May 19. 2024 - "ADW Listening Sessions"

During the interim phase of the Universal Synod—after it ended its first session In October 2023 and before the Universal Synod meets again in October 2024—the Archdiocese of Washington held five listening sessions in Lent with five specific communities:  Young Deaf Catholics, Young Black Catholics at Howard University’s Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic Campus Ministry Center, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, and the Archdiocesan Priest Council.             
 
Three themes arose across the five listening sessions:  1) Evangelization and Welcome; 2) Leadership and Leadership Development, and 3) Social Justice and Inclusion.  Within each of these themes there are areas of convergence, matters for consideration, and proposals.
 
Below I am going to reprint the convergence, matters for consideration and proposals for the theme of Leadership and Leadership Development.
 
• Convergences
o There was a clearly articulated desire by the clergy and laity to be co-responsible for the mission of the Church. Priests and deacons expressed that they are often overwhelmed by administrative work in parishes, but wished they had more time for ministry and to devote to lay leadership development.
 
o Many young adults expressed a desire to be leaders in parishes and ministries, and for mentorship in how to lead ministries.
 
o Clergy and laity requested more formation programs that focused on leadership formation and spirituality. These leadership formation programs should be geared towards lifting up a new generation of leaders for ministry with an emphasis on young people and people from cultural communities.
 
• Matters for Consideration
o It was noted that there is a disconnect between the stated desire to have young people involved in ministry and the resistance on the part of existing parish ministry leaders to allow young people to take on leadership roles in these ministries.
 
o Clericalism was raised in several listening lessons. It was noted that clericalism is not just a clergy issue since many lay people foster clericalism. For example, priests noted that some people will not accept Communion from a Deacon or Extraordinary Minister of Communion.
 
On the other hand, laity noted that some priests seem to foster clericalism by having attitudes of paternalism, arrogance, and elitism.
 
o There needs to be a balance in formation programs- clergy and lay- for theological training but also training in management and planning. It is a specific skill set needed for leaders so that they can encourage leadership development in staff and volunteers.
 
o It was noted that it remains a challenge when pastors are moved to different parishes. On the one hand, a change in pastor can bring fresh perspectives of ministry and new energy. However, a new pastor can have a different pastoral style, which can lead to the undoing of ministries.
 
· Proposals
o Increased focus by archdiocesan offices including Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns; Ministerial Leadership and Vocations; Catechesis, and Cultural Diversity and Outreach on leadership formation.
 
o Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns hosting regular parish staff formation days focused on Hospitality, Welcoming and Evangelization.
 
o Creating space for parishes within deaneries to gather as clergy and lay staff and ministry leaders to share best practices and collaborate.
 
o Promotion of and formation of young people from cultural communities to enter religious life, ordained ministry, or lay leadership in the Church. It was noted that despite the Archdiocese of Washington having the largest number of Deaf Catholics in the country, there are no young Deaf men in formation for the priesthood or diaconate. It was also noted that there are very few Black Catholic men and women in formation for the priesthood or religious life.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John