Lay Ecclesial Ministry
The day-to-day life of the parish, both programming and pastoral care often relies on the lay ecclesial ministers who serve as parish staff. Their training, competence, and vocational call are making a difference on the life of the parish, according to the findings of the Emerging Models Project. Called the "fourth great ministerial wave" in the history of the church by Dr. Edward Hahnenberg, lay ecclesial ministry is one of the least studied, but most significant areas of church ministry.
Results for this initiative can be found in the findings of the Leadership Symposiums. Further study will be part of Phase II of the Project.
Related Reports & Articles
"Co-Responsibility" Studied By Emerging Models Project
July 4, 2009
The co-responsibility of the entire parish, called "total ministering parishes" by the Project, called for by Pope Benedict XVI, and reitered by Bishop Gerald Kikanas at a gathering of the Leadership Roundtable, was studied by the Emerging Models Project.
Short Summary of Major Findings of Phase I
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
April 25, 2009
After five years of study and conversation with lay and ordained pastoral leaders across the country, the extensive findings, an in-depth study, can be summarized as representing a paradigmatic shift in how parish life is structured and served.
Emerging Models Challenge Ministry Formation Programs
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
November 30, 2008
Study shows ministry formation programs have solid grasp of the education needed, but are concerned for the future of their students and the challenges facing their programs.
Book Review: Shaping Catholic Parishes
September 11, 2008
In reviewing the first book in the Emerging Models Series, David Gibson says 'the book's riches can only be hinted at.' Gibson looks at diversity, collaboratin, and young adults as he reviews Shaping Catholic Parishes.
Book Review: Shaping Catholic Parishes
September 10, 2008
In a review of "Shaping Catholic Parishes" for Church Magazine, Bill Pickett names the value of this first book -- the first in the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Series -- for those dealing with change in parish leadership.
Workers in the Vineyard
by
Most Rev. Blase Cupich
July 16, 2008
In this important addition to the study of lay ecclesial ministry, Bishop Blase Cupich has reflected on his own experience and the extensive findings of the Project in developing this article on the theology of lay ministry.
Shaping Catholic Parishes
by
Carole Ganim, Ph.D., Editor
June 2, 2008
First in the Emerging Models of Catholic Leadership Series, "Shaping Catholic Parishes" published by Loyola Press is a "must read'" and can be purchased now from any of the Project Partners or from Loyola Press.
The Holy Spirit's Call : The Vocation of Lay Ecclesial Ministry
by
Edward P. Hahnenberg, Ph.D.
September 17, 2007
"The emergence of lay ecclesial ministry over the past forty years stands out as one of the top three or four most important ministerial shifts of the past two-thousand years. It is on a historical par with—and in fact may even eclipse—the changes to the church brought about by the rise of communal forms of monasticism in the 5th century, the birth of mendicant orders in the 13th century, or the explosion of women’s religious communities in the 19th century."
Related News
American Catholic demographics and the future of ministry
April 30, 2010
NCR Vatican correspondent John Allen's thoughts on trends in ministry, trends in the growth and makeup of the American Catholic community, and possible future outcomes for ministry. An article that derives from Allen's recent talk to the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators (NACPA), an Emerging Models collaborator.
Benedict XVI Call for Recognition of Co-Responsibility of Laity
May 26, 2009
Benedict XVI, in addressing diocesan delegates at a conference in Rome, called for recognition that the laity are not just collaborators of the clergy but truly share "responsibility for the mission and existence of the church."
Symposium on Lay Ecclesial Ministry
September 18, 2007
Over 200 Catholic leaders gathered at St. John's School of Theology in Collegeville this summer. Representing U.S. bishops, national organizations, diocesan offices, Catholic colleges and universities, Hispanic, African American and Asian Pacific ministry leaders, pastors, and lay ecclesial ministers the gathering focused on compelling questions affecting the advancement of lay ecclesial ministry formation, authorization, pathways into ministry, and workplace issues.
