text: first, I am surprised by Pope Benedict's statement of "co-responsibility".  He is the one who promoted the idea of a "smaller, purer church."  That suggests to me that he, and perhaps, others in the hierarchy who share his views are not looking for collaboration, but more "just be willing to do what we tell you to do."  In my seventh decade, I can see, as an erstwhile and long time parish volunteer and as a staff member for a few years in my parish(s) that suggestions from lay folks were not welcome.  Unless they had some good ideas for fundraising.