By EmmaLee Italia | Contributing Editor
The newly appointed pastors and administrators in the Diocese of Trenton met in Spring Lake for three-day orientation June 19-21. Moderated annually by Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, the purpose of the orientation is to acquaint participants with the responsibilities they will assume and the expectations and experiences they will encounter in their new roles of pastoral leadership in the parishes of the Diocese. The new pastors and administrators begin their assignments July 1.
“It is an opportunity for those who will be pastors for the first time, and those who are accepting new assignments, to come together with experienced pastors from the Episcopal Council and a few diocesan staff to reflect on the role of the pastor,” said Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor.
Presentation topics included presence to parishioners; spirituality; administration and management; diocesan policies and practices, and fraternity with fellow priests. Presentations were made and discussions were led by experienced pastors serving on the Episcopal Council, as well as other diocesan officials with whom the new pastors and administrators will work in ministry.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., introduced the orientation, giving encouraging advice to the new parish leaders and sharing his various experiences in the Diocese as Bishop. Ample time was also provided for prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Mass, common meals and fraternal relaxation.
The orientation, Ginther elaborated, “creates bonds in the presbyterate and working relationships with key diocesan staff who can help them in their role.”
She acknowledged that the change of leadership in a parish can be a time of great hope and anticipation.
“Each priest brings a set of gifts to share with the parish,” she said, “and in turn, he will find parishioners who are eager to welcome him and work with him to build up the Church in that area of the Diocese.”
As one of the presenters, Ginther spoke about the role of the pastor as a good steward, leading parishioners to Jesus and leading them in mission.
“We reflected on the Parable of the Talents, and how, like talents, the parish must be nurtured and cultivated in order to be fruitful,” she explained. “We talk about the role of the parish pastoral council in advising the pastor regarding ‘pastoral activity.’”
They also discussed the Bishop’s mandate with Faith in Our Future, that all parishes be collaborative with their neighboring parishes, working together on ministry initiatives that make them stronger together.
“I am happy to share with pastors some of the resources and tools that the staff of the Diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission can share with them … as they cultivate greater capacity for the mission and ministry,” Ginther noted.
Father Jerome Guld, parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, will soon step into his new role as administrator of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington.
“For me, the most significant aspect of the orientation was to meet other priests also starting this journey, as well as the many experienced and wise pastors and diocese administrators who are willing to help us on that journey,” Father Guld said. “Bishop O’Connell once again showed his commitment to his priests by making himself available during these sessions.”
Ginther finds the time with new pastors helpful, particularly as a vehicle for learning about their concerns and interests.
“The Chancery staff is sincere in its desire to help pastors and parishes be strong and vibrant,” she said. “As a result of this and other similar kinds of interactions, we can adjust the support services we provide to respond to the needs ‘on the ground.’”