ChristLife VOL 145 21 August 2025 - Erica Pegorer
Erica Pegorer is a committed Member of the Marist Association and has spent the past decade serving as Executive Director for the Trustees and Ministries of Kildare Ministries. From 2004 to 2013, she made history as the first female Marist principal of Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon and Newborough (Victoria), where she championed lay leadership within the Church. Her contributions extend to various Marist governance bodies, including the First National Association Council and in her role on the preparatory committee for the First International Mission Assembly. In this article, Erica offers a personal reflection on the evolving journey of lay leadership and the growing presence of lay voices in today’s Church.
“The Church’s mission is one we are all
called to proclaim, both individually and collectively”
I come to you as a woman of faith and hope: one who has had the privilege to work in Catholic Education and Missional Governance my whole adult life. One who has been influenced and mentored by inspirational people, both religious and lay, in their unwavering commitment to justice and their proclamation of the Gospel, which has left an indelible mark on my formation. You will not read about these people in the Who’s Who of Catholic education, though you might have read of a few. I have been blessed to work alongside remarkable educators - prophetic leaders who embody the radical spirit of Jesus’ mission, understanding that the Church’s mission is one we are all called to proclaim, both individually and collectively.
For we lay people, the depth and understanding of this collective calling has evolved significantly over the last 30-40 years. In the early 2000’s I was invited to join the Champagnat Education Council in Victoria, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Marist Brothers and lay educators. Our shared responsibility was to discern the future direction of governance in Marist schools. This partnership was revolutionary - a bold, visionary initiative that saw lay leaders as co-responsible partners with the Marist Brothers, for mission.
This was no small feat. It was daring, even risky, but undeniably courageous. I will forever be grateful for my experience in this pioneering venture. It provided me with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, spiritual enrichment, and faith leadership. I had the privilege of contributing to various iterations of the Champagnat Education Council, culminating in the first National Marist Association Council, where I served for over a decade. As a young Marist Principal in a regional Catholic school, I never imagined that I would be part of organizing the first International Mission Assembly in Mendes, Brazil, in 2007. I was honoured to be invited and, in that moment, felt affirmed and valued as a female Marist lay leader. That experience deepened my commitment to Catholic education and Marist education in profound ways.
I happened upon ‘The Mendes Dream- Champagnat Marists in Partnership’ statement written by delegates of the First Mission Assembly in 2007. At the time, it was offered to the Marist world in the hope that it would inspire and guide all Marist communities in their mission and commitment. We knew then that this statement, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was ambitious, but only now—with the fullness of time - do I truly appreciate its prophetic depth. Here it is:
Champagnat Marists in Partnership (2007)
As Champagnat Marists
We believe that God is calling us now to be partners, men and women; co-responsible for furthering the mission in the Spirit of trust, understanding and mutual respect.
We believe that God calls Brothers and lay people in different ways to share and follow the charism of Marcellin, each according to their personal call in life.
We feel called to promote a new shared Marist vocational ministry and a combined formation, to deepen both our common and specific vocations.
We wish to promote forms of association and ways of belonging to the Marist Charism, so lay and brothers may hear the call to live their identity.
We need to articulate the vision for lay Marist vocation and its organisational structure.
We are called to work together in radical ways to announce God’s kingdom to children and young people, especially the marginalised, promoting opportunity for
o Sharing life
o Developing different ways of community life
o Discernment
o Management
o Decision making
New structures and processes need to be created, that emphasize our co-responsibility respecting the diversity, tradition and customs of each other’s culture.
To be partners in mission we need to make decisions together,
Creating new ways for representation at Provincial, Regional and General Administration levels.
International communication systems need to be established, to build unity and be informed of different experiences of shared mission, new projects and networks.
In sharing this with you, I hope you, too, can recognise the growth and transformation that has unfolded through our co-responsible partnership, nurtured from the seeds planted 18 years ago in Mendes, but in reality, many years before that, through the work of those who have gone before us.
In Australia, the gradual decline of membership of religious congregations, combined with growing enrolments in Catholic schools, has necessitated new approaches to governance and leadership. Over the past twenty-five years, we have witnessed the rise of co-responsible governance structures where lay people and religious work side by side. The structures are diverse and rich, representing the unique culture and tradition of each religious institute, congregation or community, Catholic Education Officers and Catholic Commissions. For example, after a long and rich journey with the Marist Brothers, in 2014 when I was appointed as the Executive Director of Kildare Ministries, there were only five PJPs (Public Juridic Persons) structures in Australia. Today there are 14 PJPs in Australia (representing both Health and Education), which also includes one group from New Zealand. There are numerous other governance bodies overseeing Catholic schools throughout Australia.
This shift in governance underscores a deeper intersection between civil and canonical responsibilities. Leaders, whether principals, board directors, trustees, or canonical stewards, demonstrate a profound commitment to both the mission and adherence to the practicalities of civil governance. These missional leaders work together in a spirit of co-responsibility and shared vision.
Lay leadership in the Church has certainly come a long way. There is greater trust and understanding from the clergy and laypeople. Lay leaders today have become more conversant, proficient and qualified in theology, ecclesiology, scripture, liturgy, and prayer. More of us speak a language that is inclusive, reflecting the diversity of our multicultural society. Tolerance for differences is growing, and much energy is being dedicated to the development of a synodal Church - one where all voices are heard and valued.
The Synod in Australia, along with other lay reform movements, are giving life to Pope Francis’ vision of the “Sensus Fidei” (sense of faith), a process where the faithful, guided by the Holy Spirit, discern what aligns with the truths and values of our faith. As leaders of faith in our time and place, we have crucial insights and contributions to make in shaping the future of our Church.
Kildare Ministries’ Missional Governance Statement provides a guiding light:
Missional leaders find and see and hear; they know, make known and celebrate the wonder of good things that are happening in the ordinariness of our lives. Leaders create conditions to support the ideals of the common good, in which the life and flourishing of those who are vulnerable are given pre-eminence… Jesus taught by word and example, that compassion and reconciliation would lead to justice and peace. He was calling for change with the potential of transforming the world.
Through our leadership, our courage to speak out against injustice, and our commitment to creating a kinder, more inclusive Church, we offer hope to the younger generation that the Church can, and will, be a better community. A community that mirrors the spirit of the Gospels, where all are welcomed and embraced.
That being said, lay leadership is not without its challenges. It is no easy “gig.” Yet, it is a calling we embrace with joy. It carries the responsibility of knowing that the work we do today lays the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate Church tomorrow. Be open to the invitation, trust in the fulness of time and when looking for guidance turn to Pope Francis for inspiration:
“The laity have an important role in the Church, not as subordinates but as active participants, helping to bring the light of the Gospel into every corner of human life. It is your mission to bear witness to Christ, to share His love and truth with others, and to bring Christ into the world with enthusiasm and courage.”
Address to the laity, General Audience, 2013
Erica Pegorer
Marist Association Member
Melbourne