What is the role of the laity?
Catechism Meditation:
“The term ‘laity’ is here understood to mean all the faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. That is, the faithful, who by Baptism are incorporated into Christ and integrated into the People of God, are made sharers in their particular way in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly office of Christ, and have their own part to play in the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the World.” ―No. 897
[The laity’s] activity in ecclesial communities is so necessary that, for the most part, the apostolate of pastors cannot be fully effective without it. ―No. 900
REFLECTION: The laity’s role in the Catholic Church is multifaceted yet unified by their baptismal call. They share in Christ’s mission through holiness, liturgy, education, charity, and evangelization. The Second Vatican Council clarified and expanded this responsibility. Laypeople complement the clergy, forming a complete Body of Christ. Their work in the world extends the Church’s reach and influence.
In the book, Day by Day with the Catechism, Peter A. Giersch says… Everyone talks about the priest shortage, but what about the laity shortage? The failure to participate in Sunday Mass and Parish life by “non-practicing” Catholics constitutes another sort of crisis, one that seriously hampers the work of the priests we do have.
PRAYER. Lord, may all the baptized hear and know Your voice and seek You in the community of the faithful.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“Who is going to save our Church? Do not look to the priests. Do not look to the bishops. It’s up to you, the laity, to remind our priests to be priests and our bishops to be bishops.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen