In our diocesan plan, Going Forward Together: Pastoral Carefor Evangelisation 2006 - 2010, it is envisaged that "there will be more clearly defined lay leadership roles with well formed and trained people to fill them". The move to a variety of ministries in the Diocese is an expression of our effort to provode appropriate pastoral care for our people which will help them take the mystery of Jesus to others.

As Bishop of Broken Bay, in 2008, I established four Lay Ministries. These included roles and functions which have been performed by lay faithful in the Diocese for some time. I consider that these Lay Ministries are not only consistent with the DiocesanVision and Pastoral Plan but also an appropriate evolution of existing liturgical practices and procedures occurring in the Diocese.

These minstries are the Ministry of the Word, Ministry for Liturgy,Ministry for Music andMinistry for Hospitality.In May this year seventy Lay Ministes were commissioned at a Mass at the Cathedral. This commissioning followed a formation program conducted cooperatively by the Parish Support Unit and the Broken Bay Institute earlier in the year.

I am pleased to advise you that the next Lay Ministries Program will continue in 2010.

Formation will be offered in eight areas - Minister for Liturgy, Minister for Music, Minister for the Word, Minister for Hospitality, Minister for Youth and Young Adults, Minister for Seniors, Minister for Catechesis and Minister for Loss and Bereavement.

All eight ministries are open to both men and women. They involve participation in an initial formation program, leadership in the local Parish community and a commitment to ongoing formation for a period of three years and a commissioning.

My purpose in establishing and developing these ministries is:

1. 1. to give recogition to, and affirm, the wonderful contribution which has been, and is currently being, made by lay faithful to parish life;
3. 2. to facilitate appropriate formation of such members of the faithful;
5. 3. to assist priests within the Diocese, by lessening their burden of responsibilities, through giving to prepared lay faithful roles more appropriately performed by them;
7. 4. to improve liturgical celebrations within the Diocese;
9. 5. to draw more lay faithful into ministry;
11. 6. to promote a new sense of vobrancy in parish and diocesan life.

David L Walker
Bishop of Broken Bay

Lay Ministries

Minister for the Word
The role of the Minister for the Word is to promote the reading of, reflection on, and study of the Scriptures.Those applying for this ministry should be willing to make this reflection a normal part of their personal journey to God. Their personal reflection on the Scriptures would prepare them to proclaim the word, and thus proclaimthem in a more meaningful way.

Minister for Liturgy
The role of Minister for Liturgy is to help create meaningful Eucharistic liturgies in the parish. This ministry involves preparing and directing liturgies, educating others in the various roles involved in the Eucharistic liturgy, and being the parish liaison with the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.

Minister for Music
The role of the Minister for Music is to help create meaningful Eusharistic liturgies in the parish through the facilitation of appropriate liturgical music. This ministry involves preparing and directing liturgical music and educationg others in the various roles involved in the music ministry.

Minister for Hospitality
Hospitality gives witness to Christ's message of love and care. The role of the Minister for Hospitality is to develop and enhance parishes as welcoming communities.This will be achieved by giving greater understanding to parishioners and parish ministries of the importance of welcoming visitors, newcomers, inactive and disaffected members of the community. This ministry involves the promotion of a clear message that all parishioners are part of the hospitality ministry in a oarish and that the role of the Minister for Hospitality is to faclitate this inclusive parish approach.

Minister for Youth and Young Adults
The parish community is an intergenerational community that allows everyone to share their gifts with young people as well as benefit from gifts of young people. The role of the Minister for Youth and Young Adultsis to facitate that sharing.This ca nbe achieved by making young people feel welcome in the parish, nurturing them in their faith, challenging them to live out their relationship with Jesus in community of believers and engaging them at all levels in the life and mission of the Parish.

Minister for Seniors
The Parish community is an intergenerational community that allows everyone to share their gifts. The role of Minister for Seniors is to faclitate that sharing and support the unique needs of an essential group in every parish community, the 'wisdom' group, senior members of the community. This can be achieved by recognising the diversity of this generational group, the unique gifts they have to offer as well, as receive from, the Parish community and engaging them at all levels in the life and mission of the Parish.

Minister for Catechesis
Thw Minstry for Catechists within the Parish is essential for the integration of the variety of catechetical minitries into the elements of the Church's pastoral mission both in their local Parish, the Diocesan and the Universal Church. The role of the Minister for Catechesis is to ensure Catechetical ministries such as, the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Sacramental programs, Baptisms preparation, Faith Formation activities and programs and RCIA maintain their foundational focus - the formation of a community of disciples.

Minister for Loss and Bereavement
Loss and bereavement is universal, affecting all people at some time in their lives. The role of the Minister for Loss and Bereavement is to facilitate the development and ongoing support of parish base groups that provide pastoral and practical assistance and planning in areas that assist persons who are grieving due to los in their lives.

Click here to download the application form JPEG.

For further details, please contact:

Carole Gan, Acting Director, Parish Support Unit
Ph: 9847 0560
Em: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program Information

The Lay Ministries Program is a face-to-face program developed through the collaboration of the Parish Support Unit and the Broken Bay institute in the Diocese of Broken Bay.

There is no course fee.

No prior training, experience or qualification is required.

Semester Two: August - November 2010

Closing Date for Semester Two Applications:Friday 30 July

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

1. ALL SESSIONS #1 - 4 MUST BE ATTENDED
2. SESSION #2 WORKSHOP MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO ATTENDING SESSION #3
3. ONLY APPLICATIONS ENDORSED BY THE PARISHPRIEST WILL BE ACCEPTED

Follow-up and Support sessions in Regional locations:
Dates to be advised

For further information, please contact:

Ms Carole Gan, Acting Director, Parish Support Unit - 9847 0560 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it