Diocesan Parish Pastoral Associate Program

Background

In 2002, in reponse to "the challengeof our times", Bishop Vernon Fougere mandated a Diocesan Committee to explore the "possibility of initiating a Parish Pastoral Associate Program".

The Associate could be "a religious brother, sister or a lay person" who would receive the necessary formation and would be mandated by the bishop to "minister within a parish community". "Their role is complementary to that of the priest and is not menat to replace him." The Associate would not replace volunteers who already provide a great service in the parish community.

In 2003 another Committee was set up, chaired by Father John Lacey. The responsibility of this Committee was to develop a Formation Program and guidelines to be used in the diocese for the formation of Pastoral Associates. Since it is obvious that there is need for ongoing formation after the initial program, the Committee provides education days during the year.

Formation

The Parish Pastoral Associate Program is a two year program divided into four semesters(twenty weekends). Topics covered in the two years include Theology, Scripture, Sacraments, Liturgy, Canon Law, History of the Church, the Church in the Modern World, Evangelization, Ethics, Pastoral Ministry, Personal and Leadership Development. Candidates are also expected to do pastoral visits and write these up in the form of a verbatim to be critiqued by the leaders and other candidates. They also become familiar with the Ritual Books used in the celebration of the sacraments and inherent theology and pastoral application. Candidates are responsible for leading prayer during the weekend and for liturgy preparation. The Resource Persons for these weekends come from the diocese and include priests, sisters and professional laity. These people are also available on an ongoing basis for future consultation when needed by the Associates.

Discernment

The Committee also developed a discernment process by which a parish would choose a candidate to send to the program.

In a spirit of prayer and reflection, the parish would consider the future pastoral priorities of their parish. Upon identifying these priorities, they would then discern from among the parishoners who had the gifts needed to help respond to these priorities. Possible candidates would receive a letter from the Pastor and Parish Pastoral council inviting them to share their gifts with the parish and to take part in the two year Program. After some time in personal prayer and reflection, the person(s) decides whether or not she/he can say yes to the invitation. The Pastor and the Pastoral Council keep in touch with the candidate(s) during the two years. At the end of the Program, the Bishop goes to each parish to mandate the Associate(s) to serve in their particular parish.

The Associate is mandated for a two year term which then can be extended for three more years. It is expected that the Associate will withdraw for one year before being called to serve a third term.

Ministry

Associates may become responsible for a variety of ministries. These may include: home visitation, visitation of the sick, youth ministry, catechetics, sacramental preparation, liturgical preparation, wake services, adult faith formation, as well as many other areas to which they may be called to serve. Costs for the Program are shared by the diocese and the parish. Salaries for Associates are worked out on an individual parish basis with the Pastor, Associate and Pastoral Council. Diocesan guidelines are available.

The first group of Associates completed the Program and were mandated in 2006. Presently a second group is completing their two year Program and will be mandated later on.

NB: Quotes are btaken from PARISH PASTORAL ASSOCIATES, Bishop Vernon Fougere's pastoral letter dated May 1,2004.  Parish Pastoral Associates - May 1, 2004