The ministry of the laity...

[gitlance]

Hey hey hey guys....

I've got a question. Being that, according to the Catechism, laity are "ministers of the Church," what sorts of Apostolic powers do the Confirmed laity have?

For example, are we able to pronounce blessing over ourselves, others, or objects (food, religious tools, our sleeping chambers, etc)? I know that we cannot consecrate items (anointing oil, Eucharist, etc), and I know that we cannot pronounce absolution over others (except ourselves). I do know, however, that we can baptize others in an emergency, and without prior permission from a priest/bishop. So how far does our Apostolic ministry go?

Father Rick: I would especially like your input in this.

[Polycarp1]

Well, start with the Catechism...

Q What is the ministry of the laity?

A The ministry of lay persons is the represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.

As usual, the Vatican Catholics have stolen a march on us. Google the term "lay apostolate" and read what the more reliable sources have to say.

You are privileged to bless, but as an individual invoking God's blessing in your own name, rather than in the name of the Church (the latter is the priestly blessing which is a faculty of ordained priests and bishops).

In terms of sacramental/liturgical matters, you may be licensed by your bishop to:

read the Daily Office "in choir" (that is, as the officiant for a public service -- of course you may read it privately)
serve as minister of the Eucharist, bearing the chalice
serve as minister of the Eucharist, administering both bread and wine as your priest may need to have done (e.g., Christmas and Easter services often require additional ministers of the Eucharist)
serve as Lay Eucharistic Minister to the Ill and Infirm (which actually involves reading a form of 'Deacon's Mass' when delivering communion to shut-ins)
preach (generally only theologically trained laypersons are licensed to prepare and deliver their own sermons, and rectors are authorized to permit "one-shot" sermons with prior review of contents).
But much more important than the liturgical and sacramental ministries are the ones you perform without recognizing it. You and I are doing one now -- being a witness for Christ over the Internet. "You may be the only Gospel some people will ever read." Your very presence in the places you frequent has an impact on those who come in contact with you. "Let your light so shine before men, that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven."

[gitlance]

Well, start with the Catechism...

Q What is the ministry of the laity?

A The ministry of lay persons is the represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.

As usual, the Vatican Catholics have stolen a march on us. Google the term "lay apostolate" and read what the more reliable sources have to say.

You are privileged to bless, but as an individual invoking God's blessing in your own name, rather than in the name of the Church (the latter is the priestly blessing which is a faculty of ordained priests and bishops).

In terms of sacramental/liturgical matters, you may be licensed by your bishop to:


read the Daily Office "in choir" (that is, as the officiant for a public service -- of course you may read it privately)
serve as minister of the Eucharist, bearing the chalice
serve as minister of the Eucharist, administering both bread and wine as your priest may need to have done (e.g., Christmas and Easter services often require additional ministers of the Eucharist)
serve as Lay Eucharistic Minister to the Ill and Infirm (which actually involves reading a form of 'Deacon's Mass' when delivering communion to shut-ins)
preach (generally only theologically trained laypersons are licensed to prepare and deliver their own sermons, and rectors are authorized to permit "one-shot" sermons with prior review of contents).
But much more important than the liturgical and sacramental ministries are the ones you perform without recognizing it. You and I are doing one now -- being a witness for Christ over the Internet. "You may be the only Gospel some people will ever read." Your very presence in the places you frequent has an impact on those who come in contact with you. "Let your light so shine before men, that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven."


Thanks so much for that answer! It was very insightful.


With regards to blessing... if we can bless in our own name (as opposed to the Church), what is the proper form for blessing another, or an object, etc? I mean, is it the usual "May the Blessing of God Almighty..." with the sign of the cross? Or does it take a different form? What exactly is the required way of blessing another person or object as a member of the laity?

[benedictine]

members of the laity aren't "supposed" to use the big sign of the cross. Use your thumb, or extend your hands. That's what I do.

[chalice_thunder]

As far as blessing is concerned: I think that it is totally appropriate to bless God for all that He has done for us.

Bless = Benedicere = to speak well of.

Which is why I NEVER bless the food that i am about to eat, but ALWAYS bless the Giver of the food...because it comes from Him, and not from my own ability to put it on the table.

Truly, all of us who have been baptized have been called into His marvelous light. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to pray for others, the world and ourselves; we can baptize (usually in extremis); we can be a blessing to everyone we encounter, each and every single day. A collar (and ordination) doth not make a person closer to God.

Here endeth the sermon.

PS - I have used "the big sign" over numerous people/events. It signifies my own prayer of calling down blessing upon them, and is no less valid than that of an ordained person.

[CSMR]

Hey hey hey guys....

I've got a question. Being that, according to the Catechism, laity are "ministers of the Church," what sorts of Apostolic powers do the Confirmed laity have?

For example, are we able to pronounce blessing over ourselves, others, or objects (food, religious tools, our sleeping chambers, etc)? I know that we cannot consecrate items (anointing oil, Eucharist, etc), and I know that we cannot pronounce absolution over others (except ourselves). I do know, however, that we can baptize others in an emergency, and without prior permission from a priest/bishop. So how far does our Apostolic ministry go?

Father Rick: I would especially like your input in this.
Apostleship does not give magical powers; rather it is a call to preach the word of God and glorify God before others by the transformation of our hearts and minds through the gospel.

[benedictine]

PS - I have used "the big sign" over numerous people/events. It signifies my own prayer of calling down blessing upon them, and is no less valid than that of an ordained person.

I never sais it wasn't valid. JKust not what we're "officially" supposed top use.

[SirTimothy]

PS - I have used "the big sign" over numerous people/events. It signifies my own prayer of calling down blessing upon them, and is no less valid than that of an ordained person.

Besides which, you're the organist. That covers a multitude of sins...

serve as minister of the Eucharist, administering both bread and wine as your priest may need to have done (e.g., Christmas and Easter services often require additional ministers of the Eucharist)

My home church in the UK requires 6 people to administer communion--we've a huge long communion line, so it's two people administering the bread, and 4 administering the wine. And it still takes a long time...

Timothy

[gitlance]

Apostleship does not give magical powers; rather it is a call to preach the word of God and glorify God before others by the transformation of our hearts and minds through the gospel.

Well of course it doesn't give magical powers. But there are obviously certain acts it does allow for -- consecration of the Communion, for example. My question was what sorts of acts does it allow for us, as baptized/confirmed laity?

My primary question is whether or not we are allowed to bless others as a priest would pronounce blessing over us. If we are, is there a required form we -- as laity -- should use?

[chalice_thunder]

I never sais it wasn't valid. JKust not what we're "officially" supposed top use.

gotcha

[chalice_thunder]

Besides which, you're the organist. That covers a multitude of sins...



Child, if you only knew! :P

[Father Rick]

Lance,

I deliberately stayed out of this for a couple of days to give others a change to give input.

I think it is much easier to define what the laity can't do than what they can-- since I feel it is very few things that can't be done.

Laity can't consecrate, ordain, or pronounce a solemn blessing or absolution on behalf of the Church. (In other words things that require acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Church) Other than that, they can do pretty much anything that needs to be done.

I find it's better to think of it this way-- clergy are not 'better' in their position in the Body of Christ, only 'different'. Different people have different gifts and callings-- all of which are equally important.

[gitlance]

Lance,

I deliberately stayed out of this for a couple of days to give others a change to give input.

I think it is much easier to define what the laity can't do than what they can-- since I feel it is very few things that can't be done.

Laity can't consecrate, ordain, or pronounce a solemn blessing or absolution on behalf of the Church. (In other words things that require acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Church) Other than that, they can do pretty much anything that needs to be done.

I find it's better to think of it this way-- clergy are not 'better' in their position in the Body of Christ, only 'different'. Different people have different gifts and callings-- all of which are equally important.

Thanks Father Rick!

So, for example, when it comes to the laity pronouncing blessing.... they can't just stand in front of the church and do it as a priest would, but can they give a blessing to a friend or someone in need, in a personal capacity?

[Father Rick]

Thanks Father Rick!

So, for example, when it comes to the laity pronouncing blessing.... they can't just stand in front of the church and do it as a priest would, but can they give a blessing to a friend or someone in need, in a personal capacity?Exactly...

We are ALL representatives of Christ, and in that stead we can all act on His behalf.

However, only clergy are 'official' representatives of the Church and as such only they can act on her behalf.

[benedictine]

So, can laity make the big sign of the cross?

[Zacharias]

So, can laity make the big sign of the cross?

What's the big sign of the cross? I go, forehead-abdomen-shoulder-shoulder.

[benedictine]

When thje priest uses his hand and draws a cross in the air.

[Father Rick]

So, can laity make the big sign of the cross?You know... I've never been asked this question before, so I just don't know the correct answer.

I would have to say it would be analogous to anointing with oil. While ANYONE can anoint with oil, it is only a sacramental anointing when performed by a priest/bishop.