#1R: The Identity of Pastoral Ministry: Who? What? Why?
Baptism calls and empowers all disciples of Jesus to witness and serve in the name of God’s kingdom in various forms of Christian ministry – including parents, those who volunteer in catechetical or liturgical roles or as leaders in parishes, dioceses, neighborhoods, and schools, those who are professionally prepared in paid church positions, and those who are ordained as priests and bishops. All ministry is a public action of discipleship and service both within the church and in the world. All ministry is inspired and sustained by the infinite gifts or charisms of the Holy Spirit, which are given to everyone. All ecclesial or church ministry is “pastoral” because it involves actively caring for God’s people. This topic will explore the mystery of pastoral ministry in all its forms: emphasizing the universality of baptismal vocation, the interdependence of all pastoral ministries (especially the necessary mutuality of lay and ordained ministry) and the diversity of the Holy Spirit’s charisms. This topic order will widen the horizon of those considering more active roles in their unique pastoral situations.

#2R: The Work of Pastoral Leadership: Where? When? How?
Leadership – both formal and informal – has always been a primary and recognized need of the Christian community in order to live fully its mission of the Gospel. The root of all church leadership is twofold: first, the charisms or various gifts of the Holy Spirit manifested in individuals and second, the community’s recognition of those special gifts which empowers the community to call upon individuals to serve in the special role of leadership. Pastoral leadership always involves many individuals in preaching the Gospel (kerygma), teaching the tradition (didache), building up the community (koinonia), communal worship (leiturgia), serving the community and working for justice and peace in the world (diakonia), and administering to the needs of the church as a human organization (kephalos). Each of these forms of pastoral leadership requires their own preparation and duties. This topic will explore how these forms of pastoral leadership work together in the Catholic parish and diocese to better serve God’s people.

#3R: Self-Understanding in the Light of Faith
The Journey to Self is the Journey to God. This mantra is at the heart of our faith tradition. Self-awareness and acceptance is also essential to good ministering. With the aid of helpful instruments, tools, and inventories (including Myers-Briggs, Models of Church) we seek greater self-knowledge and also identify and begin to claim personal theologies that may provide a sound basis for our ministry.

#4R: Prayer and Spirituality
Using the theme of spiritual journey for the life of the baptized Christian, participants in this topic will explore the concept of spiritual awakening and how it is supported by personal, communal, liturgical and sacramental modes of prayer. We discuss the place of spiritual direction, guidance and companionship on the journey of faith.

#5R: Church Structure: Domestic, Parish, National, Universal
What is the church? How have the people of God organized themselves to more readily proclaim the Gospel? This topic briefly explores the nature of the Church itself from its early formation and empowerment of the early community through the renewal of the Second Vatican Council. In addition, the contemporary structure from domestic (family) through universal is discussed.

#6R: Pastoral Care
This topic explores the theological significance and practical skills of pastoral care. We examine the meaning and spirituality of being “pastoral” and giving “care”. We discuss the skills of an effective listener/helper in attending to the needs of persons at any stage of their lives. Recognizing our strengths and limitations as pastoral persons, we learn to discern what other resources may assist another person’s health and growth.

#7R: Diversity
The building of relationships is at the core of developing communion. Unity in diversity is a key understanding and principle of our faith tradition. Finding the interconnection between culture and faith is also of primary importance. Through macro and micro lenses, we will explore the distinctive nature of different generations, cultures, genders, races, spiritualities, geographic settings and classes with the American Society and their presence within and impact on the Catholic Church. To live as an authentic church, we wrestle with our awareness’s of these realities.

#8R: Ecumenism and Interfaith Relationships
There are countless avenues to God. There are varied paths in the Christian Tradition and many other approaches through other faiths. We examine through our Catholic perspective some of the key understandings we share with believers of other traditions and consider some of the significant differences. To stay true to our faith tradition and to continue the work of building bridges and evangelization we identify ways in which we pastorally connect with people of other faiths.

#9R: Worship and Ministerial Roles
Worship is the source and summit of Catholic life. Liturgical and devotional prayers are part of the spirit of our church communities. This topic explores the differences and relationships between these types of prayer. Questions such as “Who can/should preside?” “How/when would these be prayed?” and “How can we integrate these various forms into a cohesive and Spirit-filled parish?” are considered. Communion to the Sick, Communion Services, Liturgy of the Hours and Wake services are of particular focus.

#10R: Legal and Ethical Concerns
This topic provides an overview of the implications and requirements of canonical and civil law pertaining to pastoral ministry. We also review some of the pertinent policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Detroit. We examine confidentiality and other ethical issues common to ministerial situations.

Topics Revised in 2003