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Pillars of Pastoral Renewal |
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). This description of the activities of the first Christians has served as the basis for describing the key tasks to be carried out by the Christian Community. Here we explore six pillars of pastoral renewal.
Maria Harris in Fashion Me a People outlines liturgy and prayer, community building, proclamation, formation, and outreach as the key tasks.
Thomas Groom in his book Sharing Faith: A Comprehensive Approach to Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry speaks of the ministries of the word, community witness, worship and service.
Thomas P Sweetser S.J. in The Parish As Covenant: A Call to Pastoral Partnership outlines six areas: liturgy, community-building, formation, outreach, administration, leadership (see www.pepparish.org). Each of these authors offers great examples of creativity in these areas, speaking form the North American context.
What of the Irish context? What is the good news of good practice in the areas of liturgy and prayer, community building, formation, outreach, administration and leadership in Irish parishes?
We at www.parishandfamily.ie invite you to share your thoughts, insights, ideas, efforts, successes and failures in developing any of these pillars of pastoral renewal. Send your comments and from time to time contributions will be added to the website. |