Chai Brady
It’s not resourcing that’s the real issue in parishes, but a need to recognise that all those baptised have a “right and responsibility” to use their gifts, according to a psychotherapist and lecturer in pastoral ministry and liturgy.
Mrs Jane Ferguson, who will deliver a four week course on pastoral leadership in March, said rather than looking toward priests and bishops for answers, engage them in the discussions.
“I don’t think that we as a Church have really explored what that means in terms of every person – be it lay or ordained – is baptised into the priestly, prophetic and leadership ministry of Christ,” she said.
Looking back at a course on Christian leadership she gave in the past, she regretted there wasn’t clergy involvement, saying: “Now looking forward it needs to be priests and people together and for me it’s important to draw on the experience of all and the importance of discerning together.”
Disappointment
Mrs Ferguson added that: “Unless we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet people are going to be disappointed.”
The focus has to be “spirit led”, she said, “not priests or bishops leading, spirit led, both priests and laity working together showing the way forwards and utilising the gifts and skills of all the baptised”.
The course takes place in the Newman Institute, Ballina, on each Thursday of March and costs €80.