April 17, 2009
Clergy and lay collaboration required for mission of the Church
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
In preparation for a series of “Bishop’s Town Hall Meetings” in the fall of 2008, questions were solicited from parish and school staff.
The questions that were submitted have been the basis for a series in the Message. Previous-ly published articles in the series have dealt with financial questions and parish management training.
Two questions were asked about “Laity Participation.”
- What are your thoughts on the future collaboration of laity and clergy? What roles will each play?
- Will parishes have to lean on volunteers to survive rather than paid employees?
In response to the second question, Bishop Gerald A. Get-telfinger said parishes were obligated to treat employees justly, in regards to fair compensation for their service. He said lay parishioners have many skills and talents that benefit a parish, and that clergy and lay collaboration is essential.
In regard to future collaboration of laity and clergy, Bishop Gettelfinger’s “Vision” statement for 2005-2010 reveals his thinking. The text of the statement is reprinted here.