The Calling of the Laity

By Laurika Nxumalo – The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (Synod on Synodality) that has been described as the pinnacle of Pope Francis’s papacy has also been deemed as the Church’s most important event since the Second Vatican Council. The Synod on Synodality was launched in October 2021 and will conclude in October 2024; the theme is, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.”

In October 2023, members of the assembly presented a 42-page document titled, “A Synodal Church in Mission”. The document gave an in-depth explanation of Synodality – “Synodality can be understood as the walk of Christians with Christ and toward the kingdom, together with all humanity; mission-oriented, it involves coming together in assembly at the different ecclesial levels of life, listening to one another, dialogue, communal discernment, consensus-building as an expression of Christ’s making himself present alive in the Spirit, and decision-making in differentiated co-responsibility,”

In the Catholic Church, the concept of co-responsibility between laity and clergy refers to a combined effort to fulfil the Church’s mission. This concept, which is founded on the Second Vatican Council’s teachings, emphasises the shared duty and active engagement of all Church members in pastoral and evangelical duties. Understanding and executing co-responsibility is critical for cultivating a vibrant and dynamic Church that can successfully respond to current problems such as clericalism.

Clericalism, which is an improper elevation of clergy authority and status over that of the laity, can repress true partnership. Moreover, lack of formation and training for laity leaders may hamper their effective participation in Church activities. Addressing such challenges necessitates a dedicated effort to cultivate a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. Ongoing formation initiatives for both clergy and laity can provide individuals with the essential skills and awareness to collaborate productively. Encouraging open communication and openness in decision-making processes helps strengthen trust and reaffirm the Church’s shared mission. Increasing lay participation in the life of the church could result in creative methods of evangelisation and pastoral care. The laity’s varied experiences and viewpoints can improve the Church’s comprehension of and response to societal concerns, increasing its relevance and global influence.

The vocation of the laity is a complex one; it includes a call to holiness, participation in the Church’s apostolate, and involvement in the secular society.
The universal call to holiness underpins the laity’s vocation. Lumen Gentium, a document issued by Vatican II, asserts that all baptised Christians, not just those in ordained ministry or monastic life, are called to sanctity. Laypeople are exhorted to seek holiness in their everyday activities, incorporating their faith into their personal, professional, and social life. This sanctification process entails a dedication to prayer, the sacraments, and living according to the Gospel’s values.

Social justice is another important aspect of lay participation. Laypeople are called to address issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and inequality in accordance with Catholic social teachings. Organisations such as Caritas Internationalis and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul demonstrate how laypeople can mobilise to solve these societal problems, representing the Church’s preferential option for the poor and marginalised. The laity contributes to the Church’s purpose of creating a more equitable and compassionate world by engaging in such activities.

The laity’s immersion in the secular world is a unique aspect of their vocation.

Unlike clergy and religious, who usually live in separate communities, laypeople operate in various societal settings, including family, the workplace, and civic society. This role enables them to serve as a link between the Church and the wider world, bringing Christian ideals into everyday situations. In the spaces that they find themselves in, laypeople can defend ethical norms and advocate for behaviours that respect human dignity and the common good. They have the opportunity to influence their sectors, whether in business, education, healthcare, or politics in a favourable way. Thus, the laity’s vocation involves a prophetic dimension in which they challenge unjust systems and promote the Kingdom of God in all aspects of human interactions.

The vocation of the laity is a profound and dynamic call to active involvement in the Church’s apostolate as well as engagement in the secular world. By embracing this vocation, laypeople make distinctive and vital contributions to the Church’s mission. They are invited to be witnesses of Christ in their daily lives by influencing their surroundings and strengthening the Body of Christ. When the laity respond to this invitation, they assist the Church in spreading the light of the Gospel to all corners of the world.

Ms Laurika Nxumalo is the SACBC Laity Council Representative for the Archdiocese of Pretoria.