Walking Together as Disciple, Shepherd and Steward - This was the title of an ongoing priest leadership formation pilot program that the Cardinal recently invited me to. The introductory session began on June 22 and ran through the morning of June 27 on the campus of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. The week culminated with a very simple but meaningful Mass celebrated by Cardinal Cupich.

The gathering was an experience that led to a shift in hearts, minds and hands accomplished through human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral conversation with brother priests. Fraternity with other priests and co-responsibility with lay leaders were some of the focus points of formation and conversation during our time together. There was a strong emphasis on the need for both priests and lay people to understand more about Co-responsibility as we move into the future in the Archdiocese with fewer priests to pastor and serve in all our communities.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, wrote the following that was shared with us. “Co-responsibility is the mutual recognition and respect for the differing roles and responsibilities that everyone has in fulfilling the mission of the Church. In other words, clergy and laity BOTH recognizing and respecting the role of the other in mission.”

What does this mean in a practical way?

• Shared Decision Making: This reflects a collaborative rather than hierarchical approach making it alone.
• Collaborative Ministry: Co-responsibility fosters collaboration between clergy and laity acknowledging the gifts each person brings to the community.
• Active Participation: It encourages the active involvement of all members in worship, service and formation. Everyone has a role in the Church’s mission.
• Mutual Accountability: Members support and challenge each other in living out their faith and communal responsibilities, At the same time, they recognize that those in formally authorized roles have a particular obligation to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Inclusivity: This seeks to create an inclusive environment where diverse voices and experiences are valued, promoting a richer understanding of church life.

As priests ranging in long experience (in my case, 42 years) to several young men with just five years’ experience, this may have been a new idea for some of the attendees at this gathering.

For me, this was an affirmation of what our staff and lay leadership have been encouraging and forming over the past few years since Renew My Church began. Because of your openness and willingness to engage with the community and share your gifts and talents, the idea of Co-responsibility is being embraced in our parishes, the larger Catholic Oak Park community, and with Austin and our Neighbors.

I am sharing this with you so that you are aware that what we are continuing to work toward in our parish is really supported and encouraged by both the Archdiocese at large and the Cardinal himself. Thank you!

For those who did not know or realize what Co-responsibility is, I hope that what I have shared helps form and educate the aim of co- responsibility …to create a more participatory, vibrant and effective community in the life of the mission of the Church.

Finally, after hearing and reflecting on the readings this week, pay attention to how you are being called to be God’s love in the world, when we need healing and when we are called to give it!

Have a blessed and safe week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish