Sees lay ministry as a key 'shift'

One of the "top three or four most important ministerial shifts" since Christ's birth has been the "emergence of lay ecclesial ministry over the past 40 years."

That's the view of Edward P. Hahnenberg, assistant professor of theology at Jesuit-run Xavier University in Cincinnati.

He said the change was on "a historical par with -- and in fact may even eclipse -- the changes to the Church brought about by the rise of communal forms of monasticism in the fifth century, the birth of mendicant orders in the 13th century, or the explosion of women's religious communities in the 19th century."

'Radically new'

Hahnenberg, who is also a theological adviser to the U.S. bishops, put the development of lay ecclesial ministry within a broad historical context as being both "traditional and radically new."

In a recent address, "The Holy Spirit's Call: The Vocation to Ecclesial Ministry," Hahnenberg said that "the rise of lay ecclesial ministry brings something new."

But it "also brings a challenge to the way things have always been done, a challenge to the ministerial order of the Church just as radical as that brought by the mendicant friars or the active sisters."

Transform world

Hahnenberg urged people to keep the mission of the Church always before them, remembering that ministry exists to "foster the baptismal discipleship of all believers, so that together we can transform the world in the light of Christ."

He encouraged those involved in parish work, youth programs, music and liturgy to work not just with each other, but with clergy and other laity.

"Everybody talks about collaboration, but few of us actually know how to do it well," he said.

Aging leaders

Hahnenberg noted that the majority of those in lay ministry are not getting any younger.

"The median age for laypersons in parish ministry rose from 45 in 1990 to 52 in 2005," he said. As a result, today's ministers need to "find a way to pass on our story" to future ministers.

"Who knows what shape lay ecclesial ministry will take in 1,500 years, or in 15 years," he said. "The shape of the Spirit in the lives of the baptized will find new forms as new needs arise. Change is not worrisome; it is wonderful. It is exciting to see God at work in the world." (CNS)

(10/04/07)