In an upcoming daylong conference for parish staff, council members, volunteers and ministry leaders, the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life seeks to help build parishes that “walk together,” focusing on aspects of the Synod of Bishop on synodality.
The Nov. 18 workshop at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hightstown, will embrace the theme “Build Your Knowledge and Skills for Walking Together as Church.” Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Planning, will serve as learning facilitator, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Ruth Bolarte, adjunct professor of theology at Villanova University, Pa., and consultant for Renew International, will be keynote speaker.
“This presentation will focus on the developmental process for ecclesial integration and inclusion, specifically in culturally diverse settings,” said Sister Ruth in an interview with The Monitor. “We will identify models for effective pastoral responses, principles, and best practices that shape fruitful ministry in a shared parish.”
She said the Second Vatican Council emphasized the contribution of each individual Catholic’s gifts “to the good of the other parts and the whole Church. Through the common sharing of gifts and through the common effort to attain fullness in unity, the whole and each of the parts receive increase” (Lumen Gentium, No. 13).
“Our call to live ‘unity in diversity’ is easier said than done,” said Sister Ruth. “We need to integrate intercultural competencies in our efforts of evangelization as we continue to share the Good News of the Gospel.”
The workshop, Ginther said, is related to the Synod, “specifically addressing raised issues of those who do not feel welcome, of the need for evangelization, of the desire to reach young people. There are barriers to accompanying others if you cannot listen and communicate well. You have to be able to proverbially speak a language they understand … not literally, but in terms of relevance and relationship.”
Intercultural competence, Ginther continued, is being able to work with people who are ethnically or racially different.
It means “being able to walk respectfully with people whose Catholic traditions or expressions of faith rooted in their culture might be different from yours,” she said. “Culture impacts your worldview. In my experience, the insights are also helpful across age groups and other divides.”
Ginther added that working across cultures, as the United States bishops have taught, is not about assimilation, but rather “an ecclesial integration where all people are welcome and feel like they belong — where the gifts of all can be shared, and all have a sense of ownership and responsibility for the mission.”
Sister Ruth said building an intercultural community “is a process that takes time and many opportunities for dialogue and patience, because the communities are growing in trust with one another. It’s my hope that this workshop will be the beginning and/or the renewal of the efforts that have already started at a diocesan and local level.”
„Cost to attend is $25 and includes breakfast, lunch and materials. To register, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/walking-together-as-church. For more information, contact Jossie Ramos at 609-403-7151 or jramos@dioceseoftrenton.org. St. Anthony Church is located at 156 Maxwell Ave., Hightstown.