Entrusting Leadership to the Community

When school holidays begin in Bavaria, work continues diligently at PthI. It’s a tradition that a two-week intensive course is held each summer. This year, I had the chance to participate for the first time.

Within the framework of the annual theme ‘Community,’ we explored various community models and current developments. Following several days of highly professional supervision focused on recent community experiences and a visit to the newly renovated Premonstratensian Monastery in Roggenburg, 23 religious members in pastoral training began their in-depth studies.

We started by examining community development in the Diocese of Augsburg. Then, we delved into canon law provisions and the flexibility available concerning parish leadership.

I also found it very interesting to learn about the online community ‘In-Between’  of the Diocese of Speyer. The course concluded with insights into community development in Brazil and France.

For me, two aspects were particularly valuable. First, the great diversity of orders (Salesians of Don Bosco, Premonstratensians, Redemptorists, Benedictines, Steyl Missionaries, Pallottines…) and cultures (Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, Croatia, Poland, Germany…). Second, the open exchange among the brothers. We all realized that the common approach of expanding parishes to the extreme will not be sustainable in the long run. It is time to honestly and gently entrust the ‘leadership’ of parishes to the community members, so that we do not continue to need more ‘manager-priests.’ Thanks to the PthI leadership, the presenters, and all participants for this fruitful and intensive time!

Report: Brother Marcus Grabisch SAC
Photos: Father Roman Gorincioi SCJ
Portrait of Grabisch: Herbert Gairhos

Brother Marcus Grabisch is participating in pastoral theology training for ministers at the Pallottine Pastoral Theology Institute (PthI). He lives and works as a pastoral associate in the parish of St. Jakob in Friedberg, Bavaria.

In 2015, he joined the Pallottine community. A year ago, after a two-year novitiate, he made his first profession in the presence of his parents, siblings, some friends, and companions.

On Saturday, October 6, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., he will renew his Pallottine promises in a solemn Vespers service. His second profession will also take place in the Pallotti Church in Friedberg, Bavaria, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.