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On Steward Sunday, we are called to reflect on our role in supporting the pastoral life of our Church, and one way we accomplish this is through the Office of Pastoral Life’s Thriving in Ministry Program. This program, specifically designed for parish priests and clergy wives, is focused on creating a supportive network and providing resources that enable both clergy and their spouses to flourish in their ministries.
In today’s world, the role of a parish priest is increasingly demanding, and the challenges of parish ministry often extend to the entire family. Recognizing this, the Thriving in Ministry Program, supported by a matching grant from the Lilly Endowment, is structured to support not only the priests who serve but also the clergy wives who walk alongside them. The inclusion of clergy wives in this program ensures that their unique perspectives, needs, and spiritual lives are equally nurtured, helping to fortify the entire family in their commitment to our parishes.
Key Components of the Thriving in Ministry Program
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Peer Learning and Support Groups for Clergy and Clergy Wives: Recognizing the value of community and mutual support, the program offers facilitated peer learning groups for both priests and clergy wives. In these groups, participants are encouraged to share experiences and wisdom, providing a peer support system to openly discuss the joys and challenges of their parish ministries. Clergy wives, in particular, benefit from a space tailored to the unique responsibilities and expectations they face, as well as opportunities to form meaningful connections with other clergy wives.
- Mentoring Relationships: Within the Thriving in Ministry Program, priests and clergy wives often find opportunities to connect with others at various stages of ministry, including both newly ordained and more seasoned clergy families. These relationships naturally offer guidance and understanding of the complexities of parish life, often evolving into trusted, supportive connections that address the unique dynamics of a clergy family.
- Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being: Parish ministry can be an isolating vocation, and the stresses can weigh heavily on both priests and their wives. Through facilitated peer learning groups, the Thriving in Ministry Program creates spaces where clergy and their spouses can share experiences, discuss challenges, and provide mutual support. These groups offer a valuable opportunity for clergy families to reflect on their emotional and spiritual well-being, helping them feel more connected, supported, and resilient in their shared ministry.
- Ongoing Formation and Education: The program also supports the continuing education of clergy wives and priests alike. These facilitated peer learning groups cover topics relevant to both the practical aspects of parish ministry and personal spiritual growth, ensuring that clergy families are equipped to serve fully and effectively in our parishes.
The Role of Stewards in Supporting This Work
Stewards Sunday is also a time for us to reflect on our role as faithful stewards in the life of the Church. The Office of Pastoral Life and the Thriving in Ministry Program rely on the generous support of the faithful. Your stewardship helps provide the resources and infrastructure necessary to ensure our clergy families have the tools and support they need to thrive. With the matching grant from the Lilly Endowment, every dollar contributed toward this program is doubled, amplifying the impact of each contribution.
Our clergy families work tirelessly to serve Christ and His people, often quietly making sacrifices that go unseen. As we celebrate Stewards Sunday, please remember that by supporting initiatives like the Thriving in Ministry Program, we are not only giving back to those who serve us but also ensuring the future health and resilience of the Church.
For more information on how you can support the Office of Pastoral Life and the Thriving in Ministry Program, please visit the Office of Pastoral Life’s website.
Together, let us continue to build up the Body of Christ by supporting the dedicated families who have answered the call to serve.
