If the Church teaches value for the human person, then the Church should be the place that is modeling it the best! Is it?...particularly in the workplace of the Church?
I do not disagree with anything here… but I want to point out that many of those situation, in my opinion, are created by people who have likely been in their position for a long time, and no longer see the job as a part of their lay mission, but as a job, and nothing more. Maybe that’s another fall out of poor Catechesis so many had in the 70s and 80s, and even 90s, or maybe it’s just plain burnout, but the church doesn’t have (or take advantage of, if it does) the ability to weed out those who are no longer best suited for a certain position, but haven’t recognized that in themselves. All employees should be held accountable, like a secular job, where those standards you’re fighting for, are in place! We need passion and energy to take back over so that the mission and the ‘job’ are one in the same!
Thank you for that insight, Kaci! It is truly a shame when others no longer have passion for a ministry role to see it as mission! I would say that some of the situations I mentioned (just as a few examples) are commonly HR policies or decisions made by higher up positions. Things like pay, raises, leave, policies, etc. When I read your comment, my mind went to people who work in ministry roles perhaps losing their passion, but maybe the loss of passion is a symptom (while still sad) of an environment where they are treated poorly, not appreciated or being taken advantage of. I would also say that I think others in Church, Diocesan, or Apostolates who do hold decision-making positions or HR positions may be among those that can fall into seeing it as a job and nothing more. (Maybe that is what you were referring to in the first place?) We have spoken with whole leadership teams before, and it does take intentionality to show the HR department, finance office, secretary, and the like how their positions are contributing to the mission of saving souls. Many administrative roles have never been told that, and therefore, it is just a job to some. There isn't really a desire to get to know workers' situations or help others feel empowered in their mission, when this is the case.
I agree with your last statement, too! We need passion to take over where the mission and the job unite!
I do not disagree with anything here… but I want to point out that many of those situation, in my opinion, are created by people who have likely been in their position for a long time, and no longer see the job as a part of their lay mission, but as a job, and nothing more. Maybe that’s another fall out of poor Catechesis so many had in the 70s and 80s, and even 90s, or maybe it’s just plain burnout, but the church doesn’t have (or take advantage of, if it does) the ability to weed out those who are no longer best suited for a certain position, but haven’t recognized that in themselves. All employees should be held accountable, like a secular job, where those standards you’re fighting for, are in place! We need passion and energy to take back over so that the mission and the ‘job’ are one in the same!
Thank you for that insight, Kaci! It is truly a shame when others no longer have passion for a ministry role to see it as mission! I would say that some of the situations I mentioned (just as a few examples) are commonly HR policies or decisions made by higher up positions. Things like pay, raises, leave, policies, etc. When I read your comment, my mind went to people who work in ministry roles perhaps losing their passion, but maybe the loss of passion is a symptom (while still sad) of an environment where they are treated poorly, not appreciated or being taken advantage of. I would also say that I think others in Church, Diocesan, or Apostolates who do hold decision-making positions or HR positions may be among those that can fall into seeing it as a job and nothing more. (Maybe that is what you were referring to in the first place?) We have spoken with whole leadership teams before, and it does take intentionality to show the HR department, finance office, secretary, and the like how their positions are contributing to the mission of saving souls. Many administrative roles have never been told that, and therefore, it is just a job to some. There isn't really a desire to get to know workers' situations or help others feel empowered in their mission, when this is the case.
I agree with your last statement, too! We need passion to take over where the mission and the job unite!