Milwaukee archdiocesan synod calls for focus on lay ministry, faith formation, social justice
September 15, 2014
Lay people will be trained for new roles as “ecclesial ministers,” while pastors will focus more attention on social-justice issues, under a plan for the Milwaukee archdiocese, approved by Archbishop Jerome Listecki upon the recommendations of an archdiocesan synod earlier this year.
Archbishop Listecki issued a synodal declaration, entitled “Filled with the Holy Spirit,” on September 14. The declaration calls for dedication to training the faithful for the liturgy, increasing cultural diversity, and improving faith formation—especially formation in Catholic social teaching.
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Further information:
- Members of congregations to play greater role in Catholic churches (Journal-Sentinel)
- Filled with the Holy Spirit (Milwaukee Archdiocesan synod document)
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Posted by: feedback -
Sep. 17, 2014 9:23 AM ET USA
The "Synodal Declaration" is an interesting document. The first three pages are densely filled with quotes from the Gospel but the rest of it is filled with the spirit of Rembert Weakland. This looks like a push to move priests away from their proper vocation and their proper ministry. Abp. Listecki should replace his entourage with people who are actually Catholic.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Sep. 16, 2014 5:17 PM ET USA
This Bishop has it backwards. The priests are supposed to tend to the faithful through preaching and administration of the Sacraments, and the business of what constitutes "social justice" should be the domain of the lay faithful and their prudential judgments.
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Posted by: John J Plick -
Sep. 16, 2014 1:12 PM ET USA
"Unbelievable. Pastors focusing on 'social justice issues?'" Exactly...; Casual positive article describing a "train wreck..." We need more fidelity and discipline in the church, not less
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Posted by: aclune9083 -
Sep. 15, 2014 7:09 PM ET USA
Unbelievable. Pastors focusing on "social justice issues?" Lay people becoming "ecclesial ministers"? Recommendations from an "archdiocesan synod"? The chaos in the post VII Church is the direct result of such muddied thinking--how canBishop Listecki fall for such nonsense? Pastors must attend primarily to their pastoral duties for the flock, not abdicate them to pursue the political agenda of the "demoncratic party". What possible "ecclesial" duties could lay people perform?
