Pastoral Planners Working with Emerging Leadership Roles
by Barbara Sutton, D.Min.September 28, 2007
Since 2002, the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development (CPPCD) is one of six partnering organizations committed to the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership. Faithful to our mission as an organization to "promote and advocate for consultative processes that foster effective planning for the pastoral life of the Church" CPPCD participated in the study on Multiple Parish Pastoring (MPP)Project, chaired by Mark Mogilka, Diocese of Green Bay and the study on Inter-Parochial Pastoral Councils, led by Bob Miller, Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
In the first study (MPP), it was noted by the researchers that across the country there is little training being done by diocese to prepare or support parish leaders in this emerging model of ministry. In response, a workshop was developed and piloted in two diocese-Rochester and Belleville. There was a positive response to this support and training. However, there remains a need for this workshop in many dioceses.
In the Inter-Parochial Pastoral Councils research the new phenomenon of "cluster councils" were studied. Three types of councils were identified in this study: parallel councils, additional councils, and replacement councils. Councils of this type are being employed by 13% of the Roman rite parishes in the U.S. Councils are being employed in a variety of creative ways but that pastors frequently need to adapt policy and procedures designed for individual parish pastoral councils to create the methods that they use in their multi-parish councils.
Each study raised questions and calls for more dialogue and study as the new models of pastoral leadership emerge. This is important research for those in diocesan and parish planning as we plan for a future that remains faithful to the mission of the Gospel.
Simultaneously, the other partners have been researching pastoral issues such as human resources, parish life coordinators, pastoral excellence, parish vitality and leadership for the next generation. All of this research and its implications will inform our work and ministry in the years to come.
This summit holds many images for me: the possibility of diverse voices around the table, a wealth of learning from research, reflective practice, resources for developing mission-centered ministries and parishes, a celebration, and gaining courage and wisdom for the future! No doubt, the research and work of the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership will be dressed in great stories of the Church gathered across the country.
Looking forward to seeing you in Orlando!
