Ministry
The Special Ministry of Hospital Chaplaincy
Father David J. Bonnar 0
Special ministry often refers to ministry outside the realm of parish life. In my priesthood of 32 years, I have served as a high school chaplain, seminary rector, director of vocations, director of the permanent diaconate and vicar of clergy, all of which are considered special ministry. The irony is that all that I ever Read More
‘Structure determines function’
Father David J. Bonnar 0
The other day I went to my chiropractor for a “tune up.” The stress of life and ministry can inevitably affect the body. There is this other factor called “age,” with its increasing wear and tear that can wreak havoc on the human body. Although I am only 58 years young, the body is not Read More
Human Resources in Parishes
Carol L. Fowler 0
I am fortunate enough to have many opportunities to do some teaching and consulting with new and experienced pastors as they navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of working with parish staff and volunteers. When I ask these pastors the topics that are most important to them, the frequent responses are: working with difficult staff members Read More
Learning from Others
Father Frank Grinko 0
“The greatest sin in terms of one’s relationship with God is apathy,” I said as I pontificated years ago in a class presentation to a group of seniors in high school. I continued, “Can anyone give me a definition of apathy?” As silence greeted me, I looked around the classroom and finally addressed the question Read More
Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord
Father Robert J. Hater 0
Jesus said, “You too go into my vineyard” (Mk 20:4). When I was a boy, the pastor of St. William’s Church, assistant priests and religious women performed most of the parish’s work. In addition, it had a lay organist, boy servers, a choir, a married man to count the collection and a single woman teaching Read More
Being the Priest for Your Family
Father Kenneth W. Schmidt 0
Your cousin asks you to witness her wedding. Your father wants you to talk to your mother about their marital difficulties. Your brother is upset and asks you to hear his confession. You want to buy a piece of property from your aunt. Your sister asks you for a loan to make the down payment Read More
COVID-19: A pastor’s perspective: Moving Forward with Ministry
Father David J. Bonnar 1
These past two months have brought many of our lives to a grinding halt like a moving train suddenly stopped on the tracks. Due to the stay-at-home orders, school and church buildings are closed, businesses are shuttered, airport runways have become parking lots for aircraft and, if people are working, most of them are doing Read More
COVID-19: A pastor’s perspective: First-time Experiences during the Pandemic
Father David J. Bonnar 0
The first time we do something can be both exhilarating and frightening. Regardless of our age or state in life, there are often, in the course of our days, first-time experiences that are new and different. Sometimes just watching someone enter into a first-time experience can be inspiring and even renewing. In my nearly 16 Read More