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Lay Ecclesial Ministry was highlighted in the Catholic Church in the United States on November 26, 2000, the Jubilee Day for Lay Ministers. It marked an occasion to honor the lay men and women, paid and volunteer, who make a major commitment of time and effort to the evangelizing mission of the Church.
The Jubilee Day for Lay Ministers came at a time of incredible growth in the Catholic Church. This growth was sparked by the Second Vatican Council, which took place from 1962 to 1965. Now, 40 years later the Council's influence is seen dramatically in the country's more than 19,000 parishes where lay leadership has taken root.
Today we see a new kind of vocation in the Church as tens of thousands of lay men and women study for lay ministry positions. Thousands more already serve the Church in education, administration and pastoral service. These people represent many stories of faith and commitment, and a sampling of their stories is found in this media kit.
There are eleven articles and one sidebar, along with a list of important facts and a Q&A format piece on lay ecclesial ministry, all for use by media in local dioceses. Feel free to use these articles as is, or build on the materials to create local stories about this extraordinary moment and the extraordinary lay men and women in the Church right now.
- Lay People in Ministry Here to Stay
- (Sidebar) Lay Ministers: a Portrait
- Lay Ministry Acceptance Varies
- Lay Ministry Takes Academic, Spiritual Preparation
- Working for the Church: A Financial Challenge
- Chancellors Have Neither Dull Moments Nor Clean Desks
- Young Catholics Studying for Careers in Church Ministry
- Not Every Pastoral Leader Wears a Roman Collar
- Catholic Education Leader Networks for Christ
- Parish Business Administrator: When the Church Lights Goes Out, They Look at You
- Lay Port Chaplain Serves Church on the Sea
- Delaware Religious Education Director Responsible for 800 Students
Did you know? Factoids about lay ecclesial ministry