The Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministries has a particular responsibility for the ongoing support and development of the role of the Pastoral Associate.
To all Pastors, Parochial Vicars, Parish Staffs and Parishioners:
Very Reverend Thomas S. Foley, Secretary for Parish Life and Leadership, recently invited Reverend David Couturier, OFM, Cap., the director of the Pastoral Planning Office, to develop a proposal for a commission to study Parish Staffing. The proposal can be viewed by clicking on the text below, "Developing a Pastoral Plan for Parish Staffing." The Parish Staffing Commission intends to focus on the composition of parish staffs, along with the roles, responsibilities and resources envisioned for effective parish ministry--with a view to pastoral planning. An important task will be to identify the support and guidance parish staffs need from the central ministries of the Archdiocese, including the Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministries. The fruit of this work will assist in further defining the mission of the Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministries in an era of pastoral planning. Members of the commission will be identified and its work is expected to take approximately six months beginning in September.
I am honored to serve Christ with you and for you,
Fr. Rich
Very Reverend Richard M. Erikson, Ph.D., V.G.
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
This document contains information pertaining to guidelines for Pastoral Associates.
This document pertains to the Certification of Pastoral Associates and Policies and Procedures.
Please view the document which has been created to set up an Archdiocesan commission to study parish staffing issues and needs by clicking the link above.
All inquiries regarding the commission should be directed to Fr. David Couturier, OFM, Cap. whose contact information can be found with the Office for Pastoral Planning.