Symposium discusses future role
of lay ecclesial ministers NEW ORLEANS, — A symposium to reflect on the U.S. bishops document: “Co-Workers in the Vineyard: Resources for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry” will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16, at Loyola University New Orleans.
The lecture on Friday at 7 p.m. is free and open to the public. Edward Hahnenberg, Ph.D., a theological consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) subcommittee on lay ecclesial ministry, will speak on the bishops’ position on lay ecclesial ministry.
The symposium on Saturday is set for 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a morning and afternoon presentation followed by a roundtable discussion with regional leaders on implications for the Gulf South including Alice Hughes, director of the Office of Faith Formation of the Diocese of Jackson; Sister Marie Leonard, OSB, director of Lay Ministry of the Diocese of Birmingham; and Father Thomas Ranzino, chancellor and pastor of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
The morning session, “Theological Foundations for Lay-Clergy Collaboration in Light of Co-Workers” will be led by Hahnenberg, author of “Ministries: A Relational Approach.”
Christopher Anderson, executive director of the National Association for Lay Ministry, will present the afternoon session, “Creating a Lay Friendly Ministerial Workplace in Light of Co-Workers.”
The document, “Co-Workers in the Vineyard” examines theological foundations for lay ecclesial ministry, discernment and suitability for lay ecclesial ministry, formation and authorization of lay ecclesial ministers, and policies and practices in the ministerial workplace.
A Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Ignatius Chapel. On Friday afternoon there will be an optional tour of Catholic Responses to Katrina and on Saturday there is an evening outing in New Orleans.
For graduate credit only the tuition is $252. There will be assigned readings, outside work and a written assignment.
Participants can attend the Friday lecture only, the Saturday symposim or both. There is no registration fee but those interested must register.
The symposium is funded in part by the USCCB’s Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women, and Youth.
