These days we have been focusing on the new translation in the liturgy. Much of the work that has to be accomplished is on the part of the priest. For the laity, there have been some changes, most notably in the response of “and with your spirit,” which will take some time to get used to.
While it’s important to get used to the new translation, we should not lose sight of the fact that we come together to celebrate the great mystery of the Eucharist, with priest and people together offering prayer and worship to God. The role of the laity in the life of the Church is vital.
That celebration of the laity’s role was a central theme of the recent Founders Dinner at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Hammonton during which, as a diocese, we recognized those who support the Lifelong Faith Formation process. As part of that event, we heard lay people who, with the financial support of the diocese and their parishes, educate themselves for parish ministry at institutions such as Villanova University, Neumann University, Georgian Court University, and the College of St. Elizabeth, among others. These students, through the support of generous benefactors, have responded to their baptismal call to deepen their knowledge of the faith and to share that faith with their sisters and brothers.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our unity as Church. But to continue to grow in that unity we must realize that both the ordained and the laity have important roles. The ministry of the laity is not an afterthought. It doesn’t exist merely because there is a growing shortage of priests. Even if we had a super abundance of priests, the Church rightly affirmed in Vatican II the role of ministry for the laity. It is baptism which calls us to ministry, and that call is deepened in Confirmation, nurtured in Eucharist and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
By our baptism we share in the ministry of Jesus as priest, prophet and shepherd. All of us in some way participate in the mission of Jesus. Yes, the ordained are vital, especially in the sacramental life of the Church. But the laity is most important in bringing the Good News to all people. Evangelization is in so many ways effectively brought about through the example, word and zeal of the laity.
While the ordained may proclaim the Word, especially at Eucharist, the laity in a real way live out that Word in everyday life. The power of that witness cannot be underestimated. The Church at Vatican II reminded us that all are called to holiness. As part of our response to that call, we must live out our vocations. The ordained for their part must continue to deepen their identification with Jesus and live and love as Jesus does. The laity, for their part, must also continue to grow in that baptismal identity with Jesus as priest, prophet and shepherd.
The laity must be willing to live that reality. And they must be supported and encouraged by the ordained so that together we may all respond to the call to holiness. To be holy is to grow more each day into Jesus. It is a challenge for me and you. Let us pray for each other that we may clearly respond to that challenge.
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