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Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Lay people also fulfill their
prophetic mission by evangelization, "that is, the proclamation of Christ
by word and the testimony of life." For lay people, "this
evangelization . . . acquires a specific property and peculiar efficacy because
it is accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world. This
witness of life, however, is not the sole element in the apostolate; the true
apostle is on the lookout for occasions of announcing Christ by word, either to
unbelievers . . . or to the faithful." (Cathecism of the Catholic Church, n
905)
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 Marriage
as a Vocation
The Vatican II
document Gaudium et Spes and Pope John Paul II's Familiaris Consortio
remind us that the way to holiness for a couple is through their vocation of
marriage. "Filled with the spirit of Christ they grow in holiness and give
glory to God together."
Marriage could
possibly be called the model vocation, as in their married life the couple is
called to mirror the way Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25) and be a sign
of this for the whole community. Not only the couple, but "the Christian
family, reflecting and sharing in the covenant of love between Christ and the
Church should show to all, the living presence of Christ and the real nature of
the Church. The family will do this "through the mutual love of husband and
wife, their generosity in giving life, their unity and faithfulness, and by the
loving way in which all the members of the family work together."
Like any
vocation, this of course isn't easy. It demands sacrifice, great virtue and
prayer. Couples are called to take part in a renewal of married life, to
instruct young people about marriage and to give good example so that their
children will more easily find the path to holiness.
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Lay Ministry
Formation Programs
Around the Country
(courtesy of St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee)
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Some Examples of Lay Ministries within
the Church ...
Volunteer Positions
- Lector
- Extraordinary Minister of Communion
- Ministers of Care to the Sick
- Catechist
Staff Positions and Professional Ministries
- Parish Pastoral Associates
- Catholic School Teachers
- Directors of Religious Education
- Youth Ministers
- Ministers with Young Adults
- Liturgists
- Hospital Chaplains
- Spiritual Directors
- Diocesan Agency Directors
- Social Worker with Catholic Charities
- Parish Business Administrators
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 “An
appreciation of the distinct gifts and apostolate of the laity will naturally
lead to a strengthened commitment to fostering among the laity a sense of shared
responsibility for the life and mission of the church. In stressing the need for
a theology and spirituality of communion and mission for the renewal of
ecclesial life, I have pointed to the importance of ‘making our own the
ancient pastoral wisdom which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged
pastors to listen more widely to the people of God’ (Novo Millennio
Ineuente, 45). Certainly this will involve a conscious effort on the part of
each bishop to develop within his particular church structures of communion and
participation which make it possible, without prejudice to his personal
responsibility for decisions he is called to make by virtue of his apostolic
authority, ‘to listen to the Spirit who lives and speaks in the faithful’
(cf. Pastores Gregis, 44).
“More important, it calls for the cultivation
in every aspect of ecclesial life of a spirit of communion grounded in the
supernatural sensus fidei and the rich variety of charisms and missions which
the Holy Spirit pours out upon the whole body of the baptized in order to build
them up in unity and fidelity to the word of God (cf. Lumen Gentium, 12).
An understanding of cooperation and shared responsibility which is firmly rooted
in the principles of a sound ecclesiology will ensure a genuine and fruitful
collaboration between the church’s pastors and the lay faithful.”
Pope John Paul II, Ad Limina Address , December 10, 2004.
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