation to the policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Dates: November 13, 2024; February 5, 2025
Location: Virtual via Teams
NEWLY ORDAINED 1st YEAR MENTORING (5 CFUs)
The primary emphasis for continuing formation of the newly ordained is the strengthening of priestly life through mentoring. In addition to the mentoring of their supervising priest at the place of assignment, these mentoring sessions are led by an experienced pastor, and offer the priest in his first year since ordination a monthly opportunity to come together with their brother priests in their class, reflect on the life of a priest, and better understand the practical realities of priestly life and parish ministry.
Dates: September 12, 2024; October 17, 2024; November 14, 2024;
January 9, 2025; February 6, 2025; March 13, 2025; April 10, 2025;
May 15, 2025
Location: Chancery, Teams
NEWLY ORDAINED 2nd YEAR MENTORING (2 CFUs)
The primary emphasis for continuing formation of the newly ordained is the strengthening of priestly life through mentoring. In addition to the mentoring of their supervising priest at the place of assignment, these mentoring sessions are led by an experienced pastor, and offer the priest in his second year since ordination a bi-monthly opportunity to come together with their brother priests in their class, reflect on the life of a priest, and better understand the practical realities of priestly life and parish ministry.
Dates: October 9, 2024; December 5, 2024;
February 20, 2025; May 1, 2025
Location: Chancery, Teams
ONGOING/VARIOUS DATES
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (1–5 CFUs)
Contact Nick Schoen, Office of the Vicar for Clergy,
(206) 382-2060 for dates/times.
OPERATION NIGHTWATCH (1–5 CFUs)
An opportunity for experience of ministry within the local homeless community. All training provided. Contact Deacon Frank DiGirolamo, frank@seattlenightwatch.org
PROJECT RACHEL TRAINING DAY (1–5 CFUs)
Contact Nick Schoen, Office of the Vicar for Clergy,
(206) 382-2060 for dates/times.
R.E.S.T.—REAL ESCAPE FROM SEX TRADE TRAINING DAY (2 CFUs)
An opportunity learn the basics, and to prepare for direct service to those experiencing the sex trade.
All needed info at this link: https://iwantrest.com/rest-training-day
IGNATIAN RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES (1–5 CFUs)
2025 Retreats
3-day Retreat: Thu Jul 10 6pm - Sun Jul 13 3pm
5-day Retreat: Mon Jul 14 4pm – Sat Jul 19 3pm
8-day Retreat: Mon Jul 21 4pm – Tue Jul 29 3pm
REGISTER HERE for the 3/5/8 day retreats
Location: University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center, 1000 E Maple Ave, Mundelein, IL 6006
If you have any questions and concerns regarding the retreat, accommodations, or any other related matters, you may contact us at retreats@amorischristi.org. For anyone who is interested in the 30-day Retreat (July 2nd Wed 4pm arrival - Aug 4 Mon departure) please reach out to Fr. Horn at jhorn@svdp.edu.
ONGOING/VARIOUS DATES
AVILA INSTITUTE (1–5 CFUs)
Under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the mission of the Avila Institute is to draw Christians worldwide into deeper union with Christ through mystagogically oriented spiritual education and formation.
Date: various
Location: various
Calendar: https://avila-institute.org/
CLERGY TRAINING INTENSIVES: INTEGRITY RESTORED (4 CFUs)
In-depth training providing education from both theological and psychological perspectives on effects of pornography. Priests are given a crash course in
theological anthropology, science of addiction, relationships, and the different levels of intervention.
Date: various
Location: various
Calendar: https://integrityrestored.com/
ENCOUNTER MINISTRIES (1–5 CFUs)
Come be inspired for the New Evangelization! Through imparting and activating the spiritual gifts you too can be empowered to evangelize and do the super-
natural works of Jesus in your life.
Date: various
Location: various
Calendar: https://encounterministries.us/
JOHN PAUL II HEALING CENTER—HOLY DESIRE (1–5 CFU)
The mission of the JPII Healing Center is to promote and inspire transformation
in the heart of the Church by equipping and healing God’s people for the New Evangelization. Exploring the deep desires of the masculine heart, this teaching is truly transformational. You’ll come to understand how disordered desires are rooted in underlying holy desires, unmet needs, and tied to our false identities; heal the underlying wounds; and engage productively in the battle of desires,
in order to find true fulfillment.
Date: various
Location: various
Calendar: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/events/
REFORM WELNESS (1–5 CFUs)
Reform is a Christ-centered wellness practice dedicated to helping you reclaim health as the state of your body and soul. We help you build the foundation for a life that is whole and holy – the life of abundance for which you were made. Reform is a Christ-Centered Wellness Apostolate and Functional Health Practice rooted in Christ. We are a team of naturopathic doctors, educators, creatives, and religious, who are dedicated to helping you reclaim health as the state of your body and soul. We abide by all of the teachings of the Catholic Church, without exception.
Date: various on-line and in-person retreats and courses available
Location: various
Calendar: https://www.reformwellness.co/services
AMAZING PARISH CONFERENCE (3 CFUS)
Date: August 3–5, 2025
Location: San Antonio, TX
Contact: https://amazingparish.org/
INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE (4 CFUs)
Date: September 21–24, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: https://catholicstewardship.com/
NCEA—ANSWERING THE CALL, LEADING THE WAY (3 CFUs)
Dates: April 7–9, 2026
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Contact: https://www.ncea.org/
ST. PAUL CENTER WEST COAST PRIEST CONFERENCE (4 CFUs)
Date: various options
Location: varies
Contact: https://stpaulcenter.com/
LOS ANGELES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS (4 CFUs)
Dates: February 19–22, 2026
Location: Anaheim Convention Center
Contact: https://recongress.org/
NATIONAL DIACONATE INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION (4 CFUS)
Date: July 20-23, 2025
Location: Holy Trinity Parish, Fairview Heights, Illinois
Contact: https://www.ndiceonline.org/conference.html
PRIEST DINNER AND CHRISM MASS
Date: March 26, 2026
Location: Dinner in Isaac Orr; Mass at St. James Seattle
Time: Dinner at 5pm and Mass at 7pm
ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD
Date: June 6, 2026
Location: St. James Cathedral
Time: 10:00 AM
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUING FORMATION
Priests and deacons under the age of 65 and in an assignment from the Archdiocese of Seattle are expected to complete at least 45 Continuing Formation Units in the course of three years; priests and deacons over 65 are expected to complete 30 Continuing Formation Units in the course of three years. Priests and deacons who have achieved senior status are exempt from the expectation but are encouraged to continue their continuing formation as a significant means of personal development. A year is calculated from July 1st to the following June 30th in accordance with assignment dates.
CONTINUING FORMATION UNITS
Events or programs are assigned a certain number of continuing formation units (CFUs). Courses taken for audit or for academic credit receive 5 CFUs with a maximum of 15 CFUs per year. Special seminars for clergy whether coordinated by the Archdiocese or self-directed receive 1 CFU for each hour that the seminar meets for a maximum of 5 CFUs. Half-day workshops receive 2 CFUs; full-day workshops, conventions/conferences receive a maximum of 5 CFUs. Self-directed studies that result in sabbatical projects of use to the parish receive 5 CFUs. The following projects/programs fulfill the continuing formation requirement for the year (15 CFUs); 1) a language immersion program (5 CFUs), New Priest Program (5 CFUs) and a field study (5 CFUs).
CRITERIA FOR CONTINUING FORMATION
To qualify as continuing formation, a program or event should be accounted for publicly and develop the priest’s or deacon’s formation in one or more of the four pillars; human, intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual.
Participation in events which are part of one’s pastoral duties—including prayer services and retreats with parish staff—do not qualify as continuing formation. Rather, in the spirit of the Gospel, events and programs should be in a “place apart” where there is refreshment, prayerful discernment, and reflection outside of the pressing context of ministry.
Study/research that result in a substantial project of use to a parish, such as a catechism or new design for a youth program or curriculum for RCIA are strongly encouraged and should be claimed as continuing formation.
CONTINUING FORMATION FUNDS
All priests and deacons are entitled to a stipend for continuing formation, provided by the place of assignment, if they are assigned by the Archdiocese of Seattle to work on July 1st of a given year. Priests are entitled to $1,000, deacons to $700.
Funds may be used to purchase books or periodicals, to attend classes or professional conferences, or workshops, which relate to ministerial responsibilities, or to travel abroad.
Continuing formation Funds should not be used to pay for the Annual Retreat for Priests, the Annual Retreat for Deacons, or for expenses associated with Priest Days, or the Deacon Convocation which are already paid for by the source of salary(priests)/place of assignment(deacons) or for workshops and seminars in which parish staff are expected to participate.
Finally, Continuing formation Funds are not to be used for personal vacations or to purchase hardware for computers, laptops or devices. However, funds may be used to purchase software programs that support ministry.
UNUSED BALANCE
Unused funds may be claimed at any time for purposes relating to continuing formation, such as travel to conferences and sabbatical experiences, by contacting the Office of the Vicar for Clergy. Funds are not transferable and are lost when a priest/deacon leaves the Archdiocese.
PRIESTS
When the fiscal year ends (June 30) any unused portion of the priest’s Continuing Formation Funds will be remitted by the source of salary to the Office of the Vicar for Clergy to be deposited into a separate bank account. The maximum amount that may be accumulated is $5,000 for each priest. A statement of the account balance will be provided to each priest by the Office of the Vicar for Clergy upon request.
DEACONS
When the fiscal year ends (June 30), any unused portion of the deacon’s Continuing Formation Funds will be remitted to the Office of the Vicar for Clergy to be deposited into a separate bank account. The maximum amount that may be accumulated is $3,500 for each deacon. A statement of the account balance will be provided to each deacon by the Office of the Vicar for Clergy upon request.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND APPEALS
At his discretion, the Archbishop may grant a priest or deacon extended time for study and renewal which shall not be considered either an administrative leave or a sabbatical. The Archbishop will ask the Vicar for Clergy to assign an appropriate number of CFUs for the program he has authorized. The Advisory Board advises the Vicar for Clergy concerning all appeals to the policies of continuing formation.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPEAKERS/PROGRAMS
Clergy are invited to suggest speakers or programs at any time to the Office of the Vicar for Clergy. A request for suggestions is also included in the priest’s or deacon’s annual report.
ADVISORY BOARD
The Continuing Formation Board is composed of priests, deacons, deacon spouses, lay people with expertise in theology, and Office of the Vicar for Clergy staff.
You may find this chart helpful when drawing up your Personal Report. It synopses the policies and guidelines for claiming Continuing Formation Units (CFUs). For events not mentioned in The Whetstone, please apply the units you believe are equivalent to those covered by policy.
EVENTS CFUs
| Event | CFUs |
|---|---|
| Academic Courses (for audit or credit) | 5/class up to 15 total |
| Academic Courses (online) | 5/class up to 15 total |
| Conferences (regional, national) | 5 |
| Deacon Convocation | 5 |
| Deacon Retreat | 2 |
| Field Study | 5 |
| Language Programs (immersion for at least two months) | 15 |
| Lecture | 1 |
| Missal Romano | 2 |
| Newly Arrived International Priest | 5/session up to 15 total |
| New Priest Program | 15 |
| Personal Retreat | 1/day up to 3 total |
| Pilgrimage/Retreat in Central America | 5 |
| Preaching the Lectionary | 2 |
| Priest Days | 5 |
| Priest Retreat | 3 |
| Reading | 2 per book/tape up to 6 total |
| Retreat Pilgrimage | 5 |
| Sabbatical | 15 |
| Self Directed Study (with product) | 5 |
| Sustaining Pastoral Excellence-School of Theology/Ministry | 15 |
| Wellness Check- Priest Days | 1 |
| Workshop—half day | 2 |
| Workshop—full day | 4 |
| Any of the above with your Jesus Caritas Group | 1 |
PRIEST VACATION POLICY
Pastors, parochial vicars and other priests with full-time archdiocesan assignments may take up to thirty days of vacation per year. This may be continuous however it may not include more than four weekends. The priest is responsible for ensuring that coverage is provided in his parish/place of assignment. Communion services are not replacements of regularly scheduled Sunday or Saturday vigil Mass. Contact the Office of the Vicar for Clergy if assistance is needed.
In order to strengthen priests for ministry, when practical, the Archdiocese offers priests meeting a series of requirements a sabbatical: the opportunity to take an extended period of time away from his normal assignment to increase theological understanding, improve pastoral skills and grow spiritually. This special opportunity for grace is not automatic, but is contingent upon the needs of parishes and the archdiocese.
Priests interested in a sabbatical are encouraged to consult the requirements under the Many Gifts One Spirit for Priestly Ministry Sabbaticals PM 92 available at this link.
For application information or questions, please contact Kathleen Koeneman, Director of Formation at kathleen.koeneman@seattlearch.org or (206) 382-4276.
You can now submit your CFUs throughout the year as you complete them! Simply click the button, tell us what you did, and hit submit.