Following the 1987 Synod of Bishops on the topic of the lay faithful in the Church, Pope John Paul II issued this letter detailing the theological and aspects of the role of the laity in the Church as well as their formation and mission. This document is divided into the following sections: Introduction I. I Am the Vine and You are the Branches - The Dignity of the Lay Faithful in the Church …

The nature of the Church and the authority of the Pope explained Recent scandals have led many to claim that the Catholic Church is inherently flawed and that to save it, the Pope and bishops must yield decision-making authority to the laity. With clarity and verve, Ronald Knox here shows that by the very terms of its commission from Christ, the Catholic Church cannot become a democracy. …

The first serious journalistic investigation of the highly secretive, controversial organization Opus Dei provides unique insight about the wild rumors surrounding it and discloses its significant influence in the Vatican and on the politics of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei (literally “the work of God”) is an international association of Catholics often labeled as conservative who …

This document from Vatican II describes the duties and responsibilities of the laity in their mission within the Church. Sections Include: Introduction I: The Vocation Of The Laity To The Apostolate II: Objectives III: The Various Fields Of The Apostolate IV: The Various Forms Of The Apostolate V: External Relationships VI: Formation For The Apostolate Exhortation Footnotes

In 1997, eight different Vatican Congregations co-authored this document concerning problems with the bluring of the distinction between the lay faithful and the ordained priesthood, primarily in liturgical matters. Among other things addressed were the use of extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, the preaching of homilies and the proper minister for the sacraments. The document is divided …

What others are saying about CATHOLIC LAITY IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH... Russell Shaw is not only the foremost Catholic journalist of his generation, he is also more than an amateur theologian. His insights in his new book help the reader not only to understand the role of "Catholic Laity in the Mission of the Church" but also the role of the laity in evangelizing the culture. Shaw has …

The Sanctification of Work by Jose Luis Illanes WORK IS EVERYONE'S PRACTICAL CALLING, and becomes the occasion for serving God for most people whose calling is in the midst of the world. This book explores the idea that one can become holy in the midst of ordinary work by examining several subjects, including work and holiness, work and the monastic and religious state, and Opus Dei and lay …

Here's a review from Michael Dubruiel, bestselling Catholic author and Amy Welborn's husband: Tired of hearing what's wrong with the Church or listening the doomsayers predictions of a bleak future? In The Tide is Turning Toward Catholicism you will find an accurate account of what really is going on in the Catholic Church--and it is good news. Author of the highly informative The Catholic …

Lay Ministers and Their Spiritual Pratices James Davidson, Thomas Walters, Bede Cisco, O.S.B., Katherine Meyer, Charles Zech While lay ministers have quickly become an integral part of the day-to-day functioning of the Catholic Church in the United States, little has been written about their spiritual practices ... until now. Here is a glimpse into the professional and spiritual lives of …

As Catholics in the modern world, we have certain responsibilities to our nation, our families and ourselves. What duties we owe can be a matter of considerable debate. Popular culture tells us that we shouldn't speak about religion and politics in the public arena. But what is our authentic role as Catholics in today's world? Bishop Olmsted explains what is appropriate in today's secular …

Hans Urs von Balthasar Von Balthasar addresses the critical issues facing today's Catholic layman in a clear and readable manner. Speaking plainly on those ideas and questions which have unsettled many of the Catholic faithful, he brings much needed clarity into the contemporary confusion.

Overcoming the dualism between the Church and the world requires a decisive engagement: the yeast must disappear into the dough in order to become bread, but this bread must in turn be consecrated to God. With his characteristic theological depth and historical breadth, von Balthasar discusses the development of secular institutes-groups of lay people who live the life of the counsels, …