Amarillo—
Leadership in the Parish Church: Navigating the Challenge, is the theme of a Leadership of Jesus Conference, scheduled Saturday, Feb. 9 from 9:30am to 2:30pm in the Conference Center of the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 4512 NE 24th.
The workshop, being presented by Steven W. Botsford, is sponsored by Sadlier Religion. Parish Catechetical Leaders, Catechists, Youth Leaders, Parish Leaders, Catholic School Leaders and Teachers, Liturgical Ministers, Deacons, Women Religious and all other interested parties are encouraged to attend. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Jan. 30, according to School Sister of Notre Dame Sister María Elena Ferrer, SSND, Coordinator of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Amarillo.
“Jesus’ Leadership is best described as ‘Servant Leadership,’” she said, “but there is so much we can say and learn about His extraordinary leadership. To begin with, we’re inviting all parish leaders—catechists, youth ministers, liturgical ministers, Catholic School teachers and anyone who sees himself or herself as being called to respond to His call in Matthew 28:19-20: ‘
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
“Perhaps like me and many others, you see this call as a challenge and might come to believe that you do not have the skills, abilities, qualities and gifts. Remember, we would not have received the call if we did not have the gift to respond.
“Ask yourself: How am I a leader in my parish church? What are my gifts? How do I respond with the gifts God gave me?
“The parish church is a community formed by lay people and the clergy. St. Paul VI tells us in
The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, #10, ‘As sharers in the role of Christ as priest, prophet and king, the laity has their work cut out for them in the life and activity of the Church. Their activity is so necessary with the Church communities that without it, the apostolate of the pastors is often unable to achieve its full effectiveness.’”
Among the topics to be discussed include:
• The leadership of Jesus;
• Styles of leadership, including Servant Leadership; and,
• Awareness that in whatever capacity we serve, we are all missionary disciples;
For additional information on the Feb. 9 Leadership Conference, please contact Sister María Elena at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 383-2243, ext. 113. A registration form for the workshop can be found on page 13 in the Sunday, Jan. 20 issue of
The West Texas Catholic.