New formation program to equip pastoral associates for leadership

The contemporary pastoral associate supports the pastor’s sacramental and pastoral vocation in a multitude of ways.

Cross with bible

The Offices of Lay Ministry and Parish Faith Formation and Pastoral Planning are pleased to announce a new formation program for pastoral associates who collaborate with a pastor in the administrative, operational and pastoral needs of a parish or parish network. The program was inspired by pastors and others who have requested this kind of formation at recent vicariate and synodal gatherings.

A parish role with ancestry in the Apostolic Church

The role of the pastoral associate can be linked to its ancestors in the Apostolic Church. Sts. Aquila and Priscilla (also known as “Prisca”) were tentmakers from Rome who served as “co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3) under the leadership of St. Paul.  After being expelled from Rome, they settled in Corinth where they housed a church under his leadership. In Thyatira Phillippi, St. Lydia, a purveyor of luxury purple cloth, opened her home to believers, where Sts. Paul and Timothy found refuge and spoke words of encouragement to Christians gathered there (Acts 16:40). Aquila, Priscilla and Lydia’s situations were somewhat different, but each similarly offered their hearts, talents and other resources to the evangelical leadership of St. Paul.

Contemporary role of the pastoral associate

The 2005 The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ document — “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord” — notes: “The same God who called Prisca and Aquila to work with Paul in the first century calls thousands of men and women to minister in our Church in this 21st century. This call is a cause for rejoicing.”

Defining the 21st century role, the National Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (2018-25, USCCB, p. 11) describes a pastoral associate as a “professional minister” who shares in the overall care of the parish with the pastor. He or she is a member of the parish staff with specific responsibilities that are assigned by the pastor based on current needs and the gifts of the minister and other staff members.

In so doing, the contemporary pastoral associate supports the pastor’s sacramental and pastoral vocation by overseeing any combination of human resources, information technology, facility maintenance, finance and front-line pastoral needs of a parish or parish network. He or she might develop financial reports, onboard new staff, implement an ecumenical food bank, respond to urgent calls for pastoral help (“doorbell needs”) and everything in between.

The formation process

Formation consists of an eight-month program that starts with a gathering and orientation on Oct. 14 and ends with a closing celebration and Mass on June 4, 2024. The process includes nine learning modules which meet on 17 Tuesday evenings in the Pastoral Center and by Zoom, an evening of reflection, mentoring support and practical experience.

Learning modules address:

• The essential role of the pastoral associate

• What makes us Catholic — distinctive features of a contemporary lived and living Catholicism

• The ministerial workplace 1 — safety

• The ministerial workplace 2 — human resources

• Recording grace – sacramental recordkeeping and other non-financial accounting

• Canon law

• Finance and stewardship

• Church — people of God and a place

• Pastoral ministry

Due to the collaborative effort of diocesan staff and several parish leaders, lectures, gatherings and handouts are offered without charge, but participants will be responsible for obtaining some reading materials. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of recognition from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.

Completion of the program does not guarantee a job in a parish or parish network, but it does provide a recognizable credential for pursuing one.

Who can participate

The application process seeks individuals with leadership ability, a collaborative style, pastoral heart and willingness to learn. Individuals who have experience in a role like a pastoral associate are encouraged to apply, as are people with transferable skills from other backgrounds. A background in office management, business or theology is helpful but not required.

For more information

More information will be forthcoming on the RCDA website, but early birds with questions may contact Erin Muir at: [email protected] or call (518) 453-6670. Applications will be posted online for a Sept. 11-Oct. 3 submission window. Please pray for everyone discerning a call to this important ministry and for those who recognize their gifts even before they do – and encourage them to apply.