“To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:43
The Church recently celebrated National Vocation Awareness Week, “dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.”
I was reminded of a friend who laments the fact that there is no “lay vocation.”
She’s right – a true vocation, in the eyes of the Church, is defined by its attachment to a sacrament, and so marriage and the priesthood are both clearly defined as “vocations.”
However, that does not show us the full picture. Although there is no sacrament attached to the lay state – defined as those of us in the Church who are baptized but non-ordained (and don’t plan on entering religious life anytime soon) – that does not mean we are exempt from an active role within the leadership and mission of the Church.
To the contrary, the laity of the Church – which makes up the vast majority of the body of the Church – has been charged throughout history with a special role in bringing the Word of God to the secular world, from our family lives to our professional lives. Some would argue that this is the purpose for which we have been sent, and why God gives us life.
St. Paul and the Mystical Body of Christ
I first became aware of the idea of a “lay vocation” when I joined the Legion of Mary, the world’s largest lay apostolate. The Legion of Mary philosophy emphasizes that every single person, regardless of age, gender, race, technical skill (or any other shortcomings we may imagine for ourselves) is capable of being a great disciple and missionary for Christ. We do this in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, full dependence on the Blessed Mother, and a willingness to work for Christ. Once we open ourselves up to God, He will do the rest.
Indeed, we must fill this role, because we are a part of what is called “The Mystical Body of Christ;” we are Jesus’s hands and feet on this earth. The philosophy of the Mystical Body, and our place in it, is illustrated by St. Paul’s first encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus:
Jesus asks, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Paul, then Saul, responds, “Who are you, Lord?”
And Jesus responds, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5)
Naturally, Paul was not literally persecuting Jesus, Who had already been crucified and resurrected. He was, however, viciously condemning and executing Christians living in witness to Christ. So, Paul suddenly learned the lesson that as he did to one of those Christians, he did to Jesus Himself. The converse of this is that whatever kindness or goodness we show to another, we show to Jesus. We are, without exception, a part of this Body of Christ.
St. Paul goes into great detail on the centrality of this philosophy about Christian living in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, which ends with, ““If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
The Church and the Laity
If then, we are a part of this Body, that means we have a role or purpose within the Body. Luckily for us, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has an entire section devoted to “The Lay Faithful,” which expounds on this calling with beautiful clarity. The matter is addressed in parts CCC 897-913, which you can read in its entirety here. It is not just a call to action, but an illuminating on the relationship between the human condition and the dire need for all humans to participate in God’s grace. It reminds us that we, as the lay faithful, are often God’s chosen instruments through which this grace can reach others, particularly with non-believers. Here are a few key points:
“Lay believers are in the front line of Church life; for them, the Church is the animating principle of human society. Therefore, they, in particular, ought to have an ever-clearer consciousness not only of belonging to the Church but of being the Church, that is to say… They are the Church.” (CCC 899)
“Since, like all the faithful, lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty… to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men throughout the earth. This duty is the more pressing when it is only through them that men can hear the Gospel and know Christ. Their activity in ecclesial communities is so necessary that, for the most part, the apostolate of the pastors cannot be fully effective without it.” (CCC 900)
The CCC emphasizes that it is the perspective of our everyday life and action which is our strength and that in this way we are able to evangelize “in the ordinary circumstances of the world” (CCC 905).
“For all their works, prayers, and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit – indeed even the hardships of life if patiently borne – all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… And so, worshipping everywhere by their holy actions, the laity consecrate the world itself to God, everywhere offering worship by the holiness of their lives.” ( CCC 901)
Finally, put most simply: “Thus, every person, through these gifts given to him, is at once the witness and the [emphasis mine] living instrument of the mission of the Church itself ‘according to the measure of Christ’s bestowal.’” ( CCC 913)
How Can I live My Lay Vocation?
What is particularly beautiful about the CCC’s phrasing is the emphasis on the “ordinariness” of life being a form of evangelization. We are able to achieve holiness by directing our activities and thoughts towards God, first and foremost. Further, this means that we are endowed, exactly as we are, with the gifts and talents God gave us, to live this vocation. To become a great disciple, one need not give up all possessions and enter the desert. We are called to serve and evangelize right where we are, with those we know.
A natural place to explore your lay vocation is within the Church you attend. Have you looked into the ministries provided – not just those with external-facing missions, but those which serve the needs of the Church itself? Ushers, lectors, money counters, singers, and others all offer their time to address the administrative needs of the church. I even have a friend who arrives at church early every Saturday morning to arrange that weekend’s altar flowers, and that is the time that she gives to the church.
Similarly, most churches have an active ministry life in the community, addressing needs like literacy, homelessness, crisis pregnancies, prison outreach, homebound visitation, new parishioner visitation, and so on. How are you feeling called?
God’s Plan for Your Life
What I really love is that, as mentioned, it is not solely inside the church that we are able to make a difference. I have found that once we are able to make that first leap into a ministry, often the fruit of the ministry echoes throughout our lives. We may become more patient, less judgmental, more willing to talk about our faith with others. We may find the courage to launch our own ministry or go on retreat to deepen our prayer life. There is a joy in finding our place in the Mystical Body of Christ.
God has already equipped us with what we need to serve Him, and His children, in this world. If you see yourself as an unlikely apostle, fear not – St. Paul himself was the most unlikely of missionaries, and yet God used him, and many others. All of the activities we engage in with our talents point us back to true friendship with Christ. Our ultimate end should be to open ourselves to God’s plan for our lives, the greatest gift He gives us, as we discover our place in the Mystical Body of Christ and His Church.
Where is God calling you today?
13 thoughts on “The Call to the Lay Vocation”
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To me, and indeed to most Catholics, we pray for an increase in “vocations”. We all understand that to mean the conventional meaning of “vocation”, which is the equivalent of “career”. We want more people to choose or accept the vocation (career) of priests and vowed religious.
“Vocation of marriage” is a term only spoken in the church’s inner circle and it only serves to confuse most people. It’s indeed a vowed state, technically a “vocation” in the overly church-y sense of the word. But it’s not a career choice.
And now the author wants another misuse of the word by inventing the “lay vocation”? Why? Is it impossible to volunteer for a parish ministry unless the word “vocation” is attached? I don’t understand.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church discusses “vocations” in a number of places, some of which follow, one of which includes marriage as a vocation:
CCC 289
The inspired authors have placed them at the beginning of Scripture to express in their solemn language the truths of creation—its origin and its end in God, its order and goodness, the vocation of man, and finally the drama of sin and the hope of salvation.
The Vocation of Lay People
CCC 898
898 “By reason of their special vocation it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will.…
CCC 1603
The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator.
Dom, you have made my point for me. Ask 100 people coming out of church next Sunday what “praying for vocations” means, and you will be the only one who quotes the Catechism. Everyone else knows what the word customarily means.
Thank you for your reply.
The CCC is for all of us, Larry. Any Catholic should have some rudimentary knowledge of it. It explains the faith according to the Church, not according to what Dom, or Larry, or Laura think.
What the word “vocation” customarily means is what the author of this post indicated, which is in conformity with the CCC.
No Dom, you’re wrong. I know you’ll wave the Catechism and insist that you’re right, but I’ll side with the 99/100 who use the conventional definition of “vocation” as synonymous with “career”.
And the statistical precision of your 99/100 assertion is about what % spread, Larry? 🙂
It’s admittedly imprecise… it might well be 999/1000.
L larry,
It seems there’s a misunderstanding about the use of the term “vocation” within the Catholic Church, particularly regarding marriage and now the concept of a “lay vocation.” Allow me to provide a counterargument to the notion that these terms are unnecessary or confusing.
Vocation as a Divine Calling:
First and foremost, the concept of “vocation” within Catholicism is not limited to careers or professions. It is rooted in the idea of a divine calling, a path that God calls individuals to follow. This calling is not restricted to the priesthood or religious life; it extends to all walks of life, including marriage and the laity.
Marriage as a Vocation:
Contrary to the notion that “vocation” only refers to careers, the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is indeed a vocation. It is a sacred calling to live out one’s faith within the context of a married life. This understanding is crucial for Catholics because it elevates marriage to a spiritual and holy state, not merely a social or legal contract.
Lay Vocation as Service:
The term “lay vocation” emphasizes the call for lay Catholics to actively participate in the life and mission of the Church. It is not about making volunteering conditional on the word “vocation.” Instead, it highlights the significance of laypeople in spreading the Gospel and serving the Church in various capacities.
Clarity and Purpose:
Using the term “lay vocation” helps to clarify the role of laypeople within the Church. It reminds us that being a layperson is not a passive state but a vocation in itself, with a mission to bring Christ to the world. This terminology reinforces the idea that every baptized person has a role to play in the Church’s mission.
Encouraging Active Participation:
By recognizing the “lay vocation,” the Church encourages laypeople to take ownership of their faith and actively engage in ministries and works of charity. It fosters a sense of purpose and belonging within the Church community, empowering individuals to contribute their talents and skills for the greater good.
Avoiding Career-Centric Views:
Lastly, using “vocation” in the context of marriage and the laity challenges the modern tendency to view everything through a career-centric lens. It reminds us that our primary calling is to holiness, regardless of our profession or status in life.
In conclusion, the terms “vocation of marriage” and “lay vocation” are not meant to confuse but to clarify and elevate the understanding of these roles within the Catholic Church. They remind us that all paths in life, whether marriage or the life of a layperson, can be avenues for fulfilling God’s calling and serving His Church.
Title: The Catholic Church: A Pillar of Faith, Charity, and Civilization
Introduction:
The Catholic Church stands as a monumental institution, not just in terms of its historical longevity, but also for its profound impact on humanity. Through its teachings, traditions, and acts of charity, the Catholic Church has undeniably shaped the world in ways that are unparalleled. In this essay, we will explore the myriad ways in which the Catholic Church stands as one of the greatest entities in human history.
Historical Legacy:
The Catholic Church boasts a rich and storied history that spans over two millennia. Emerging from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the early apostles, the Church has weathered countless storms, including persecution, schisms, and cultural upheavals. Despite these challenges, the Church has remained steadfast, serving as a beacon of faith and stability throughout the ages. Its contributions to art, architecture, philosophy, and literature have left an indelible mark on Western civilization.
Spiritual Guidance and Moral Authority:
Central to the Catholic Church’s influence is its role as a spiritual guide and moral authority. Through the teachings of scripture, sacred tradition, and the magisterium, the Church provides guidance on matters of faith, ethics, and social justice. Its moral teachings, rooted in the dignity of every human person, have inspired countless individuals and movements dedicated to the pursuit of justice, peace, and the common good.
Global Reach and Universal Mission:
With over a billion members worldwide, the Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination and one of the most widespread religious institutions on the planet. Its global presence extends to every corner of the earth, transcending cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries. Through its missionary efforts, educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, and humanitarian aid, the Church embodies the universal mission of spreading the Gospel message and serving the needs of humanity, especially the poor and marginalized.
Charitable Works and Social Justice:
At the heart of Catholicism lies the principle of charity, embodied in the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself. The Church’s charitable works, carried out through parishes, religious orders, and lay organizations, provide essential assistance to those in need, regardless of their background or beliefs. From feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless to advocating for human rights and promoting environmental stewardship, the Catholic Church remains at the forefront of efforts to alleviate suffering and promote social justice.
Sacraments and Spiritual Nourishment:
Central to Catholic worship are the seven sacraments, which serve as outward signs of God’s grace and presence in the world. Through the sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, reconciliation, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick, the Church offers believers spiritual nourishment and strength for their journey of faith. These sacraments, administered by ordained ministers, unite believers with Christ and with one another, fostering a sense of community and communion within the Body of Christ.
Challenges and Renewal:
While the Catholic Church has achieved remarkable feats throughout its history, it has also faced criticism, internal strife, and challenges in the modern era. Scandals, doctrinal disagreements, and changing cultural attitudes have tested the Church’s resolve and integrity. However, these challenges have also prompted periods of renewal, reform, and spiritual revival, as the Church seeks to remain faithful to its mission in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Catholic Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, charity, and civilization. From its humble beginnings in the first century to its present-day global presence, the Church has served as a source of inspiration, guidance, and hope for countless individuals and societies. Its contributions to culture, morality, education, and social justice continue to shape the world in profound ways. While acknowledging its imperfections and challenges, one cannot deny the immense positive impact that the Catholic Church has had on humanity, making it truly one of the greatest things ever to grace the earth.
Here is a book worth reading
https://scepterpublishers.org/products/the-sanctification-of-work
Yours is a very interesting article and I share what you have written. My own experience, as a lay person with a family and a professional life, is that of an Opus Dei member. Sanctifying my work and all that takes place in my life day after day, small things which I am asked to do well to be a true follower of our Lord who also worked in the workshop of Joseph. Thank you very much!
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