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2004 Annual Report of the Department of Pastoral Support Ministry
The Department of Pastoral Support Ministry has the following responsibilities: (a) implementing the Diocesan pastoral internship program; (b) recommending pastoral training programs for special students; (c) dealing with pastor/parish council conflict situations; (d) coordinating the program for the karasoonk of newly-ordained clergy; (e) organizing regional retreats for Diocesan clergy. In his contacts with clergy, the coordinator consults with a network of four qualified clergy counselors.
A major task of the coordinator was organizing retreats for Diocesan clergy in three regions. The theme of the 2004 retreats was “Ministering to the Bereaved,” and they were held at the following centers: Elberon, NJ (Feb. 23-25) for clergy in the Mid-Atlantic area; Shrewsbury, MA (Mar. 1-3) for New England-area clergy; and Mundelein, IL (Mar. 22-24) for clergy in the Midwest, Texas and Florida. The services of experienced retreat leaders were utilized at these gatherings. The Primate has continued to offer advice in the preparation of retreats, and also attended all three of them. The retreats foster spiritual bonds among the clergy, and refresh and enhance their knowledge in various aspects of pastoral ministry.
The coordinator also advised an ad hoc committee planning a retreat for yeretzgins, held in connection with the 2004 annual Clergy Conference and Diocesan Assembly. This retreat proved to be a refreshing and rewarding experience for all attendees. It also changed the practice of yeretzgins gathering on the occasion of the annual Diocesan Assembly, from just two hours together over breakfast to a full day together. The Primate supported the yeretzgins’ retreat and the Diocese provided funds to cover the expenses for the day, as well as for the costs of the clergy retreats.
The coordinator prepared a supplemental training plan for newly ordained clergymen to pursue during their karasoonk—the 40-day period of preparation prior to embarking on parish ministry. Experienced clergymen coach the novice in his roles as preacher, educator, counselor, administrator, and ecumenist.
The coordinator prepared a pastoral internship program to guide post-seminary deacon-candidates assigned to parishes under the tutelage of established pastors. Several deacons have participated in the program; four are currently completing practical training leading to ordination. One ordained clergyman is presently involved in the internship program with the coordinator.
Personnel: Fr. Karekin Kasparian is coordinator of the Department of Pastoral Support Ministry.