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Lay Ministries
There are different gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different ministries but the same Lord;
there are different works but the same God
who accomplishes all of them in everyone.
To each person the manifestation of the
Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
The Diocese of Manchester is blessed to have many dedicated, competent men and women who generously share the gifts entrusted to them by the Holy Spirit to serve the People of God. They serve in parishes, schools, hospitals, prisons and other ministry settings. Many are volunteers, but in increasing numbers, they are engaged in full time ministry within the Church as lay ministers. Many of these roles presume a significant degree of preparation, formation and professional competence.
Lay ministers foster the mission of Christ that flows from baptism and put their gifts at the disposal of the community for the common good and in response to specific needs. Since the Second Vatican Council new opportunities have emerged for lay men and women in the Church.
In 2005 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry . This monumental document addresses a wide spectrum of issues to be considered in the development of lay ministry and calls for continued dialogue as together – clergy, religious and laity – respond to new challenges in our Church.
