Wanted: Co-Workers in the Vineyard
God calls. We respond. This fundamental,
essential pattern in life of every believer appears throughout
salvation history. The Father calls a chosen people,
patriarchs, and prophets. Jesus calls his apostles and
disciples. The Risen Lord calls everyone to labor in his
vineyard, that is, in a world that must be transformed in view
of the final coming of the Reign of God; and the Holy Spirit
empowers all with the various gifts and ministries for the
building up of the Body of Christ.
Today in parishes, schools, Church institutions,
and diocesan agencies, laity serves in various “ministries,
offices and roles” that do not require sacramental ordination
but rather “find their foundation in the Sacraments of Baptism
and Confirmation, indeed, for a good many of them, in the
Sacrament of Matrimony.” What Pope Paul VI said of the
laity thirty years ago – and what the
Catechism of the Catholic Church
specifically repeats – has now become an important, welcomed
reality throughout our diocese: “The laity can also feel called,
or in fact be called, to cooperate with their pastors in the
service of the ecclesial community, for the sake of its growth
and life. This can be done through the exercise of
different kinds of ministries according to the grace and
charisms which the Lord has been pleased to bestow on them.”
Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord
If you feel called, please call upon us. The Diocese of Richmond offers several options for those interested in parish leadership as a vocation and to those already engaged in parish service who desire additional formation. Please contact us at pmlf@richmonddiocese.org for more information.
