The statement relies on two biblical images- the ecclesial co-worker and a narrative of day laborers. Examining this combined metaphor discloses tensions that mirror the statement’s theological and pastoral divergences on the scope and authority of lay ministry leadership.
In 2023, there have been significant developments within the national Catholic Church related to professional standards and competencies in support of lay ministry.
At the USCCB, I worked with representatives from two other national organizations to produce a series of testimonial videos about Catholic prison ministers.
In 2020 I presented on conflict management skills for ministers developed by theologian Dr. Ann Garrido of Aquinas Institute in a webinar for the Catholic Apostolate Center.
My essay from 2018 examines some ways in which then-Blessed (now Saint) Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador confronted ‘post-truth’ political and cultural forces in his ministry and examines insights that can be garnered for confronting similar social discourse today.
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