Ministerial Workplace

Supporting Pastoral Leaders

Transitioning from individual parishes to Area Catholic Communities has included new structures and systems for the pastoral leadership team. This can prove both invigorating and challenging, depending on unique factors in each community and circumstance. These kinds of dynamics require pastoral leaders to be attentive and proactive to best-practices for cultivating healthy workplace relationships and processes. Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission equips pastoral leadership teams with reliable data, effective training, and practical resources. This support helps these leaders draw closer to one another and practice listening together for where the Holy Spirit might be leading.

Gift Discernment

Discovering Gifts for Service

Gift discernment and strength discovery help ordained and lay pastoral leaders develop a sense of calling as they identify their gifts for service. Leadership development in Area Catholic Communities is critical, both in terms of ongoing formation for ministry staffs, as well as identifying new leaders for our diverse communities. Psalm 139 reminds us that each person is "fearfully and wonderfully made" and 1 Cor 12 says, "the Body of Christ is made up of many parts."

What is the Fruit of Discernment?

When a people gain a clearer sense of their God-given uniqueness and callings, they better understand the ways they pray, see the world, and relate to other people. When we discern together how God is calling each of us to use our unique gifts collaboratively, then our community and mission can thrive.

Worship and Community

Inspiring Community

A thriving mission has its source in liturgical worship and aims towards the flourishing of life in community. As the Second Vatican Council notes, “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life." The Eucharist is the source of thriving together and inspires the embodiment of values and practices that express life in Christian community. Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission provides resources for the Eucharistic revival and the Sunday Celebration of the Eucharist, as well as training and support for leaders and caregivers within communities.