In March the work of lay ecclesial ministers was disrupted by the pandemic in parishes, dioceses, health care, retreat centers, campus ministries and on the margins. Without a pause, and with many moments of uncertainty, most lay ecclesial ministers became the digital diaspora for their organization bringing faith formation, streamed liturgies, spiritual direction, retreats, and conversations online. Monthly conversations on the Ministerial Workplace and Lay Ecclesial Ministers took place via Zoom, where we provided insight and facilitated crucial conversation about our conviction that sustaining healthy ministerial workplaces, built on covenant relationships and a commitment to justice, equips parishes for communio and mission. Healthy workplaces result when pastoral leadership teams actively cultivate trust, community, fairness, financial well-being, shared values, manageable workload, appreciation and vocational commitment. Still inspired by the USCCB pastoral letter, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (2005), we invite you on this journey to help foster healthy workplaces for all who minister in the name of Christ. These crucial conversations regarding lay ecclesial ministers via Zoom were held on  the second Thursday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT.

Crucial Conversations Recordings