St. John Bosco Parish

Taipei, Taiwan

Parish Priest

Parish Priest: Fr. Matthew Le Minh Tri, SDB

Assistant Priest

Ass.t Parish Priest: Fr. Martin Lee Po Wei, SDB

Embracing the Mission: The Evolving Role of Priests and the Strength of Parish Collaboration

Today’s world is rapidly changing—socially, culturally, and spiritually. Alongside these changes, the role of the parish priest has grown more complex. Gone are the days when a priest’s responsibilities were limited to celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments. While these remain at the heart of his vocation, the priest today is also a counselor, an organizer, a leader, and often, a community builder.

The priest is entrusted with the care of souls, which includes guiding people through life’s challenges, organizing programs that enrich faith, and ensuring the day-to-day operations of the parish run smoothly. It is a role that demands both deep spirituality and practical wisdom. At Don Bosco, the priests recognize that to serve the faithful effectively, collaboration is essential.

To meet the many needs of the parish, the priests have established a Parish Pastoral Council—a group of dedicated individuals who take on leadership roles in various aspects of parish life. These coordinators are responsible for different ministries and services, such as liturgy, faith formation, social outreach, youth engagement, and community events. They meet regularly with the priests to plan programs, evaluate ongoing efforts, and discuss how to better respond to the needs of the people.

These meetings are not just for logistics—they are also moments of reflection, affirmation, and learning. Coordinators are given the space to share what is working well, raise concerns, and suggest improvements. In turn, they receive feedback, encouragement, and guidance from the priest. This constant communication helps ensure that every initiative is aligned with the mission of the Church and the vision of the parish.

But beyond planning and problem-solving, the most important task of the parish priest is to nurture the spiritual growth of his leaders. The coordinators are not just volunteers—they are lay leaders serving the Church. Their effectiveness depends not only on skill or experience, but on their connection to God. That is why spiritual formation, regular prayer, and ongoing faith development are essential components of leadership in the parish.

The priest, by his example and through his guidance, fosters a spirit of unity and purpose. He reminds the coordinators that their work is not simply about running events or managing schedules—it is about serving Christ by serving His people. When rooted in faith and supported by prayer, the work of the Parish Pastoral Council becomes a true ministry.

Ultimately, a vibrant parish is one where leadership is shared and mission is embraced by many. At Don Bosco, the priests and coordinators walk together—listening, discerning, and working side by side—so that the parish can continue to grow as a community of faith, hope, and love.