
Rome Says Laypeople Can Govern Like Bishops, but Not Preach Like Deacons
COMMENTARY: The German Synodal Way is using the Holy Father’s arguments against him, with respect to the issue of who can preach homilies at Mass.
COMMENTARY: The German Synodal Way is using the Holy Father’s arguments against him, with respect to the issue of who can preach homilies at Mass.
Lay Catholics and women religious will be voting members of the October 2023 Synod of Bishops, and while synodal officials dismiss talk of a ‘revolution,’ some canonists say it could alter the nature of the assembly.
‘The Lord wishes to spread His kingdom also by means of the laity, namely, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.’ (Lumen Gentium, 36)
Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, said the non-bishop participants — among them priests, religious, deacons, and laypeople — ‘are witnesses of the memory of the process, of the itinerary, of the discernment that began two years ago.’
Exorcists often call on the prayers, charisms and professional expertise of laypeople to help them in their ministry.
‘The laity, and especially women, need to be more valued in their human and spiritual skills and gifts for the life of parishes and dioceses.’
Influential voices in the Church have interpreted Pope Francis’ reformed apostolic constitution to support lay governance at the highest levels of the Church, and some prelates and canonists warn that the teachings of the Second Vatican Council could be upended.
According to canon law, laypeople are not allowed to preach homilies during Mass.
Curriculum is geared toward laity working in full-time Church ministry.
COMMENTARY: The great takeaway of the pandemic isn’t, ‘The Church is led by sinners.’ The lesson is, ‘It’s up to the laity to spread the faith.’
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