Parish Management Program for new pastors in the the three dioceses of metropolitan New York City meets a need for new pastors.
For over a decade the Vincentian Center for Church and Society has offered this short residential program.
The Long Island Catholic headlines…
“New pastors learning ropes of really running a parish”
Pete Sheehan writes, ” they came to study principles of management, conflict resolution, financial record keeping, and other skills and knowledge to serve each of them.”
“…
The program seems particularly useful for this group of new pastors, said Father Gerald Cestare, an associate pastor at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, who will be pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church, Valley Stream. “We’re younger than most groups of new pastors in the past,” reflecting the priest shortage that is beginning to be felt locally.
“I’m only 39. There are fewer priests with experience available to be candidates for the openings,” Father Cestare said. “The bishop recognizes that we have something to offer, even if we do not have the same level of experience as previous groups of new pastors.”
At the same time, they realize that this work involves new challenges and skills. “We feel excitement more than apprehension but we realize that we have to be ready,” said Father Malcolm Burns, associate pastor of St. Dominic’s, Oyster Bay, who will be pastor of Resurrection in Farmingville.
For the remainder of the story visit http://www.licatholic.org/news/061604/seminary.htm
