Parish Lead:
Champion. Accompanier. Collaborator.
“We can count on many lay persons, although still not nearly enough, who have a deeply-rooted sense of community and great fidelity to the tasks of charity, catechesis and the celebration of the faith.”
Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 102
What is a Parish Lead?
A Parish Lead supports the renewal and growth of their parish by intentionally accompanying the volunteers within their parish. Parish Leads are accompanied by a Deanery Mentor. The Parish Lead promotes and champions the Parish Plan. A Parish Lead is chosen and appointed by their Parish Priest. They collaborate as a key member of the parish community and are committed to Jesus and his mission. Each parish has three Parish Leads, one for each of the interconnected areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation (from Common Questions & Glossary, B4).
How is a Parish Lead selected?
The Parish Priest (or parochial administrator) selects three Parish Leads, one for each of the interconnected areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation. They should use the criteria of F.A.C.T. If a parishioner feels called to the role they can initiate a conversation with their parish priest (from Common Questions & Glossary, B6).
Why three Parish Leads per parish?
Some Definite Service focuses on the three interconnected areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation. Parishes are encouraged to appoint three Parish Leads so that the work is shared. This enables Parish Leads to effectively collaborate within the parish by being the champion of the Parish Plan and accompanier of the parish volunteers in their specific area (from Common Questions & Glossary, B10).
What does a Parish Lead do?
The Parish Lead has six core tasks:
1
Accompany the volunteers within their parish in their specific area of either Evangelisation, Catechesis or Formation. This is their primary responsibility and is achieved through regular conversations with parish volunteers. The Parish Lead is themselves intentionally accompanied by a Deanery Mentor.
2
Champion the development of the Parish Plan and promote its ongoing implementation so that the parish can be a missionary parish forming missionary disciples.
3
Collaborate with the parish priest and other members of the parish by offering practical support and encouragement. Parish Leads also collaborate with other Parish Leads across the volunteer missionary network.
4
Undergo periodic training organised by the Agency whether online or in-person. Participate in online meetings and assist in the communication to parishes of the range of activities and initiatives present in the diocese.
5
Be attentive to the importance of safeguarding and the right of access of all people - no matter their ability or stage of life - to Christian formation.
6
Pray regularly for diocesan, parish and personal renewal.