In 2011, a Review of Accreditation Requirements for Pastoral Associates and Lay Chaplains was conducted by Dr Peter Carpenter.
A report was then submitted to the Archbishop Denis Hart, outlining the current situation along with recommendations for a process forward. To read the documentation from the Review and the recommendations in their entirety, please click on the links below:
- Report (written by Dr Peter Carpenter) >
- Response and endorsement from Archbishop Denis Hart >
- Implementation strategy in response to the review recommendations >
Secretariat for Lay Ecclesial Ministry
A key outcome of the Report was the creation of a Secretariat for Lay Ecclesial Ministry. Operating within the Archbishop's Office for Evangelisation, the Secretariat is 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.
Involving Stakeholders
To ensure all parties had a voice in the implementation of the Secretariat for Lay Ecclesial Ministry, an approach was made to various stakeholders (the Association of Pastoral Associates; pastoral associates, pastoral workers and chaplains working in parish, school, hospital, aged-care, prison and community-based ministries; and Archdiocesan staff in relevant agencies and institutions) to seek to implement the recommendations of the report.
Whilst the activities of the working parties have concluded, the work towards implementation of the recommendations is ongoing.
Documentation