Principles for pastoral governing

We have discussed some elements for pastoral conversion recently where we discussed that it takes a strong leadership for any pastoral conversion.

Following our last discussion on elements for pastoral conversion, the current issue will discuss the principles for pastoral governance. In fact, our Church is a hierarchical organisation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 904 & 1569) having the clergy at the top.

The clergy does much of the Church’s governance (1983 Code of Canon Law Book II, Part II, Section I). Any pastoral conversion needs a strong leadership from the clergy.

In fact, gathered in Rome during their Synod on the New Evangelisation, (October 7-28, 2012) the bishops called for pastoral conversion as expressed in proposition 22: "The New Evangelisation requires personal and communal conversion, new methods of evangelisation and renewal of the pastoral structures, to be able to move from a pastoral strategy of maintenance to a pastoral position that is truly missionary.

The New Evangelisation guides us to an authentic pastoral conversion which moves us to attitudes and initiatives which lead to evaluations and changes in the dynamics of pastoral structures which no longer respond to the evangelical demands of the current time." (Proposition 22, of the Synod on the New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith).

Pastoral conversion cannot be effective unless there is a reform of the governing style as pastoral choices in our Church are made by those having the governing power. And yet there is a kind of pastoral orientation that is more preoccupied with the transmission of Christian values than the source of these values that is Christ.

The pastoral orientation in use these days in our dioceses seems to be only preoccupied with nourishing the faith and not really concerned with awakening it or facilitating its birth. The present pastoral orientation takes for granted the fundamental element of our Christian faith.

In fact what is being done at this time is good and should be kept; but it is equally important to develop, next to the ordinary pastoral care, a missionary activity directed toward non believers and carried out by the entire Christian community.

Principles New Evangelisation governance

A shared pastoral vision: it is about working toward establishing a shared pastoral vision. Most communities waste time and energy in endless discussions, quarrels, divisions and misunderstandings. A shared vision will help against such waste of time. Jesus rallied his Apostles who espoused His ideas, His vision of the Kingdom and these Apostles gave their lives for Jesus and His vision. This is what should be happening at the diocesan, parish and the Small Christian community levels.

Missionary curiosity: this is openness to diverse pastoral experiences, bringing in resource people able to enlighten the community on some aspects and discern what could be useful for the community. Individual communities, dioceses should be open to know what is happening elsewhere to be inspired by it.

The continuous acquisition and improvement of evangelisation methods: A reality with the New Evangelisation is that methods are not set but are always adapting to new situations that arise. These methods, however, must be credible, realistic, conducive to the context, the charisms and the competencies present in the community.

A transversal and integrated organisation clearly oriented toward evangelisation, making choices and implementing them according to priorities.

Adopting a style of government that integrates the laity who can bring in their gifts and talents. Even if the clergy is in charge, it cannot be achieved without the laity’s collaboration (Christi fideles Laici, 23).

An upward mobility toward change: This change has to be done step by step, considering the variety of cultures, habits and spirituality within the community.

Finally showing in one's deeds that evangelisation is the work of the Holy Spirit that leads missionaries, prepare hearts, and goes before them. This is done by giving priority to prayer, praise, adoration, and the Holy Spirit’s invocation.