What is a Lay Minister?

According to the USCCB’s Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, The basic call is the same for all the followers of Christ, namely that all Christians in whatever state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity, and this holiness is conducive to a more human way of living even in society here on earth.

Lay men and women hear and answer the universal call to holiness primarily and uniquely in the secular realm. They are found in each and every one of the world’s occupations and callings and in the ordinary circumstances of social and family life which form the context of their existence. 

There they are called by God to contribute to the sanctification of the world from within in the spirit of the Gospel, by fulfilling their own particular duties.

• 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 that are assigned to them

Lay ecclesial ministry has emerged and taken shape in our country through the working of the Holy Spirit. In response to these new opportunities and situations, lay men and women have responded generously to renewed awareness of the implications of their Baptism and to the needs of their Church communities. 

Similar kinds of lay ministry have developed in other countries, responding to particular pastoral needs and circumstances.

St. John’s Seminary offers an online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Degree for directors of religious education, youth ministers, campus ministers, catechists, K-12 theology teachers, and anyone else interested in receiving formation for ministry, such as permanent deacons.

This program helps students improve their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church in California.