Overview

A vital parish reaches beyond itself to make a difference in the world. This ground-breaking book offers innovative insights into the shared work of laity and the ordained in the mission field today. Msgr. James Gaston and Sr. Brenda Hermann draw from their extensive experience in the facilitation of and consultation with pastoral councils to present a clear understanding of counsel in council for the modern world. They explore the obstacles to effective pastoral leadership and offer practical guidelines for overcoming them. Rooted in the historical significance of true counsel for Church councils, this book outlines four spiritual methods available for pastoral councils. In addition, the authors examine the virtues of prudence, wisdom, counsel, and fortitude as essential virtues for an effective pastoral council. Paperback

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9780764818912

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Msgr. James Gaston. A priest of the Diocese of Greensburg, PA, he has been associated with pastoral councils at the parish, regional, and diocese levels throughout his nearly four decades of ministry. After ordination, he pursued graduate studies in Spirituality at Fordham University. In the 1990's he was directly involved in developing diocesan guidelines for pastoral councils in the Diocese of Greensburg, PA (New Wine, New Wineskins) which have subsequently been implemented in other US dioceses. In that same period he developed and introduced a seminary course on pastoral leadership at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA. As a pastor, more recently, he has experienced an evolution in the understanding of pastoral councils beyond the primary role of planning. Brenda Hermann, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity was born in Baltimore, MD. She has a MSW from Fordham University School of Social Work and continued education in systems and group development. As a member of her congregation, Brenda served in a variety of positions within diocesan Catholic Charities agencies. Since 1986, she has worked with laity, religious, and clergy in 26 countries. Much of her work during these years has been in developing and facilitating a missionary spirit in the laity and forming leadership groups in the process of taking counsel. Since 1986, she has also worked with L'Arche leadership and communities around the world. Brenda is presently working with the Missionary Cenacle Family to develop geographic councils in the USA, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica and Columbia SA. She writes a blog on reflections on her travels.

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