Date of Award

4-2026

Document Type

Thesis - SCU Access Only

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026

Degree Name

Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL)

Director

Matthew Ashley

Abstract

This thesis explores the development of spirituality within the Parish Team Ministry (PTM) of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique, Philippines, using Jan van Ruusbroec’s dynamic Trinitarian mysticism as a theological framework. PTM, a collaborative model of pastoral leadership, assigns multiple priests to the care of a single parish, sharing responsibility for its sacramental, administrative, and pastoral duties. In the face of challenges such as priest shortages, ministerial burnout, isolation, and the need for sustained pastoral presence, PTM offers a solution by fostering a sense of communal mission and shared leadership. However, while the practical benefits of PTM have been noted, the spiritual dimensions of such a collaborative ministry remain underexplored.

Ruusbroec’s mystical theology provides a valuable resource for enriching the spiritual lives of priests within PTM. His understanding of the Trinity as a living communion—characterized by mutual self-giving, outgoing love, and returning unity— serves as the theological foundation for interpreting priestly collaboration as participation in divine relationality. Through Ruusbroec’s vision of the threefold spiritual life—active, interior, and contemplative—this thesis argues that PTM can cultivate a spirituality that integrates action and contemplation, outward service and inward transformation.

The research adopts a multi-method approach, combining a systematic study of Ruusbroec’s writings, a theological synthesis of his mysticism within contemporary ix pastoral contexts, and empirical fieldwork through the See-Judge-Act method. Interviews with seventeen priests engaged in PTM provide a first-hand look at their lived experiences, reflecting both the benefits and challenges of shared priestly life. These experiences are analyzed thematically to identify patterns of spiritual growth, communal discernment, and the dynamics of priestly fraternity. The study reveals that PTM, when understood through the lens of Ruusbroec’s mysticism, is more than an organizational model; it is a transformative spiritual practice.

This thesis concludes by offering a framework for strengthening the spirituality of PTM, emphasizing the integration of Ruusbroec’s Trinitarian principles into priestly formation and ministry. It suggests that the development of a shared spirituality grounded in Trinitarian communion can foster not only more effective collaborative leadership but also a deeper, more holistic priestly life. By drawing on Ruusbroec’s mystical insights, this research provides a theological foundation for sustaining PTM as a vibrant, spiritually rich model of priestly ministry, contributing to the ongoing renewal of the Church’s pastoral mission.

Download

Share

COinS