Job Summary: The Episcopal Liaison for Religious is structured to maintain a bond between the Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester and all forms of Consecrated Life. The Liaison is appointed by the Bishop and serves as his representative to the various forms of Consecrated Life. This Ministry is primarily one of service to all members of Consecrated Life.
General Responsibilities:
To act as the official representative of the Bishop in matters regarding Consecrated Life in the diocese.
To maintain a working relationship with the Major Superiors of Religious Institutes.
To serve as liaison between the members of Consecrated Life and organizations that involves Consecrated Life.
To be available to individual members of Consecrated Life as a resource for addressing specific needs.
To provide opportunities for on-going dialogue between the Bishop and members of Consecrated Life and Major Superiors of Religious Institutes.
To maintain data on members of Consecrated Life living and ministering in the diocese.
To assist the Bishop in preparing reports for Rome.
To assist members of Consecrated Life in preparation for canonical processes.
To assure that there are available opportunities for the spiritual, personal, and professional benefit of members of Consecrated Life.
To provide an opportunity in the diocese for members of Consecrated Life to celebrate jubilees and the World Day for Consecrated Life.
To attend profession ceremonies, jubilees, funerals, and other special events of members of Consecrated Life.
To coordinate the annual Retirement Fund for Religious appeal or assure its collection.
To be aware of and sensitive to general needs of members of the Consecrated Life and either address these needs or bring them to the attention of the Bishop when appropriate.
To bring the pastoral concerns of the Bishop to members of the Consecrated Life.
To provide or oversee the formation of Consecrated Virgins and the consecration of Hermits.
To initiate visits with Contemplative Orders and Diocesan Orders, either with the Bishop or alone, and to visit other local communities when invited.
To attend national, regional and diocesan meetings relating to Consecrated Life, and to communicate the results of the same to the Bishop and to the members of Consecrated Life in the diocese.
The specific responsibilities of the position will be determined by the Bishop and his Liaison according to the needs of the Diocese of Worcester and the will of the Bishop.