Pastoral Associates
In the Melbourne Archdiocese Pastoral Associates are lay or religious women or men appointed by the Parish Priest to assist him in leading the mission and pastoral care of the parish community. Pastoral Associate ministry reflects engagement in a variety of areas depending on the specific needs of the parish and the expertise of the pastoral associate. Pastoral Associates are appointed at the local parish level by the Parish Priest.
Generally the position will include some of the following roles:
- Initiating pastoral programs and encouraging the faithful to a deeper spiritual life within the broad constructs determined by the Parish Priest.
- Playing a role in developing, shaping and reinventing the mission of the parish.
- Directing and undertaking specific pastoral programs, eg RCIA, sacramental programs for children and adults, youth programs.
- Drawing the faith community into roles within the parish.
Support for Pastoral Associates
The Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation strives to support pastoral associates in their vocation. It does so in the following ways:
- Maintaining a database of all pastoral associates.
- Provision of advice and administration for accreditation including a yearly celebration and acknowledgement of newly accredited pastoral associates.
- Provision of professional development opportunities, ministry supervision and personal faith development.
- Educational bursaries.
- A weekly email newsletter which includes current news and notice of professional development opportunities.
- Meetings with pastoral associates at regional and Archdiocesan level.
- Opportunities for social, spiritual and formation gatherings of pastoral associates and parish leadership teams.
Click here to access all Support Documentation
For further information on pastoral associate ministry click on the following links below:
Guidelines for Bursaries to Support Pastoral Associates
Association of Pastoral Associates
Accreditation
Accreditation is granted to pastoral associates at either Grade 1 or Grade 2 level. The levels of accreditation acknowledge the education, experience and expertise of the pastoral associate. The Position and Accreditation Standards document outlines the expected role and qualifications of accredited pastoral associates. Accreditation is granted by the Archbishop and acknowledges the pastoral associate’s preparedness for parish leadership and ministry alongside the parish priest. Accreditation is ongoing subject to completion of professional development hours, ongoing ministry supervision and continued personal faith development.
In 2011, the Archdiocese is conducting a consulation and review of Accreditation for Pastoral Associates. An additional focus of the review is the introduction of an Accreditation system for lay chaplains. During the course of the review the current accreditation system for Pastoral Associates will be in abeyance. Anyone who is undertaking study to obtain accreditation, or who is ready to apply for accreditation will not be disadvantaged by the review process and provisions will be made on a case by case basis. Those already accredited who may be due for ongoing accreditation are asked to continue maintaining their logs and allowances will be made for this time period. If you have any questions regarding the review, please contact the AOFE.
Ongoing Accreditation
Pastoral Associates are granted accreditation by the Archbishop for a period of three years. Accreditation is maintained by undertaking professional development, ministry supervision and personal faith development. Guidelines are found in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Position and Accreditation Standards Pastoral Associates.
At the end of each three year period a pastoral associate will be invited to present evidence on fulfilling the requirements for ongoing accreditation and a current certificate will be issued through AOFE.
To assist pastoral associates in recording their ongoing professional development, ministry supervision and personal faith development the following documents have been developed:
- Personal Faith Development example
- Personal Faith Development blank
- Professional Development example
- Professional Development blank
- Ministry Supervision example
- Ministry Supervision blank
Ministry Supervision
To support and assist pastoral associates to develop in their professional ministry they are encouraged to undertake ministry supervision. Ministry supervision is ongoing and seeks to assist pastoral associates to reflect on their experience of ministry in terms of their own ministry and leadership style, the interactions and challenges of ministry, working in team leadership and sharing experiences of ministry.
Pastoral Associates may choose to undertake supervision in either a small group setting or one-to-one with a recognised supervisor. AOFE provides subsidised group supervision sessions at various locations through an arrangement with Centacare and Heart of Life
Guidelines for Bursaries to Support Pastoral Associates
Bursaries are provided to assist Pastoral Associates in completing requirements in the area of formal education.
The following principles will be applied in the review of applications for Educational Bursaries. Bursaries are not an entitlement, but are considered as financial support to assist Pastoral Associates in their formal education. The annual budget of $15,000.00 received from the Diocesan Pastoral Development Fund is to be allocated in the fairest possible manner.
- Pastoral Associates applying must hold provisional accreditation or be accredited at Grade 1 or Grade 2 level.
- Pastoral Associates must be currently employed within a parish setting.
- Pastoral Associates in other settings, such as Catholic Schools, are encouraged to seek education funding within their professional setting
- Priority will be given to Pastoral Associates seeking bursary funding for the first time.
- Priority will be given to applications for studies to be undertaken at Bachelor’s level within the associated colleges of the Melbourne College of Divinity:
1. To assist Pastoral Associates holding Provisional Accreditation to complete the formal theological requirements for Grade 1 Accreditation;
2. To assist Pastoral Associates accredited at Grade 1 or Grade 2 levels to complete units of study towards a BTheol or Grad Dip Theol. - Applications to support formal education at higher levels will also be considered.
Applications for educational bursary funding will be invited each year in October / November for the following year’s study. Application Forms can be obtained by contacting the office on 03 9926 5761.
Applicants should note that bursary funding will be reimbursed after Pastoral Associates have paid their accounts. Applicants are kindly asked to send a copy of their receipt for reimbursement. This is important so bursaries are not seen to be taxable income.
Association of Pastoral Associates
'Recognising that we are together in this ministry, we endeavour to encourage, nurture and support each other'
For more information on the association contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Or alternatively visit the web site: www.apamelb.com for information or to contact a Pastoral Associate in your area.
