Lay Ecclesial Ministry is an umbrella term utilised to bring together different groups of ministers that have existed for many years in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Included under this umbrella term are two key groups of ministers:
Pastoral Associates
Throughout the Archdiocese of Melbourne there are over 130 Pastoral Associates employed by local parishes. Pastoral Associates have a significant role within the life of the parish working collaboratively with the Parish Priest in developing and shaping the mission of the parish, initiating and implementing pastoral programs, encouraging the faithful to a deeper spiritual life and drawing them into roles within the parish.
Lay Chaplains
Lay Chaplain’s are appointed by the Archbishop and employed by CatholicCare and the Archdiocese of Melbourne to assist in leading the mission of the Church’s pastoral care in prisons, hospitals, juvenile justice, mental health, HIV AIDS and university chaplain ministries. Every Lay Chaplain will have a role and responsibility unique to the position and determined by the organisation in which they minister.
What is the Secretariat for Lay Ecclesial Ministry?
The Secretariat for Lay Ecclesial Ministry seeks to be both a reference point for lay ecclesial ministers and also seeks to determine, oversee and coordinate all matters associated with the formation, accreditation, the provision of supervision, ongoing support and pastoral enrichment for lay ecclesial ministers, including lay Pastoral Associates, lay Chaplains and others, within the Archdiocese.
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