Section IV - Serving God's Plan

                    OCDS CONSTITUTIONS      

     

                               IV  

      

                    SERVING GOD’S PLAN

25. “The lay faithful, 

        precisely because they are members of the Church,

        have the vocation and mission 
        of proclaiming the Gospel: 

       They are prepared for this work   

         by the sacraments of Christian Initiation and 

    by the gifts of the Holy Spirit”                             [48].

                         [48]   CL 33

Christifideles Laici  33

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
Of His Holiness John Paul II
On The Vocation And The Mission
Of The Lay Faithful
In The Church And In The World


The lay faithful, 
precisely because they are members of the Church,
have the vocation and mission 
of proclaiming the Gospel:

They are prepared for this work 
by the sacraments of Christian initiation and 
by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

In a very clear and significant passage 
from the Second Vatican Council we read:

“As sharers in the mission of Christ, 
 Priest, Prophet and King,
 the lay faithful have an active part to play 
 in the life and activity of the Church....

Strengthened by their active participation 
in the liturgical life of their community,
they are eager to do their share 
in apostolic works of that community.

They lead to the Church people
who are perhaps far removed from it;

They earnestly cooperate 
in presenting the Word of God, 
especially by means of catechetical instruction;
and offer their special skills to make 
the care of souls and
the administration of the temporal goods 
of the Church more efficient.”      
      [21]     
        
      [21]   AA 10.
             Apostolicam Actuositatem 10
 

Evangelii Nuntiandi   #13 - 14

EVANGELII NUNTIANDI  
(Message of the Gospel)

Apostolic Exhortation Of His Holiness 
Pope Paul VI
To The Episcopate, To The Clergy 

And To All The Faithful Of The Entire World 

13. 
Those who sincerely accept the Good News, 
through the power of this acceptance 
and of shared faith
therefore gather together in Jesus' name 
in order to seek together the kingdom, 
build it up and live it.

They make up a community 
which is in its turn evangelizing. 

The command to the Twelve 
to go out and proclaim the Good News 
is also valid for all Christians, 
though in a different way. 

It is precisely for this reason 
that Peter calls Christians 
"a people set apart 
to sing the praises of God,"
     [32] 

     (32) 1 Peter 2:9



      1 Peter 2:9
 
      But you are a chosen people, 
        a royal priesthood, 
        a holy nation, 
        God’s special possession, 
      that you may declare 
      the praises of him 
      who called you out of darkness 
      into his wonderful light.

      But you are a chosen generation, 
        a kingly priesthood, 
        a holy nation, 
        a purchased people: 
      that you may declare his virtues, 
      who hath called you 
      out of darkness 
      into his marvellous light.


those marvelous things 
that each one was able to hear 
in his own language.              
      [33] 

      (33) Cf. Acts 2:11.



      Acts 2:11

      "...we have heard them speak 
       in our own tongues 
       the wonderful works of God




Moreover, the Good News of the kingdom 
which is coming and which has begun 
is meant for all people of all times. 

Those who have received the Good News 
and who have been gathered by it 
into the community of salvation 
can and must communicate and spread it.

  
14. 
The Church knows this. 
She has a vivid awareness of the fact 
that the Savior's words,

   "I must proclaim the Good News 
    of the kingdom of God,"       
     [34] 

     (34) Lk 4:43.



     Lk 4:43

     To whom he said: 
     To other cities also 
     I must preach the kingdom of God: 
     for therefore am I sent.



apply in all truth to herself: 

She willingly adds with St. Paul: 
"Not that I boast of preaching the gospel, 
since it is a duty that has been laid on me; 
I should be punished if I did not preach it" 
     [35] 
   
     (35) 1 Cor 9:16.

     1 Cor 9:16

     For if I preach the gospel, 
     I have nothing to boast about,
     for this obligation has been 
     entrusted to me. 

     How terrible it would be for me 
     if I didn't preach the gospel! 




It is with joy and consolation 
that at the end 
of the great Assembly of 1974 
we heard these illuminating words: 

"We wish to confirm once more 
that the task of evangelizing all people 
constitutes the essential mission 
of the Church."  
    [36] 

    (36)"Declaration of the Synod Fathers", 4: 
         L'Osservatore Romano 
         (27 October 1974), p. 6.
               
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Declaration of the Synod Fathers 
           
    "In Session: 27 September - 26 October 1974 
    Synod Fathers: 209 
    Topic: “Evangelization in the Modern World” 

    At this assembly the Synod Fathers re-emphasized 
    the essential missionary character of the Church 
    and the duty of each member                 
    to bear witness to Christ in the world. 

    In this context the popular issue of “liberation” 
    was linked to the work of evangelization 
    in seeking to free peoples and individuals 
    from sin. 

    The Synod Fathers’ recommendations and proposals 
    submitted to the Pope, 
    were used in the formulation of               
    the Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii nuntiandi” 
    of 8 December 1975."



It is a task and mission 
which the vast and profound changes 
of present-day society 
make all the more urgent. 

Evangelizing is in fact 
the grace and vocation proper
to the Church, her deepest identity. 

She exists in order to evangelize, 
that is to say, in order to preach and teach, 
to be the channel of the gift of grace, 
to reconcile sinners with God, and 
to perpetuate Christ's sacrifice in the Mass, 
which is the memorial 
of His death and glorious resurrection.

 
 

The spirituality of Carmel will awaken in Secular Carmelites 

  a desire for greater apostolic commitment, 

  in becoming aware of all that their call to Carmel implies. 

Aware of the need the world has 

  of witnesses to God’s presence                             [49]

                            [49]   Apostolicam Actuositatem

                                     AA          4,

                                     AA        10,

   

                                     Christifideles Laici

                                     CL        16-17, 

                                     CL        25, 

                                     CL        28-29

they will respond to the invitation the Church directs

  to all Associations of the  faithful followers of Christ,

committing them to human society 

  by means of active participation in the apostolic goal 

  of the Church’s  mission, 

  within the framework of their own charism.

Apostolicam Actuositatem  4  

Apostolic Activity of the People of God
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity
Pope Paul VI 1965

Since Christ, sent by the Father, 
is the source and origin 
of the Church’s whole apostolate. 

the success of the lay apostolate  
depends on the laity's living union with Christ; 

in keeping with the Lord's words, 
“He, who abides in me, and I in him
 bears much fruit, 
 for without me you can do nothing”      
    (Jn 15:5).

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Jn 15:5

     I am the vine; 
     You the branches: 

     He that abideth in Me, and I in him, 
     the same beareth much fruit: 

     For without Me you can do nothing

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This life of intimate union 
with Christ in the Church 
is maintained by the spiritual helps 
common to all the faithful, 
chiefly by active participation in the liturgy.

Laymen should make such a use of these helps 
that, while meeting their human obligations 
in the ordinary conditions of life, 
they do not separate their union with Christ 
from their ordinary life; 

but through the very performance of their tasks, 
which are God’s will for them, 
actually promote the growth of their union 
with Him.

This is the path along 
which laymen must advance fervently, joyfully, 
overcoming difficulties 
with prudent patient efforts. 

Family cares should not be foreign 
to their spirituality, 
nor any other temporal interest; 

In the words of the Apostle: 
“Whatever you are doing, 
 whether speaking or acting,
 do everything in the name 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 giving thanks to God the Father 
 through Him”   
    (Col 3:17).

A life like this 
calls for a continuous exercise 
of faith, hope, and charity.

Only the light of faith and meditation 
on the Word of God 
can enable us 
to find everywhere and always the God 
“in whom we live and exist”  
    (Acts 17:28); 

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Acts 17:28

     27 That they should seek God, 
        if happily they may feel after him 
        or find him, 
        although he be not far 
        from every one of us:  

     28 For in him 
        we live, and move, and are; 
        as some also 
        of your own poets said: 
        For we are also his offspring. 

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


And only thus can we 
seek his will in everything, 
see Christ in all men, 
acquaintance or a stranger, 
make sound judgments 
on the true meaning and value 
of temporal realities 
both in themselves and 
in their relation to man’s end.

Those with such a faith 
live in the hope of the revelation 
of the sons of God, 
keeping in mind the cross and resurrection 
of the Lord.

On life’s pilgrimage they 
are hidden with Christ in God, 
are free from the slavery of riches, 
are in search of the goods that last for ever. 

Generously they exert all their energies 
in extending God’s kingdom, 
in making the Christian spirit 
a vital energizing force 
in the temporal sphere. 

In life’s trials they draw courage from hope, 
“convinced that present sufferings 
 are no measure of the future glory 
 to be revealed in us”     
   (Rom 8:18).

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Rom 8:18

    For I reckon 
    that the sufferings of this time 
    are not worthy to be compared 
    with the glory to come, 
    that shall be revealed in us

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With the love 
that comes from God prompting them, 
they do good to all, 
especially to their brothers in the faith          
    (cf. Gal 6:10), 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Galatians 6:10

    Therefore, whilst we have time, 
    let us work good to all men, 
    but especially to those who are 
    of the household of the faith.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

putting aside 
“all ill will and deceit, 
 all hypocrisy, envy and slander”     
   (1P 2:1), 
in this way attracting men to Christ. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    1Peter 2:1

    1 Wherefore laying away all malice, 
      and all guile, and dissimulations, 
      and envies, and all detractions,

    2 As newborn babes, 
      desire the rational milk without guile, 
      that thereby you may 
      grow unto salvation:

    3 If so be you have tasted 
      that the Lord is sweet. 

    4 Unto whom coming, 
      as to a living stone, 
      rejected indeed by men, 
      but chosen and made honourable by God: 

    5 Be you also 
      as living stones built up, 
      a spiritual house, 
      a holy priesthood, 
      to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 
      acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Divine love, 
“poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit 
 Who has been given to us”          
   (Rom 5:5), 
enables lay people to express concretely 
in their lives 
the spirit of the Beatitudes. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Rom 5:5

    1 Being justified therefore 
      by faith, 
      let us have peace with God, 
      through our Lord Jesus Christ:

    2 By whom also 
      we have access through faith 
      into this grace, wherein we stand, 
      and glory in the hope of the glory 
      of the sons of God.

    3 And not only so; 
      but we glory also in tribulations, 
      knowing that 
      tribulation worketh patience;

    4 And patience trial; 
      and trial hope;

    5 And hope confoundeth not: 
      because the charity of God 
      is poured forth 
      in our hearts, 
      by the Holy Ghost, 
      who is given to us. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Following in his poverty, Jesus, 
they feel no depression in want, 
no pride in plenty; 
imitating the humble Christ, 
they are not greedy for vain show      
   (cf. Gal 5:26).

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Gal 5:26

    25 If we live in the Spirit, 
       let us also walk in the Spirit. 

    26 Let us not be made desirous 
       of vain glory, 
       provoking one another, 
       envying on another.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They strive instead to please God 
rather than men, 
always ready 
to abandon everything for Christ  
   (cf. Lk 14:26)  

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Lk 14:26

    26 If any man come to me, 
       and hate not his father, 
       and mother, and wife, 
       and children, 
       and brethren, and sisters, 
       yea and his own life also, 
       he cannot be my disciple.

    27 And whosoever doth not 
       carry his cross and
       come after me, 
       cannot be my disciple.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


and to endure persecution in the cause of right     
    (cf. Mt 5:10), 


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Mt 5:10
 
    Blessed are they that suffer persecution 
    for justice' sake: 
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

having in mind the Lord’s saying: 

“If any man wants to come my way 
 let him renounce self and 
 take up his cross and
 follow me”    
   (Mt 16:24). 

Preserving a Christian friendship 
with one another, 
they afford mutual support in all needs.

This lay spirituality 
will take its particular character 
from the circumstances 
of one’s state in life 
(married and family life, 
 celibacy, widowhood), 
from one’s state of health and 
from one’s professional and social activity. 

Whatever the circumstances, 
each one has received suitable talents 
and these should be cultivated, 
as should also the personal gifts 
he has received 
from the Holy Spirit.

Similarly laymen who have 
followed their particular vocation and 
become members of any of the associations 
or institutions approved by the Church, 
aim sincerely at making their own the forms 
of spirituality proper to these bodies.

They should also hold in high esteem 
professional competence, family and civic sense, 
and the virtues related to social behavior, 
such as honesty, sense of justice, sincerity, 
courtesy, moral courage; 

Without them there is no true Christian life.

Perfect model of this apostolic spiritual life 
is the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles. 

While on earth her life was 
like that of any other, 
filled with labors and the cares of the home; 

Always, however, 
she remained intimately united to her Son 
and cooperated in an entirely unique way 
in the Savior’s work. 

And now, assumed into heaven, 
“her motherly love keeps her attentive 
 to her Son’s brothers, 
 still on pilgrimage 
 amid the dangers and difficulties of life, 
 until they arrive at the happiness 
 of the fatherland.” 

Everyone should have a genuine devotion to her 
and entrust his life to her motherly care.
entrust his life to her motherly care.

 http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils
/ii_vatican_council/documents
/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam
-actuositatem_en.html

 

Apostolicam Actuositatem  10

Apostolic Activity of the People of God
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity
Pope Paul VI 1965

Apostolicam Actuositatem 10. 
As sharers in the role of Christ, 
as Priest, Prophet and King,

the laity have their work cut out for them 
in the life and activity of the Church.

Their activity is so necessary 
within the Church communities 
that without it 
the apostolate of the pastors is often unable 
to achieve its full effectiveness.   

In the manner of the men and women 
who helped Paul in spreading the Gospel   
 
    (cf. Ac 18:18, 
         Ac 18:26; 
         Rom 16:3) 

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Acts 18:18
          
     But Paul, 
     when he had stayed yet many days,
     taking his leave of the brethren, 
     sailed thence into Syria 
     (and with him Priscilla and Aquila)

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Acts 18:26

     This man therefore began to speak boldly 
     in the synagogue. 
     Whom when Priscilla and Aquila had heard, 
     they took him to them, 
     and expounded to him 
     the way of the Lord more diligently. 

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Rom 16:3

     1 AND I commend to you 
       Phebe, our sister, 
       who is in the ministry of the church, 
       that is in Cenchrae: 

     2 That you receive her in the Lord 
       as becometh saints; 
       and that you assist her 
       in whatsoever business 
       she shall have need of you. 

       For she also hath assisted many, 
       and myself also. 

     3 Salute Prisca and Aquila, 
       my helpers in Christ Jesus,

     4 (Who have for my life 
        laid down their own necks: 
        to whom not I only give thanks, 
        but also all the churches 
        of the Gentiles,) 
              
     5 And the church 
       which is in their house. 
       Salute Epenetus, my beloved: 
       who is the firstfruits 
       of Asia in Christ. 

     6 Salute Mary, 
       who hath laboured much among you. 

     7 Salute Andronicus and Junias, 
       my kinsmen and fellow prisoners: 
       who are of note among the apostles, 
       who also were in Christ before me.

     8 Salute Ampliatus, 
       most beloved to me in the Lord. 

     9 Salute Urbanus, 
       our helper in Christ Jesus, 
       and Stachys, my beloved. 

    10 Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. 

    11 Salute them 
       that are of Aristobulus' household. 
       Salute Herodian, my kinsman. 
       Salute them 
       that are of Narcissus' household, 
       who are in the Lord. 

    12 Salute Tryphaena and Tryphosa, 
       who labour in the Lord. 
       Salute Persis, the dearly beloved, 
       who hath much laboured in the Lord. 

    13 Salute Rufus, elect in the Lord, 
       and his mother and mine. 

    14 Salute Asyncritus,Phlegon, Hermas, 
       Patrobas, Hermes, 
       and the brethren that are with them. 

    15 Salute Philologus and Julia, 
       Nereus and his sister, 
       and Olympias; 
       and all the saints that are with them. 
              
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

the laity with the right apostolic attitude 
supply what is lacking to their brethren and 
refresh the spirit of pastors 
and of the rest of the faithful
   
    (cf. 1 Cor 16:17-18).

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    1 Cor 16:17-18

    And I rejoice in the presence 
    of Stephanas, 
    and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, 
    because that which was wanting 
    on your part, 
    they have supplied. 

    For they have refreshed 
    both my spirit and yours. 
    Know them, therefore, that are such

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Strengthened by active participation 
in the liturgical life of their community, 
they are eager to do their share 
of the apostolic works of that community. 
 

They draw men towards the Church
who had been perhaps very far away from it;

They ardently cooperate in the spread 
of the Word of God, 
particularly by catechetical instruction;

By their expert assistance 
they increase the efficacy 
of the care of souls
as well as of the administration 
of the goods of the Church.

The parish offers an outstanding example 
of community apostolate, 
for it gathers into a unity 
all the human diversities 
that are found there and 
inserts them into the universality 
of the Church. 


The laity should develop the habit 
of working in the parish 
in close union with their priests, 
of bringing before the ecclesial community 
their own problems, 
world problem’s, and 
questions regarding man’s salvation, 
to examine them together and 
solve them by general discussion. 

According to their abilities 
the laity ought to cooperate 
in all the apostolic and missionary enterprises 
of their ecclesial family.

The laity will continuously cultivate 
the “feeling for the diocese,” 
of which the parish is a kind of cell; 

They will be always ready 
on the  invitation of their bishop 
to make their own contribution 
to diocesan undertakings. 

Indeed, they will not confine their cooperation 
within the limits of the parish or diocese, 
but will endeavor, in response to the needs 
of the towns and rural districts,
to extend it to 
interparochial, interdiocesan, national, 
and international spheres. 

The widening of horizons 
is all the more necessary 
in the present situation, 
in which the increasing frequency 
of population shifts, 
the development of active solidarity and 
the ease of communications 
no longer allow any one part of society 
to live in isolation.

The laity will therefore have concern 
for the needs of the People of God 
scattered throughout the world. 

Especially will they make 
missionary works their own 
by providing them 
with material means and even 
with personal service. 

It is for Christians 
a duty and an honor to give God back 
a portion of the goods 
they have received from him.


http://www.vatican.va/archive
/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council
/documents
/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam
-actuositatem_en.html 

 

 Christifideles Laici 16 

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
Of His Holiness John Paul II
On The Vocation And The Mission
Of The Lay Faithful
In The Church And In The World

We come to a full sense 
of the dignity of the lay faithful 
if we consider 
the prime and fundamental vocation 
that the Father assigns to each of them 
in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit: 

The vocation to Holiness, 
that is, the perfection of Charity. 

Holiness is the greatest testimony 
of the dignity 
conferred on a disciple of Christ.

The Second Vatican Council 
has significantly spoken 
on the universal call to holiness. 

It is possible to say that 
this call to holiness 
is precisely the basic charge entrusted 
to all the sons and daughters of the Church 
by a Council which intended 
to bring a renewal of Christian life 
based on the Gospel. 

This charge is not a simple moral exhortation 
but an undeniable requirement 
arising from the mystery of the Church: 

She is the choice vine, 
whose branches live and grow 
with the same holy and life-giving energies 
that come from Christ; 

She is the Mystical Body 
whose members share in the same life of holiness 
of the Head Who is Christ; 

She is the Beloved Spouse of the Lord Jesus 
who delivered himself up for her sanctification 
   (cf. Eph 5:25ff.). 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Eph 5:25ff

    25 Husbands, love your wives, 
       as Christ also loved the church, 
       and delivered himself up for it: 

    26 That he might sanctify it, 
       cleansing it by the laver of water 
       in the word of life: 

    27 That he might present it to himself 
       a glorious church,
       not having spot or wrinkle, 
       or any such thing; 
       but that it should be holy, 
       and without blemish...

    31 For this cause shall a man 
       leave his father and mother,
       and shall cleave to his wife, 
       and they shall be two in one flesh. 

    32 This is a great sacrament; 
       but I speak 
       in Christ and in the church. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Spirit that sanctified 
the human nature of Jesus 
in Mary’s virginal womb               
   (cf. Lk 1:35) 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Lk 1:35
    
    And the angel answering, said to her: 
    The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, 
    and the power of the most High 
    shall overshadow thee. 
 
    And therefore also the Holy 
    which shall be born of thee 
    shall be called the Son of God.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

is the same Spirit 
that is abiding and working in the Church 
to communicate to her the holiness
of the Son of God made man.

It is ever more urgent 
that today all Christians 
take up again the way of the gospel renewal, 
welcoming in a spirit of generosity 
the invitation expressed 
by the Apostle Peter 
“to be holy in all conduct”       
   (1P 1:15). 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
    1Peter  1:15

    But according to Him 
    that hath called you, 
    Who is holy, 
    be you also 
    in all manner of conversation holy: 

    16 Because it is written: 
       You shall be holy, for I am holy. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The 1985 Extraordinary Synod, 
twenty years after the Council,
opportunely insisted on this urgency: 

“Since the Church in Christ is a mystery, 
 she ought to be considered 
 the sign and instrument of holiness.... 

Men and women saints have always been 
the source and origin of renewal 
in the most difficult circumstances 
in the Church’s history. 

Today we have the greatest need of saints 
whom we must assiduously beg God 
to raise up.”

Everyone in the Church, 
precisely because they are members,  
receives and thereby shares 
in the common vocation to holiness. 

In the fullness of this title 
and on equal par with all other members 
of the Church, 
the lay faithful are called to holiness: 

“All the faithful of Christ 
 of whatever rank or status 
 are called 
 to the fullness of Christian life and 
 to the perfection of charity;”      
   [23]

   [23] LG 40.  Lumen Gentium
                [See textbox below]
               
“All of Christ’s followers are 
 invited and bound to pursue 
 holiness and the perfect fulfillment 
 of their own state of life.”   
   [24]   

   [24] LG 42.  Lumen Gentium
                [See textbox below]
           
The call to holiness 
is rooted in Baptism and 
proposed anew in the other Sacraments, 
principally in the Eucharist. 

Since Christians are 
reclothed in Christ Jesus and 
refreshed by his Spirit, they are “holy.” 

They therefore have 
the ability to manifest this holiness and 
the responsibility to bear witness to it 
in all that they do. 

The Apostle Paul never tires 
of admonishing all Christians 
to live “as is fitting among saints” 
   (Eph 5:3). 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Eph 5:3

    But immorality or any impurity or greed 
    must not even be named among you,
    as is proper among saints;

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Life according to the Spirit, 
whose fruit is holiness           
   (cf. Rom 6:22; 
        Gal 5:22), 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Rom 6:22

    But now being made free from sin, 
    and become servants to God, 
    you have your fruit unto sanctification, 
    and the end life everlasting.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
    Gal 5:22

    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is, 
       charity, joy, peace, patience, 
       benignity, goodness, longanimity, 
    23 Mildness, faith, modesty, 
       continency, chastity

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

stirs up every baptized person and 
requires each to follow and imitate Jesus Christ, 

 in embracing the Beatitudes; 

 in listening and meditating on the Word of God; 

 in conscious and active participation 

 in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church;

 in personal prayer;

 in family or 
 in community; 

 in the hunger and thirst for justice;

 in the practice of the commandment of love

 in all circumstances of life 
 and service to the brethren, 
 especially the least, the poor and the suffering. 


 

Lumen Gentium 40

Dogmatic Constitution On The Church 

Solemnly Promulgated By His Holiness
 
Pope Paul Vi 
On November 21, 1964 

The Lord Jesus,
the divine Teacher and Model of all perfection,
preached holiness of life to each and everyone
of His disciples of every condition.

He Himself stands as the author and consumator
of this holiness of life:

"Be you therefore perfect,
even as your heavenly Father is perfect".       
    (216)  
    (2*)
                  
Indeed He sent the Holy Spirit upon all men
that He might move them inwardly to love God
with their whole heart and
their whole soul,
with all their mind and
all their strength                  
    (217)

and that they might love each other
as Christ loves them.           
    (218)

The followers of Christ are called by God,
not because of their works,
but according to His own purpose and grace.

They are justified in the Lord Jesus,
because in the baptism of faith
they truly become sons of God and sharers
in the divine nature.

In this way they are really made holy.

Then too, by God's gift,
they must hold on to and complete
in their lives
this holiness they have received.

They are warned by the Apostle to live
"as becomes saints",
    (219)
and to put on "as God's chosen ones,
holy and beloved a heart of mercy,
kindness, humility, meekness, patience",         
    (220)
and to possess the fruit of the Spirit
in holiness.                                     
    (221)

Since truly we all offend in many things         
    (222)
we all need God's mercies continually and
we all must daily pray:
"Forgive us our debts"                           
    (223)    
    (3*)


Thus it is evident to everyone,
that all the faithful of Christ
of whatever rank or status,
are called
to the fullness of the Christian life and
to the perfection of charity;                    
    (4*)
by this holiness

as such a more human manner of living
is promoted in this earthly society.


In order that the faithful
may reach this perfection,
they must use their strength accordingly
as they have received it,
as a gift from Christ.

They must
follow in His footsteps and
conform themselves to His image
seeking the will of the Father 
in all things.

They must devote themselves
with all their being to
the glory of God and
the service of their neighbor.

In this way, the holiness 
of the People of God
will grow into an abundant harvest of good,
as is admirably shown by the life
of so many saints in Church history.




216 Mt. 5:48.

217 Cf. Mk. 12:30.
                  
218 Cf. Jn. 13.34; 
            15:12.

219 Eph. 5:3.

220 Col . 3:12.

221 Cf. Gal. 5:22; 
        Rom. 6:22.

222 Cf. Jas. 3:2.

223 1 Mt. 6:12.


Supplementary Notes (*)

(2*) 
Cfr. Origenes, Comm. Rom. 7, 7: 
PG 14, 1122 B. Ps.- 
Macarius, De Oratione, 11:  
PG 34, 861 AB. 
S. Thomas, Summa Theol. II-II, 
q. 184, a. 3.

(3*) 
Cfr. S. Augustinus 
Retract. II, 18: 
PL 32, 637 s. 
Pius XII Litt. 
Encycl. Mystici Corporis, 
29 iun. 1943: 
AAS 35 (1943) p. 225.

(4*) 
Cfr. Pius XI, 
Litt. Encycl. Rerum omnium, 
26 ian. 1923: 
AAS 15 (1923) p. 50 ct pp. 59-60. 
Litt. Encycl. Casti Connubii, 
31 dec. 1930: 
AAS 22 (1930) p. 548. 
Pius XII, Const. Apost. Provida Mater, 
2 febr. 1947: 
AAS 39 (1947) p. 117. 
Alloc. Annus sacer, 8 dec. 1950: 
AAS 43 (1951) pp. 27-28. 
Alloc. Nel darvi, 1 iul. 1956: 
AAS 48 (1956) p. 574 s. 
 
 

Lumen Gentium 42
         
Dogmatic Constitution On The Church 

Solemnly Promulgated By His Holiness

Pope Paul Vi 
On November 21, 1964
 

42. 
"God is love, 
and he who abides in love, 
abides in God and God in Him".                            
  (227) 

But, God pours out his love 
into our hearts 
through the Holy Spirit, 
Who has been given to us;                                 
  (228) 

thus the first and most necessary gift 
is love, 
by which we love God above all things 
and our neighbor because of God. 

Indeed, in order that love, 
as good seed may grow 
and bring forth fruit in the soul, 
each one of the faithful 
must willingly hear the Word of God 
and accept His Will, and
must complete what God has begun
by their own actions 
with the help of God's grace. 

These actions consist in 
the use of the sacraments 
and in a special way the Eucharist, 
frequent participation in the sacred action 
of the Liturgy,
application of oneself to prayer, 
self-abnegation, 
lively fraternal service and 
the constant exercise of all the virtues. 

For charity, as
the bond of perfection and 
the fullness of the law,     
   (229) 
rules over all the means of attaining holiness 
and gives life to these same means.                        
   (12*) 

It is charity which guides us to our final end. 

It is the love of God and the love of one's neighbor 
which points out the true disciple of Christ.

Since Jesus, the Son of God, manifested His charity 
by laying down His life for us, 
so too no one has greater love than he 
who lays down his life for Christ and His brothers.     
    (230) 

From the earliest times, then, 
some Christians have been called upon
  —and some will always be called upon—
to give the supreme testimony of this love 
to all men, 
but especially to persecutors. 

The Church, then, 
considers martyrdom as an exceptional gift 
and as the fullest proof of love. 

By martyrdom a disciple is transformed 
into an image of his Master 
by freely accepting death 
for the salvation of the world

  — as well as his conformity to Christ 
    in the shedding of his blood. 

Though few are presented such an opportunity, 
nevertheless all must be prepared 
to confess Christ before men. 

They must be prepared to make 
this profession of faith 
even in the midst of persecutions, 
which will never be lacking to the Church, 
in following the way of the cross.

Likewise, the holiness of the Church is fostered 
in a special way by the observance of the counsels 
proposed in the Gospel by Our Lord to His disciples.      
    (13*) 

An eminent position among these is held 
by virginity or the celibate state.                       
    (231) 

This is a precious gift of divine grace 
given by the Father to certain souls,                 
    (232) 
whereby they may devote themselves to God alone 
the more easily, due to an undivided heart.               
    (14*) 


This perfect continency, 
out of desire for the kingdom of heaven, 
has always been held in particular honor 
in the Church. 

The reason for this was and is 
that perfect continency for the love of God 
is an incentive to charity, and 
is certainly a particular source 
of spiritual fecundity 
in the world.

The Church continually keeps before it 
the warning of the Apostle 
which moved the faithful to charity, 
exhorting them to experience personally 
what Christ Jesus had known within Himself. 

This was the same Christ Jesus, Who 
 "emptied Himself, 
  taking the nature of a slave . . . 
  becoming obedient to death",                        
    (233) 
and because of us 
 "being rich, he became poor".            
  (234) 

Because the disciples must always offer 
an imitation of and a testimony 
to the charity and humility of Christ, 
Mother Church rejoices at finding within her bosom 
men and women who very closely follow their Saviour 
Who debased Himself to our comprehension. 

There are some who, in their freedom as sons of God, 
renounce their own wills and 
take upon themselves the state of poverty. 

Still further, 
some become subject of their own accord to another man, 
in the matter of perfection for love of God.

This is beyond the measure of the commandments, 
but is done in order to become 
more fully like the obedient Christ.                    
   (15*)


Therefore, all the faithful of Christ are invited 
to strive for the holiness and perfection 
of their own proper state.

Indeed they have an obligation to so strive. 

Let all then have care 
that they guide aright 
their own deepest sentiments of soul. 

Let neither the use of the things of this world 
nor attachment to riches, 
which is against the spirit of evangelical poverty, 
hinder them in their quest for perfect love. 

Let them heed the admonition of the Apostle 
to those who use this world; 
let them not come to terms with this world; 
for this world, as we see it, is passing away.             
    (235)                                           
    (16*) 

227 1 Jn. 4:16.

228 Cf. Rom. 5:5.

229 Cf. Col. 3:14; 
    Rom. 13:10.

230 Cf. 1 Jn. 3:16; 
          Jn. 15:13.

231 Cf 1 Cor. 7:32-34.

232 Cf Mt. l9:11; 
       1 Cor.7:7.

233 Phil. 2:7-8.

234 2 Cor. 8:9.

235 Cf 1. Cor. 7:31ff.


Supplementary Notes (*)

(12*) 
Cfr. S. Augustinus, Enchir. 121, 32: 
PL 40 288. S. Thomas Summa Theol. II-II, 
q. 184, a. 1. 
Pius XII, Adhort. Apost. Menti nostrae, 
23 sept. 1950: 
AAS 42 (1950) p. 660.

(13*) 
De consiliis in genere, 
cfr. Origenes, Comm. Rom. X, 14: 
PG 14 127S B. S. Augustinus, 
De S. Viginitate, 15, 15: 
PL 40, 403. S. Thomas, Summa Theol. 
I-II, q. 100, a. 2 C (in fine); 
II-II, q. 44, a. 4 ad 3 

(14*) 
De praestantia sacrae virginitatis, 
cfr. Tertullianus, Exhort. Cast. 10: 
PL 2, 925 C. S. Cyprianus, Hab. Virg. 3 et 22: 
PL 4, 443 B et 461 
A. A. S. Athanasius (?), De Virg.: 
PG 28, 252 ss. S. Io. Chrysostomus, De Virg.: 
PG 48, 533 u.

(15*) 
De spirituali paupertate 
et oboedientia testimonia 
praccipua S.Scripturae 
et Patrum afferuntur in Relatione 
pp. 152-153.

(16*) 
De praxi effectiva consiliorum 
quae non omnibus imponitur, 
cfr. S. Io. Chrysostomus, 
In Matth. Hom. 7, 7: 
PG S7, 8 I s. 5. Ambrosius, 
De Vidu s, 4, 23: 
PL 16, 241 s. 

 

 Christifideles Laici 17

CHRISTIFIDELES  LAICI 
Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
Of His Holiness John Paul II
On The Vocation And The Mission
Of The Lay Faithful
In The Church And In The World

CL 17. 
The vocation of the lay faithful to holiness 
implies that life according to the Spirit 
expresses itself in a particular way 
in their involvement in temporal affairs and 
in their participation in earthly activities. 

Once again the Apostle admonishes us:
 “Whatever you do, in word or deed, 
  do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
  giving thanks to God the Father through him”   
    (1 Col 3:17). 

Applying the Apostle’s words to the lay faithful, 
the Council categorically affirms: 
 “Neither family concerns nor other secular affairs 
  should be excluded 
  from their religious program of life.”  
     [25]  

     [25] AA 4.


 

Christifideles Laici 25

POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
 
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI
OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II

ON THE VOCATION AND THE MISSION 
OF THE LAY FAITHFUL
IN THE CHURCH 
AND IN THE WORLD


The Lay Faithful's Participation
in the Life of the Church

25. 
The lay faithful participate in the life 
of the Church 
not only in exercising their tasks and charisms, 
but also in many other ways.

Such participation finds 
its first and necessary expression 
in the life and mission of the particular Church, 
in the diocese in which "the Church of Christ, 
one, holy, catholic and apostolic, 
is truly present and at work".

      The Particular Churches 
      and the Universal Church

For an adequate participation in ecclesial life,
the lay faithful absolutely need to have 
a clear and precise vision of the particular Church 
with its primordial bond to the universal Church... 

...The same Council 
strongly encourages the lay faithful 
actively to live out their belonging 
to the particular Church, 
while at the same time assuming 
an ever-increasing "catholic" spirit: 

 "Let the lay faithful constantly foster"
   - we read in the Decree 
     on the Apostolate of Lay People - 
 "a feeling for their own diocese, 
  of which the parish is a kind of cell, 
  and be always ready at their bishops' invitation 
  to participate in diocesan projects. 

...they should be concerned about the needs 
of the People of God scattered throughout the world"   
   [1] 

   [1]  Apostolicam Actuositatem 10  
        (See AA 10 in own textbox on this page)

In this sense, 
the recent Synod has favored the creation 
of Diocesan Pastoral Councils, 
as a recourse at opportune times. 

In fact, on a diocesan level 
this structure could be 
the principle form of collaboration, 
dialogue, and discernment as well. 

The participation of the lay faithful 
in these Councils 
can broaden resources in consultation 
and the principle of collaboration
 - and in certain instances 
   also in decision-making -
if applied in a broad and determined manner.

The participation of the lay faithful 
in Diocesan Synods and in local Councils, 
whether provincial or plenary, 
is envisioned by the Code of Canon Law      
   (88).

These structures could contribute 
 to Church communion 
and the mission of the particular Church, 
both in its own surroundings 
and in relation to the other particular Churches 
of the ecclesiastical province 
or Episcopal Conference.

Episcopal Conferences are called to evaluate
the most opportune way of developing the consultation 
and the collaboration of the lay faithful, women and men, 
at a national or regional level, 
so that they may 
consider well the problems they share and 
manifest better the communion of the whole Church  
   (89).

88. Cf. Code of Canon Law, 
    Can. 443 4; 463 1 and & 2. 

89. Cf. Propositio 10. 


http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii
/apost_exhortations/documents
/hf_jp-ii_exh_30121988_christifideles
-laici_en.html

 

Christifideles Laici 28

POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION

CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI
OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II

ON THE VOCATION AND THE MISSION 
OF THE LAY FAITHFUL

IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD

CL 28. 
The lay faithful, 
together with the clergy 
and women and men religious, 
make up the one People of God 
and the Body of Christ. 

Being “members” of the Church takes nothing away 
from the fact 
that each Christian as an individual 
is “unique and irrepeatable.” 

On the contrary, this belonging 
guarantees and fosters the profound sense
of that uniqueness and irrepeatability 
insofar as these very qualities are the source 
of variety and richness for the whole Church.

Therefore, 
God calls the individual in Jesus Christ, 
each one personally by name. 

In this sense the Lord’s words 
 “You too go into my vineyard,” 
directed to the Church as a whole, 
come specially addressed to each member individually. 

Because of each member’s 
unique and irrepeatable character
 — that is, one’s identity and actions 
   as a person —
each individual is placed at the service 
of the growth of the ecclesial community 
while, at the same time, 
singularly receiving and sharing 
in the common richness of all the Church. 

This is the “Communion of Saints” 
which we profess in the Creed. 

The good of all becomes 
the good of each one and 
the good of each one 
becomes the good of all. 

“In the Holy Church,” writes St. Gregory the Great, 
“all are nourished by each one and 
each one is nourished by all.”

Above all, 
each member of the lay faithful should always 
be fully aware of being a “member of the Church” 
yet entrusted with a unique task 
which cannot be done by another and 
which is to be fulfilled for the good of all. 

From this perspective the Council’s insistence 
on the absolute necessity of an apostolate exercised 
by the individual takes on its full meaning: 

“The apostolate exercised by the individual
  — which flows abundantly from a truly Christian life 
         (cf. Jn 4:11) —
is the origin and condition of the whole lay apostolate, 
even in its organized expression, and admits no substitute. 

Regardless of circumstance, all lay persons 
(including those who have no opportunity or possibility 
 for collaboration in associations) 
are called to this type of apostolate 
and obliged to engage in it. 

Such an apostolate is useful at all times and places, 
but in certain circumstances 
it is the only one available and feasible.”
   [28] 

   [28] AA 16.  
        Apostolicam Actuositatem 16


In the apostolate exercised by the individual, 
great riches are waiting to be discovered 
through an intensification of the missionary effort 
of each of the lay faithful. 

Such an individual form of apostolate 
can contribute greatly 
to a more extensive spreading of the Gospel, 
indeed it can reach as many places 
as there are daily lives of individual members 
of the lay faithful. 

Furthermore, 
the spread of the Gospel will be continual, 
since a person’s life and faith will be one. 

Likewise the spread of the Gospel 
will be particularly incisive, 
because in sharing fully in the unique conditions 
of the life, work, difficulties and hopes 
of their sisters and brothers, 
the lay faithful will be able to reach the hearts 
of their neighbors, friends, and colleagues, 
opening them to a full sense of human existence, 
that is, to communion with God and with all people. 

 

Apostolicam Actuositatem 15, 16

APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM
Apostolic Activity of the people of God
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity
Pope Paul VI 1965 

THE VARIOUS FORMS OF THE APOSTOLATE 

15. 
The laity can engage in their apostolic activity 
either as individuals or together as members 
of various groups or associations.

16. 
The individual apostolate, 
flowing generously from its source 
in a truly Christian life 
       (cf. John 4:14), 
is the origin and condition 
of the whole lay apostolate, 
even of the organized type, 
and it admits of no substitute.

Regardless of status, all lay persons
 (including those 
  who have no opportunity or possibility 
for collaboration in associations) 
are called to this type of apostolate 
and obliged to engage in it. 

This type of apostolate is useful 
at all times and places, 
but in certain circumstances 
it is the only one appropriate and feasible.

There are many forms of the apostolate 
whereby the laity build up the Church, 
sanctify the world, and give it life in Christ. 

A particular form of the individual apostolate 
as well as a sign specially suited to our times 
is the testimony of the whole lay life 
arising from faith, hope, and charity. 

It manifests Christ living in those 
who believe in Him. 

Then by the apostolate the spoken and written word, 
which is utterly necessary under certain circumstances, 
lay people announce Christ, 
explain and spread His teaching 
in accordance with one's status and ability, and 
faithfully profess it.

Furthermore, 
in collaborating as citizens of this world, 
in whatever pertains to the upbuilding 
and conducting of the temporal order, 
the laity must seek in the light of faith 
loftier motives of action 
in their family, professional, cultural, and social life 
and make them known to others when the occasion arises. 

Doing this, they should be aware of the fact 
that they are cooperating with God 
the creator, redeemer, and sanctifier 
and are giving praise to Him.

Finally, 
the laity should vivify their life with charity 
and express it as best they can in their works.

They should all remember that they 
can reach all men and 
contribute to the salvation of the whole world 
by public worship and prayer 
as well as by penance and voluntary acceptance 
of the labors and hardships of life 
whereby they become like the suffering Christ 
    (cf.    2 Cor. 4:10; 
              Col. 1:24).

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     2 Cor. 5:10

     5 For we preach not ourselves, 
        but Jesus Christ our Lord; 
        and ourselves your servants through Jesus.  

     6 For God, 
        who commanded the light 
        to shine out of darkness, 
        hath shined in our hearts, 
        to give the light 
        of the knowledge of the glory of God, 
        in the face of Christ Jesus. 

     7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 
        that the excellency may be 
        of the power of God, 
        and not of us. 
 
     8 In all things we suffer tribulation, 
        but are not distressed; 
        we are straitened, 
        but are not destitute;  

     9 We suffer persecution, 
        but are not forsaken; 
        we are cast down, 
        but we perish not:  

    10 Always bearing about in our body 
        the mortification of Jesus, 
        that the life also of Jesus 
        may be made manifest 
        in our bodies.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Col. 1:24

    Who now rejoice 
    in my sufferings for you, 
    and fill up those things 
    that are wanting 
    of the sufferings of Christ, 
    in my flesh, 
    for his body, 
    which is the church

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



http://www.vatican.va/archive/
hist_councils/ii_vatican_council
/documents
/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam
-actuositatem_en.html 


 

 Christifideles Laici 29

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
Of His Holiness John Paul II
On The Vocation And The Mission
Of The Lay Faithful
In The Church And In The World

29  
Church communion, 
already present and at work 
in the activities of the individual, 
finds its specific expression 
in the lay faithful’s working together in groups,
that is, 
in activities done with others in the course 
of their responsible participation 
in the life and mission of the Church. 

In recent days the phenomenon of lay people 
associating among themselves 
has taken on a character 
of particular variety and vitality. 

In some ways lay associations 
have always been present 
throughout the Church’s history 
as various confraternities, 
third orders and sodalities 
testify even today. 

However, in modern times 
such lay groups have received a special stimulus, 
resulting in the birth and spread 
of a multiplicity of group forms: 
  associations, groups, communities, movements. 

We can speak of a new era of group endeavours 
of the lay faithful. 

In fact, 
“alongside the traditional forming of associations, 
and at times coming from their very roots, 
movements and new sodalities have sprouted 
with a specific feature and purpose, 
so great is 
the richness and the versatility of resources 
that the Holy Spirit nourishes 
in the ecclesial community, 
and so great is 
the capacity of initiative and the generosity 
of our lay people.”

Often these lay groups show themselves 
to be very diverse from one another 
in various aspects, 
 in their external structures, 
 in their procedures and training methods, and 
 in the fields in which they work. 

However, they all come together 
in an all-inclusive and profound convergence 
when viewed from the perspective 
of their common purpose, 
that is, 
the responsible participation of all of them 
in the Church’s mission 
of carrying forth the Gospel of Christ
  — the source of hope for humanity and 
    the renewal of society. 

The actual formation of groups of the lay faithful 
for spiritual purposes or for apostolic work 
comes from various sources and 
corresponds to different demands. 

In fact, their formation itself 
expresses the social nature of the person 
and for this reason leads to a more extensive 
and incisive effectiveness in work.

In reality, 
a “cultural” effect can be accomplished 
through work done 
not so much by an individual alone 
but by an individual as “a social being,” 
that is, as a member of a group, of a community, 
of an association or of a movement. 

Such work is, then, the source and stimulus 
leading to the transformation 
of the surroundings and society 
as well as the fruit and sign 
of every other transformation 
in this regard. 

This is particularly true in the context 
of a pluralistic and fragmented society
  — the case in so many parts 
    of the world today —
and in light of the problems 
which have become greatly complex and difficult. 

On the other hand, in a secularized world, above all, 
the various group forms of the apostolate 
can represent for many 
a precious help for the Christian life 
in remaining faithful 
to the demands of the Gospel and 
to the commitment to the Church’s mission 
and the apostolate. 

Beyond this, 
the profound reason that justifies and demands 
the lay faithful’s forming of lay groups 
comes from a theology based on ecclesiology, 
as the Second Vatican Council clearly acknowledged 
in referring to the group apostolate as a “sign 
of communion and 
of unity of the Church of Christ.” 

It is a “sign” that must be manifested 
in relation to “communion” 
both in the internal and external aspects 
of the various group forms 
and in the wider context of the Christian community. 

As mentioned, this reason based on ecclesiology explains, 
on one hand, the “right” of lay associations to form, 
and on the other, the necessity of “criteria” 
for discerning the authenticity of the forms 
which such groups take in the Church. 

First of all, 
the freedom for lay people in the Church 
to form such groups
is to be acknowledged. 

Such liberty is a true and proper right 
that is not derived 
from any kind of “concession” by authority, 
but flows from the Sacrament of Baptism 
which calls the lay faithful to participate actively
in the Church’s communion and mission. 


In this regard the Council is quite clear: 

“As long as the proper relationship 
is kept to Church authority, 
the lay faithful have the right 
 to found and run such associations and 
 to join those already existing.”                 
    [29]   
      
    [29] LG 37.


A citation 
from the recently published Code of Canon Law 
affirms it as well: 

“The Christian faithful are at liberty 
to found and govern associations 
for charitable and religious purposes 
or for the promotion 
of the Christian vocation in the world; 
they are free to hold meetings 
to pursue these purposes in common.”
   
It is a question of a freedom 
that is to be acknowledged and guaranteed 
by ecclesial authority 
and always and only to be exercised 
in Church communion. 

Consequently, the right of the lay faithful 
to form groups 
is essentially in relation 
to the Church’s life of communion and 
to her mission. 

               

 

As a fruit of this participation in evangelization, 

Carmelite Seculars will share a renewed taste for

   prayer, 

   contemplation and the

   liturgical and sacramental life.

26. The vocation to the Secular Order is truly ecclesial. 

         Prayer and apostolate, 

       when they are true, are inseparable. 

         The observation of St Teresa 
        that the purpose of prayer is

         “the birth of good works”                                 [50] 
             
               [50]   IC V: 3:11; Interior castle

Interior Castle V:3:11.      

"OUR LORD EXPECTS WORKS FROM US."

When I see people very anxious to know 
what sort of prayer they practise, 
covering their faces and afraid to move or think 
lest they should lose any slight tenderness 
and devotion they feel, 

I know how little they understand 
how to attain union with God 
since they think it consists in such things as these. 

No, sisters, no; 

OUR LORD EXPECTS WORKS FROM US. 

If you see a sick sister whom you can relieve,   
   [197]  
never fear losing your devotion; 
Compassionate her; 

If she is in pain, 
feel for it as if it were your own and, 

when there is need, 
fast so that she may eat, 
not so much for her sake 
as because you know 
your Lord asks it of you. 

This is the true union 
of our will with the will of God. 

If some one else is well spoken of, 
be more pleased 
than if it were yourself; 

This is easy enough, 
for if you were really humble 
it would vex you to be praised. 

It is a great good 
to rejoice at your sister’s virtues being known and 
to feel as sorry for the fault you see in her 
as if it were yours, 
hiding it from the sight of others. 



197   Way of Perf. ch. vii. 4. 

CCEL   Christian Classics Etheral library
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/teresa/castle2.ix.iii.html
 

Interior Castle VII:4:  10

10. 
This is THE END AND AIM OF PRAYER, 
my daughters; 

This is the reason 
of the spiritual marriage 
whose children are always GOOD WORKS. 

WORKS ARE THE UNMISTAKABLE SIGN 
WHICH SHOWS THESE FAVOURS COME FROM GOD, 
as I told you. 

It will do me little  good 
to be deeply recollected when alone, 
making acts of the virtues, 
planning and promising to do wonders 
in God’s service, 
if afterwards, when occasion offers, 
I do just the opposite. 

I did wrong in saying, 
‘It will do me little good,’ 
for all the time we spend with God 
does us great good. 

Though afterwards we may weakly fail 
to perform our good intentions, 
yet some time or other 
His Majesty will find a way for us 
to practise them 
although perhaps much to our regret. 

Thus when He sees a soul very cowardly, 
He often sends it some great affliction, 
much against its will, 
and brings it through this trial 
with profit to itself.

When the soul has learnt this, 
it is less timid in offering itself to Him. 

http://www.ccel.org/
ccel/teresa/castle2.xi.iv.html 

 

              [50]   cf.  IC VII:   3. Interior Castle

Interior Castle VII:3 

"...and now Christ lives in her.       
    [420]  

Let us see THE DIFFERENCE 
BETWEEN HER PRESENT AND HER FORMER LIFE,

for the EFFECTS WILL PROVE 
whether what I told you was true. 

As far as can be ascertained 
they are these: 

first, 
a self-forgetfulness so complete 
that she really appears not to exist, 
as I said,                       
   [421]

for such a transformation 
has been worked in her 
that she no longer recognizes herself; 

nor does she remember 
that heaven, or life, or glory are to be hers, 
but seems entirely occupied 
in seeking God’s interests. 

Apparently the words spoken by His Majesty 
have done their work: 

 ’that she was to care for His affairs, 
  and He would care for hers....    
  [422]






420   
Gal. ii. 20. 

421   
Castle, M. vii. ch. i. 11 and 15.
 
422   
Castle, M. vii. ch. ii. 1. 
Compare the references there given. 



http://www.ccel.org/
ccel/teresa/castle2.xi.iii.html


 

       reminds the Secular Order 

       that graces received ought to have an effect 

       on those who receive them                            [51].

                                                [51].    Cf. AA  2 -  3 

 Apostolicam Actuositatem 2

Decree On The Apostolate Of The Laity

Solemnly Promulgated By His Holiness,
Pope Paul VI

On November 18, 1965
                
CHAPTER I 
THE VOCATION OF THE LAITY TO THE APOSTOLATE 

2. 
The Church was founded for the purpose of 
spreading the kingdom of Christ
throughout the earth 
for the glory of God the Father, 
to enable all men to share 
in His saving redemption, 
    (1) 

  [ (1) cf. Pius XI, 
        encyclical "Rerum Ecclesiae:" 
        A.A.S. 18 (1926) p. 65. ]

                                               
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

     Rerum Ecclesiae  - Pius XI  - 1926
     “Matters of the Church”
     ON CATHOLIC MISSIONS 

     “The Church has no other reason 
      for existence than, 
      by developing the Kingdom of Christ on earth,
      to make mankind participate in the effects
      of His saving Redemption.”

     “…that the faithful be brought to understand
      with what zeal, constancy in prayer, and 
      with what generosity they too must co-operate 
      in a work which is so holy and fruitful.” ...
                                       
     “8. Everyone can pray, 
         of this fact there can be no question.
         Everyone, therefore, 
         has at hand and can make use 
         of this all-important help, 
         this daily nourishment of the missions. 
         …for example, 
         to the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin 
         or to the other prayers 
         which are customarily recited 
         both in the parish and other churches”

    “17. Recently, as you know, 
         We assigned to the Society 
         of St. Peter the Apostle 
         as its heavenly patroness,
            St. Teresa of the Child Jesus. 

         This Saint 
         who, during her life here below 
         as a religious,
         made herself responsible for and adopted…
         more than one missionary in order to assist him 
         in his work as was her custom 
         by her prayers, 
         by voluntary and prescribed corporal penances, 
         but, above all, 
         by offering to her Divine Spouse
         the dreadful sufferings resulting on the disease
         with which she was afflicted.

         Under the protection of the Virgin of Lisieux, 
         We, too, look forward to more abundant fruits 
         in this work.”

    “34. ...May Mary, the Most Holy Queen of Apostles, 
         graciously look down with favor 
         upon this our common undertaking;
         that selfsame Mary who, 
         since she keeps within her motherly heart 
         all men committed 
         to her protection on Calvary, 
         cherishes and loves 
         not only those whose fortune it is 
         to enjoy the fruits of the Redemption, 
         but all those others likewise 
         who do not yet know 
         that they have been redeemed 
         by Jesus Christ”

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~  

      A.A.S. 18 (1926) p. 65. ]
      (  Rerum Ecclesiae was published in AAS #18  

      AAS • Acta Apostolicae Sedis • 
      Acts of the Apostolic See  
      is an official publication of the Holy See, 
      published multiple times per year, 
      and contains the official text 
      of then current encyclicals, 
      decrees, directives, and other actions 
      of the Pope.

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM #2 (con’t) 
Apostolic Activity of the people of God
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity 
Pope Paul VI 1965  


and that through them 
the whole world might enter 
into a relationship with Christ. 

All activity of the Mystical Body 
directed to the attainment of this goal 
is called the apostolate, 
which the Church carries on in various ways 
through all her members. 
             
All activity of the Mystical Body 
directed to the attainment of this goal 
is called the apostolate, 
which the Church carries on in various ways 
through all her members. 

For the Christian vocation 
by its very nature 
is also a vocation to the apostolate. 

No part of the structure of a living body 
is merely passive 
but has a share in the functions 
as well as life of the body: 

so, too, in the body of Christ, 
which is the Church, 
"the whole body...in keeping 
with the proper activity of each part, 
derives its increase 
from its own internal development" 
    (Eph. 4:16).

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Eph 4: 13 - 16

  13 "Until we all meet into the unity of faith, 
      and of the knowledge of the Son of God, 
      unto a perfect man, 
      unto the measure of the age 
      of the fulness of Christ; 

  14 That henceforth we be 
      no more children tossed to and fro, 
      and carried about 
      with every wind of doctrine 
      by the wickedness of men, 
      by cunning craftiness, 
      by which they lie in wait to deceive  

  15 But doing the truth in charity, 
      we may in all things grow up 
      in him who is the head, 
      even Christ:

  16 From whom the whole body, 
      being compacted 
      and fitly joined together, 
      by what every joint supplieth, 
      according to the operation 
      in the measure of every part, 
      maketh increase of the body, 
      unto the edifying of itself 
      in charity."

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Indeed, the organic union in this body 
and the structure of the members 
are so compact 
that the member 
who fails to make his proper contribution 
to the development of the Church 
must be said to be useful 
neither to the Church nor to himself.
                                          
In the Church there is a diversity of ministry 
but a oneness of mission. 

Christ conferred on the Apostles 
and their successors 
the duty of teaching, sanctifying, and ruling 
in His name and power. 

But the laity likewise SHARE 
IN THE PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC, AND ROYAL OFFICE 
OF CHRIST 

and therefore have their own share in the mission 
of the whole people of God 
in the Church and in the world.   
      (2)

   [ ( 2 ) cf. Second Vatican Council, 
           Dogmatic Constitution 
           on the Nature of the Church, 
           LUMEN GENTIUM  no. 31: 
           A.A.S. 57 (1965) p. 37. Article 3:  ]

   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
   LUMEN GENTIUM #31

   DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
   LUMEN GENTIUM 
   Light of the Nations  #31

   POPE PAUL VI    
   NOVEMBER 21, 1964 
    
   The term “laity” is here understood to mean 
   all the faithful except 
   those in Holy Orders and 
   those who belong to a religious state 
   approved by the Church. 

   That is, the faithful who by Baptism 
   are incorporated into Christ, 
   are placed in the People of God, 
   and in their own way 
   SHARE THE PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC AND KINGLY 
   OFFICE OF CHRIST, 
   and to the best of their ability 
   carry on the mission
   of the whole Christian people in the Church 
   and in the world.           
      
   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

   AAS 57 (1965) p.37. Article 3
   was published in AAS #57 1965

   Acta Apostolicae Sedis  
   Acts of the Apostolic See  
   is an official publication of the Holy See, 
   published multiple times per year, 
   and contains the official text 
   of then current 
   encyclicals, decrees, directives, 
   and other actions of the Pope.

   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   ~ ~


APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM #2 (con’t) 
Apostolic Activity of the people of God
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity 
Pope Paul VI 1965 )


They exercise the apostolate in fact 
by their activity directed 
to the evangelization 
and sanctification of men and 
to the penetrating and perfecting 
of the temporal order 
through the spirit of the Gospel. 

In this way, 
their temporal activity 
openly bears witness to Christ and
promotes the salvation of men. 

Since the laity, 
in accordance with their state of life, 
live in the midst 
of the world and its concerns, 
they are called by God 
to exercise their apostolate in the world 
like leaven, 
with the ardor of the spirit of Christ.



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 Apostolicam Actuositatem  3

Decree On The Apostolate Of The Laity

Solemnly Promulgated By His Holiness,
Pope Paul VI

On November 18, 1965

3. 
The laity derive the right and duty 
to the apostolate 
from their union with Christ the head; 

Incorporated into Christ's Mystical Body 
through Baptism and 
strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit 
through Confirmation, 
they are assigned to the apostolate 
by the Lord Himself. 

They are consecrated for 
the royal priesthood and the holy people 
    (cf. 1 Peter 2:4-10) 
not only that they may offer spiritual sacrifices 
in everything they do 
but also that they may witness to Christ 
throughout the world. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

    1 Peter 2:4-10

    1 Wherefore laying away 
       all malice, and all guile, 
       and dissimulations, and envies, 
       and all detractions, 

    2 As newborn babes, 
       desire the rational milk without guile, 
       that thereby you may grow unto salvation: 

    3 If so be you have tasted 
       that the Lord is sweet
                
    4 Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, 
       rejected indeed by men, 
       but chosen and made honourable by God: 

    5 Be you also as living stones built up, 
       a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, 
       to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 
       acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 

    6 Wherefore it is said in the scripture: 
       'Behold, I lay in Sion 
       a chief corner stone, 
       elect, precious. 
       And he that shall believe in him, 
       shall not be confounded. 

    7 To you therefore that believe, 
       he is honour: 
       but to them that believe not, 
       the stone which the builders rejected, 
       the same is made the head of the corner: 

    8 And a stone of stumbling, 
       and a rock of scandal, 
       to them who stumble at the word, 
       neither do believe, 
       whereunto also they are set. 

    9 But you are a chosen generation, 
       a kingly priesthood, 
       a holy nation, 
       a purchased people: 
       that you may declare his virtues, 
       who hath called you out of darkness 
       into his marvellous light: 

   10 Who in time past were not a people: 
       but are now the people of God. 
       Who had not obtained mercy; 
       but now have obtained mercy. 

   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

The sacraments, however, 
especially the most holy Eucharist, 
communicate and nourish that charity 
which is the soul of the entire apostolate. 
    (3)

   [ 3. cf. ibid., no. 33, p. 39; 
        Second Vatican Council, 
        Dogmatic Constitution 
        on the Nature of the Church, 
        LUMEN GENTIUM #33

        cf. also no. 10, ibid., p. 14. 
        Second Vatican Council, 
        Dogmatic Constitution 
        on the Nature of the Church, 
        LUMEN GENTIUM #10

        See below ]
            

One engages in the apostolate 
through the faith, hope, and charity 
which the Holy Spirit diffuses in the hearts 
of all members of the Church. 

Indeed, by the precept of charity, 
which is the Lord's greatest commandment, 
all the faithful are impelled 
to promote the glory of God 
through the coming of His kingdom and 
to obtain eternal life for all men 
 - that they may know the only true God 
   and Him whom He sent, Jesus Christ 
   (cf. John 17:3). 

On all Christians therefore is laid 
the preeminent responsibility of working 
to make the divine message of salvation 
known and accepted by all men throughout the world.

For the exercise of this apostolate, 
the Holy Spirit, Who sanctifies the people of God 
through ministry and the sacraments 
gives the faithful special gifts also 
    (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7), 
"allotting them to everyone according as He wills" 
    (1 Cor. 12:11) 
in order that individuals, 
administering grace to others 
just as they have received it, 
may also be "good stewards of the manifold grace of God" 
    (1 Peter 4:10), 
to build up the whole body in charity 
    (cf. Eph. 4:16). 

From the acceptance of these charisms, 
including those which are more elementary, 
there arise for each believer the right and duty to use them 
in the Church and in the world 
for the good of men and the building up of the Church, 
in the freedom of the Holy Spirit 
who "breathes where He wills" 
    (John 3:8). 

This should be done by the laity 
in communion with their brothers in Christ, 
especially with their pastors 
who must make a judgment 
about the true nature and proper use of these gifts 
not to extinguish the Spirit 
but to test all things and hold for what is good 
   (cf. 1 Thess. 5:12,19,21).     



(4) cf. ibid., 
    no. 12, p. 16. Article 4:



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 LUMEN GENTIUM #33

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  - Light of the Nations   #33
POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964 


LUMEN GENTIUM 33. 

The laity are gathered 
together in the People of God and 
make up the Body of Christ under one head. 


Whoever they are 
they are called upon, as living members, 
to expend all their energy 
for the growth of the Church 
and its continuous sanctification, 
since this very energy is a gift of the Creator 
and a blessing of the Redeemer.

The lay apostolate, however, 
is a PARTICIPATION IN THE SALVIFIC MISSION 
OF THE CHURCH itself. 

Through their baptism and confirmation 
all are commissioned 
to that apostolate by the Lord Himself. 

Moreover, by the sacraments, 
especially holy Eucharist, 
that charity toward God and man 
which is the soul of the apostolate 
is communicated and nourished. 

Now the laity are called in a special way 
to make the Church present 
and operative in those places and circumstances 
where only through them 
can it become the salt of the earth    
     (2*). 

    [(2*) Cfr. Pius XI,Litt. Encycl. 
          Quadragesimo anno 
          15 maii 1931: 
          AAS 23 (1931) p. 121 s. 
            
          Pius XII,  
          Alloc. De quelle consolation, 
          14 oct. 1951: 
          AAS 43 (1951) p. 790 s. 

Thus every layman, 
in virtue of the very gifts bestowed upon him, 
is at the same time 
a witness and a living instrument of the mission 
of the Church itself 
"according to the measure of Christ's bestowal". 
     (197)

  [ ( 197 ) Eph. 4:7. ]

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

      Eph. 4:7 

      "But to every one of us is given grace, 
       according to the measure 
       of the giving of Christ."

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Besides this apostolate 
which certainly pertains to all Christians, 
the laity can also be called in various ways 
to a more direct form of cooperation 
in the apostolate of the Hierarchy   
    (3*).

  [ (3*) Cfr. Pius XII, 
         Alloc. Six ans se sont ecoules, 
         5 oct. l9S7: 
         AAS 49 (19S7) p. 927. 
         De mandato et missione canonica, 
               
         cfr. Decretum De Apostolatu laicorum, 
         cap. IV, n. 16, 
         cum notis 12 et 15. ]

This was the way certain men and women 
assisted Paul the Apostle in the Gospel, 
laboring much in the Lord.  
    (198) 

  [ (198 ) Cf. Phil. 4:3; 
               Rom. 16:3ff. ]

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Phil. 4:3 

     "And I entreat thee also, 
       my sincere companion, 
       help those women who have laboured with me 
       in the gospel, 
       with Clement and 
       the rest of my fellow labourers, 
       whose names are in the book of life."

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Rom. 16:3ff  

      "Salute Prisca and Aquila, 
       my helpers in Christ Jesus…"

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Further, 
they have the capacity to assume from the Hierarchy 
certain ecclesiastical functions, 
which are to be performed 
for a spiritual purpose.

Upon all the laity, 
therefore, rests the noble duty of working 
to extend the divine plan of salvation 
to all men of each epoch and in every land. 

Consequently, 
may every opportunity be given them so that, 
according to their abilities 
and the needs of the times, 
they may zealously participate 
in the saving work of the Church.

 

LUMEN GENTIUM #10
 
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  
Light of the Nations   #10
POPE PAUL VI    

NOVEMBER 21, 1964 

10. 
Christ the Lord, 
High Priest taken from among men,   
     (100) 

  [  (100)  Cf. Heb. 5:1-5. ]

 
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Heb 5:1-5 

     1 For every high priest taken from among men, 
        is ordained for men 
        in the things that appertain to God, 
        that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices 
        for sins: 

     2 Who can have compassion on them 
        that are ignorant and that err: 
        because he himself 
        also is compassed with infirmity. 

     3 And therefore he ought, as for the people, 
        so also for himself, to offer for sins.

     4 Neither doth any man 
        take the honour to himself, 
        but he that is called by God, 
        as Aaron was. 

     5 So Christ also did not glorify himself, 
        that he might be made a high priest: 
        but he that said unto him: 
        Thou art my Son, 
        this day have I begotten thee

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

made the new people 
"a kingdom and priests to God the Father".  
      (101) 

    [ (101)  1 cf  Rev. 6:1; 
             cf. Rev. 5:9-10 ]

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Rev.    6:1; 

     And I saw that the Lamb had opened one 
      of the seven seals, 
      and I heard one of the four living creatures, 
      as it were the voice of thunder, saying: 
      Come, and see

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Rev.   5:9-10 

     And they sung a new canticle, saying: 
      Thou art worthy, O Lord, to take the book, 
      and to open the seals thereof; 
      because thou wast slain, 
      and hast redeemed us to God, in thy blood, 
      out of every tribe, and tongue, 
      and people, and nation.

     And hast made us to our God 
      a kingdom and priests, 
      and we shall reign on the earth.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


The baptized, 
by regeneration and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, 
are consecrated as 
a spiritual house and 
a holy Priesthood,
in order that through all those works 
which are those of the Christian man 
they may offer spiritual sacrifices 
and proclaim the power of Him 
who has called them out of darkness 
into His marvelous light.     
       (102) 

    [  (102)  Cf. 1 Pt.2:4-10. ]

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    1 Peter 2:4-10

    1 Wherefore laying away all malice, 
       and all guile, 
       and dissimulations, and envies, 
       and all detractions, 

    2 As newborn babes, 
       desire the rational milk without guile, 
       that thereby you may grow unto salvation: 

    3 If so be you have tasted 
       that the Lord is sweet
                
    4 Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, 
       rejected indeed by men, 
       but chosen and made honourable by God: 

    5 Be you also as living stones built up, 
       a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, 
       to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 
       acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 

    6 Wherefore it is said in the scripture: 
       'Behold, I lay in Sion 
       a chief corner stone, 
       elect, precious. 
       And he that shall believe in him, 
       shall not be confounded. 
    7 To you therefore that believe, 
       he is honour: 
       but to them that believe not, 
       the stone which the builders rejected, 
       the same is made the head of the corner: 
    8 And a stone of stumbling, 
       and a rock of scandal, 
       to them who stumble at the word, 
       neither do believe, 
       whereunto also they are set. 

    9 But you are a chosen generation, 
       a kingly priesthood, 
       a holy nation, 
       a purchased people: 
       that you may declare his virtues, 
       who hath called you out of darkness 
       into his marvellous light: 

    10 Who in time past were not a people: 
        but are now the people of God. 

        Who had not obtained mercy; 
        but now have obtained mercy. 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

 
Therefore all the disciples of Christ, 
persevering in prayer and praising God,   
       (103)

    [  (103)  Cf. Acts 2:42-47. ]
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    Acts 2: 42 

    42 And they were persevering
        in the doctrine of the apostles, 
        and in the communication 
        of the breaking of bread, 
        and in prayers. 
                                     
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


should present themselves as a living sacrifice, 
holy and pleasing to God.(104) 

    [ (104)  Cf. Rom. 12:1. ]

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Rom 12:1,2 

    1 I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, 
       by the mercy of God, 
       that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, 
       holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service.

    2 And be not conformed to this world; 
       but be reformed in the newness of your mind, 
       that you may prove what is 
       the good, and the acceptable, 
       and the perfect will of God.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Everywhere on earth they must bear witness to Christ 
and give an answer to those 
who seek an account of that hope of eternal life 
which is in them.   (105)
                                   
    [ ( 105 )  Cf 1 Pt. 3:15  ]

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    1 Peter 3:15

    But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, 
     being ready always to satisfy every one 
     that asketh you a reason of that hope 
     which is in you.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Though they differ from one another 
in essence and not only in degree, 
the common PRIESTHOOD of the faithful 
and the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood 
are nonetheless interrelated: 

Each of them in its own special way 
is a participation 
in the one PRIESTHOOD of Christ.  

    2) Cfr. Pius XII, 
       Alloc. Magnificate Dominum, 
       2 nov. 1954: 
       AAS 46 (1954) p. 669. 

       Litt. Encycl. Mediator Dei, 20 nov. 1947: 
       AAS 39 (1947) p. 555.


The ministerial priest, 
by the sacred power he enjoys, 
teaches and rules the priestly people; 

Acting in the person of Christ, 
he makes present the Eucharistic sacrifice, 
and offers it to God in the name of all the people. 

But the faithful, 
in virtue of their royal PRIESTHOOD
join in the offering of the Eucharist.  

    (3) Cfr. Pius XI, Litt. Encycl. 
         Miserentissimus Redemptor, 
         8 maii 1928: 
         AAS 20 (1928) p. 171 s. 

         Pius XII 
         Alloc. Vous nous avez, 
         22 sept. 1956: 
         AAS 48 (1956) p. 714.


They likewise exercise that PRIESTHOOD 
 in receiving the sacraments, 
 in prayer and thanksgiving, 
 in the witness of a holy life, 
 and by self-denial and active charity.

 
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LUMEN GENTIUM #12

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  
Light of the Nations   #12
POPE PAUL VI    
NOVEMBER 21, 1964 

LUMEN GENTIUM 12. 

The holy people of God SHARES ALSO 
IN CHRIST'S PROPHETIC OFFICE; 

It spreads abroad 
a living witness to Him, especially 
by means of a life of faith and charity and 
by offering to God a sacrifice of praise, 
the tribute of lips 
which give praise to His name. 
     (110) 

   [ (110) Cf. Heb. 13:15 ]

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Heb. 13:15 

     By him therefore 
      let us offer the sacrifice 
      of praise always to God, 
      that is to say, 
      the fruit of lips confessing to his name

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The entire body of the faithful, 
anointed as they are by the Holy One,       
      (111) 
cannot err in matters of belief.


     [ 111 Cf. Jn. 2:20, 27 ]

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       1 Jn. 2:20

       But you have the unction 
       from the Holy One, 
       and know all things. 

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       1  Jn. 2: 27

       And as for you, let the unction, 
       which you have received from him, 
       abide in you. 
       And you have no need that any man teach you; 

       but as his unction teacheth you 
       of all things, 
       and is truth, and is no lie. 
       And as it hath taught you, 
       abide in him. 

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


They manifest this special property 
by means of 
the whole peoples' supernatural discernment 
in matters of faith 
when "from the Bishops 
down to the last of the lay faithful"  
      (8*) 
they show universal agreement 
in matters of faith and morals.

    [ (8*) Cfr. S. Augustinus, 
           D Praed. Sanct. 14, 27: 
           PL 44, 980    ]
   
       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       On the Predestination of the Saints
       S. Augustinus
 
       Chapter 14  

       ...God teaches all such 
       to come to Christ, 
       for He wills all such to be saved, 
       and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

       And if He had willed to teach 
       even those 
       to whom the word of the cross is foolishness 
       to come to Christ,  
       beyond all doubt 
       these also would have come. 

       For He neither deceives 
       nor is deceived 
       when He says, 
       Everyone that has heard of the Father, 
       and has learned, comes to me. 

       Away, then, with the thought 
       that any one comes not, 
       who has heard of the Father and has learned.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       On the Predestination of the Saints
       S. Augustinus

       Chapter  27 

       ...the judgment of the book of Wisdom 
       ought not to be repudiated,
       since for so long a course of years 
       that book has deserved
       to be read in the Church of Christ 
       from the station of the readers 
       of the Church of Christ,
       and to be heard by all Christians, 

       FROM BISHOPS DOWNWARD
       EVEN TO THE LOWEST LAY BELIEVERS,
       penitents, and catechumens, 

       with the veneration paid to divine authority. 
       For assuredly, 
       if, from those who have been before me 
       in commenting on the divine Scriptures, 
       I should bring forward 
       a defence of this judgment, 
       which we are now called upon to defend 
       more carefully and copiously than usual 
       against the new error of the Pelagians

        — that is, that God's grace is not given 
          according to our merits, and 
          that it is given freely 
          to whom it is given, 
          because it is neither of him that wills, 
          nor of him that runs, 
          but of God that shows mercy; 

          but that by righteous judgment 
          it is not given to whom it is not given, 
          because there is 
          no unrighteousness with God -

       if, therefore, I should put forth a defence 
       of this opinion from catholic commentators 
       on the divine oracles who have preceded us, 
       assuredly these brethren for whose sake 
       I am now discoursing would acquiesce, 
       for this you have intimated in your letters...
               

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~     
             

That discernment in matters of faith 
is aroused and sustained 
by the Spirit of truth. 

It is exercised 
under the guidance of the sacred teaching authority, 
in faithful and respectful obedience 
to which the people of God 
accepts that which is not just the word of men 
but truly the word of God.    
      (112) 

    [ (112) Cf.  1 Thess. 2:13 ]

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       1 Thess. 2:13

       Therefore, 
       we also give thanks to God without ceasing: 
       because, that when you had received of us 
       the word of the hearing of God, 
       you received it not as the word of men, 
       but (as it is indeed) the word of God, 
       who worketh in you that have believed.

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Through it, 
the people of God adheres unwaveringly to the faith 
given once and for all to the saints,
      (113)

    [ (113) Cf. Jud 3  ]

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       Jud 3 
                          
       Dearly beloved, 
       taking all care to write unto you 
       concerning your common salvation,  
       I was under a necessity to write unto you: 
       to beseech you to contend earnestly 
       for the faith once delivered to the saints

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


penetrates it more deeply with right thinking, 
and applies it more fully in its life. 

 
It is not only through the sacraments 
and the ministries of the Church 
that the Holy Spirit sanctifies 
and leads the people of God 
and enriches it with virtues, 
but, "allotting his gifts to everyone 
according as He wills,                   
      (114)

     [ 114  1 Cor. 12:11. ]

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       1 Cor. 12:  4-11

       4 Now there are diversities of graces, 
          but the same Spirit; 

       5 And there are diversities of ministries, 
          but the same Lord; 

       6 And there are diversities of operations, 
          but the same God, who worketh all in all. 
 
       7 And the manifestation of the Spirit is given 
          to every man unto profit. 

       8 To one indeed, by the Spirit,  
          is given the word of wisdom: and 
          to another, the word of knowledge,
          according to the same Spirit;

       9 To another, faith in the same spirit; 
          to another, 
          the grace of healing in one Spirit;   
   
      10 To another, the working of miracles; 
          to another, prophecy; 
          to another, the discerning of spirits; 
          to another, diverse kinds of tongues; 
          to another, interpretation of speeches. 

      11 But all these things 
          one and the same Spirit worketh,  
          dividing to every one according as he will

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He distributes special graces 
among the faithful of every rank. 
By these gifts He makes them 
fit and ready to undertake
the various tasks and offices which contribute 
toward the renewal and building up of the Church, 
according to the words of the Apostle: 

"The manifestation of the Spirit 
is given to everyone for profit".
       (115) 

      [ 115     Cf. 1 Thess 5:12, 19-21. ]

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

      1 Thess 5:12, 19-21

      12 And we beseech you, 
          brethren, to know them 
          who labour among you, 
          and are over you in the Lord, 
          and admonish you:

      19 Extinguish not the spirit. 

      20 Despise not prophecies.

      21 But prove all things; 
         hold fast that which is good

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

These charisms, 
whether they be the more outstanding 
or the more simple and widely diffused, 
are to be received 
with thanksgiving and consolation 
for they are perfectly suited to and useful 
for the needs of the Church. 

Extraordinary gifts are not to be sought after, 
nor are the fruits of apostolic labor 
to be presumptuously expected from their use; 

but judgment as to their genuinity and proper use 
belongs to those 
who are appointed leaders in the Church, 
to whose special competence it belongs, 
not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, 
but to test all things and hold fast 
to that which is good.
     (116)

    [ 116  Cf. Jn. 11:52 ]

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

      Jn. 11:52

      And not only for the nation, 
      but to gather together in one 
      the children of God, 
      that were dispersed.

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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      Individually or as a community 

      and, above all as members of the Church, 
      apostolic activity is the fruit of prayer. 

      Where possible, 
      in collaboration with religious superiors and

      with the necessary permissions of those in charge, 

      the communities of the Secular Order 
      participate in the apostolate of the Order

27. The Carmelite Secular is called  

       to live and witness the charism of the Teresian Carmel

           in the local Church, 

        that portion of the People of God 

        in which the Church of Christ is truly present and acts.                                    [52]

                                [52].    CD  Christus Dominus 11

                              [52]     AA  Apostolicam Actuositatem  26 

                              [52]     CL  Christifideles Laici   25

CHRISTUS DOMINUS II

Decree Concerning 
The Pastoral Office 
Of Bishops In The Church


Proclaimed By His Holiness, 
Pope Paul Vi 
On October 28, 1965

PREFACE
1. 
Christ the Lord, Son of the living God, 
came that He might save His people 
from their sins   
    (1) 

     1. cf. Matt. 1:21.

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Matt. 1:21

     And she shall bring forth a son: 
     and thou shalt call His name JESUS. 
     For He shall save His people 
     from their sins.

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

and that all men might be sanctified. 

Just as He Himself was sent by the Father, 
so He also sent His Apostles.
     (2) 

      2. cf. John 20:21.

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

      John 20:21

      He said therefore to them again: 
      Peace be to you. 
      As the Father hath sent me, 
      I also send you

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Therefore, He sanctified them, 
conferring on them the Holy Spirit, 
so that they also might 
glorify the Father upon earth 
and save men, 
"to the building up of the body of Christ"
     (Eph. 4:12), 
which is the Church. 
 
      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

      Eph. 4:11 - 16

      11 And he gave some apostles, 
          and some prophets, 
          and other some evangelists, 
          and other some pastors and doctors, 

      12 For the perfecting of the saints, 
          for the work of the ministry, 
          for the edifying of the body of Christ:  

      13 Until we all meet into the unity of faith, 
          and of the knowledge of the Son of God, 
          unto a perfect man, 
          unto the measure of the age 
          of the fullness of Christ;  

      14 That henceforth we be no more children 
          tossed to and fro, and 
          carried about with every wind 
          of doctrine by the wickedness of men, 
          by cunning craftiness, 
          by which they lie in wait to deceive  

      15 But doing the truth in charity, 
          we may in all things grow up in Him 
          Who is the head, even Christ:  

      16 From whom the whole body, 
          being compacted and fitly joined together, 
          by what every joint supplieth, 
          according to the operation 
          in the measure of every part, 
          maketh increase of the body, 
          unto the edifying of itself in charity. 

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CHAPTER II 
BISHOPS AND THEIR PARTICULAR CHURCHES OR DIOCESES 

I. Diocesan Bishops 

11. 
A diocese is a portion of the people of God 
which is entrusted to a bishop 
to be shepherded by him 
with the cooperation of the presbytery. 

Thus by adhering to its pastor 
and gathered together by him
through the Gospel and the Eucharist 
in the Holy Spirit, 
it constitutes a particular church 
in which the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic 
Church of Christ 
is truly present and operative. 

Individual bishops who have been entrusted 
with the care of a particular church
  - under the authority of the supreme pontiff -
feed their sheep in the name of the Lord 
as their own, ordinary, and immediate pastors, 
performing for them the office 
of teaching, sanctifying, and governing. 

Nevertheless, they should recognize the rights 
which legitimately belong to patriarchs 
or other hierarchical authorities.(1)

    1. cf. Second Vatican Council, 
       Decree on Eastern Catholic Churches, 
       Nov. 21, 1964, nos. 7-11 
       A.A.S. 57 (1965) p. 29 ff. 

Bishops should dedicate themselves 
to their apostolic office 
as witness of Christ before all men. 

They should not only look after those 
who already follow the Prince of Pastors 

but should also wholeheartedly 
devote themselves to those 
who have strayed in any way 
from the path of truth 
or are ignorant 
of the Gospel of Christ and His saving mercy 
until finally all men walk 
"in all goodness and justice and truth" 
    (Eph. 5:9).

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Eph. 5: 8 - 10

    8 For you were heretofore darkness, 
       but now light in the Lord. 
       Walk then as children of the light.

    9 For the fruit of the light is in all goodness, 
       and justice, and truth; 

    10 Proving what is well pleasing to God

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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Apostolicam Actuositatem #26 
             
Decree On The Apostolate Of The Laity

APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM 

Solemnly Promulgated By His Holiness,
 
Pope Paul VI     
On November 18, 1965

INTRODUCTION

1. 
To intensify the apostolic activity 
of the people of God,
the most holy synod earnestly addresses itself 
to the laity, 
whose proper and indispensable role 
in the mission of the Church 
has already been dealt with in other documents.

The apostolate of the laity derives 
from their Christian vocation 
and the Church can never be without it. 

Sacred Scripture clearly shows 
how spontaneous and fruitful 
such activity was 
at the very beginning of the Church 
   (cf.  Acts 11:19-21; 18:26; 
         Rom. 16:1-16; 
         Phil. 4:3)  ...

CHAPTER V 
EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS  ...

26. 
In dioceses, insofar as possible, 
there should be councils 
which assist the apostolic work of the Church 
either in the field 
of evangelization and sanctification 
or in the charitable, social, or other spheres, 

and here it is fitting 
that the clergy and Religious should cooperate 
with the laity. 

While preserving the proper character and autonomy 
of each organization, 
these councils will be able 
to promote the mutual coordination 
of various lay associations and enterprises.            
    (7)

Councils of this type 
should be established as far as possible 
also on the parochial, interparochial, 
and interdiocesan level 
as well as in the national or international sphere.     
    (8)

A special secretariat, moreover, should be established 
at the Holy See for the service and promotion 
of the lay apostolate. 

It can serve as a well-equipped center 
for communicating information 
about the various apostolic programs of the laity, 
promoting research into modern problems 
arising in this field, 
and assisting the hierarchy and laity 
in their apostolic works with its advice. 

The various movements and projects of the apostolate 
of the laity throughout the world 
should also be represented 
in this secretariat, and here clergy and Religious 
also are to cooperate with the laity.



7. cf. Benedict XIV, 
   On the Diocesan Synod, I, 3, 
   Chap. 9, no. 7.

8. cf. Pius XI, 
   encyclical "Quamvis Nostra," 
   April 30, l936: 
   A.A.S. 28 (1936) pp. 160-161. 
   Article 27:




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Christifideles Laici  25
             
POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION

CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI

OF HIS HOLINESS  JOHN PAUL II


ON THE VOCATION AND THE MISSION

OF THE LAY FAITHFUL

IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD


INTRODUCTION
1. 
THE LAY MEMBERS of Christ's Faithful People 
   (Christifideles Laici), 
   whose "Vocation and Mission 
   in the Church and in the World 
   Twenty Years after the Second Vatican Council" 
   was the topic of the 1987 Synod of Bishops, 
are those who form that part of the People of God 
which might be likened 
to the labourers in the vineyard 
mentioned in Matthew's Gospel: 

"For the Kingdom of heaven 
 is like a householder 
 who went out early in the morning 
 to hire labourers for his vineyard. 
 After agreeing with the labourers 
 for a denarius a day, 
 he sent them into his vineyard"        
      (Mt 20:1-2). …


The Lay Faithful's Participation 
in the Life of the Church

25. 
The lay faithful participate 
in the life of the Church 
not only in exercising their tasks and charisms, 
but also in many other ways.

Such participation finds 
its first and necessary expression 
in the life and mission of the particular Church, 
in the diocese in which "the Church of Christ, 
one, holy, catholic and apostolic, 
is truly present and at work"(84).

The Particular Churches and the Universal Church

For an adequate participation in ecclesial life 
the lay faithful absolutely need to have 
a clear and precise vision 
of the particular Church with its primordial bond 
to the universal Church. 

The particular Church does not come about 
from a kind of fragmentation 
of the universal Church, 
nor does the universal Church come about 
by a simple amalgamation of particular Churches. 

But there is a real, essential and constant bond 
uniting each of them and 
this is why the universal Church exists 
and is manifested in the particular Churches. 

For this reason the Council says 
that the particular Churches 
 "are constituted after the model 
  of the universal Church; 

  it is in and from these particular Churches 
  that there come into being 
  the one and unique Catholic Church"                      
    (85).

The same Council strongly encourages the lay faithful 
actively to live out 
their belonging to the particular Church, 
while at the same time assuming 
an ever-increasing "catholic" spirit: 

"Let the lay faithful constantly foster"
  - we read in the Decree 
    on the Apostolate of Lay People - 
"a feeling for their own diocese, 
of which the parish is a kind of cell, 
and be always ready at their bishops' invitation 
to participate in diocesan projects. 

Indeed, 
if the needs of cities and rural areas 
are to be met, 
lay people should not limit their cooperation 
to the parochial or diocesan boundaries 

but strive to extend it 
to interparochial, interdiocesan, 
national and international fields, 
the more so because 
the daily increase in population mobility, 
the growth of mutual bonds, and 
the ease of communication 
no longer allow any sector of society 
to remain closed in upon itself. 

Thus they should be concerned 
about the needs of the People of God 
scattered throughout the world"                   
   (86).

In this sense, the recent Synod has favored 
the creation of Diocesan Pastoral Councils, 
as a recourse at opportune times. 

In fact, 
on a diocesan level this structure could be 
the principle form of collaboration, dialogue, 
and discernment as well. 

The participation of the lay faithful 
in these Councils
can broaden resources 
in consultation and the principle of collaboration
 - and in certain instances also in decision-making - 
if applied in a broad and determined manner          
   (87).

The participation of the lay faithful 
in Diocesan Synods and in local Councils, 
whether provincial or plenary, 
is envisioned by the Code of Canon Law
   (88). 

These structures could contribute to 
Church communion and 
the mission of the particular Church, 
both in its own surroundings and 
in relation to the other particular Churches 
of the ecclesiastical province 
or Episcopal Conference.

Episcopal Conferences are called 
to evaluate the most oportune way 
of developing the consultation 
and the collaboration 
of the lay faithful, women and men, 
at a national or regional level, 
so that they may consider well 
the problems they share 
and manifest better 
the communion of the whole Church      
   (89).



84. 
Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, 
Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops 
in the Church Christus Dominus, 11. 

85. 
Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, 
Dogmatic Constitution on the Church 
Lumen Gentium, 23. 

86. 
Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, 
Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People 
Apostolicam Actuositatem, 10. 

87. 
Cf. Propositio 10. 

88. 
Cf. Code of Canon Law, 
Can. 443 4; 463 1 and & 2. 

89. 
Cf. Propositio 10.



 

      All will try to 

        be living witnesses of God’s presence and 

        accept responsibility for the need the Church has 

        of concrete help within the pastoral concerns 

        in its evangelising mission 
        under the direction of the bishop. 

      For this reason, each one will have an apostolate 

      either collaborating with others in the community
      or individually.

28. To their apostolic commitment they will bring 

       the wealth of their spirituality 

       in the various forms it takes in evangelization: 

             missions, 

             parishes, 

             houses of prayer,

             Spirituality Institutes, 

             prayer groups, 
                the ministry of spirituality. 

      With their particular contribution as Secular Carmelites  

      they can offer the Teresian Carmel 
      fresh inspiration for 
      “a renewed spiritual and apostolic dynamism”,        [53]
        with creative fidelity to their mission in the Church.

                                 [53]. VC 55.

Vita Consecrata 54, 55
             
Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation 

VITA CONSECRATA 
On The Consecrated Life And Its Mission 

In The Church And In The World 

Of The Holy Father John Paul II


To The Bishops And Clergy 
Religious Orders 
And Congregations 
Societies Of Apostolic Life 

Secular Institutes 
And All The Faithful 



INTRODUCTION

1. 
The Consecrated Life, 
deeply rooted in the example 
and teaching of Christ the Lord, 
is a gift of God the Father to his Church 
through the Holy Spirit. 

By the profession of the evangelical counsels 
the characteristic features of Jesus
  — the chaste, poor and obedient one — 
are made constantly "visible" 
in the midst of the world 
and the eyes of the faithful 
are directed towards the mystery 
of the Kingdom of God 
already at work in history, 
even as it awaits its full realization 
in heaven....


Communion and cooperation with the laity

54. 
In recent years, 
one of the fruits of the teaching 
on the Church as communion 
has been the growing awareness that her members 
can and must unite their efforts, 
with a view to cooperation and exchange of gifts, 
in order to participate more effectively 
in the Church's mission. 

This helps to give a clearer and more complete picture 
of the Church herself, 
while rendering more effective the response 
to the great challenges of our time, 
thanks to the combined contributions of the various gifts.

Contacts with the laity, 
in the case of monastic or contemplative Institutes, 
take the form of a relationship 
that is primarily spiritual, 
while for Institutes 
involved in works of the apostolate 
these contacts also translate 
into forms of pastoral cooperation. 

Members of Secular Institutes, lay or clerical, 
relate to other members of the faithful 
at the level of everyday life. 

Today, often as a result of new situations, 
many Institutes have come to the conclusion 
that their charism can be shared with the laity. 

The laity are therefore invited 
to share more intensely 
in the spirituality and mission 
of these Institutes. 

We may say that, 
in the light of certain historical experiences 
such as those of the Secular or Third Orders, 
a new chapter, rich in hope, 
has begun in the history of relations 
between consecrated persons and the laity.

For a renewed spiritual and apostolic dynamism

55. 
These new experiences of communion and cooperation 
should be encouraged for various reasons. 

They can in fact give rise 
to the spread of a fruitful spirituality 
beyond the confines of the Institute, 
which will then be in a position to ensure 
the continuity in the Church of the services 
typical of the Institute. 

Another positive consequence will be 
to facilitate more intense cooperation 
between consecrated persons and the laity 
in view of the Institute's mission. 

Moved by the examples of holiness 
of the consecrated members, 
lay men and women will experience at first hand 
the spirit of the evangelical counsels, 
and will thus be encouraged to live and bear witness 
to the spirit of the Beatitudes, 
in order to transform the world 
according to God's design.

The participation of the laity often brings 
unexpected and rich insights 
into certain aspects of the charism,
leading to a more spiritual interpretation of it and 
helping to draw from it directions for new activities 
in the apostolate. 

In whatever activity or ministry they are involved, 
consecrated persons should remember 
that before all else 
they must be expert guides in the spiritual life, 
and in this perspective they should cultivate 
   "the most precious gift: the spirit".

For their part, 
the laity should offer Religious families 
the invaluable contribution 
of their "being in the world" 
and their specific service.



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      The different apostolic activities of the Secular Order 

      will be specified and evaluated in the Particular Statutes 

      for the various geographical areas                                     [54].

                               [54]. OCDS Rule of Life (1979) art. 8

OCDS Rule of Life (1979) art. 8
             
Art. 8. 
Prayer and the apostolate, 
when they are genuine, 
are inseparable, 
and each profits the other. 

The Secular Carmelites are therefore bound 
to the fervent practice of fraternal charity 
and must take their share of apostolic responsibility 
in the Church and in the world. 

With this object, 
the Secular Carmelites will first of all seek 
to intensify their personal union with God, and 
to bear witness to Christ by their life of prayer. 

They are also free to engage 
in any type of apostolic activity. 

They will dedicate themselves 
especially to the promotion 
of priestly and religious vocations, 
and collaborate 
in the Order’s activities and undertakings. 

All these activities will be evaluated 
and made more precise by local statutes 
according to the various geographical regions.

 

_________________________________________________

Rule of  St Albert

OCDS Constitutions

Order of  Secular Discalced Carmelites ( Secular Carmelite Rule of Life )       Preface       Section 1      Our Identity, Values, and Committment        Section 11     Following Jesus                           in the Teresian Secular Carmel       Section 111    Witness to the experience of God       Section 1V     Serving God's Plan        Section V      With Mary, the Mother of Jesus       Section V1     Formation in the School of Carmel       Section V11    Organization and Government       Epilogue