Charles Testimony
One of the first things I did after being baptised in the Holy Spirit in 1976 was to ask my Parish Priest what parish task he found most difficult to
Category: Personal Development
What Are Priests Responsible to Do with Regard to the Laity?
Understanding the Priest–Laity Relationship for a Missionary Church I In the Catholic Church, the roles of priests and lay people are distinct, yet profoundly interconnected. While priests are ordained to
“Sure the Lay Vocation Is Really Only a Second-Class Vocation…”
A Misconception Challenged This statement — sometimes whispered, sometimes boldly stated — reflects a lingering assumption within the Church: that the “real” vocations are to the priesthood or religious life,
Mary, the First Disciple: A Timeless Example of the Lay Vocation
In a world often focused on ordained ministry, it’s easy to overlook the profound and vital role of the laity within the Christian faith. Yet, if we seek a prime
The Challenge of Clericalism and its Impact on the Mission of the Laity
Introduction Clericalism—the excessive emphasis on the authority and role of clergy at the expense of lay participation—remains one of the significant challenges in the Catholic Church today. Various popes, particularly
Confirmation: A Sacrament of Commitment or a Farewell to Faith?
As a 2025 begins, bishops prepare for Confirmation season. Thousands of young Catholics will soon receive this sacrament, choosing a new name and celebrating with family and friends. Yet, for
Celebrating Holiness: Three Inspiring Lay Men in a Year of Jubilee
This year 2025 marks three significant events that highlight for us the transformative power ofpersonal vocation. It is the 100th anniversary of the death of Matt Talbot, a man whose
Kathy – Call to Missions
My family emigrated to South Africa when I was seven years old. As a teenager I attended a government secondary school, but then went to catechism on each Saturday morning
Tony – My Journey of Discovering and Living My Personal Vocation
Growing up in Ireland, I viewed my vocation through what seemed like binary options: priesthood or faithful layperson. For a long time, I assumed I’d consider the priesthood if I
Hannah’s Story
Hannah Vaughan-Spruce – Consecrated Virgin I was born into a Catholic family, faithfully attending Mass every Sunday but, like many Catholic teenagers, not aware of the fullness of life available