By Charissa M. Carroll
Head Staff Writer

Clergy devote so much of their lives to serving others that they don’t always take the time out to minister to their own spiritual and emotional needs. Father Edward W. Edwards is hoping to change that.

As the newly-appointed director of the diocesan Office of Ministry to Priests and Deacons and Their Families, Father Edwards said he will continue to provide services for clergy that will enhance their personal well-being and psychological health, and, ideally, prevent minor concerns from escalating into deeper problems.

"This office is important because the emotional and psychological needs of priests and deacons often go unaddressed until there is a serious issue," he said. "At that point we’re only reacting, and not acting. Having this outlet may prevent difficult situations and help to increase morale, which has been affected by the issues presently faced by the Church."

To accomplish these aims, Father Edwards will be available for short-term counseling and spiritual direction, and will give referrals to reputable therapists and psychologists in the case of ongoing problems. In addition, the office will sponsor Days of Recollection and other social and spiritual programs that will allow priests and deacons to be a greater means of support to each other.

Over time, he hopes to expand the range of services offered by the office, which was previously served by Father Charles W. Cicerale, now temporary administrator in St. James Parish, Woodbridge.

Father Edwards, who will continue to serve as chaplain in Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung, is a licensed clinical social worker. He earned a master’s degree in social work from Yeshiva University, where he is working toward completing a doctorate degree. In addition, he has a private practice in Bridgewater, where he provides individual and family counseling and coaching.

Born Nov. 17, 1954 in Chicago, Father Edwards is the son of the late William and Joan Edwards. He received a bachelor’s degree in American studies with a minor in philosophy from St. Louis University in 1976, and a master of divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, in 1981.

On Nov. 26, 1983, he was ordained in Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, Chicago, by Bishop Andre M. Cimichella, an auxiliary bishop of Montreal. Father Edwards served in parishes in Chicago and Rochester, Minn. until 1991 when he arrived in the diocese.

He was assigned to St. Joseph Parish, Carteret, until 1995, when he became chaplain. Father Edwards assists in St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield; St. John Parish, Dunellen, and, on occasion, in St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung.

Father Edwards feels the combination of his 20 years as a priest along with his extensive knowledge of social work and counseling will serve him well in his new role.

"I think my background has helped me to understand a variety of human experiences," he explained. "And, of course, I know the demands on time and pressures of being a priest on a personal level . . . I think my biggest challenge will be to convince the priests and deacons that this [office] is really important for their health and well-being.

"It’s not about fixing people. It’s about allowing people to be the very best they can and helping them to achieve it."