Requests for someone to be made a Commissioned Minister
should be made to the Area Bishop with a copy to the Area Ministry Development
Adviser or Parish Ministry Development Adviser. The Adviser will check that
the PCC has requested such a commission and has specified in what areas of
ministry specific permissions from the bishop are sought.
It is recognised that a period of time is necessary
for discernment both of ministry potential and of gifts in a commissioned
minister. During this time the Commissioned Minister will exercise certain
ministries with the authority and permission of the Area Bishop.
Commissioned Ministers may undertake a three-year
period of 'Vocational Journey' starting from the date of the commission.
At the end of this period an assessment will be made
by the parish and the Area Adviser for Ministry or Parish Ministry Development
Adviser as to the likely shape the person's ministry is to take in the medium
term and the further training that is necessary for this ministry to be exercised
well.
The period of 'Vocational Journey' may, if appropriate,
be extended for a further three years.
A range of training opportunities will be available
to provide competencies that need to be developed. The direction of development
will be indicated by their particular ministerial strengths.
Commissioned Ministers will normally be part of a
parish ministry team. All members of such a team will be accountable to the
incumbent or priest-in-charge who, in turn, will be responsible for ensuring
careful supervision of the various ministries.
