AUSTRALIA BISHOPS' CONFERENCE RELEASE: Calling for nominations for the Australian Catholic Council for
Lay Pastoral Ministry
The Bishops Commission for Church Ministry is seeking nominations of suitably skilled and qualified people
for the Australian Catholic Council for Lay Pastoral Ministry. This advisory body to the Bishops Commission
for Church Ministry,
supports, promotes and provides education and accreditation for lay people who see pastoral ministry as
their vocation – whether paid or voluntary. (Lay Pastoral Ministers are defined as pastoral leaders; lay
ecclesial ministers; pastoral associates; diocesan pastoral workers; youth workers; lay chaplains,
sacramental coordinators and other specialists in parish‐based ministry).
‐Mandate of the Australian Catholic Council for Lay Pastoral Ministry, 2011.
The Bishops Commission for Church Ministry will seek expert advice from this Council to develop resources
and projects that will support, assist and promote lay ministry throughout the Church in Australia. Positions
will be chosen on the basis of expertise and experience and will show a balance in terms of gender, lay and
religious and geographical representation. Membership of the ACCLPM includes one bishop from the
Bishops Commission for Church Ministry, one priest and five lay pastoral ministers, one from each
province. It is expected that members be able to attend quarterly meetings. Upon appointment, members
of the ACCLPM should desirably be able to serve for at least three years with the possibility of being
appointed for a second term. All costs arising from membership of the Council will be met by the
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Membership is honorary.
Please consider completing the nomination form and forward the name of an appropriate person for
membership on the ACCLPM. A list of suggested criteria for consideration when nominating a person to
this council and the nomination form can be found below. Your nomination would be appreciated by
Wednesday 14 September 2011.
Australian Catholic Council for Lay Pastoral Ministry
Suggested criteria for consideration when nominating members to the ACCLPM
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: spirituality, theology (particularly in the area of
ecclesiology), Scripture, pastoral formation, psychology, anthropology and social analysis.
• A spirit of prayerful discernment
• A spirit of creative engagement in the pastoral and theological possibilities offered in the national
context
• A respect for the roles of both clergy and laity and the spirit of co‐responsibility in these roles
• Has the respect of many of those engaged in lay pastoral ministry in their province
• Participates in peer support activities eg. As a member of an association, or ongoing formation
activities such as conferences
• Has a broad vision of church, acknowledging the diversity within it
• Possesses good communication and advocacy skills to represent issues relating to clergy and lay
pastoral ministers
• Has an understanding of policies, procedures and HR issues
• Has experience of Parish life and an awareness of State procedures around Accreditation and
Ministry Formation in order to represent each province effectively
• Is able to work with others and to delegate
• Is able to plan and organise national events and conferences
• Is able to write material suitable for publication
• Is able to use technology effectively for communication and liaison purposes
• Is able to work well in a team environment
• Availability to travel to meetings of the Council
• Availability for teleconferences
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