Our U.S. Catholic bishops want to hear from you. They are preparing a document on the laity. You are welcome to respond to their request by US Mail or email. (Send your thoughts to Paul Jarzembowski, Secretariat of Laity and Family Life, USCCB, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017; [email protected].)
Bishops are rightly concerned about internal Church matters. They have issued many directives and statements about parish ministries. I alert you to this opportunity because in this instance the bishops will focus on Christians in the world of work—on the job, around the home and in the community.
This particular bishops’ project is not an opportunity to grip about them. It is not about complaints you have regarding your parish and its staff. It is not for telling the bishops what is positive or negative about ministry inside the Church. Nor is it for your opinions about matters big and small. This project is for sharing experience.
Please share your experience of being in our world, our culture, our economy, our politics and particularly your daily experience of encounters with others and with Our Lord.
Here are some questions to start your reflection. You do not have to answer any of these suggested questions in your communication with the bishops.
- How do you feel co-responsible for the work and mission of the Christian faith?
- Where do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your relationships/engagements?
- What are your joys, hopes, and visions for the role of the laity in society?
- What, would you say, is the meaning of your work (on the job, in the family, around the community) in our changing environment?
- Where do you find support for your daily efforts?
For nearly 50 years, the National Center for the Laity (PO Box 291102, Chicago, IL 60629), on whose board I serve, has focused exclusively on work—in the neighborhood, around the home and on the job. Our NCL has even outlined a spirituality of work with the belief that work in and of itself contributes to the spiritual life. There is no need to add a sugar coating to one’s daily activities. Day-to-day decisions on the job, chores around the home and involvement in community affairs please God, says NCL. Everything we do that is in harmony with God’s ongoing creation is spiritual, though rarely explicitly so. Bishops, pastors and other employees of the Church are consumed these days with what goes on inside Church buildings and organizations. About 99% of the Christian life, however, takes place off Church property. That’s what needs more reflection, support and challenge.
NCL will appreciate a copy of what you share with our U.S. bishops.
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