Research Papers

The Emergence of Lay Ecclesial Youth Ministry
as a Profession within the Roman Catholic Church

by Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale

Abstract:

The astonishing growth of lay ecclesial ministry in the Roman Catholic Church began in the 1960s with the advent of the Second Vatican Council and with the emergence of a variety of specialized ministries; one such ministry was to youth. The focus of this query was on the emergence of the profession of lay ecclesial youth ministry. The growth of the professional field of lay ecclesial ministry in the Roman Catholic Church can be seen in the writings of bishops, theologians, authors, national ministerial associations, and researchers as they address four major areas of concern.

Those areas include (1) the ministerial roles and responsibilities of the lay ecclesial minister, (2) the formation and preparation of lay ecclesial ministers, (3) the effectiveness of lay ecclesial ministers, and (4) the formal relationship between the lay ecclesial minister and the church. Various elements have impacted the ability of the profession to move to a more established and stable place as a field and within the church. These elements include the lack of consistency in both youth ministry position titles and responsibilities, the lack of standardization in employment benefits and salaries, as well as ministry formation programs. All present the field with critical challenges as it attempts to develop professionally. Lay ecclesial youth ministers, in this study clearly believe that the advancement of two areas: professional activities (such as a national association or a professional journal) and professional credentials (such as national certification) are essential for the future development of the field. An increased understanding of the current state of lay ecclesial youth ministry will assist the field in movement towards resolution of the many issues, which presently both enhance and challenge the emergence lay ecclesial youth ministry as a profession within the Roman Catholic Church.

Cost of the complete 153-page document:
$43.00  ($40.00 plus $3.00 S&H)

Research paper on communication issues for women in ministry

Description:

Whether spoken or not, communication is the basis of all human interaction. Therefore, it stands to reason that effective communication is more desirable than less effective communication. Effective communication in the workplace facilitates working together. A recent report on women in leadership positions in the Roman Catholic Church (see United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, [USCCB] 2001) found that one of the most important issues was collaboration, especially between women and clergy (ordained men). Although this report, and the study that informed it, finally began to focus attention on women in ministry today, in reality there is little scholarly literature devoted to the subject to answer the questions.

A key problem is that women in church ministry face a different reality than men (LaCugna, 1992). One of the recommendations to come from the USCCB (2001) report was to continue to do research in this area, especially longitudinal studies, in order to better understand the needs and issues of women. Because so little literature currently exists, a qualitative study, very small in scope, was undertaken and forms the basis of this paper. This researcher sought to identify and understand the issues most important to women in ministry, specifically with regard to gender and its role in the workplace, and with regard to communication issues. The themes that emerged from the participants in the study were (1) undervaluing due to sex and/or status, (2) desire for equality, (3) focus on feelings vs. the perception of focus on logic, and (4) negative conflict management behaviors vs. dealing with conflict “head on.”

Cost of the complete 38-page document:
$15.00.  ($12.00 plus $3.00 S&H)

Research Papers