Deanery Mentor:
Coach. Accompanier. Advocate.
“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 Deanery Mentor?
A Deanery Mentor, as a member of the Volunteer Missionary Network, supports the renewal and growth of our parishes by intentionally accompanying the Parish Leads within their deanery. Deanery Mentors are accompanied by a member of the Agency team. They do not have a representative role on behalf of the deanery but are encouraged to build a good relationship with the clergy within the Deanery. Deanery Mentors are commissioned by the Archbishop, with the agreement of the Dean, for a term of three years (typically extendable once). Each deanery has three Deanery Mentors, one for each of the interconnected areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation (from Common Questions & Glossary, B24).
How is a Deanery Mentor selected?
Potential Deanery Mentors (in the three interconnected areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis or Formation) can apply via the website or be nominated by their parish priest or dean. The selection process takes a few months and includes completion of a written statement of interest, an interview, participating in a faith study ‘Discovery’, and discernment from the Agency using the ‘F.A.C.T.’ criteria (from Common Questions & Glossary, B26).
Why three Deanery Mentors per deanery?
Some Definite Service focuses on the three interconnected areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation. Three Deanery Mentors are commissioned, one in each area, so that the work is shared.
This enables each Parish Lead within the Deanery to be intentionally accompanied and supported in their work in parishes (from Common Questions & Glossary, B30).
What does a Deanery Mentor do?
The Deanery Mentor has six core tasks:
1
Accompany the Parish Leads within their deanery in their specific area of either Evangelisation, Catechesis or Formation. This is their primary responsibility and is achieved through regular conversations. The Deanery Mentor is themselves intentionally accompanied by a member of the Agency team.
2
Support the development of Parish Plans which seek to bring about a missionary and evangelising diocese.
3
Collaborate with other Deanery Mentors and Parish Leads across the volunteer missionary network. Build and maintain good relationships with the clergy in the deanery.
4
Undergo periodic training organised by the Agency whether online or in-person. Participate in online meetings and assist in the communication of the range of activities and initiatives present in the diocese to Parish Leads.
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.