‘Collective Wisdom Series’ connects parish ministers in Union County
A room full of parish music ministers, organists, choir members, cantors, and liturgists sharing ideas and orchestrating best practices regarding church worship can be instrumental to a vibrant parish life.
That’s precisely what will happen at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Summit on Dec. 6. The meeting will be led by local Union County-based parish music directors and is the final installment of the “Collective Wisdom Series.”
“It’s going to be interactive and fun,” said Msgr. Robert Meyer, pastor of St. Teresa of Avila. “My music director has pulled together help from other local music directors to put together a collaborative program. It’s kind of a home-grown story.”
“The Collective Wisdom Series” was intended to gather Union County pastoral ministers in similar ministries to exchange practical and beneficial ideas. It began in September with a session on improving parish communications. In October, participants focused on enhancing faith formation, and November’s session was on social justice.
The program parallels with the ongoing Vine and Branches initiative of the Archdiocese of Newark, said Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B. He helped promote the series and has been welcoming attendees to each session.
“It’s been a positive and successful experience,” Bishop Lorenzo said. “It’s good to see pastoral ministers in various similar ministries sharing and collaborating on their best practices. Mutual assistance has been the fruit of this series and I pray that it flowers into a regular experience of collaboration and professional development.”
Msgr. Robert said the series came out of conversations he and Bishop Lorenzo had about finding opportunities for parishes to work together.
“It’s a reminder to all of us – even the places that think we have it all organized – that there’s always room for improvement,” Msgr. Robert said. “There’s always room to take another look. To see what somebody else is doing. To see things perhaps from a different viewpoint. That was the point of it being called ‘Collective Wisdom.’ If you bring people together who have been doing ministry in different places, then the sharing of ideas can go a long way. There’s a lot of talent right here in Newark. It’s helpful to know what other people are doing.”
The communications session focused on developing clear and concise messaging and using the correct language. It was led by James Runkle of Drummond St. Strategy.
One of the key takeaways, Msgr. Robert said was that being on social media is essential, but equally important is utilizing analytics to maximize social media’s potential.
The faith formation session was designed for directors of religious education, faith formation staff, and parent volunteers. It was led by John Roberto, who is considered a leader in the country on faith formation and intergenerational learning.
The third session on social justice featured a representative from JustFaith Ministries intended for those who work with food pantries, the homeless, immigrants, and single mothers.
“I think the first thing that really stuck out to me was how dedicated so many of our people are,” Msgr. Robert said. “They love their parish. They love their ministry.”
Over 20 ministers attended each of the first three sessions. Because the “Collective Wisdom Series” is in the pilot phase, it was limited to Union County. Msgr. Robert said the planning and packaging are complete, and the series can be implemented by others in the archdiocese who are interested.
There has been some discussion of bringing the series back in the Spring with additional topics.
For more information about the “Collective Wisdom Series,” visit www.st-teresa.org.
Note: The Archdiocese of Newark has been highlighting on JerseyCatholic.org and social media how parishes are participating in the Vine and Branches initiative. To learn more, check with your local parish and visit www.rcan.org/vineandbranches. Past articles highlighting Vine and Branches activities are available at www.jerseycatholic.org/tag/vine-branches/.
Featured image: St. Teresa of Avila Church in Summit, pictured here, has been hosting “The Collective Wisdom Series.” (Photo courtesy of St. Teresa of Avila)
