Address to the Convocation of Lay Ecclesial Ministers

May 19, 2009

The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (November 1965), ends with this exhortation:

“ This most holy council, then, earnestly entreats all the laity in the Lord to answer gladly, nobly, and   promptly the more urgent invitation of Christ in this hour and the impulse of the Holy Spirit. Younger persons should feel that this call has been directed to them especially and they should respond to it eagerly and generously. Through this holy synod, the Lord renews His invitation to all the laity to come closer to Him every day, recognizing that what is His is also their own (Phil.2:5), to associate themselves with Him in His saving mission. Once again He sends them into every town and place where He will come (cf. Luke 10:1) so that they may show that they are co-workers in the various forms and modes of the one apostolate of the Church, which must be constantly adapted to the new needs of our times. Ever productive as they should be in the work of the Lord, they know that their labor in Him is not in vain (cf. 1Cor. 15:58).”

For nearly 44 years, the sentiment behind these words have empowered and emboldened women and men in this country – what is now our local Church – to listen for and respond to the call of the Lord in their lives, indeed in your lives. And this Church has been enriched by such eagerness and generosity, adapting the ministry of the Church to the times in which we live.  It is the same ministry but we must read the signs of the times.

When I came to the Valley nearly 11 years ago, the long tradition of lay ecclesial ministry differentiated you, here, from other dioceses. It was not that they did not also boast vibrant lay ministry, but that such collaboration in San Jose marked the very nature of our parishes, chancery and other institutions.

Now, I realize that al of this is not without its challenges, roadblocks, and disappointments, but I also realize that without you and the gifts that you bring to ministry, the worked of the Church, its ministry, Christ’s very ministry would be diminished. Yes, all of us would be less without each of you.

Our gathering this morning gives me the opportunity to express, in the name of the Church, the gratitude we owe to you for continually bringing out the best in all of the ministers – lay, religious and ordained – with whom you collaborate in the one ministry of Christ. I am fortunate that Providence has brought us together and I look forward to the years that lie ahead for us all.