Lay Ecclesial Ministry: Pathways Toward the Future

by Seton Hall University, Regina Bechtle (Contribution by), Michael J. Brough (Contribution by), Juliana Casey (Contribution by), Sharon A. Euart (Contribution by)

Overview

The role of lay ecclesial ministers—professionally prepared laity who serve in leadership roles—is becoming critically more important in the life of the Catholic church. In Lay Ecclesial Ministry, theologians and pastoral leaders from diverse disciplines provide a deeper understanding, envision future direction, and offer inspiration for these new ministers and the community of the church.

Building on the themes of the first official document addressing lay ecclesial ministry, Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2005, this book delves deeply into key topics. Authors reflect on dimensions of the Catholic tradition to enrich our understanding of this new reality of lay ministry in the church, to envision future developments, and to offer inspiration. Contributors draw on a variety of theological perspectives, including canon law, church history, ecclesiology, liturgy, and scripture, to ground understanding of lay ecclesial ministry within the Catholic tradition and to chart direction for further response to this newly emergent ministry. The book also offers inspiration and models of service to lay ministers, looking to stories of the saints and communities of vowed religious.

Lay Ecclesial Ministry is an essential resource for the Catholic community in understanding and building upon this new and increasingly important component of church life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442201842
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/16/2010
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Zeni Fox is professor of pastoral theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University. She is the author of New Ecclesial Ministry: Lay Professionals Serving the Church and co-editor of Called and Chosen: Toward a Spirituality for Lay Leaders. She served as an advisor to the Bishops' Subcommittee which developed the document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Part I: Response to Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord
Chapter 1: Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Pastoral Perspective on Its Reception
H. Richard McCord, Jr.
Chapter 2: The Theological Reception of Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord
Richard R.Gaillardetz
Part II: Mining Our Theological Tradition
Chapter 3: Ministry in the New Testament
Emil A. Wcela
Chapter 4: Being a Ministering Church: Insights from History
Thomas F. O'Meara, O.P.
Chapter 5: Theology of Lay Ecclesial Ministry: Future Trajectories
Edward P. Hahnenberg
Chapter 6: Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Ritual
Catherine Vincie, RHSHM
Chapter 7: Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Parish Leadership Options: Canonical Reflections in Light of Co-Workers in the Vineyard
Sharon A. Euart, RSM
Part III: Mining Our Spiritual Tradition
Chapter 8: Spirit Guides and Table Companions: Saints as Models for Lay Ecclesial Ministers
Regina Bechtle, S.C.
Chapter 9: Formation for Lay Ministry: Learnings from Religious Life
Juliana Casey, IHM
Part IV: Implications for Pastoral Practice
Chapter 10: The Call of Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord for Cultural Diversity in Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation Programs
William H. Johnson
Chapter 11: Adopting Effective Human Resource Development Strategies for the Catholic Church in the United States
Michael J. O'Louhglin with Michael J. Brough
Chapter 12: Strengthening Ministerial Leadership: Perspectives from Systems Theory
Zeni Fox
Index
About the Contributors

Editorial Reviews

A milestone, Lay Ecclesial Ministry looks ahead as well as back to examine how the church is 'receiving' lay ecclesial ministry after some 40 years and how it integrates the ministers whom the Spirit has called into service. The book should be on the shelf of everyone who is following one of the most exciting developments to have grown up from Vatican II-lay ecclesial ministry. A thorough, well-rounded presentation of lay ministry today by a trusted team of experts in the field.

Karen Sue Smith

Zeni Fox's new book is exactly what the American Church needs to guide it in the most important development of pastoral practice in its history. Here are the right questions, the right people to answer them, and the right perspective to clarify this formidable gift of the Holy Spirit. This book takes the next step in helping the American Church to understand what God is calling it to be and to do.

Paul Philibert

In the rapidly changing paradigm of parish life, the presence and gift of lay ecclesial ministry is essential. Traditional models of leadership are evolving into dynamic life-giving forms that recognize that we all, lay and ordained alike, are co-responsible for the mission of the church. Timely and intriguing, Lay Ecclesial Ministry addresses the request of the U.S. bishops to revisit their landmark document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord after five years. We have come a long way in responding to the needs of God's people, even as there is still work to do to recognize the ministerial gift of the Spirit in our time.

Marti R. Jewell

This collection is welcome as a contribution to the growing understanding of ministry in general and lay ministry in particular.

American Catholic Studies

The contributors are some of the most significant voices in the country in the development of a theology of ministry. It is a volume that everyone concerned about ministry—scholar and practitioner—will find illuminating and insightful.

Christopher Anderson

This volume gathers together leading voices to provide a comprehensive view of the history, status, and key themes surrounding the comparatively new phenomenon of lay ecclesial ministry. An excellent overview of the topic, it is essential reading for those interested in church ministry.

Susan K. Wood