Ongoing formation call for ministry in changing parishes

Massey University researcher Dr Robyn Andrews looked at key parishes in Palmerston North Diocese and published a series for reports about responses to changing demographics. These were published in summary form in Palmerston North Diocese’s Tūmanako e-publication and in fuller form in Tui Motu InterIslands magazine.

In her final report, Dr Andrews examined the pastoral and cultural challenges faced by priests ministering in parishes with majority migrant congregations. She found that migrant priests, often from Asian countries, arrived with limited knowledge of Aotearoa and encountered a more collaborative and less hierarchical parish structure than they were used to.

While some had benefited from earlier, more comprehensive orientation programmes – including marae stays, cultural modules and mentoring – many recent arrivals received minimal preparation.

This lack of formation sometimes was seen to lead to misunderstandings around liturgical norms, pastoral expectations and cultural sensitivities.

Priests formed in Aotearoa, mostly Pākehā, expressed feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar devotional practices and expectations from migrant communities. They noted differences in liturgical styles, emphasis on Marian devotion and the frequency of blessings and commemorations.

Some struggled to connect with these expressions of faith, while others worried about whether they were ministering appropriately.

The report suggested that better diocesan support and formation for all priests – migrant and local – could help bridge those gaps, fostering mutual understanding and enriching parish life.

In other reports, Dr Andrews, who is a parishioner at St Mary’s in Palmerston North, looked at the local parish experiences of Catholics from the Philippines, Syro-Malabar Catholics from India and those of long-standing parishioners as well.

FULL STORY

Catholic Parish Demographics: A Summary of the Reports (Tūmanako/Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)