Understanding Today's Catholic Parish

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Authors: William Rademacher, John Weber, & David McNeill Jr

5.5 X 8.5" -- 208 pages

It is our hope that this book will help parish lay ministers, many of whom are now working full-time, define their ministries in relation to today's parish and tomorrow's world. In particular, we hope that it offers a new orientation toward our common goal of building the Kingdom of God. --from the Preface

This is an inspiring and informative invitation to Catholics, especially those involved in parish ministry, to reflect prayerfully on their history, identity, and mission, and to focus their energies more deliberately on building the Kingdom of God. The authors believe that to do this they need a common vision for parish planning.

Thus, in Part 1, "A Pastoral Theology of the Parish," William Rademacher offers clear directives for reaching this goal and for better understanding the history and nature of parish as we experience it today. He discusses the mission of the parish, and he challenges readers to embrace a common vision for parish planning.

In Part 2, Rev. John Weber deals with select issues concerning the administration of a parish as described in canon law. He acquaints parish ministers with some of the more important laws of the universal church, ones that bear the wisdom of centuries. These laws also serve as one of many unifying links to the world church, which is, he says, a life-giving part of a parish's identity.

In Part 3, David McNeill looks at "American Civil Law and the Parish," a practical and helpful guide for parish ministers to better identify legal problems and avoid them, to know when and how to seek legal advice, and to better understand the basic legal principles regarding parish issues.

This is an indispensable guide for pastors, parish teams, and all involved in parish ministry today.