15. LOMAS

15. Lineamenta on LOMAS

THE ROLE OF LAY ORGANIZATIONS, MOVEMENTS, ASSOCIATIONS AND SPIRITUAL GROUPS IN PARISH RENEWAL

God’s call to holiness is for the entire human race and for the whole Church. “Thus it is evident to everyone that all the faithful of Christ in whatever rank or status are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (Lumen Gentium [LG], 40). This common call is to be involved in the mission of the Church for evangelization and renewal. “The obligation of spreading the faith is imposed on every disciple of Christ according to his ability” (LG, 17). The present developments in our present world and fast-moving pace of our present-day society, however, require a more organized form of spreading the faith and infusing the spirit of renewal into the temporal order. “In the present circumstances, it is quite necessary that, the area of lay activity, the united and organized form of apostolate be strengthened” (Apostolicam Actuositatem [AA], 18). Hence, lay organizations, movements, associations and spiritual groups are formed in response to this and “to put to use every Christian and evangelical possibility latent but already present and active in the affairs of the world” (Evangelii Nuntiandi [EN], 20). These forms of Catholic Action have the combined and simultaneous possession of the following characteristics (AA, 20):
a) The immediate aim of organizations of this kind is the Church’s apostolic aim, that is to make the gospel known and men holy, and to form in them a Christian conscience so that they can infuse the spirit of the gospel into the various communities and spheres of life.
b) Cooperating with the hierarchy in their own way, the laity contribute the benefit of their experience to the running of these organizations, to the weighing of the conditions in which the pastoral activity of the Church has to be conducted, and to the hammering out and carrying out of a program of action. In such matters, they assume responsibility.
c) The laity act together in the manner of an organic body so that the community nature of the Church is more fittingly symbolized and the apostolate rendered more effective.
d) Whether they offer themselves spontaneously or are invited to act and to cooperate directly with the apostolate of the hierarchy, the laity function under the direction of the hierarchy itself, and the latter can sanction this cooperation by an explicit mandate.

Traditional Church associations and organizations like the Legion of Mary, CWL, MBG, KofC, DMI, COM, CFD and others “have been doing a tremendous work of evangelization [and] provide an environment and support for apostolic endeavors” (PCP II, 608). Movements of renewal like Cursillos de Cristianidad, Samaria, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Neo-catechumenal Way, Christian Family Movement, Christ Family Mission (ChrisFaM), Marriage Encounter, Focolare, Movement for a Better World, Parish Renewal Experience (PREX), Couples for Christ, lay covenant communities and other several movements are instruments of genuine conversion and venues of life-changing encounters with the Lord (PCP II, 610). “When properly guided they draw attention to the continuing presence, power, and activity of the Spirit in the Church and in the world…foster an intense Christian and apostolic life, move passive Catholics by their witnessing, and prevent the lapse of many Catholics into other Christian groups” (PCP II, 612). These organizations, associations, movements and spiritual groups, however, “must not degenerate into elitist religious clubs” (PCP II, 609). “When they develop loyalty to their leader or group loyalty stronger than their loyalty to the wider Church, they become sects” (PCP II, 611). “While they should continue to foster national and international ties with their mother organizations, their members should be encouraged to be involved in BEC’s and their parochial activities should be in accord and in coordination with parish priorities and programs” (PCP II, 609.). “They should become schools of sanctification and reach out to the unchurched and the poor” (Ibid.). They should provide a special contribution to formation expected of lay organizations, associations and movements - particularly on lay spirituality - and deepen the spirituality common to all Christians.

Question for small group discussions:
Are lay organizations, movements, associations and spiritual groups greatly involved in building and strengthening BECs and actively participating in parish program and apostolate? If yes, how? If not, why not?
Do lay organizations, movements, associations and spiritual groups coordinate always with the parish priest and parish pastoral council and make their programs and activities in accord with the priorities and programs of the parish? If yes, how? If not, why not?
How do we shepherd lay organizations, movements, associations and spiritual groups so that they can be tapped for the well-being and renewal of the BECs and the parish? What shall we do with those who are not in accord with parish priorities and programs and do not coordinate with the proper authorities of the parish and local Church?