Pastoral Work Research Articles

In His image: ‘good’ migrants and the Catholic Church in Southern Italy

ABSTRACT In this article, I examine the fluctuations of the moral connotations attributed to migrants’ subjectivity in the Sicilian city of Messina (Southern Italy), where the Catholic Church represents an active and powerful institution grappling with Catholic-faith migrant groups – particularly Sri Lankans, who constitute a significant non-EU foreign group in the region. If Sri Lankans living in Messina (the majority of whom are Catholic and Sinhalese) come to be morally crafted as ‘good’ migrants in local perceptions, this status is anything but permanent. Drawing on the results of ethnographic research, I will argue that Sinhalese are perceived as good migrants not only for their reassuring religious belonging but also because of the local diocese’s pastoral work towards their ecclesial integration, which is attained through rough paths and at the cost of internal fragmentation within the Catholic family. It is within this troublesome interaction between the Church and Sinhala Catholics that the latter become ‘good’ migrant subjects. However, outside of the diocese’s protective umbrella, the moral qualities usually ascribed to Sinhalese can be used against them, their presence being associated with social disorder, moral panic, and urban degradation.

Influence of Financial Management Accountability and The Spirituality of Pastoral Services In the Parishes of The Tomohon Victory Towards The Achievement of Pastoral Work

The Manado Diocese Catholic Church implements a Church financial management system within the framework of transparent, objective and responsible financial management. In this context, it is necessary to involve lay pastoral staff who are considered capable and competent and have a high spirituality of service in order to realize the pastoral works of the Manado Diocese Church. This research aims to examine the phenomenon of the influence of accountability in parish financial management and the spirituality of pastoral servants in the context of achieving pastoral work. This research was conducted in all churches or parishes in the Kevikepan Tomohon area by taking 95 samples from 133 populations. The research method used is a quantitative research method with a survey approach. Through this method, researchers want to test hypotheses and at the same time explain the relationship between variables. The data analysis process uses the application of correlation statistics and multiple regression test to analyze the influence between variables and measure the level of relationship between each variable studied. The research results show that: First, there is a significant and linear influence between Financial Management Accountability and Pastoral Work Achievement, meaning that if Financial Management Accountability is implemented well and appropriately it will increase Pastoral Work Achievement in the Tomohon Kevikepan Parishes. Second, there is a relationship between the Spirituality of Pastoral Servants and the Achievement of Pastoral Work. This means that if the Spirituality of Pastoral Servants is interpreted well and effectively, then this will have the effect of increasing the Achievement of Pastoral Work in Tomohon Kevikepan Parishes. Third, the results of hypothesis testing and multiple correlation and multiple regression analysis prove that there is an influence between Financial Management Accountability and Pastoral Servant Spirituality together on Pastoral Work Achievement. Furthermore, it can be concluded that an accountable financial management model supported by the spirituality of pastoral servants can increase the achievement of pastoral work in parishes.

Divorce and Re-Marriage From The Point of View of Canonic Law of The Catholic Church and Its Contribution to Pastoral Work in The Parish of St. Markus Melak - The Archdiocese of Samarinda

The focus of this study is "Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage from the Point of View of the Canonical Law of the Catholic Church and Its Contribution to Pastoral Work in the Parish of St. Mark Melak Archdiocese of Samarinda”. Because marriage is a very important matter, the Church, state, and traditional institutions regulate it respectively. The Catholic Church regulates it in the Code of Canon Law, specifically Canons 1055-1165. Catholic marriage is always reviewed from natural, ecclesiastical, and civil law. Natural Law applies to everyone without exception, including those from other religions or other cultures. This study aims to explain the basic reasons why the Catholic Church does not confirm marriages from other churches which are still bound by previous marriages with Catholics who do not experience legal obstacles. The method used is phenomenology and literature. This study found that natural law is the basic reason for those who are still previously married not getting married. Second, the marriage of the baptized is considered as a sacrament by canon law.

Proweniencje kapituł – katedralnej płockiej i kolegiackiej w Pułtusku – zaginionego zespołu inkunabułów Biblioteki Seminaryjnej w Płocku

The cathedral chapter in Płock and the collegiate chapter in Pułtusk, were among the most important institutions of religious and intellectual life of the Płock diocese. Their role in the development of religious and intellectual life in the Middle Ages is evidencedby the preserved incunabula, kept until the Second World War in the Seminary Libraryin Płock. In total, by 1939, fourty-four incunabula had the provenance of the cathedral chapter, while other – of the collegiate chapter. They found their way into the chapter collection thanks to donations or legacies. The most frequent donors were bishops or canons of both chapters. The analysis of the books’ content allows us to conclude that the possessed incunabula, donated to the chapters, reflected the mindset of their owners, their intellectual interests and often helped them in their pastoral work.

Trauma Healing through Psalms 136–139: a Trauma-Informed Canon-Critical Framework

Abstract This article draws together insights from trauma theory and the conversation in Psalms scholarship known as “Psalmenexegese und Psalterexegese” or as the question of “shape and shaping” to propose a reading of Pss 136–139 as a pathway to trauma healing. This sequence of psalms moves participants toward healing by preparing them for the work of trauma healing through a mantra-like focus (Ps 136), unleashing the full range of human stress-responses to trauma (Ps 137), directly answering each of these stress-responses (Ps 138), and then—in a dramatic resolution—characterizing God as intimately concerned with human biology and life while continuing to acknowledge ongoing experiences of pain and injustice (Ps 139). The article illustrates the proposed framework for trauma healing with examples from pastoral work with asylum-seekers.

Postsecular, Christian, or Humanistic Spirituality in Social Work within Secular Europe.

The spirituality discourse within social work has been developing for several decades, albeit more in the USA than in the states of the EU. Europe or the countries of the EU were characterised as an exceptional case because of their secularity. Social work in Europe is also typically secular. Nevertheless, the spirituality discourse within social work is slowly developing also in Europe. In social services, chaplains, pastoral workers and assistants, and similar professions are often more responsible for spiritual care than social workers. Should social workers approach spiritual issues from the client's point of view or from atheological stance or rather just from the social workperspective? What reasons and arguments can we formulate and express? This text will discuss both these questions and their context as well as the possible answers.

Spiritualitas Petugas Pastoral dalam Karya Pelayanan Pastoral Awam

Spirituality is fundamental in the life of pastoral workers. Because spirituality is the main driving force that gives enthusiasm to a pastoral officer, especially in ministry. The service of a pastoral officer is very meaningful if it is accompanied by a person who is brave, enthusiastic and humble, because the duty and war of a pastoral officer is to proclaim the Word of God. Basically, pastoral officers are called and sent by Christ to proclaim the Word of God to all believers with the aim of saving them. Lay Pastoral Officers are Christian believers who have received baptism and been anointed with the Holy Spirit. Through the baptism they have received, lay pastoral officers become members of the Body of Christ, gathered into the People of God, by carrying out the Tri-task of Christ according to their ability to carry out their mission for all Christians in the Church and the world. Lay pastoral officers live in the world, meaning carrying out worldly duties and work, and being in the midst of the realities of family and social life. They are called by God to carry out their own duties by imbuing the spirit of the Gospel, in that way they radiate faith, hope and love, especially the testimony of life. Lay pastoral officers who carry out the Tri-tasks of Christ, one of which is as preachers of the Word of God, strive to develop the faith of Catholics according to the values ​​of the Kingdom of God.

Sejarah, Struktur dan Teologi Doa Syukur Agung Ketiga Tata Perayaan Ekaristi 2020

This article is entitled "History, Structure and Theology of the Third Eucharistic Prayer for the 2020 Eucharistic Celebration: Pastoral Vision Management and Leadership." This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of the development, structure and theological significance of the third Eucharistic Prayer in the 2020 Eucharistic Celebration. This paper focuses on selecting the Third Eucharistic Prayer as the main study, based on the idea of the Liturgy as the source and pinnacle of Church life as described in the Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC) n. 10. Liturgy is not only a formal ritual of worship, but also the core of the identity and mission of the Catholic Church which drives and gives meaning to all ecclesiastical activities. Thus, this paper tries to explain the inspirations originating from liturgical texts, especially DSA III, which can be applied in the pastoral work of the Catholic Church. This paper aims to create bridge between liturgical theology and its application in a concrete pastoral context. By exploring the meaning of DSA III, we can find inspiration that can help direct the Vision Management and Pastoral Leadership of the Catholic Church. Indeed, the inspiration for the Vision Management and Pastoral Leadership of the Catholic Church can be found in various sources, including the Holy Bible and the teachings of the Church Fathers, but this paper is a simple effort that tries to highlight the potential contained in DSA III, a prayer that is very often used in celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday by the faithful. In this research it was found that DSA III contains some key values that can be applied in management and pastoral leadership within a parish. Thus, DSA is also a series of prayers which are intended to be prayed and absorbed together by the priest and the congregation. More than that, DSA is not limited to a series of prayers that stop at the Eucharistic liturgy. DSA is also lived out in daily activities, especially when people gather together at church to be involved in church services.

Troska kardynała Karola Wojtyły o godne uczczenie jubileuszu św. Stanisława (1972-1979)

“Polish Christian tradition linked two bishops and martyrs - witnesses, so to speak, of our Christening and Confirmation. From the point of view of the history of redemption - a spiritual process progressing through the history of a nation - it is still verytelling. And it does not cease to be telling, just like in the life of each of us the dates of Christening and Confirmation do not cease to be telling, though we drift further and further apart from them with the passing away of the days of our life. We constantly realise that the dates of Christening and Confirmation were decisive for the coming of Christ into our life. That is why we come back to them. This is the reason why we will soon have to come back to the date 1079, remembering not only the day of the martyr’s death, but the whole seven years of the pastoral work of bishop Stanislaus (1072-1079) in Cracow. (...) If the meaning of St. Stanislaus in the history of redemption on our soil may be understood by analogy with developing of faith which takes place in man as well as in a given community or society, then the most adequate way of referring to the great personage after nine centuries would be working on such enrichment and deepening of faith as is required by our times.” In this way in 1970 Cracow Metropolitan, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, justified the necessity of solemn celebrations in honour of St. Stanislaus and showed their ecclesiastical and pastoral character. In the history of the Cracow diocese there has never been a celebration more carefully prepared than the one in worship of St. Stanislaus. No other celebration has been so deeply set in the theological, historical and pastoral context. It is not easy to find other events whose general outline would be so meticulously thought over. Preparations started two years prior to the main ceremonies, thus allowing many initiatives which enabled not only experiencing the jubilee year in a proper way, but most of all, a spiritual revitalisation of the faithful. Reading the addresses and sermons of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła we come across many trains of thoughts of St. Stanislaus. The patron saint was always present in the addresses of the Metropolitan. For the future generations it is important that owing to the initiatives of the Cardinal the cult of St. Stanislaus was revitalised.

The Maetreum of Cybele

In 2008, a legal case, “The Maetreum of Cybele, Magna Mater, Inc. v. Nancy McCoy [tax assessor)] &c., et al., for recognition of tax-exempt status between the Maetreum of Cybele, Magna Mater Inc. and the Town of Catskill, New York” began. The court was asked to decide whether the pastoral work of a Pagan church could be viewed in the same way as the clerical work of other accepted religions. The court also needed to determine how much of the landholdings must be dedicated to worship space. The rulings have been cited as precedent in other cases. In addition, they can act as a rallying point for other new religious movements and Pagan groups to fight for equal legal status.

Biographically Anchored Liturgies as a Starting Point for Liturgical Formation

The liturgical professional development project for pastoral workers and clergy in the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Liturgical Studies at the University of Tübingen. The concept of biographical learning is the innovative element that explores a new type of liturgical formation (Bildung) where the learning content explores the participant’s unique biography of learning, faith development, and theological education and the impact of these on their understanding of the liturgy and their liturgical practice. The learning process aims to equip professional pastoral theologians to reflect on and be responsive to the liturgical–pastoral contexts in which they work. The Department of Liturgical Studies provides the learning structure and context, while the diocese provides the teaching space and enables the participants to attend. The learning outcomes are unrelated to a specific professional or employment structure or associated with a points system, management, or career progression process. The project provides a learning process rather than a program of learning, distinguishing itself from many traditional approaches to liturgical formation. The challenge for the teaching team is to provide the participants with conceptual or theoretical material to reflect on their biographical narrative of theology and then apply this concept of biographical learning in their specific and diverse pastoral contexts. As part of the biographical learning process, participants contribute to “feedback loops” to the diocese and the teaching team. This paper does not address the competency framework for career development, employment assessment, or learning comprehension. All evaluations of professionalism, role attainment, career development, and competency are employment matters and are the purview of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. However, the learning process provides participants with frameworks for self-assessment and feedback loops to evaluate the teaching team, the process, and the content.

Animasi Kitab Suci sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Kecintaan Anak dan Remaja terhadap Kitab Suci

One of the concerns raised in the pastoral panorama during the Eighth Pastoral Assembly (Muspas) of the Archdiocese of Ende is the lack of interest among children and teenagers in activities related to the Holy Scriptures. This reality is also keenly felt in the pastoral work of the Quasi-Parish of St. Charles Borromeo in Orakeri. Generally, Catholic children and teenagers lack enthusiasm and quickly become bored with Sekami activities that are too monotonous and lacking in variety. Furthermore, the limited number of competent leaders at the parish level and the lack of knowledge about the Scriptures contribute to the decreasing interest and affection of children and teenagers towards the Holy Scriptures. This service activity is conducted for the target groups of Catholic children and teenagers in the Quasi-Parish of St. Charles Borromeo in Orakeri Ende. The main objective is to enrich knowledge about the Holy Scriptures, hone skills in relation to Scripture literacy, and enhance the love of children and teenagers for the Holy Scriptures. The method used in this activity is a qualitative method that involves participatory action research in the form of lectures and simple yet meaningful practices, involving many participants. Activities include: introducing the Holy Scriptures with the help of cheers, movements, songs, and animated videos; Scripture literacy through training in reading and speaking the Scriptures, composing scripts and dramatizing the Scriptures, as well as various competitions related to the Scriptures. This combination of methods is aimed at minimizing participant boredom while simultaneously encouraging the development of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects among the participants. Consequently, the results achieved are that Catholic children and teenagers have a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures, sharpen skills related to Scripture literacy, and grow in their love for the Holy Scriptures.

Frontier Narratives That Take on Flesh: Tracing Legacy, Labour, and Legitimacy in Outback Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACTIn this article, we explore the notion of legacy through the ways graziers in Outback Queensland, Australia, draw on material, narrative, and embodied traces of past ‘events’ to emplot their lives during times of uncertainty. Through an ethnography of pastoral work and storytelling on stations, or ranches, we show how settler‐colonial narratives of the frontier and legacy circulate as affective forces in pastoralists' daily lives and become embodied through labour. We argue that pastoral families respond to both the failure of modernist grand narratives and more personal events by renegotiating stories of the frontier to legitimate their ongoing presence in Outback Australia and give meaning to their lives. While these narratives are existentially useful for pastoralists, we argue that they remain tied to exclusionary and unsustainable structures and ideologies that prevent pastoralists from adjusting to contemporary crises.

Navigating the Postmodern Landscape: Embracing Interdisciplinary Openness in Pastoral Theology

In the face of rising secularization and the waning influence of the Church, contemporary pastoral theology encounters both a formidable challenge and an enticing opportunity in the postmod­ern era. This article explores how enhanced interdisciplinary engagement of pastoral theology can fos­ter a renewed approach to evangelization aligned with contemporary sensibilities. Through a compre­hensive literature review, we shed light on the experiences of the postmodern individual. By applying the analogy method and anchoring the concepts of “Logos Spermaticos” and “Influence and Vulnerabil­ity” in pastoral theology, we reveal its potential contribution to the interdisciplinary evolution of the con­cept of universal fraternity. The analysis shows that interdisciplinary collaboration in pastoral theology unfolds developmental prospects on two levels – learning from and learning with other disciplines. The “Logos Spermaticos” concept underscores the importance of acquiring new skills, empowering pastoral workers to communicate Christian doctrine more effectively. Simultaneously, the “Influence and Vulner­ability” concept fosters a dialogical approach, positioning pastoral theology as a respected interlocutor in contemporary interdisciplinary dialogues. Collaborative efforts with other disciplines empower pastoral theology to foster dialogue and deepen the idea of universal fraternity, both in academic discourse and practical application. The interdisciplinary and global development of fraternal humanism represents the necessary “loosening of the soil” for the seed of the Word of God to sprout in the future. Therefore, it becomes imperative for pastoral theology to transcend its conventional role, actively engaging in inter­disciplinary dialogue, thereby charting a course toward an elevated societal role and innovative avenues for proclaiming the Gospel.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PAULUS HENDRIKUS JANSSEN’S PASTORAL STRATEGY IN THE MISSION WORK OF STP IPI ALUMNI IN MALANG DIOCESE

Pastoral work requires certain techniques or strategies. The success of such work depends on how accurately the techniques or strategies the pastoral agent selects and uses. One of the pastoral theologians who introduced pastoral strategies was Father Paulus Hendrikus Janssen, CM. This research focuses attention on the implementation of Paulus Hendikus Janssen's pastoral strategy in the pastoral work of STP IPI alumni who work in the Malang Diocese. In an effort to obtain data related to this theme, the approach used was qualitative, using an interview method with several alumni involved in pastoral work in the Malang Diocese. The research results show that there is implementation of Paul Janssen's pastoral strategy by alumni of the Indonesian Pastoral Institute Pastoral College in the Diocese of Malang. This is practiced, because there are many benefits to be gained, namely they know the context of the mission better, understand the problems of the people in depth, there is a lot of local wisdom and religious wealth that is discovered and is useful for developing the faith of the people, there is a mission framework that is structured by following a pattern. -pattern developed by Paul Janssen. Apart from the benefits, there are also challenges and difficulties that must be overcome by pastoral agents. This research is expected to contribute to the development of pastoral patterns in the Malang diocese in particular and in Indonesia in general. At a theoretical level, Paul Janssen's pastoral strategy enriches the knowledge of pastoral theology.

Sprawozdanie z II Kongresu Teologii Praktycznej „Parafia jutra”

The 2nd Congress of Practical Theology entitled "The Parish of Tomorrow", held in Licheń on 19-21 September 2023, aimed to: diagnose the current socioreligious situation in Poland conditioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of pastoral ministry, analyse it in the light of the teaching of the Church's Magisterium and indicate appropriate actions for the most optimal functioning of Polish parishes. The academics, pastoral workers and lay faithful present there discussed the prospects and challenges facing parishes in the near future. Prizes were also awarded to those parish communities that showed a high degree of pastoral activity and creativity.

ДРАМА ПАСТЫРСКОГО СЛУЖЕНИЯ В РАННЕМ СССР: ОПЫТ МИКРОИСТОРИИ

The article, based on the “evidential paradigm” of K. Ginzburg, reconstructs the case of persecution of the Protestant pastor of proletarian origin, R.G. Raudmund, from the Leningrad region. The subject of the research is an individual case, which is considered on basis of the “traces and evidence” discovered by the author while working with the archival fund of the lawyer of German origin, M.K. Stackelberg, in OR RNL. The article deals with the court procedure stages of “the case of Pastor R.G. Raudmund”, reveals the peculiarities of his life and the main claims of the Soviet government against him. The paper focuses on the moral foundations of pastoral ministry as a phenomenon and shows the dramatic outcome of the pastoral work. This case has become recurrent in the late 20s – mid 30s of the 20th century in the conditions of the mass religious persecution in the USSR. These facts make it possible to contradict K. Ginzburg and recognize the value and potential of microhistory not only from the point of view of something “individual and unique”, but also due to much-recurring repetition, regularity and multiplicity. However, within the framework of this incident, the individual status in the general flow of religious persecution in the early USSR did exist: the one who became subjected to the repressions was the pastor of the most proletarian origin with great sympathy for the October Revolution of 1917 and the Soviet regime, but who refused to renounce his ministry, which is an important aspect of the Church life.

A lelkészi munkavégzés határkérdései – Kiselőadás

Boundary Issues of Pastoral Work – Workshop In this work, I discuss the boundary issues of pastoral work. I am convinced that the competence of priests/pastors is limited to a certain level. We must be able to recognize our limits and at the same time experience the process of development. There are two sides of the personal well-being of pastors. One is the existence of ideal pastoral accompaniment competencies, which means meeting the criteria of a mature professional personality. Another point is to see through the illusion of perfection to form a realistic image of what a “good enough” pastor can be like. The way to do this is if the studies, practical experiences, and experiences that enrich the personality grow into the pastor’s work, constantly keeping in mind that by accepting the help and guidance of others, if necessary, he is able to turn his own shortcomings and weaknesses into resources.

A lelkészi munkavégzés határkérdései – Kiselőadás

Boundary Issues of Pastoral Work – Workshop. In this work, I discuss the boundary issues of pastoral work. I am convinced that the competence of priests/pastors is limited to a certain level. We must be able to recognize our limits and at the same time experience the process of development. There are two sides of the personal well-being of pastors. One is the existence of ideal pastoral accompaniment competencies, which means meeting the criteria of a mature professional personality. Another point is to see through the illusion of perfection to form a realistic image of what a “good enough” pastor can be like. The way to do this is if the studies, practical experiences, and experiences that enrich the personality grow into the pastor’s work, constantly keeping in mind that by accepting the help and guidance of others, if necessary, he is able to turn his own shortcomings and weaknesses into resources. Keywords: vocation, spirituality, crisis, identity, suitability

Starodruki w księgozbiorze parafii św. Jana Chrzciciela w Bychawie

Although the parish of St John the Baptist in Bychawa is one of the oldest in the Lublin diocese, because its origins date back at least to the beginning of the 14th century, its library in the Old Polish period was very modest. This was caused by the following unfavourable historical conditions: the takeover of the church by Calvinists in the 16th century, difficulties with the restoration of the seized property, Cossack invasions, etc. For these reasons, until the end of the 17th century, the parish owned only necessary liturgical books, with the possible exception of those that had been donated by the parish priest Sebastian Piatkowski to his nephew as payment for his care in the 1930s; however, we have no detailed information about them. It was not until the 18th century that the book collection was enriched with non-liturgical books. These mainly included collections of sermons by Polish or foreign authors, maxims and prayer books, all serving pastoral work. Many of these books cannot be identified due to the general descriptions left by parish inspectors or damage to the codices. Most of the early printed books preserved to this day were possessed by private individuals, and a large number of them came from the libraries of monasteries liquidated after 1863. There are 29 of them, all basically in need of conservation.