John the Baptist: A Patron for Lay Ministers

Posted by Timothy Pisacich on Dec 3, 2020 7:04:00 AM

I recently asked a mentor in ministry to recommend a retreat emcee. Rather than replying with the qualifications of her most accomplished colleagues or students, she named two people who could lead the retreat “without getting in the way.” As I recall who broadened and deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith, they are either people without social and educational distinctions, or people committed to the hard, ongoing work of putting their qualifications and education at the service of their baptismal call to live the Gospel. They are people like John the Baptist, free to actively point others not toward themselves but toward Christ. John the Baptist’s preparation for ministry in the desert is particular to his circumstances. Still, his presence to others without getting in the way and service that intentionally invites Christ into his efforts is a model for ministry. 

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Topics: lay ecclesial ministry, Advent, ministry, John the Baptist

Engaging Pastoral Creativity: Pray, Reflect, Identify

Posted by Megan Shepherd on Oct 21, 2020 7:03:00 AM

With the uncertainty and pain of the coronavirus pandemic compounded by the injustice, suffering, and division rampant in the world today, the need for compassionate outreach and pastoral creativity is ever more apparent. Entering into an intentional process of pastoral creativity begins with a commitment to engage in movements of prayer, reflection, and attending to others that can open your heart to the ways God works within and through you. 

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Topics: lay ecclesial ministry, Notre Dame Vision, coronavirus, COVID-19 Resources, ministry resources

Approaching Parish Ministry During a Pandemic

Posted by Katie Diltz on Aug 25, 2020 3:33:28 PM

Very little about 2020 is “business as usual.” If your parish is planning to begin the academic year with in-person gatherings, you need to develop clear guidelines for your ministries and, because nothing this year is predictable, have contingency plans ready.

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Topics: lay ecclesial ministry, coronavirus, COVID-19 Resources, ministry resources

Mastering the Art of the Parish Gathering

Posted by Teresa Coda on Jan 23, 2020 9:23:16 AM

I have a confession to make: I attended the same parish for three years during graduate school and never learned a single fellow parishioner’s name. I loved going to Mass there, but I never attended a parish function or lingered after a service to talk to fellow worshipers.

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Topics: lay ecclesial ministry, parish life, community

Women Who Inspire Us: Meet Venus Salinas Wozniak

Posted by The Editors on Jan 22, 2020 2:01:00 PM

Editorial Note: This month, we want to hold up women working in the Church whose dedication to ministry and service of God and neighbor is nothing short of inspiring. We hope you'll be inspired by their stories too.

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Topics: lay ecclesial ministry, leadership, women in the Church, ministry, Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Worker

Living and Handing on the Faith

The McGrath Institute Blog helps Catholics live and hand on their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in the family, home and parish, and cultivates and inspires everyday leaders to live out the fullness and richness of their faith in the simple, little ways that make up Church life.

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