Leadership
Collaboration in the Vineyard
Father Keith Stewart Comments Off on Collaboration in the Vineyard
People in the Diocese of Memphis know that I am a convert from the Southern Baptist Convention. I grew up attending East Park Baptist Church on the corner of White Station Road and Park Avenue. It later moved to a larger structure and was renamed Briarcrest Baptist Church. The Stewart family lived next door to Read More
The Need for Leadership and Management Training
Bernadette M. Kime Comments Off on The Need for Leadership and Management Training
Seminary curriculum focuses on philosophy, theology, Scripture, counseling, etc. While fundamental for ministry, few courses exist that address topics necessary for effective leadership, administration and management — for example, conflict management, human resources, budgeting/financial planning, etc. Yet, Catholic priests often need leadership education, especially administrative and management skills. This would benefit them in becoming more Read More
Straddling Power-Distance Ambiguity in Parishes
Owen Phelps Comments Off on Straddling Power-Distance Ambiguity in Parishes
One challenge for priests that can bleed into a host of other challenges related to effective parish leadership is the matter of “power distance.” Power distance refers to the extent that less powerful members of organizations accept — and actually expect — unequal power distributions in their organizations. People who study this can measure it. Read More
The Church as a Ship
Bishop David J. Bonnar Comments Off on The Church as a Ship
Since her origins there have been many words and images employed to capture the essence of the Church. The one image that speaks to my heart about the Church is that of a boat sailing on the waters of life and persevering through the deep waters, rising waves and emerging storms that are part and Read More
As a Priest, I Feel Guilty When I Say No
Deacon William DeVizio 1
As I sat across from the young priest who recently became a pastor, I could feel the stress he was experiencing. He shared: “I dread conflict. It just seems easier to say yes and hope the problem goes away.” We both laughed when I jokingly asked, “And how is that working out for you? It Read More
Tips for Leaders at Appointment Time
Owen Phelps Comments Off on Tips for Leaders at Appointment Time
When my granddaughter Anna returned from her first day of school, her mother was eager to quiz her. When she asked Anna if she made any friends, she replied “no.” My daughter was shocked. Anna was a social butterfly. “Why not?” my daughter wondered aloud. “Because no one would do what I told them to Read More
Priests as Leaders
Dan R. Ebener 1
Change occurs without leadership, but leadership does not occur without change. In fact, it is precisely the change that occurs without leadership that demands the attention of leaders. These are the environmental changes in a world that demand that we adapt. Without adaptation, we fall into entropy. Organizations struggle and institutions die a slow death. Read More
Made for This Moment
Daniel J. Cellucci Comments Off on Made for This Moment
“Mr. Cellucci?” The nurse called and I shot up from my waiting room chair. As I walked toward her, I noticed she was trying not to look me in the eyes. “The doctor would like to speak to you about your son in this conference room.” As soon as I glanced to the side and Read More