Lay Ministry in the Church

Lay Ministry in the Church

The Laity needs to retrieve their roles and ministries in the Christian Community. Through the centuries, the Church has been “CLERICALIZED” to the point that ministries in the Church have been appropriated by CLERICS.

In the same way, spirituality and celebrations of the Sacraments, particularly the Breaking of the Bread (Eucahrist) have also been “clericalized”. Clerical culture has been the dominant presence in practically all celebrations in the Church that has reduced the Laity into simple spectators, silent participants and objects.

Since Vatican Council II, there has been a new wind that is sweeping the Church. It gives birth to a new elan to “RETRIEVE” the roles and places of the LAITY in the Church both in worship and in ministries.

1. The place and roles of lay ministers in the Church are best described by the word Diakonia/Service. It recognizes at once the attitude and culture inherent in the ministry, that is, self abasement and “waiting” at table/meals. Service is the basis of discipleship (Lk. 22: 27, Jn. 12:25 ff.)

• The servant waits in his master’s table (Lk. 17:8).

• The master serves Jesus (Jn. 12:2).

• Let the greatest among you become the least and the leader as one who serves (Lk. 22:26, Mk. 9: 33-35, Mt. 10: 42-45.

2. The root and goal of service is love: AGAPE. The washing of the feet is the paradigm not only for the clerics but for all disciples. (Jn: 1-17)

3. The diakonia is rooted in Charisma of the Holy Spirit. Charisma leads to service. Diakonia presupposes the call of God. There are variety of gifts and services in the Church (1 Peter 4: 10). The ministers are called and appointed by the Church (Eph. 4: 11).

• Call/Vocation

• Variety of Call and Gifts

• Preaching and Reconciling Ministry

4. We continue to reflect on the various and different ministries in the Church and they shape new roles for the lay disciples. We need to hear the word EPHPHATA – be open to discover the call and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church today.

Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado, OMI

Badaliyya – Philippines

January 23, 2019-