Did passing on an associate last time not work out as hoped? Do this year's priests look more compatible?
Compatibility is still key, judging by our pastor's explanation in his column in the November 9, 2008 parish bulletin (no longer online).
There is an interview process, and there must be an agreement reached between the pastor (and the pastoral staff) and the potential priest-associate pastor.
There's no mention of simulated parishioner input from the parish council.
P.S. Since that earlier post mentions the parish fish fry, it's recently changed to add shrimp (butterflied deep-fried) as an entree option, and clam chowder (additional charge).
It's very unfortunate that there is no parishioner input, since the associate may outlast the pastor if he gets transferred. I can see how the pastor would not want a free for all with parishioner input, but I think that at least the trustees (as representatives of the people) should be involved in the process.
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't want to say anything at this point that might seem derogatory to anyone in the rubber stamp industry.
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds so Protestant.
ReplyDeleteI've heard there was a time when bishops would periodically spend a weekend visiting a parish. During that time, parishioners could meet privately with him and raise concerns. Presumably those concerns could affect the bishops' view of what priests seemed most suited for the situation at a parish. It's still the bishop's call.
ReplyDeleteWhat seemed more problematic to me was the pastoral staff being so involved in selection of a new pastor, let alone a new associate pastor.