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 The Celebrate the Call Project began in June, 2000. A group of approximately 70 lay ecclesial ministers were gathered at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Canada, for a "Pastoral Institute on Lay Ministry". During that event, the question emerged: "What resources or networks exist in Canada to support our ministry?" It was soon discovered that, while groups existed to serve various ministry sectors (e.g. youth ministers, religious educators, formation directors), there was no permanent network to serve the broader needs of lay people engaged in ministry. A dream for such a network was born.This network was to be centered on the mission of Christ, committed to collaboration with ordained ministers, and, given Canada's linguistic history, bilingual. The project to build such a network was aptly named the Celebrate the Call Project. In January, 2001, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (St. Mary's Province) gave both institutional and financial support to the project. A three-fold action plan which would both explore the state of lay ecclesial ministry in Canada and the possibility of creating a national network was set forth. Phase 1: Regional focus groups or "dialogues" on lay ministry Focus group research began in April, 2002. Participants gathered in nine different locations to share their experience of ministry as a lay person in the Canadian Catholic church. The goal was to hear from as wide a range of ministry practitioners as possible. In the process of the research, we were especially intent to understand how people have: · come to articulate their ministerial identity; · discerned their vocation to lay ministry; · envisioned the future of lay ministry; · identified their needs and priorities for the continued growth of their ministry; and, · found sources of support and sustenance. The results of the focus group research were published in a report entitled, Voicing Vision: The "Celebrate the Call" Dialogues on Lay Ministry, in May, 2004. Phase 2: A national gathering of representatives from existing associations and organizations serving lay ministers The second phase of the project, a national gathering of lay leadership, was held in June, 2003, at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. At that time, leaders of existing organizations serving lay ecclesial ministers gathered to discuss the feasibility of a new national network. A clear mandate was given by these leaders to proceed with the establishment of a permanent, national network for lay ministry in Canada. The launch of the network was to take place in May, 2005, at a national gathering open to all those with an interest in the growing role of the laity in ministry within the Canadian Catholic church. Phase 3: A national conference to celebrate the contributions of lay ecclesial ministers from across Canada The culmination and highlight of the project was the Celebrate the Call Conference 2005. This fully bilingual event was again held at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, from May 11-13, 2005. 110 participants from across the nation gathered to celebrate the contributions lay people have made and continue to make to the life of the Canadian Catholic church. Key-note addressed outlined the development of lay ecclesial ministry in Canada while workshops dealt with such topics as: Spirituality for Lay Ministry; Ethics for Pastoral Ministry; Pastoral Mandates; Human Resource Management for Lay Ministry; Harmonization of Ministries. The most exciting moment, however, was the official launch for the new Canadian Network for Lay Ecclesial Ministry! The Celebrate the Call had accomplished its goal and a new network was born. At present, a national working group is setting forth the goals and vision for the network. To continue to witness our development, please visit our web-site at www.laikos.ca. Gertrude Rompre |
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