Lay Leadership: The Difference You Can Make

To encourage people to get out and take action. This ideal is important for our Church in mission territory. Throughout my life, I have participated in social causes, from ecological advocacy to participation in elections and the Pro-Life cause. Now, I have the responsibility to encourage all of you to take part and lead in your parishes.

I have heard again and again that Catholics do not feel they are accompanied in their faith lives. Jesus promised to give us shepherds. “Pastores dabo vobis.” The priest acts in persona Christi, yet we all can be Christ to others by our Baptismal calling, and that is our greatest responsibility. We are the hands and feet of Christ. The priest leads the congregation in the person of Christ the head, yet we all can live in the person of Christ in His heart. Our hearts beat with Jesus for the salvation of souls.

1. A Ministry of Presence- I can quote many Scripture passages to demonstrate the importance of lay leadership. Yet I want to zero in on Paul’s letter to the Galatians. It is Paul’s most decisive writing, calling on the “stupid Galatians” to remember who they are in Christ. We are like Paul in that we compete with many differing voices, even among our fellow Christians and members of our own Church. We compete for souls. We can help so many just by being present to them.
2. Listening deeply- I cannot say enough about listening. I always need to relearn this lesson. You may be the only “ear” someone has to speak to. I’ve found in my own research that vocations generally suffer because there are not enough support groups for people who transition from one stage of life to another. If people don’t have anyone to support them in the Church, such as after divorce, for example, then they may not stay in the Church. This is a pastoral concern. I am not commenting on holy Matrimony as a Sacrament. Church teaching is defined. Our own journeys are undefined. 
3. Taking Initiative- You want to attempt new things. That is difficult because entrenched attitudes are hard to address, especially among influencers and the clergy. There is the unfortunate reality of “accidental values.” There are attitudes and thinking that creep into our parishes that deter them from their mission. They are accidental because they are not intentional, although they are detrimental to the Church. You can confront these by taking the first step towards change. Be that change you want to see. Be as Jesus was, lovingly calling our brothers and sisters to conversion.
4. Keep Ideals in Mind- I believe it is essential to recognize conflicts within the Church for what they are: scandals that lead people to stumble. You will find souls that are attached to those accidental values mentioned before. While it is frustrating and disheartening to deal with people who block new ideas, take heart. There are ways to avoid conflict. There are times to confront adversity. Also, there are times when it is better to move on. Whatever ministry you do in the Church, just remember, you have higher ideals in mind than what you want or what the other person wants. Speak the truth with charity. Remember Peter’s boldness when he finally spoke out against the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8-12). He did so not from his pride. He spoke from his conscience and his belief. So, it is with us. Remember who you serve. We must all remember this.

Final thoughts on Lay Leadership.

It is more necessary now than ever. We are dealing with major deficits in clerical and religious vocations. It is impossible to staff every position with priests, even with recent increases in seminary enrollment. The Church itself is a vocation, a calling from God, and we all answer this call in particular. What is your specific charism, gift, or vocation that will serve Jesus in the Church? Who will you become with it? That is the question. 

You are enough. I said in a previous article that you bring enough with you once you arrive. That is all you need to contribute. You have yourself to give to the Church, and that is enough. Love yourself. This is part of Jesus’ greatest commandments to love God and neighbor as yourself.

Let your light shine. This can be as simple as reading at Mass, or as complicated as starting a major business project which will serve the Church. Let your light shine before others by giving yourself to others.

Listen. Your heart hears God’s voice. Only the world, meaning all of us distracted people, tends to forget it. Give people your undivided attention.

Continue onward. “¡Siempre Adelante!” said Blessed Junipero Serra. Always go forward. You cannot sit still in life. Many will put up roadblocks for you, yet use gradual, incremental steps to find the way that God leads you to. 

Speak the Truth. Sometimes people only hear what they want to hear or expect you to say only what they expect. Don’t do it. Speak truthfully and let the chips fall where they may. Respect those in the chair of authority, but don’t follow their example when they sin.

Let things fall. You find inevitable pitfalls in everything. The Church is no different. You will see things go wrong; people lose sight of truth, some do bad things, others just don’t try anymore. For whatever reason, you will see ministries you love fail at times. Don’t let it bring you down. You are not responsible for everything. You are responsible for you. Although it’s hard, I just say, let things fall when they need to. 

Be bold, even in quiet ways. Boldness is itself a virtue, just as courage is. Be bold by not holding back when you are called to act for Christ. This does not mean flipping over tables or driving out the money-changers. Leave that to Jesus. He will. Just remember, quiet confidence in Christ will see you through when you allow Him to come through in your life.

Trust. Above all, wherever the road may lead you, you have God. You are God’s. God is yours. Trust our Lord no matter where the path leads you.

Amen.