Are you called to be a lay minister?

Throughout history, lay people in the Church have been called to sanctify the world. The Second Vatican Council especially called for “the cultivation in every aspect of ecclesial life of a spirit of communion grounded in the supernatural sensus fidei and the rich variety of charisms and missions which the Holy Spirit pours out upon the whole body of the baptized in order to build them up in unity and fidelity to the word of God.” (cf. Lumen Gentium, 12)

In response, the Archdiocese of Seattle developed programs like Christifideles, a program in collaboration with local universities for Lay Ecclesial Ministers seeking graduate theological degrees and Companions in God’s Service providing formation for Lay Ecclesial Ministers who already had earned a graduate degree. These efforts formed over 50 ministers actively serving in the Church today. Archbishop Etienne is grateful for the guidance and support of the people who made these programs such a success as we look to build upon their important work.

"An appreciation of the distinct gifts and apostolate of the laity will naturally lead to a strengthened commitment to fostering among the laity a sense of shared responsibility for the life and mission of the church." (Novo Millennio Ineuente, 45)

If you are interested in exploring service as a Lay Ecclesial Minister, consider the following:

• Subscribe to and read the C2P. Use this link to subscribe to this weekly newsletter from our Communications Office. Reading the C2P will keep you up to speed on the life of the Church in our Archdiocese, an essential tool for those who would like to serve in the Church.
• Learn more about Archbishop Etienne’s vision by learning more about his Pastoral Plan and checking out his blog. This is a great way to keep in touch with the shepherd of our Archdiocese.
• Consider other career opportunities available now by checking out the Careers page on the Archdiocese of Seattle website.
• Contact us to learn more: Deacon Eric Paige via email or call 206-382-4864.

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, the USCCB’s document on Lay Ecclesial Ministry, explains that the following  characterize service as a Lay Ecclesial Minister:

• Authorization of the hierarchy to serve publicly in the local Church
• Leadership in a particular area of ministry
• Close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests and deacons
• Preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities assigned

“The term lay ecclesial minister reflects "certain key realities: The ministry is lay because it is service done by lay persons…The ministry is ecclesial because it has a place within the community of the Church, whose communion and mission it serves, and because it is submitted to the discernment, authorization and supervision of the hierarchy. Finally, it is ministry because it is a participation in the threefold ministry of Christ, who is priest, prophet, and king." (Co-Workers in the Vineyard)

In addition to the aptitudes needed for the particular tasks of lay ecclesial ministry, candidates for this ministry should understand it represents a “new relationship to the mission of the Church, and to the other ministers who work to accomplish it.” (Co-Workers in the Vineyard) Thus, these candidates should demonstrate:

• Genuine love of the whole Catholic Church
• Communion of heart and mind with the Pope as the successor of Peter
• An ecclesial identity shaped by obedience to the bishop of their diocese
• Generous collaboration with the ordained and other lay ministers alike

Lay Ecclesial Ministers serve the local Church in many ways. The following are some positions in the Archdiocese of Seattle:

• Parish Coordinators
• Pastoral Associates
• Catholic School Principals and Teachers
• Youth Ministers
• Directors of Religious Education
• Social Justice and Outreach Ministers
• Liturgists
• Musicians
• Hospital Chaplains
• Spiritual Directors
• Diocesan Agency Directors
• Community and Social Services
• Detention Ministers
• Parish Administrators
• RCIA Directors or Coordinators
• Campus Ministers
• Ministers for Pastoral Care
• Ministers for Young Adults
• Ministers for Adults and Seniors
• Ministers for Children’s Faith Formation