The group submitted their proposal during a synodal symposium titled "The Pastoral Charge for Lay Catholic Eucharistic Preaching in the Catholic Church".

The theologians believe that incorporating qualified lay leaders into preaching aligns with the vision of a "synodal Church", a Church where all voices are valued and contribute to the life of the community.

They argue that such an approach would address the urgent need for a "more effective proclamation of the Word" and foster a more inclusive and representative Church.

Father Gregory Heillie OP hosted the event. He is a Professor of Preaching and Evangelisation and Director of the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching programme at St Louis' Aquinas Institute of Theology.

"Qualified lay leaders have an increasingly relevant message to share" Heillie said.

"Giving them voice at the Eucharist gives the Church credibility, calls us all to discipleship, and can greatly help clergy at a time of pastoral need."

More Catholics, fewer priests

The group's proposal comes at a critical juncture as the latest Vatican statistics reveal a concerning decline in the number of priests and seminarians worldwide.

While the Catholic Church continues to experience growth, with a global increase of 14 million baptised members in 2022, the number of priests and those training for the priesthood steadily decreases.

The decline is particularly evident in Europe and the Americas. This trend significantly challenges the Church's ability to fulfil its mission.

The proposal outlines a two-pronged approach: expanding existing lay ministries to encompass preaching duties and creating a new, dedicated ministry for lay preachers.

Proponents believe this would allow the Church to tap into the "increasingly relevant message" of lay leaders and enhance its credibility within communities.

The theologians emphasise that the Church must actively "discern charisms among the baptised" and recognise the unique gifts and talents within the lay community.

By embracing these gifts and allowing qualified laypeople to share their perspectives through preaching, the Church can move closer to realising its synodal identity.

Sources

The Tablet

Catholic News Agency

Vatican News

CathNews New Zealand

Their "mission is to serve, not to wield power or exert control over others."

Francis made the comments in a meeting last Thursday with moderators of Catholic lay associations, ecclesial movements and new communities. Many of these movements began in the wake of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

"The exercise of governance within associations and movements is a theme that is particularly close to my heart," he said.

"Especially considering ... the cases of abuse of various kinds that have occurred in these realities and that always find their root in the abuse of power."

"The positions of governance entrusted to you in the lay groups to which you belong are none other than a call to serve," Francis said forcefully.

There are two obstacles to the call to use leadership as a way to serve others, he continued.

"The desire for power and unfaithfulness to one's vocation as a Christian, that is, leading a double life that is no longer dedicated to God, but to other things, which always include money."

Francis went on to explain to the leaders - who were present in person and online - that there can also be unfaithfulness to the charism - which is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

He said this was disloyalty or "playing a double game".

"We say in words that we want to serve God and others, but in fact we serve our ego, and we bend to our desire to appear, to obtain recognition and appreciation."

Signs of this disloyalty appear when community leaders present themselves as the "only interpreters of the charism" or "the only heirs" so they do everything to stay in power "for life" or decide for themselves who their successors are.

No one is master of the gifts received for the good of the Church - we are administrators - no one should suffocate them," he warned.

"Instead, each one, where he or she is placed by the Lord, is called to make them ... bear fruit ..." he continued.

The Vatican has often had to intervene over the years in cases of "sickness," when the founding charism has "weakened" and fails to attract new members.

Francis then discussed the Holy See's recently released set of norms for international Catholic lay movements and associations that came into effect this month.

They were devised because of a consistent pattern of recurring concerns over the past several decades showed there was a need to make some changes

The new norms impose term limits on central leadership and mandate that all members have a voice in choosing their leaders as part of an effort to protect people from possible abuse by the groups' leaders, Francis explained.

They are meant "for everyone, no exception. There are not those who are better or less great, perfect or not. Every church entity is called to conversion, to understand and put into action the spirit that animates the regulations given in the decree," he said.

Source

• NCR Online
• Crux Now
• La Croix
• Image: YouTube