As parishes and communities adapt in the light of future pastoral needs and planning, there will be an increased potential for Pastoral Assistants. We will enable them to fulfil the roles which will arise as a result of the needs of developing parishes.

— Put out into the Deep
(Diocesan Vision Document)

We are all called to work together to ensure that the Church carries out the mission of evangelisation.

The Bishops’ Conference document 'The Sign We Give' (p.13) reads: "This is the full meaning of collaborative ministry: not simply to renew the life of the Church, but to enable the Church to be part of transforming the world."

The most visible sign of collaborative ministry has been the steady development of new roles, ministries and activities open to lay people.

We recognise with great gratitude the many lay societies, groups and organisations which have supported the work of the Church in the past and continue to do so today.

In our own diocese a particularly fruitful expression of this collaboration has been seen in the work of Pastoral Assistants in a growing number of parishes.

The role of Pastoral Assistant is a necessary one when parishes take seriously present pastoral needs as well as having a deep sense of urgency about the future life of its faith community.

A one year formation course is a requirement in the diocese for all those chosen to be commissioned by the bishop as Pastoral Assistants.