Official Statements by NALM Board of Directors

November 15, 2005  

On Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord:

The National Association for Lay Ministry applauds the approval by the U.S. Catholic Bishops of an important new pastoral statement, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry.

The document recognizes the vital part played today by lay people who dedicate their gifts and talents to serving in the Church in roles of significant pastoral responsibility. Currently more than 30,000 women and men function as lay ecclesial ministers in the United States, and their work contributes greatly to the vitality of the Church's life and ministry.

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord affirms the leadership provided by these lay ecclesial ministers, clarifies their accountability within ecclesial structures, and suggests appropriate forms of authorization for their ministry. It reflects on the pathways that laypersons follow in entering this ministry, and identifies important elements in the formation which they need to be effective in their roles. The document's comments on the development of a comprehensive personnel system helpfully address some of the significant issues facing lay people working in the Church. 

With this document the Bishops provide useful and reliable guidelines for the practice of lay ecclesial ministry today, while remaining open to its ongoing development in the future. Further issues remain to be addressed, and new possibilities will continue to open for recognizing, fostering and integrating the gifts of laity serving the Church.

The National Association for Lay Ministry welcomes this pastoral statement with gratitude, and commits itself to promote its implementation, so that the generous contribution of lay ecclesial ministers will continue to bear fruit for the life of the world.


April 19, 2005

On the Election of Pope Benedict XVI 

The National Association for Lay Ministry welcomes the election of Pope Benedict XVI and joins the whole Church, as he has requested, in prayer on his behalf. May the powerful grace of our loving God bless him in his new ministry. May the Holy Spirit strengthen Benedict to proclaim the Good News to the world, and to lead and serve the people of God faithfully and courageously as chief shepherd. As he asked the Cardinal electors just before entering the conclave, let us pray that our new Holy Father be "a Pastor who will guide us to knowledge of Christ, to his love and to true joy. Amen."

April 3, 2005

On the Death of Pope John Paul II

The National Association for Lay Ministry joins the rest of the Church and the world in mourning the death of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, whose service as the successor of St. Peter has had an unparalleled impact for good for more than a quarter of a century.

As shepherd of the universal Church his concerns extended to every aspect of pastoral life and mission. Putting a unique stamp on the papacy, he used his immense gifts and tireless energy to bring the person and message of Christ to every human heart, to advance the dignity and rights of every human person and culture, and to further the renewal of the Church called for by the Second Vatican Council.

His efforts on behalf of lay ministry affirmed and carried forward the ground-breaking teaching of the Council. Provisions in the 1983 Code of Canon Law, for example, gave new attention to the rights and obligations of the lay faithful, and opened new doors for lay involvement in Church ministry. His 1988 post-synodal apostolic exhortation stands as a major statement on the distinct vocation and mission of the laity. He welcomed the development of new lay movements and associations. And his many addresses, both in Rome during ad limina visits and on his travels, frequently encouraged the full and active participation of the lay faithful in the Church's mission and ministry, above all in secular society as well as in the life and activities of the local Church.

With clergy-laity relations in this post-conciliar era developing in a context of new pastoral realities, emerging forms of collaboration, ongoing theological reflection and continuing ambiguities, John Paul II continually sought to clarify and strengthen the distinct and complementary roles of each while affirming the dignity of both.

A tireless advocate for the dignity of all human life from conception until natural death, he gave especially eloquent witness to that fundamental truth during his last years, through his own personal illness and suffering endured with great dignity. He left us in this a powerful example of firm faith and confident hope. We are deeply grateful for this, and for his entire life in ministry - a life of self-giving dedication and unwavering service to the Lord, the Church, and the people of the world.

May all who serve in lay ministry find in his example new encouragement to grow in holiness, to be open and responsive to the needs of all, and to promote with conviction the dignity, apostolate and ministry of the laity in all its forms.

Let us pray for our Holy Father. May he rest in peace. May the Lord show him mercy. May he now hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant," and enter into the joy of the Lord.

####
 

© National Association for Lay Ministry
415 Michigan Avenue NE, Suite 40, Washington, DC 20017