Cardinal Mahony outlines plans for lay parish leaders

Published: 2005-10-05

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- In a pastoral statement released Sept. 30, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles predicted a large increase in lay parish life directors beginning next year. He said such leaders will be called on to shape a parish's evangelical outreach and its vision of the reign of God. "Much more is called for from a leader than being an effective administrator. Or a 'human resources manager,'" he wrote. "The one who is designated to be the leader of the parish community is above all one who holds fast to the vision of the reign of God central to the meaning and message of Jesus. And then calls others to be faithful to that vision through the charism of leadership," he said. The statement, "As One Who Serves," was dated Sept. 4 but it was posted on the archdiocesan Web site and published in The Tidings, Los Angeles archdiocesan newspaper, Sept. 30. In late September Cardinal Mahony hosted a meeting of about 70 church leaders from 18 Western dioceses to discuss future parish staffing needs in light of the priest shortage.

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