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Parish Ministry: Journey Inward, Outward |
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Pastoral minister? What's that? What do you do all day? I have been asked these questions frequently during my 15 years at St. Matthias Parish in Redwood City, Calif. Friends, parishioners and family members ask…and even my doctor's office! (Can being a pastoral minister be hazardous to my health?) Pastoral ministering can take a different shape in every parish. Pastoral ministers help to find answers. How are we seeking God in our lives? What helps to connect with and discover how God works in our every day? What is available to support the faith we have and pass on to our children? How does faith affect my relationships? How do we thank God for the abundances of earth and universe? Where is God when we are hurting? Pastoral ministering can include some or all of the following for me:
We are also in the midst of major renovation, so connecting regularly with the heads of this project is done in “spare time”! (Yes, it is very important to provide good space to gather those seeking God.) Looking at the list above reminds me that pastoral ministry could be hazardous to my health! However, an authentic pastoral minister knows profoundly that all is God's work. Each day, we are human hands joined with others to do God's work. We are not in control and must give our best efforts. What fires me to pursue such a lofty ideal? My life experiences, professional training and ultimate openness to God's mystery. I am fueled by meditation and reading. Daily goodness and challenges burn an experience of God's gift of free will in me. With others' support, my personal commitment is kept aflame. I also have an unquenchable curiosity about how we can make this world a better place. Getting Away In America magazine, I saw an advertisement inviting pastoral ministers to take a sabbatical to renew and refresh themselves. The Lilly Endowment Program for the Study of American Religion offered grants to applicants from all denominations. After 14 years as pastoral minister, working with three different pastors and staffs, it was time for some personal upgrading! The ad tantalized me…. “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?” I had heard that before. I thought I knew what I was doing. (Could I do it better?) I was a pastoral minister! (Maybe, I should be a singer and dancer?) The grant response came. “We are happy to inform you that you have been selected to receive a $12,000 grant for a three month sabbatical!” A wonderful journey of sabbatical began with a three-day symposium. I joined with 50 others from all over the United States, men and women of many Christian denominations. The Institute had carefully crafted three days of prayer, reflection, presentations and conversation. What makes a “wild and precious” minister? What kind of time do we spend in reading, spiritual direction, journaling? Do we refresh ourselves in other activities with family, friends and actually live the goodness of God's life? What helps us truly give our best to those we serve in parish communities? I met some of the warmest, nicest, intelligent people at this Institute…people who were indeed using their one precious life for others. Mainly I re-learned that pastoral ministry is God's work! In readings, retreat times and throughout the sabbatical I felt empowered by God. Upon my return, I continue to be energized by this experience. I feel compelled to persevere in the good practices I was able to enjoy so intensely: prayer, meditation, bodily exercise, healthy diet, more reading, less control, collaboration, positive attitude and letting God be God. I also have grown in a new appreciation of friends, nature and how we care for one another. This is my one wild and precious life in pastoral ministering! About the author: Dolores (Dee) Myers, BVM (Dolore) is pastoral associate at St. Matthias Church, Redwood City, Calif. Return to Table of Contents. |
