Leadership is the first phase of the Pastoral Planning Pathway. Having the right leaders in place is foundational to any successful initiative, and Beacons of Light is no exception. Forming a Family Leadership Team is a Phase 1 initiative. A director of evangelization is a critical member of your FLT and even called for in Parameter 13:
“Competent and qualified staff are necessary to serve the Family of Parishes, especially in the areas of worship, evangelization (including love in action) and administration. As is possible, staff will be unified to serve the entire Family.”
Hiring a director of evangelization is a Phase 1 milestone:
“Hire or promote from within a director of evangelization who will be appointed to the Family Leadership Team.”
The primary function of the director of evangelization is to serve your Family of Parishes by shepherding the overall vision for evangelization within your Family. The director of evangelization leads your Family Evangelization Team, which is responsible for creating, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive strategy for evangelization. As a member of your FLT, the director of evangelization is a close collaborator with your pastor and supports him and other clergy in the ministries of sanctifying, teaching and governing.
It may be the case that an existing staff member among your parishes can be promoted to this role. If not, a new staff person will need to be hired to assume this important role. Regardless, he or she should generally meet the qualifications of a lay ecclesial minister, as defined by the USCCB.
Whether you choose your director of evangelization from existing staff or you need to recruit and hire a new person, it is important that you prayerfully prepare to make the best decision for this position. We recommend that you do so by consulting with local and national experts and utilizing the resources provided.
