Joint training for pastoral professions starts in Speyer

Joint training for pastoral professions starts in Speyer

In a magnificent Eucharist on Saturday in Speyer, high -ranking representatives of the Catholic Church gave the official starting signal for a remarkable training program, which will shape the future pastoral committed professions in the dioceses of Bamberg, Eichstätt, Speyer and Würzburg. Archbishop Herwig Gössl, together with Bishop Dr. Karl-Heinz Wiesemann and Bishop Dr. Franz Jung, announced this milestone, which not only includes the training of candidates for priests, but also from pastoral and community assistants. From Monday, the prospective pastoral employees came together for an intensive introductory week in the Speyer priest seminar.

Bishop Wiesemann spoke of a “very special day” during the celebration and emphasized that the decision for joint training was made a few years ago. "Now we are taking the next important step, the joint training of all pastoral full -time employees," he emphasized. His words of thanks were aimed at everyone who participated in the implementation of this concept, and he viewed this progress as a significant turning point for the future of the church in the region.

insight into the challenge of change

The Archbishop of Bamberg, Herwig Gössl, was pleased to comment on the positive course of the introductory week. "The feedback about the variety of experiences was consistently positive," he reported and found that changes are inevitable in today's world. Many areas of constant changes are affected, especially in our technologically advanced world, digitization and artificial intelligence. "Change often brings uncertainties," says Gössl, "but they are decisive and indispensable."

With reference to the new cooperative professional introduction for different pastoral professions in the Bamberg church province, Gössl explained: "This training is a step to counter the challenges of the present." Despite the burdens that are associated with change, basic questions must be in the foreground: "What does God want us to do?", For example, the synodal question, which wants to receive answers through one's own perception and the coexistence.

The thought that changes are not only difficult, but also signs of liveliness, was emphasized by Archbishop Gössl. "It is important not to lose sight of the search for God and his will in all of these processes," he added. The past few days have offered the 18 prospective pastoral employees the opportunity not only to deal with the different pastoral levels, but also to immerse themselves deeply into their personal history of faith.

collaboration and new perspectives

The introduction of cooperative training aims to create an environment in which the future pastors and assistant workers can learn and grow together. In addition to content exercises for self -presentation and practical role -playing games, the participants also took part in a press conference to share their experiences and views on the training.

Finally, the duo Jonas Reissmann, candidate for priesthood from Eichstätt, and Juliane Schlich, community assistant from Speyer, reflected on the varied week and expressed a positive statement about the cohesion in her group: "We are a colorful and diverse troops. The next three years will surely surpass all expectations!"

This common training initiative not only represents a reaction to personnel and financial challenges, but could also be interpreted as a positive impetus for the deep examination of the basic tasks of the church. The new approaches aim to make the pastoral professions fit for the future and at the same time anchor in the tradition and community of faith.

Text: Diocese of Speyer, Diocese of Bamberg