Building Healthy Relationships for Ministry

On Saturday, March 12, 2011, members of the formation communities at Saint Paul University gathered for a Saturday seminar entitled “Building Healthy Relationships for Ministry.” This was the second of two sessions on this topic, the first having taken place last September.

The workshop was led by Professors Augustine Meier and Karlijn Demasure. These leaders helped participants to reflect on various aspects of pastoral ministry, with particular focus on questions of friendship and intimacy. The nature and dynamics of professional relationships and potential violations of such relationships were set within the context of a holistic vision of pastoral ministry.

The students participating included married people, singles, and members of religious orders and others who are committed to celibacy. The contexts for current and future ministry are even more diverse: urban, rural, parishes, community agencies, and so on. Far from proposing a “one-size-fits-all” approach to pastoral relationships, the presenters helped those taking part in the session to become more aware of their own models of ministry and their own relational needs. Participants left with greater self-knowledge, a heightened awareness of the variety of dynamics at play in pastoral work, and a sound theological framework for understanding ministry.

The session also included time for celebrating the learning community that is Saint Paul University. The day was bounded by prayer, and participants shared in a delicious pot-luck lunch. As an ecumenical experience, the session affirmed the genuine communion of participants, who are working to build safe and healthy communities of faith. All were grateful for the skill and wisdom of the workshop leaders.

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