All baptized are called to ministry

In the Albany Diocese, lay ministers serve the Church in a variety of ways, said C. Elizabeth Rowe, director of the diocesan Formation for Ministry Program.

They hold administrative and leadership positions in parishes and diocesan offices, serve as liturgical musicians and artists, serve as catechists and evangelizers in RCIA and faith formation programs, facilitate support groups, serve as retreat leaders, and provide social services through Catholic Charities and parish outreach.

"I can't think of any area of the Diocese that has not been influenced positively by the ministry done by the laity in concert with the ordained," Ms. Rowe said, adding that the ministry of the Church is a partnership between the laity and the ordained. "All people are gifted," she said, "and all gifts are needed."

Lay ministry takes on many forms, from full- or part-time jobs to volunteer commitments. Some minister by visiting the sick, serving on the pastoral council or other parish committees, serving as catechists or in the myriad of other ministries that exist in parishes.

The Church has benefitted greatly from the involvement of lay ministers, Ms. Rowe said, noting: "Besides all the service given by the laity, the laity has also share their life experience, expertise and insight. Married lay men and women bring their own experience of contemporary family life. Some bring experience in business and finance. They bring their gifts and passion for the mission of Jesus."

While the Church has benefitted from lay ministers, ministers themselves experience rewards. "Lay ministers, and the ordained as well, experience personal growth -- practical and spiritual -- through their ministry," Ms. Rowe said "They gain insights into themselves in ministering to others. They enjoy a sense of partnership and collaboration [as well as] new opportunities for education, opportunities and an awareness of the diocesan Church and the universal Church."

Ms. Rowe detects some misconceptions about lay ministry. For example, some people equate lay ministry with catechesis and youth ministry, believing those are the only forms that exist.

Another misconception is that ministry is the same as volunteering. "Some are stuck in thinking lay ministry is mere volunteerism, 'helping Father out,'" she said.

While all are called through Baptism to ministry, some Catholics continue to shy away from ministry, believing they are not worthy. Ms. Rowe said these feelings are no different from apprehension people might have taking on a new task.

"When you start anything new, you feel insecure," she said. "It's part of our human condition."

Those considering taking on a ministerial role in their parish should know that they will be trained and have the support of other ministers. The Diocese offers several training opportunities for lay ministers through the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization, the Family Life Office, Catholic Charities, the Office of Prayer and Worship, and St. Bernard's Institute.

Furthermore, the diocesan Formation for Ministry Program is a two-year program that covers a wide variety of topics, including communication, prayer, ministry, Scripture and liturgy.

(For more information on the Formation for Ministry Program, call 453-6670.)

(05-04-00) [[In-content Ad]]