Promocja wiernych świeckich do posługi słowa w Kościele
Promotion of the Lay Faithful to the Ministry of Preaching

Summary/Abstract: Since apostolic times, lay people have cooperated in various ways with representatives of the hierarchy in different forms of preaching. Since the fifth century, there has been a clear reservation of preaching for ordained ministers. From the beginning of the nineteenth century, clergy encouraged lay people to participate in the lay apostolate. Now, especially after the Second Vatican Council, lay people are encouraged to undertake autonomous ministries in the Church: lector, acolyte and catechist. Paul VI encouraged the restoration of this noble Tradition in the contemporary Church. Until Francis, these ministries were reserved only to men. Currently, women are also admitted to them. The ministry of a catechist differs from teaching religion at school and from the apostolate of the laity. The task of catechists is “the first proclamation”, the preparation of believers to receive the sacraments, catechetical preaching and the ongoing formation of believers. Lay people cannot preach the homily at Mass, but may collaborate with the ordained in their pastoral work. The proper place of their ministry is the parish.

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