10.6: Lay Ministry

In recent years the role of lay people has been emphasised more and more, and we now speak of lay ministries. A lay ministry is when a non-ordained person has a role in the church. Some layfolk are eucharistic ministers, helping the priest give out communion and taking it round to the sick and housebound. Others give the Readings at mass. Many lay people do works of charity. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society are famous for this. Many lay people take part in political action to run their countries according to Christ’s principles and to make a better world. One of the great ministries is Christian witness, in which people proclaim their faith by word and example. When Christians publicly do right rather than wrong, this is Christian witness.

Make a list of the ways in which lay people can help in the ministry of the church.

How can lay people witness to their faith in the course of their daily lives?

Being a Catholic parent is a vital lay ministry. Why?

Find out about the work of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Write about what you have learned.

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