The Diocese of Kerry is introducing a new ministry as a response to the changing needs of parish communities.

Training for the new Ministry of the Lay Pastoral Leader will begin in September and it's expected that there will be a team of volunteer lay pastoral leaders working in each pastoral area over the coming five years.

The lay pastoral leaders will work alongside the clergy parish councils and pastoral councils. Their role will be to lead, co-ordinate and support different aspects of parish life. The diocese is offering people the opportunity to express interest in the role and explore the commitment and training involved at this time.

The need for Lay Pastoral Leaders has resulted as parish life has changed greatly with one obvious change that there are fewer priests.

In the future, parishes will be served by a team of clergy and lay pastoral leaders working together as a team.

The ministry includes coordinating, leading and supporting pastoral activities in the local area. It will involve taking responsibility for some ministries traditionally carried out by priests. This new ministry will complement the ministry of the deacon and the priest.

The role

The role of the lay pastoral leader is to coordinate and take responsibility for a particular aspect of ministry, in response to local needs.

Possible ministries will be; Preparation for Sacraments – Nurturing the relationship between home, school and parish; Coordination of initiatives to support families presenting their children to receive sacraments; Pastoral Care – coordinating visitation of the housebound/elderly/those in nursing homes; Supporting nursing home staff and residents to celebrate moments of prayer; Liturgy - coordinating the various liturgical ministries that enliven Sunday celebrations of Mass; Faith formation - exploring faith with adults, facilitating opportunities for prayer and exploring the Word of God; Youth Ministry – ensuring that youth and young people are supported, valued and enabled to reach their God-created potential.

The training will include: Personal and spiritual development [Prayer, mentoring and retreat days], Pastoral Ministry [Placement and training in ministry], Modules in Pastoral Theology [Mary Immaculate College Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, Level 6], Leadership [developing skills and working as part of a team].

The formation will be delivered through a blend of online modules and face-to-face gatherings which will take place at a location in the Diocese of Kerry.

The role could suit someone who works well with others and can commit to three to four hours per week as a volunteer lay Pastoral Leader over the coming five years.

“I warmly welcome the Ministry of Lay Pastoral Leadership that we embark upon," Bishop Ray Browne said. "The future church will be different, not better or worse!”

People already involved in parish or community activity, who have initiative and energy, and who want to work in their local pastoral area, are encouraged to apply.

"Candidates are invited to complete an expression of interest form available on the diocesan website, and participate in gatherings during the month of May to explore the role,” Frances Rowland, Diocesan Pastoral Team, said.

For more information visit: www.dioceseofkerry.ie.