Parishes in Transition: Learning to Live in Tabernacles

April 24, 2015
Presenters: Nancy T. Ammerman and Hosffman Ospino

Transitions come in all shapes and sizes, and every parish is faced with the necessity of responding to population shifts that are unlikely to stop anytime soon.  Dr. Ammerman explores the ongoing reality of change and the challenges posed by the peculiarly American ways of encouraging people to find the "church of their choice."  She also looks for the particular habits of mind and skills of leadership that enable religious communities to thrive even when we are living in social spaces that need to be as temporary and flexible as the Israelites' tabernacle in the wilderness.  Dr. Ospino examines major changes, tensions, questions, and possibilities in the context of U.S. Catholic parish life as Catholic communities respond to the growing Hispanic presence in an increasingly diverse Church.

Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry

Nancy T. Ammerman is professor of sociology of religion at Boston University.

Hosffman Ospino is STM assistant professor of Hispanic ministry and religious education and director of graduate programs in Hispanic ministry.