I like the idea of instituting a ministry of lay preaching and I'm sorry that so many people think it's a bad idea. I am comparing it in my mind to the ministries of lector and acolyte, and now catechist, which makes me ask a bigger question about these ministries. What are these ministries practically for? Anybody can be a "reader" at M…
I like the idea of instituting a ministry of lay preaching and I'm sorry that so many people think it's a bad idea. I am comparing it in my mind to the ministries of lector and acolyte, and now catechist, which makes me ask a bigger question about these ministries. What are these ministries practically for? Anybody can be a "reader" at Mass, and anybody can be a "server" at Mass. Almost anybody can be an extraordinary ministry of Holy Communion. The only benefit of acolytes is that they can cleanse vessels, since EMHC's are not supposed to do this (which makes no sense - they can hold the body of Christ in their hands, but can't cleanse the vessel?) Until it's clear why these ministries still exist, or until a bishop makes good use of them, it's hard for me to envision an instituted ministry of preaching.
Until only lectors can read at Mass, and only acolytes can serve at Mass, those ministries don't mean much to me.
Retreat programs like Cursillo are an amazing platform for lay preaching, which is mostly witnessing one's personal story, not strictly based on the Word of God. Maybe we just need some pastors and bishops to help their parishioners discern their charism of preaching!
I like the idea of instituting a ministry of lay preaching and I'm sorry that so many people think it's a bad idea. I am comparing it in my mind to the ministries of lector and acolyte, and now catechist, which makes me ask a bigger question about these ministries. What are these ministries practically for? Anybody can be a "reader" at Mass, and anybody can be a "server" at Mass. Almost anybody can be an extraordinary ministry of Holy Communion. The only benefit of acolytes is that they can cleanse vessels, since EMHC's are not supposed to do this (which makes no sense - they can hold the body of Christ in their hands, but can't cleanse the vessel?) Until it's clear why these ministries still exist, or until a bishop makes good use of them, it's hard for me to envision an instituted ministry of preaching.
Until only lectors can read at Mass, and only acolytes can serve at Mass, those ministries don't mean much to me.
Retreat programs like Cursillo are an amazing platform for lay preaching, which is mostly witnessing one's personal story, not strictly based on the Word of God. Maybe we just need some pastors and bishops to help their parishioners discern their charism of preaching!