Let’s see what Canon Law says about the Role and responsibilities of the Laity

The Code of Canon Law addresses the role, rights, and responsibilities of the laity in various canons, particularly in Book II (The People of God), Part I (The Christian Faithful), and Part II (The Hierarchical Constitution of the Church). Here is a general overview:

 Role of the Laity

– Canon 204 §1: All the faithful, including the laity, share in the mission of the Church. By virtue of their baptism, they are called to participate in the Church’s mission of sanctifying the world, proclaiming the Gospel, and building up the body of Christ.

– Canon 225: The laity, by their secular nature, are particularly called to be a presence of Christ in the world. They have a specific role to evangelize in their everyday circumstances, such as in the family, workplace, and society at large.

 Rights of the Laity

– Canon 208: All the Christian faithful share true equality concerning dignity and action within the Church, regardless of their different states of life or functions.

– Canon 212 §2-3: The laity have the right to make their opinions known to the Church’s pastors on matters concerning the good of the Church, but they must do so with respect for the hierarchy and common good.

– Canon 217: Lay people have the right to a Christian education, enabling them to live their vocation properly.

– Canon 225 §1: They are entitled and sometimes obligated to spread the message of salvation in temporal matters, helping shape a society in accordance with Gospel values.

– Canon 228: Lay people are capable of assuming certain ecclesiastical functions, provided they are qualified and deemed suitable, and they can be appointed as advisors or assistants in Church governance where applicable.

 Responsibilities of the Laity

– Canon 209 §1-2: The laity are obliged to maintain communion with the Church and to obey the teachings of the Church’s pastors, ensuring their lives are consistent with the Gospel.

– Canon 210: Lay people are called to lead a holy life and promote the growth of the Church.

– Canon 222 §1: They are responsible for assisting the Church in its material needs, such as through financial support.

– Canon 225 §2: The laity must be active in the apostolate, helping the Church in both ecclesiastical and secular settings.

Participation in Church Life

– Canon 230: Lay people, both men and women, may serve as lectors or acolytes, participate in liturgical functions, and, in cases of necessity, even preach in a church setting.

– Canon 231: If laity are engaged in some form of ministry or apostolic work on behalf of the Church, they must be properly trained and remunerated if appropriate.

The laity, as baptised members of the Church, are fully integrated into the mission of the Church. Their specific contribution is to bring Christian values into the secular world while cooperating with the clergy and other faithful in the Church’s evangelizing efforts.