Definition of Lay Apostolate:
In union with Christ and his Church, Laity are called by God to a particular movement directed to the evangelization and sanctification of all people in order to perfect the world through the spirit of the Gospel, derived from their incorporation into Christ’s Mystical Body and the power of the Holy Spirit, one engages and exercises their unique charism, on an individual or an organized level in order to make the divine message of salvation known and accepted by all people throughout the world (1).
Spiritual References
Genesis 1:26-31; Numbers 11: 10-30; Exodus: 18 13-27; Matthew 4:19-21,9:37-38, 16:18-19, 18:20, 25:14-23, 28: 16-20: Mark 6:7, 16:15; Luke 6:13, 9, 10:1-3, 22:26-27, 24; John 1:4, 4, 15-17, 21: 15-22; Acts 1, 2, 13-15; Galatians 6, 2:10; 1 Cor. 12, 9:19; Romans 1, 10, 12, 16-18; 2 Timothy 1-2; Ephesians 1:4, 4: 7-16; Colossians 1:24-29; 1 Peter 2:5-10, 4:7-11, 5:3; Phil. 2:8-9;1 Thess. 4:3;
church referneces
- The Promotion of the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church of the United States. A Report to the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at the International Meeting “Formation and Promotion of the Laity: Best Practices” 26-28 September 2018
- Christus Vivit (CV), Pope Francis
- Rejoice and Be Glad (GE), Pope Francis
- Joy of the Gospel (EG), Francis
- Opening of Pastoral Convention of the Diocese of Rome On the Theme: “Church Membership and Pastoral Co-responsibility”, Benedict XVI
- On the Permanent Validity of the Church’s Missionary Mandate, (RM) John Paul II
- Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity (AG) 1, 11-12, 15, 17, 20-21, 23, 26, 29, 30, 36, 41
- Decree on the Apostolate of the Lay People (AA)Paul VI
- The Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful People (CL), John Paul II
- Lumen Gentium, Paul VI Lay Apostolate 33 – 35
- Code of Canon Law (Can.): Canon 208-329, Canon 515-530, Canon 607-709, and Canon 710-730
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 782-786, 794-795, 863-865, 871-873, 897-913, 928-929, 934, 940-943, 1141-1144, 1174-1178, 1213-1321, 1533-1535, 1546, 1591, 1601-1664, 1669, 1877-1948, 1934-1935, 2225-2231,2442
Possible Questions to Further Unpack:
How is Lay Apostolate woven through Scripture?
See above; Opening of Pastoral Convention of the Diocese of Rome On the Theme: “Church Membership and Pastoral Co-responsibility”, Benedict XVI
What does in mean when the Church says, “lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, and that they have a right and duty to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all?
CV: 50, 216-220; GE: 129-139; Catechism of the Catholic Church: 897-913, 863-865, 2442; Co-Workers: 6, 8-10, 19, Can: 201-231; RM: 33-38, 71-77; CL: 17, 23-28, 31; LG: 33 AA: 1-8
How is the International Associations of the Faithful and Apostolic Movements connected?
International Association of the Faithful, Directory: Preface; Catechism of the Catholic Church: 928-940; Can: 201-231, 673-683, 710-730; RM: 65-66, 71-73; AG: 23-27; AA: 1-33
How do all members participate in the mission of Christ?
CV: 50, 216-220; GE: 19-24; EG: 102 -103, 169-173; Catechism of the Catholic Church: 897-913, 863-865, 2442; Co-Workers: 66-67; Catechism of the Catholic Church: 906-913, 928-940; CL:1-3, 18-19, 23, 25, 26, 32-36, 51; AG: 28-41; LG 30-42; AA: 1-9
How can the Church provide a more holistic formation process for apostolates? How do Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, Pastoral and Intercultural formation strengthen lay ministry?
EG: 102 -103, 169; The Promotion of the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church of the United States, The USA Report: 22-23; Meeting with the Leaders of the Apostolate of the Laity Co-Workers: 33-53; RM: 83; AG: 21-22; CL: 59-63; AA: 28-32