Bridging Cultures - The Challenges of International Clergy

The United States grows increasingly diverse and many parishes welcome foreign-born clergy. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of global experience and spiritual insight with their deep commitment to the Catholic faith.

I have been fortunate to work with the international clergy in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, WV for close to twenty years. Their integration into local communities has its challenges. Some lack the confidence to engage in casual conversation or deliver their homilies. Parishioners often report missing key messages during homilies due to language differences, unfamiliar vocabulary and idioms, or strong accents. These communication hurdles can disrupt understanding and rapport. They also highlight the need for cultural awareness, patience, and support.

The priests I’ve worked with embrace learning about the American culture and its customs, understanding idioms and slang, improving their vocabulary, and focusing on clear pronunciation and stress patterns to communicate effectively and diminish any challenges during conversation and delivering their messages.

International clergy enrich our spiritual landscape in powerful ways. We should commit to bridging the gaps so that every message, no matter the accent, can be fully heard and appreciated.

Reach out to me at LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com to learn more about the resources and services available to international clergy.