A theology of collaborative ministry focusing on Catholic families negatively affected by TV technology
Abstract
Two contemporary issues are addressed in this dissertation. One is the relentless decline in the number of Catholic priests available for ministry in the United States. The other is the problematic impact of modern technology on family life symbolized by the negative influences of television in the home. A twofold response is proposed. First, an investigation of the Christian tradition demonstrates that lay ministry, like priestly ministry, is grounded in baptism. Thus, the first objective is to engage pastor and laity in a collaborative model of ministry as an alternative to the exclusively clerical model. Second, an examination of the literature on TV technology indicates that prolonged viewing generates dissociation, estrangement, and alienation in family and faith community. Thus, a second objective is to implement collaborative ministry by commissioning trained lay collaborators for the ministry of preparing families for infant baptism. The desired outcome is (a) a reorientation of these families to the faith community and, (b) a decrease in their dependence on television.
Subject Area
Theology|Mass media|Academic guidance counseling|Clergy
Recommended Citation
O'Reilly, Bernard M, "A theology of collaborative ministry focusing on Catholic families negatively affected by TV technology" (1994). Doctoral Dissertations. AAI9601644.
https://digitalcommons.salve.edu/dissertations/AAI9601644
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