Lay Ecclesial Ministry in the Parish: A New Stage of Development

Abstract

In a recent letter accompanying a pastoral statement, the archbishop of Los Angeles wrote, “At this time we are being called to discern new modes of parish leadership and a more participatory exercise of ministry in which lay, religious and ordained together seek to build up the Body of Christ through the charism of leadership.” This charism is to be exercised, in particular, by parish life directors who “are responsible for the welfare of the parish in the absence of a resident priest pastor.” At the conclusion of the letter, the archbishop states: “I pledge my commitment and my support for the training and formation of our parish life directors as well as for the successful implementation of this form of leadership so that the pastoral needs of the people of this archdiocese can be met by competent ministers of Christ and the church” (Mahony 2005, 299). Such a statement is but one indication of the growing acceptance and recognition of the charism of leadership exercised by lay ecclesial ministers in parishes across the United States.