Joan McFetridge
Another step in the changing face of the archdiocese took place on 1 July. Barbara Rowley took up the position of lay pastoral leader in the parish of St Bernadette’s, Naenae. St Bernadette’s is within the pastoral area of the Hutt Valley.
It is a great sign of hope for our church and the archdiocese that we have well formed and articulate lay pastoral leaders willing to serve the faith community in this way.
This is the second appointment to a parish in the archdiocese – Cushla Quigan was appointed to work in Petone and Eastbourne at the start of the year – and it is with great faith in the presence of the Spirit alive in our midst that we move forward.
Collaboration of all the faithful, ordained and lay, is a key aspect of this new model of ministry. ‘The church’s pastoral ministry can be more effective if we become true collaborators, mindful of our weaknesses, but grateful for our gifts. Collaboration challenges us to understand that we are, in reality, joined in Christ’s body, that we are not separate but interdependent’ (Called and Gifted for the third millennium US Catholic Bishops’ Conference).
A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand (extended version)
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