Role of Laity in the Church
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.”
(St. Teresa of Avila)
Catholic Laity are women and men defined as “the ordinary members of the Catholic Church who are neither clergy or vowed religious order.” (Wikipedia, 2022). According to the Second Vatican Council, the mission of the laity is to “sanctify the world”.
In simple terms, consider all the responsibilities of a member of the clergy. The laity can assist in these activities through ministry in their lay life, from their faith and social action to the professions in which they work, and in the neighborhoods in which they live.
True examples of the role of laity in the Church are through organizations and individuals unique to parishes and locations, or in everyday actions such as:
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Including Catholic content in readings and writings
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Conversing about Catholic content and events
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Being an example in thoughts and action
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Contributing to the future of society
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Supporting community goals and actions
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Recognizing and assisting with our Shared Cause
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Supporting local, national, and international causes
