Name change

My predecessor, Dan Connors, had already begun a process of re-orienting the focus of Today’s Parish before I came on board. His intent was to provide a clear emphasis on forming parish ecclesial ministers, both lay and ordained.

The 2006-2007 year, readers will see several new developments that reflect that emphasis. Perhaps the most visible will be the new name on the cover. Starting with the September 2006 issue Today’s Parish will become Today’s Parish Minister. This has the benefit of retraining the “Today’s Parish” brand and also focusing on the person the magazine is intended for.

Some of the other new elements include new associations with both Boston College and the National Association of Lay Ministers, an increased focus on pastors as ministerial leaders, and an increased emphasis on training for all parish ministers.

Categories:

• TodaysParishMinister

Partnership with Boston College Ministry Institute

Today's Parish Minister has established an exciting new partnership with the Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry (IREPM) at Boston College. Dr. Thomas Groome and Dr. Jane Regan of the institute are going to be spearheading a training project for parish ministers that will take place every month in the pages of Today's Parish Minister. This regular four-page section will give a clear, pastoral, theological underpinning to the content of each issue of the magazine. This will provide some important training and background for many parish ministers across the country.

The first topic, written by Tom Groome himself, deals with Catholic Identity. He discusses how our core beliefs affect our day to day ministry and how knowing our beliefs enlivens our spirituality.

Parishes can use these pages as effective training material with parish councils, volunteer ministers, or updating for lay ecclesial ministers. Pastors will find a lot of help here getting the whole parish on the same page about church teaching. Don't miss the first installment in September 2006.

Categories:

• TodaysParishMinister

National Association of Lay Ministry

In the 2006-2007 year, members of NALM will be providing a regular article in Today's Parish Minister that focuses on the standards for lay ecclesial ministers. The first installment is written by NALM president, Chris Anderson, and he discusses the rising profile of lay ecclesial ministers in the U.S. Don't miss what he has to say about certification, competency, rising salaries, and retirement planning.

Categories:

• TodaysParishMinister

Faith content

RTJ brings a monthly focus on the content of the Catholic faith. In the September 2006 issue, look for Diana Dudoit Raiche to discuss how liturgy can be a teaching moment of the faith. Mike Daley returns with a monthly column on the symbols of the faith. And every issue will include a free classroom poster, along with an accompanying supporting article for the teacher or catechist that goes more deeply into the doctrine.

Categories:

• RTJ

Teaching Techniques

RTJ is packed full of ideas, tips, and advice on teaching techniques in 2006-2007. In the September issue, Anne Cromeaux gives some solid background on "Planning for a Successful Year." And Mickey McGrath will show you how to use "Sacred Art and Symbols for Your Prayer Corner."


Mary Kay Cullinan returns with her popular column, "Keeping Kids Safe." And a new column by Kathy Kleinlein shows catechists and teachers how to use "The Last Five Minutes" as a mystagogical, catechetical reflection on their classroom or sesson experience.

Categories:

• RTJ

Spirituality

This season, RTJ attends to the spiritual development of teachers and catechists with two of the most popular writers in the field. Each month, Joyce Rupp will be be on tap as "Your Spiritual Director." And Kathy Chesto will measure the holiness that surrounds us everyday in a new column titled "Grace Meter." And Kris Bergen returns with her poplular reflections on "Sharing the Sunday Gospels."

Categories:

• RTJ