“God calls. We respond. This fundamental, essential pattern in the life of every believer appears throughout salvation history. The Father calls a chosen people, patriarchs, and prophets. Jesus calls his apostles and disciples. The Risen Lord calls everyone to labor in his vineyard, that is, in a world that must be transformed in view of the final coming of the Reign of God; and the Holy Spirit empowers all with the various gifts and ministries for the building up of the Body of Christ.
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.”
- Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (USCCB, p. 7)
Throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore, there are hundreds of lay people ministering in a variety of roles in our Parishes and Schools. Whether they be lay ecclesial ministers working day to day on parish and school staffs, or “volunteers” who give of their free time to serve the Church, their commitment is a profound recognition of their “Yes!”
In gratitude and thanksgiving, we strive to assist lay ecclesial, lay ministers, and administrative staffs in the Archdiocese through:
- Formation and National Certification Opportunities for Lay Ecclesial Ministers
- Continuing Formation for lay ministers through Equip for Ministry
- Lay Ecclesial Formation Days for those who serve on Parish/School Staffs
- Support and Advocacy for Pastoral Associates and Pastoral Life Directors
- Formation Days for those on the front line … parish and school administrative staffs who are frequently the first voice of hospitality.
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