Lay Minister Spotlight – Paul Addo, Lay Minister

St. Katherine Drexel Parish, Egg Harbor Township

Ministry: Liturgical

Years in Ministry: Four Years

Institutions:  Georgian Court University – Candidate for Master of Arts Degree – Theology

Richard Stockton State College – Bachelor of Science – Information and System Sciences (Computer Science)

Personal Background:

•           Member  of SKD Pastoral Council, Representative-at-Large

•           Lector

•           Adult Choir (Ten years)

•           Married,  four children

•           Software Engineer

•           Interests  include reading and photography

How does the Lay Ministry Formation Program prepare you for your Ministry?

The classes I have taken so far have been informative and life-changing. I have learned (and am still learning) about the history of the church, its tradition and canon law, Catholic theology and sacraments, their origins and the major influences that helped in shaping them.  This degree program, one of many programs available through the Lay Ministry Formation Program, has also helped me to view my role as a lector in a different light.

How has the Lay Ministry Formation Program molded you as a person?

The Lay Ministry Formation Program has not only strengthened my belief that learning is a life-long process but it is also helping in my spiritual development. As baptized Catholics, we must not only adhere to the church’s doctrines, teachings and its moral laws but we must be involved in the church. Class discussions on some of the major issues facing the Church today have been helpful and eye-opening.

What has been a “memorable moment”?

I had planned to commence my Master of Arts degree program in theology years from now, after I retired. However, when I attended the program’s informational session at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and learned about the university’s scholarship program, and the tuition reimbursement by the Camden Diocese and the participating parishes, I realized that it was affordable for me to start the very next semester.

Would you encourage others to become a lay minister?

Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, promulgated by Pope Paul VI, among other things calls for education and greater involvement of the laity. “Upon all the laity, therefore, rests the noble duty of working to extend the divine plan of salvation to all men of each epoch and in every land. Consequently, may every opportunity be given them so that, according to their abilities and the needs of the times, they may zealously participate in the saving work of the Church” (LG 33).