The wide variety among the eight Jesuit parishes in the Province made it hard to generalize about their collaborative methods, the group acknowledged. Where the lay staff have had some formation through the Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian discernment, the working relationship with Jesuits seems smoother and more effective. Pastors said they struggle to relate well to Pastoral Councils, and some said they feel like traffic directors. The representatives from parishes asked who should help the lay staff in training and development and issues regarding job security. They also said there is a need for clarification regarding the authority of the sacramental minister when there is a lay director of the Parish.
Lines often aren t clear.
Mixed ministries Jesuit superiors sometimes have to support a variety of ministries while respecting the autonomy of the individual Jesuit in their roles. Some people might feel offended at the thought that they are viewed as collaborating with Jesuits. Topics for discernment within the higher-education communities involve property, governance, mission, and how recruitment reflects mission. Finally, a major challenge at both Seattle University and Gonzaga University is how to educate boards to accountability for mission. They are being forwarded to the various ministry commissions for discussion and review and for recommendations on how to proceed with them.