A Note on Lay Ministries

Abstract

We do not speak of Lay ministries in the Church today because, in many parts of the world, we are experiencing a shortage of priests.
We speak of lay ministries because, since Vatican II we understand that the Church is wholly ministerial. In Baptism, every Christian not only becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ but is also called by him to share in his priesthood and mission. This is what it means to be a Christian · God calls all people to salvation and offers each and every person the means of salvation. But Christianity is not just one way of being saved among many others. To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus and to recognize that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life for all people. This good news, which God has entrusted to Christians, must be shared with others. Sharing that
good news we call ministry; It is a service of love to others. Vatican II expressed this truth when It said that the church has one mission that of Jesus Christ, to be continued to the end of time- but many·ministries, and many ways of carrying It out(AA.2). · .. '"·