Developing collaborative ministry in the parish

Abstract

This dissertation explores the theme of collaborative ministry, which has been developed in different Church documents since the Second Vatican Council. Collaboration is the fruit of communion in the Church. It has its foundation in the mystery of the Trinity. It is manifested in the celebration of the Eucharist. The development in the Ecclesiology of Communion in the post-Vatican II era has encouraged me to pursue this work. Although much has been said about the importance of the spirit of collaboration in ministry in the Church today, I often feel it still needs to take root in the realm of pastoral activity of the Parish life. I intend first to discuss, in Chapter 1, the Ecclesiology of communion as the basis for collaborative ministry. Chapter 2 will take a closer look at the development of collaborative ministry, in relation to the early Christian community. This chapter will also highlight attitudes that promote and obstacles that obstruct such a ministry. Chapter 3 will then deal with the parish today and how collaborative ministry can be enhanced within the parish. The concluding Chapter will focus on collaborative ministry in the light of the local diocesan Synod.