Time Management for the Priest

Pope Shenouda III speaks about how a priest should organize his time both spiritually and practically, offering a balanced and disciplined approach between pastoral service and family responsibilities:

• Morning schedule:
  The priest often has free time in the morning (except for liturgies or visits). This time should be used wisely.

• Morning routine:

  • Begin with personal prayers and family prayers (not only the liturgical ones).

  • Then read the Bible and divide reading into two types:

    • Spiritual reading for personal reflection and inner growth.

    • Study reading for sermon preparation and gathering knowledge.

• Use of morning hours:
  For preparing sermons, visiting the sick, consoling bereaved families, and caring for personal or family matters (like visiting his mother).

• Liturgical services inside the church have fixed times.
  Other sacraments (like the Anointing of the Sick or Blessing of New Homes) happen outside the church, often early in the day.

• Blessing of new homes:
  The Pope clarifies proper practice — the priest should sprinkle holy water on the walls of rooms such as living areas and bedrooms, not on kitchens or bathrooms.
  Sprinkling walls is better than sprinkling the floor so that the consecrated water is not stepped on.

• Emergencies:
  Unexpected cases (like hospital visits) may replace other planned duties temporarily, but emergencies should not become the norm.

• Serving others before oneself:
  The priest should prefer serving the people over his own comfort, yet he must also give time to his family.

  • Neglecting one’s family causes tension and even prevents some from accepting priesthood.

  • Balance is essential: too much family focus weakens service; too little causes harm at home.

  • The wife should share in service where appropriate, but not in matters of private confessions or secrets.

• Confidentiality:
  The priest must ensure his wife does not hear or spread private matters of families, as that could cause misunderstanding and harm his reputation.

• Using resources wisely:
  If the priest receives a car or tools (like a computer), they are for pastoral service, not for personal luxury.
  The church may cover expenses related to service use (like fuel for visitation).

• With experience, the priest learns to set priorities, organize his time, and recognize what tasks truly need attention.
  When the priest uses time faithfully, God blesses his time and multiplies his fruitfulness.

Practical Key Points

• Structure the morning: Prayer → Spiritual Reading → Sermon Study → Visits.

• Dedicate time for hospital visits, funerals, and family needs in a planned way.

• During house blessings, sprinkle holy water on walls (not floors or bathrooms).

• Use church resources for service, not comfort.

• Learn to distinguish urgent needs from routine duties.

• Carry your flock in your daily prayers by name.

• Keep balance — serve others, but don’t lose your family.