Pastoral Ministry

 

Pastoral Ministry in the Diocese of Manchester

What's Happening

Sr. Priscilla Lemire, RJM has been invited to serve on the National Board for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate

 Sr. Priscilla Lemire, RJM, Pastoral Associate at Transfiguration Parish has been invited to serve on the National Board for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. The North American Forum (NAF) is an international network of pastoral ministers, liturgists, catechists, and theologians united to share the vision and practice of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Its mission is the full implementation in all parishes of the RCIA and its implications for reconciliation. This is indeed a great honor and opportunity for Sr. Priscilla and we extend our congratulations.

A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry was developed by the Committee on the Laity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of bishops at its November 2005 General Meeting.

Excerpt from the Introduction:

For several decades and in growing numbers, lay men and women have been undertaking a wide variety of roles in Church ministries. Many of these roles presume a significant degree of preparation, formation, and professional competence.

They require authorization of the hierarchy in order for the person to serve publicly in the local church. They entrust to laity responsibilities for leadership in particular areas of ministry and thereby draw certain persons into a close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests and deacons.

These men and women of every race and culture who serve in parishes, schools, diocesan agencies, and Church institutions are identified by many different position titles. In Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord we identify them in a generic way as “lay ecclesial ministers.”… Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord expresses our strong desire for the fruitful collaboration of ordained and lay ministers continue in the Church the saving mission of Christ for the world, his vineyard.
 

 

About Pastoral Ministry Office
 

The Pastoral Ministry Office offers support and enrichment opportunities for those engaged in pastoral ministry, as well as serving as a clearinghouse for pastors seeking to engage pastoral associates. Please contact the office if you need further information.

The director, in conjunction with the Pastoral Associates Core Group, provides programs and support services for pastoral associates and pastoral ministers. A diocesan certification process is in place, which the Pastoral Associates Certification Committee and the director oversee. The director also serves as liaison to regional and national groups of pastoral associates/ministers, e.g. the National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM) . This organization engages in ongoing dialogue and consultation with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on Lay Ministry.

Pastoral Associates

The role of Pastoral Associate is expected to expand as the diocesan long-range planning committee continues its work and makes recommendations. New developments and descriptions are anticipated as we address the challenges before us in staffing and other emerging pastoral needs.

Pastoral Associates are full-time, salaried members of the parish staff who share responsibility for the daily care of the faithful under the leadership of the pastor. Those who, by formation and education, are qualified for this role could be male or female, single, married or a religious. They bring to the parish their competence and compassion which finds expression in a wide range of services both pastoral and professional.

Pastoral associates are called to be:

  • persons of strong faith
  • witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ
  • blessed with a deep love of the Catholic Church
  • knowledgeable in its teachings
  • committed to its mission

By their lives, their active participation in parish life and worship, their attitudes and their ministry, they can enrich the parish community. They themselves are enriched through the gifts of those with whom they work or to whom they minister.

Pastoral Associates
Downloadable Documents

Contact Us

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Whalen , SNDdeN, Director
(603) 669-3100, Ext. 171

Jo-Ann Ellison , Executive Secretary
(603) 669-3100, Ext. 147