Preface ● OCDS Constitutions ●

                         OCDS CONSTITUTIONS

PREFACE

All are called to share, in charity, 
the holiness which belongs to God alone:

“You must therefore be perfect, 
  just as your heavenly Father is perfect” 
                 (Mt 5:48).

Following Christ is the way to attain perfection, 
open to all by baptism.

Through Baptism we take part 
in the triple mission of Jesus:

   Kingly,  Priestly,  and  Prophetic.

PRIESTLY, KINGLY, and PROPHETIC MISSION 

COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM #155
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH; 
CODE OF CANON LAW 204 #1, CIC 207 #2;
APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM Ch1 #2 
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity
Pope Paul VI 1965)
LUMEN GENTIUM  # 31, 36
Dogmatic Constitution on the Church
Light of the Nations)
_________________________________ 


COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM 
OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

155. 
In what way does the people of God share  
in the three functions of Christ 
 as Priest, Prophet and King?

(see Catechism of the Catholic Church 
 783-786)

The people of God participate 
  in Christ's PRIESTLY office 
insofar as the baptized 
are consecrated by the Holy Spirit 
to offer spiritual sacrifices. 

They share in Christ’s PROPHETIC office 
when with a supernatural sense of faith 
they adhere unfailingly to that faith 
and deepen their understanding 
and witness to it. 

The people of God share 
  in his KINGLY office 
by means of service, imitating Jesus Christ 
Who as King of the universe 
  made himself the servant of all, 
especially the poor and the suffering.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/
documents/
archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en
.html#I Believe in the Holy Spirit

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


CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH  
Part One        The Profession Of Faith 
Section Two     The Profession Of The Christian Faith 
Chapter Three   "I Believe In The Holy Spirit"
Article 9       "I Believe 
                In The Holy Catholic Church" 
Paragraph 4.    Christ's Faithful  - 
                Hierarchy, Laity, Consecrated Life 

II. THE LAY FAITHFUL

897 
"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 
and integrated into the People of God,
are made sharers in their particular way
in the PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC, and KINGLY 
office of Christ, 
and have their own part to play in the mission 
of the whole Christian people 
in the Church and in the World."  
       [430]  

     [ (430) LG  LUMEN GENTIUM  #31 ]

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

     DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH 

     LUMEN GENTIUM 
     Light of the Nations   #31

     POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964 

     “31. 
      The term laity is here understood to mean 
      all the faithful 
      except those in holy orders and 
      those in the state of religious life 
      specially approved by the Church. 

      These faithful are by baptism 
      made one body with Christ 
      and are constituted 
      among the People of God; 

      They are in their own way made sharers in 
      the PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC, and KINGLY 
      functions of Christ;

      and they carry out for their own part,
      the mission of the whole Christian people 
      in the Church and in the world.
 
      …the laity, by their very vocation, 
      seek the KINGDOM of God 
      by engaging in temporal affairs
      and by ordering them 
      according to the plan of God. 


      …that by exercising their proper function 
      and led by the spirit of the Gospel 
      they may work 
      for the SANCTIFICATION of the world 
      from within as a leaven. 

      In this way they may 
      make Christ known to others, 
      especially by the TESTIMONY 
      of a life resplendent 
      in faith, hope and charity. 

      Therefore, since they are tightly bound up 
      in all types of temporal affairs,
      it is their special task 
      to order and to throw light 
      upon these affairs in such a way 
      that they may come into being 
      and then continually increase 
      according to Christ to the praise 
      of the Creator and the Redeemer.”
 
      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH  
Part One         The Profession Of Faith 
Section Two      The Profession 
                 Of The Christian Faith 
Chapter Three    "I Believe In The Holy Spirit"
Article 9        "I Believe In The Holy Catholic Church" 
Paragraph 4      Christ's Faithful  
                 Hierarchy, Laity, Consecrated Life 
"In Brief"

941 
Lay people SHARE IN CHRIST'S PRIESTHOOD: 
ever more united with him, 
they exhibit the grace 
 of Baptism and Confirmation 
in all dimensions of their personal family, 
social and ecclesial lives, 
and so fulfill the call to holiness 
addressed to all the baptized. 

942 
By virtue of their PROPHETIC MISSION, 
lay people "are called . . . 
to be witnesses to Christ 
in all circumstances and 
at the very heart 
of the community of mankind" 
     (Gaudium et Spec  43 # 4). 

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

      GAUDIUM ET SPEC   43:#4
      [ Joys and Hopes ]

      "Pastoral Constitution 
       on the Church in the modern world…"
       Pope Paul VI 1965
        
      "Since they have an active role to play 
       in the whole life of the church,
       laymen are 
       not only bound to penetrate the world 
         with a Christian spirit, 
       but are also called to be witnesses 
         to Christ in all things 
       in the midst of human society".
         [4th paragraph in #43 ]

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

943 
By virtue of their KINGLY MISSION, 
lay people have the power 
to uproot the rule of sin 
within themselves and in the world, 
by their self-denial and holiness of life  
    (cf. LG 36 LUMEN GENTIUM). 

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
    LUMEN GENTIUM #36
    DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH 
                   
    LUMEN GENTIUM  - Light of the Nations
                     
    POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964 

    CHAPTER IV    THE LAITY

    "...Now Christ has communicated this royal power 
     to His disciples 
     that they might be constituted 
     in royal freedom and 
     that by true penance and a holy life 
     they might conquer the reign of sin 
     in themselves. 
         (208) 

       [ (208) Cf. Rom 6:12 ]

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
          Rom 6:12

          Let no sin therefore reign 
           in your mortal body, 
          so as to obey the lusts thereof
          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   

     "But the Lord wishes 
       to spread His kingdom 
      also by means of the laity, namely
       a kingdom of truth and life, 
       a kingdom of holiness and grace, 
       a kingdom of justice, love and peace.  

     In this kingdom 
     creation itself will be delivered 
       from its slavery to corruption 
     into the freedom of the glory 
       of the sons of God…"


     "... Moreover, 
      let the laity also 
      by their combined efforts 
      remedy the customs and conditions 
       of the world, 
      if they are an inducement to sin, 
      so that they all may be conformed 
       to the norms of justice 
      and may favor the practice of virtue 
      rather than hinder it. 

      By so doing they will 
       imbue culture and human activity 
      with genuine moral values; 
      They will better prepare the field 
       of the world 
      for the seed of the Word of God…"

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

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Part One:       Section Two: 
Chapter Three:  Article 9: 
Paragraph 4 
   
http://www.vatican.va/
archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM  
                                                  
871 
"The Christian faithful are those 
who, inasmuch as they have been
incorporated in Christ through Baptism, 
have been constituted as the people of God; 

For this reason, 
since they have become SHARERS 
IN CHRIST'S PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC, AND ROYAL OFFICE 
in their own manner, 
they are called to exercise the mission 
which God has entrusted to the Church 
to fulfill in the world, 
in accord with the condition 
 proper to each one."        
       [385]

      [ 385] CIC, Can. 204 paragraph 1; 
             Cf. Lumen Gentium 31.  
                 (See Lumen Gentium below )

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

             CIC  CODEX IURIS CANONICI      
                  CODE OF CANON  LAW  

             CODE OF CANON LAW 204  Paragraph 1
 
             CIC 204. §1. 
             The Christian faithful are those 
             who, inasmuch as they 
             have been incorporated 
             in Christ through baptism, 
             have been constituted 
             as the people of God; 

             For this reason, 
             since they have become 
               SHARERS IN CHRIST’S 
               PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC AND ROYAL OFFICE
                 in their own manner,  
             they are called to exercise the mission 
             which God has entrusted to the Church 
             to fulfillin the world, 
             in accord with the condition 
                proper to each one.
 
             http://www.vatican.va/
             archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM
 
  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Part One: Section Two: 
Chapter Three: Article 9: 
Paragraph 4 

873 
The very differences 
which the Lord has willed to put 
between the members of his body, 
serve its unity and mission. 

For "in the Church 
there is diversity of ministry 
but unity of mission. 

To the apostles and their successors 
Christ has entrusted the office of
teaching, sanctifying and governing 
in his name and by his power. 

But the laity are made to SHARE in the 
 PRIESTLY, PROPHETICAL, and KINGLY 
     office of Christ; 
 
They have therefore, 
in the Church and in the world, 
their own assignment in the mission 
of the whole People of God."  
      [387]

    [ (387) AA 2.   APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM]


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

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

     http://www.vatican.va/archive/
     hist_councils/ii_vatican_council
     /documents/vat-ii_decree_19651118
     _apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html  
 
     CHAPTER I 
     THE VOCATION OF THE LAITY TO THE APOSTOLATE 
     AA 2. 
                                                 
     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. 
                                                       
     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, 
     hich 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 4:16

            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, 
           LUMEN GENTIUM
           Dogmatic Constitution on the Nature 
            of the Church, 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 
          ( Referenced above)
       
          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.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   
   
CATECHISM 873 Con't)
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Part One: Section Two: Chapter Three: 
Article 9: Paragraph 4: #873 (con't)

Finally, "from both groups [hierarchy and laity] 
there exist Christian faithful
who are consecrated to God 
in their own special manner
and serve the salvific mission of the Church 
through the profession of the evangelical counsels." 
       [388]

     [ (388) CIC, Can. 207 # 2. ]


     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  

     CIC  CODEX IURIS CANONICI      
          CODE OF CANON  LAW  
                      
     Can. 207 §1. 

     By divine institution, 
     there are among the Christian faithful 
     in the Church 
     sacred ministers 
     who in law are also called clerics;
 
     the other members of the Christian faithful 
     are called lay persons.

           ~ ~

     Can. 207 §2. 

     There are members of the Christian faithful 
     from both these groups 
     who, through the profession 
     of the evangelical counsels 
     by means of vows or other sacred bonds 
     recognized and sanctioned by the Church, 
     are consecrated to God in their own special way 
     and contribute to the salvific mission 
     of the Church; 

     Although their state does not belong 
     to the hierarchical structure of the Church, 
     it nevertheless belongs to its life and holiness.

     http://www.vatican.va/archive
     /ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM
                                                      
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  

PRIESTLY, KINGLY, and PROPHETIC MISSION

LUMEN GENTIUM 31
Light of Nations  
Dogmatic Constitution of the Church)
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #23 
On the Vocation and the Mission 
of the Lay Faithful 
in the Church and the World)
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #50, 63 
Apostolic Exhortation 
The Role of the Christian Family 
in the modern World) 
_________________________ 

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.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~  
                                                       
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #23

(On the Vocation and the Mission 
of the Lay Faithful 
 in the Church and the World)

( The Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful People 
  Apostolic Exhortation of John Paul II )

23. 
The Church's mission of salvation 
in the world is realized 
not only by the ministers 
in virtue of the Sacrament of Orders 
but also by all the lay faithful; 

Indeed, because of their Baptismal state 
 and their specific vocation, 
in the measure proper to each person, 
the lay faithful PARTICIPATE IN THE
PRIESTLY, PROPHETIC AND KINGLY 
MISSION OF CHRIST.

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

FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #50

Apostolic Exhortation 
The Role of the Christian Family 
in the modern World 
 - Pope John Paul II  

...The Christian family's participation 
in the prophetic, priestly and kingly mission 
of Jesus Christ 
and of his church finds expression and realization. 

Therefore, love and life constitute 
the nucleus of the saving mission 
of the Christian family in the church 
and for the church.                                           
 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 


FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #63

Apostolic Exhortation 
The Role of the Christian Family 
in the modern World 
 - Pope John Paul II 

63. 
The church, a prophetic, priestly and kingly people,
is endowed with the mission of bringing all human beings 
to accept the word of God in faith,
to celebrate and profess it in the sacraments and in prayer, 
and
to give expression to it in the concrete realities of life
in accordance with the gift and new commandment of love.

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


 
 

The first (Kingly) 
is a commitment to transforming the world 
according to God’s design. 

THE KINGLY MISSION
__________________________________
The KINGLY MISSION 
is a commitment to transforming the world 
according to God’s design
  - OCDS Constitution:   Preface
__________________________________

Referencing:
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM #155
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH; 
LUMEN GENTIUM #36
  Dogmatic Constitution of the Church
  Light of Nations 
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14, #51
  On the Vocation and the Mission 
  of the Lay Faithful 
  in the Church and the World 
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #47, #63
  Apostolic Exhortation: 
  The Role of the Christian Family 
  in the modern World  
EVANGELII NUNTIANDI
  Message of the Gospel
  Apostolic Exhortation Of His Holiness 
  Pope Paul Vi
____________________________________ 

<<<<<<<<<<<  Nutshell  >>>>>>>>>
____________________________________ 

From FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #47  
Pope John Paul II
"seek the Kingdom of God 
 by engaging in temporal affairs and
 by ordering them according to the plan of God." 

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

From the Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 908
  
'That man is rightly called a King 
 who makes his own body an obedient subject and, 
 by governing himself with suitable rigor, 
 refuses to let his passions breed rebellion in his soul, 
 for he exercises a kind of royal power over himself. 

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

From LUMEN GENTIUM #36
Dogmatic Constitution of the Church
 - The Light of Nations
POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964

THE LAITY CAN SHARE IN CHRIST'S KINGSHIP,   
◊ by true penance and a holy life 
  they might conquer the reign 
  of sin in themselves, 
  with the help of God
◊ by letting Christ the King rule in their hearts; 
◊ by spreading  His kingdom,  
  serving Christ in their fellow men
  they might by humility and patience 
  lead their brethren 
  to that King for whom  to serve is to reign.   
◊ by assisting each other to live holier lives even 
  in their daily occupations
                                                                              
◊ by their personal life of faith, and beyond 
◊ by contributing their 
  effort, labor, skill, and culture 
  for the benefit of all men 
  according to the design of the Creator 
  and the light of His Word. 

In this way the world may be permeated 
by the spirit of Christ and 
it may more effectively fulfill its purpose 
in justice, charity and peace. 

In this manner, through the members of the Church, 
will Christ progressively illumine 
the whole of human society 
with His saving light.
____________________________________ 

<<<<<<<<<<<   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
_____________________________________ 
 
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM 
OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

155. 
In what way does the people of God share  
in the three functions of Christ 
as Priest, Prophet and King?

(  see Catechism of the Catholic Church 
   783-786)

The people of God share in his KINGLY office 
by means of service, imitating Jesus Christ 
Who as King of the universe 
made himself the servant of all, 
especially the poor and the suffering.

http://www.vatican.va/archive
/compendium_ccc/documents/
archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
#I Believe in the Holy Spirit

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

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

PART ONE:        THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION TWO I    THE CREEDS
CHAPTER THREE    "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT"
Article 9"       I BELIEVE 
                 IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH"
Paragraph 4      CHRIST'S FAITHFUL 
                 HIERARCHY, LAITY, CONSECRATED LIFE

II. THE LAY FAITHFUL

Participation in Christ's KINGLY office

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 908


908 
By his obedience unto death, 
       [444]
Christ communicated to his disciples 
the gift of royal freedom, 
so that they might 
"by the self-abnegation of a holy life, 
 overcome the reign of sin in themselves":

That man is rightly called a king 
who makes his own body an obedient subject and, 
by governing himself with suitable rigor, 
refuses to let his passions 
breed rebellion in his soul, 
for he exercises a kind of royal power 
over himself. 

And because he knows 
how to rule his own person as king, 
so too does he sit as its judge. 

He will not let himself be imprisoned by sin, 
or thrown headlong into wickedness.   [446]
    [  (446) St. Ambrose,   
             Psal. 118:14:30:  
             PL15:1476  ]

     ~ ~ ~ ~
     Foot Note 446

     That man is rightly called a KING 
     who makes his own body an obedient subject and, 
     by governing himself with suitable rigor, 
     refuses to let his passions breed rebellion 
     in his soul, 
     for he exercises a kind of royal power 
     over himself. 
     ( St. Ambrose,  
       Psal. 118:14:30:  
       PL15:1476
     ~ ~ ~ ~

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 909

909 
"Moreover, by uniting their forces let the laity 
 so remedy the institutions 
 and conditions of the world 
 when the latter are an inducement to sin, 
 that these may be conformed 
 to the norms of justice, 
 favoring rather than hindering 
 the practice of virtue. 

 By so doing they will impregnate 
 culture and human works 
 with a moral value."  [447]
  [  (447) Lumen Gentium 36 #3  ]


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

     Lumen Gentium 36

     Now Christ has communicated this royal power 
     to His disciples
     that they might be constituted 
     in royal freedom and
     that by true penance and a holy life
     they might conquer the reign of sin in themselves.  
         (208)

       [ (208)  Rom 6:12 ]

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
         (Romans 6:12 )

          Let no sin therefore 
          reign in your mortal body,
          so as to obey the lusts thereof

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


     Further, He has shared this power
     so that serving Christ in their fellow men
     they might by humility and patience 
     lead their brethren
     to that King 
     FOR WHOM TO SERVE IS TO REIGN.

     But the Lord wishes to spread His kingdom 
     also by means of the laity, namely,
     a Kingdom of truth and life,
     a Kingdom of holiness and grace,
     a Kingdom of justice, love and peace

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 910


910 
"The laity can also feel called, 
 or be in fact called, 
 to cooperate with their pastors 
 in the service of the ecclesial community, 
 for the sake of its growth and life. 

 This can be done through the exercise 
 of different kinds of ministries 
 according to the grace and charisms 
 which the Lord has been pleased 
 to bestow on them."   
       [448]

    [  (448) Paul VI, En 73]

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

       ( Paul VI, En 73 )

        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
        December 8, 1975


        http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi
        /apost_exhortations/documents
        /hf_p-vi_exh_19751208_evangelii-
        nuntiandi_en.html

    73. Hence the active presence of the laity 
        in the temporal realities takes on 
        all its importance.
        One cannot, however, neglect or forget 
        the other dimension:

        The laity can also feel themselves 
        called, or be called,
        to work with their pastors in the service 
        of the ecclesial community 
        for its growth and life, 
        by exercising a great variety of ministries
        according to the grace and charisms 
        which the Lord is pleased to give them.

        ... It is an openness to meditation 
        first of all,
        and then to ecclesial ministries 
        capable of renewing 
        and strengthening the evangelizing vigor 
        of the Church.

        It is certain that, side by side 
        with the ordained ministries,
        whereby certain people are appointed pastors
        and consecrate themselves in a special way 
        to the service of the community,
        the Church recognizes the place 
        of non-ordained ministries
        which are able to offer a particular service 
        to the Church.

        ...These ministries will have 
        a real pastoral value 
        to the extent that they are established 
        with absolute respect 
        for unity and adhering to the directives 
        of the pastors,
        who are the ones 
        who are responsible for the Church's unity
        and the builders thereof.

        ...A serious preparation is needed 
        for all workers for evangelization...

        We earnestly desire 
        that in each individual Church 
        the bishops should be vigilant
        concerning the adequate formation 
        of all the ministers of the Word.

        This serious preparation will increase in them 
        the indispensable assurance 
        and also the enthusiasm 
        to proclaim today Jesus Christ.

        

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9:
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 911


911 
In the Church, 
"lay members of the Christian faithful 
 can cooperate in the exercise 
 of this power [of governance] 
 in accord with the norm of law."    
            [449] 

         [  (449) CIC,can 129 #2  ]

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
          Code of Canon Law
          The Power Of Governance 
          (Cann. 129 - 144)

          Can. 129 §1. 
          Those who have received sacred orders 
          are qualified, 
          according to the norm 
          of the prescripts of the law, 
          for the power of governance, 
          which exists in the Church by divine institution 
          and is also called the power of jurisdiction

          Can. 129   §2. 
          Lay members of the Christian faithful 
          can cooperate in the exercise 
          of this same power 
          according to the norm of law.

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

and so the Church provides for their presence 
at particular councils, diocesan synods, 
pastoral councils; 
the exercise in solidum of the pastoral care
of a parish, collaboration in finance committees,  
and participation in ecclesiastical tribunals, etc.  
         [450]

      [  (450) Cf. CIC,cann 443 #4; 
                            463 ##1,2; 
                            492 #1; 
                            511; 
                            517 #2; 
                            536; 
                           1421 #2  ]

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

          Code of Canon Law
          http://www.vatican.va/
          archive/ENG1104/__P1K.HTM
          

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 912


912 
The faithful should "distinguish carefully 
between the rights and the duties 
which they have as belonging to the Church 
and those which fall to them 
as members of the human society. 

They will strive to unite the two harmoniously, 
remembering that in every temporal affair 
they are to be guided 
by a Christian conscience, 
since no human activity, 
even of the temporal order, 
can be withdrawn from God's dominion."  
         [451]

      [  (451) Lumen Gentium 36 #4  ]
 
         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

            Lumen Gentium 36 #4

             "Let them strive to reconcile the two, 
              remembering that in every temporal affair 
              they must be guided 
              by a Christian conscience, 
              since even in secular business 
              there is no human activity 
              which can be withdrawn from God's dominion. "

              

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 913


913 
"Thus, every person, 
through these gifts given to him, 
is at once the witness and the living instrument 
of the mission 
of the Church itself 
'according to the measure of Christ's bestowal.'"  
            [452]

         [  (452) Lumen Gentium 33 #2; 
                  cf. Eph4:7  ]

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

            Lumen Gentium 33 #2; 

            "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."

                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

   
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~         
                                               
LUMEN GENTIUM  
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  - Light of the Nations   #36

POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964

"...the Lord wishes to spread His kingdom 
also by means of the laity, namely, 
a kingdom of truth and life, 
a kingdom of holiness and grace, 
a kingdom of justice, love and peace 
       (4*). 

     [ (4*) Ex Praefatione festi Christi Regis. ] 
            (From the Preface of the Feast 
             of Christ the King)

In this kingdom 
creation itself will be delivered 
from its slavery to corruption 
into the freedom of the glory of the sons of God.   
        (209)   

     [ ( 209 ) Cf Rom. 8, 21. ] 

         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

         (Rom. 8:21)

          Because the creature also itself 
          shall be delivered 
          from the servitude of corruption, 
          into the liberty of the glory 
          of the children of God.

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Clearly then a great promise and a great trust 
is committed to the disciples: 

"All things are yours, 
and you are Christ's, 
and Christ is God's"   
        (210)

     [ ( 210 )  I Cor. 3, 23. ]

                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

                I Cor  3:23  
                And you are Christ's; 
                and Christ is God's.
 
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Now Christ has communicated this royal power 
to His disciples 
that they might be constituted in royal freedom and 
that by true penance and a holy life 
they might conquer the reign of sin in themselves.   

Further, He has shared this power 
so that serving Christ in their fellow men 
they might by humility and patience 
lead their brethren to that King 
FOR WHOM TO SERVE IS TO REIGN…"
              
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   

LUMEN GENTIUM #31

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

POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964

"...By reason of their special vocation 
it belongs to the laity
to seek the kingdom of God 
by engaging in temporal affairs 
and directing them according to God's will..." 
          
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
           
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14

(On the Vocation and the Mission 
of the Lay Faithful 
 in the Church and the World)

They exercise their KINGSHIP as Christians, 
above all in the spiritual combat 
in which they seek 
to overcome in themselves the kingdom of sin 
       (cf. Rom 6:12), 

           ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

            Rom 6:12  
            Let no sin therefore 
            reign in your mortal body, 
            so as to obey the lusts thereof

           ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

and then 
to make a gift of themselves 
so as to serve, in justice and in charity, 
Jesus who is himself present 
in all his brothers and sisters, 
above all in the very least 
       (cf. Mt 25:40).       

           ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

            Mt 25:40 
  
            And the king answering, 
            shall say to them: 
            Amen I say to you, 
            as long as you did it to 
            one of these 
            my least brethren, 
            you did it to me.

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

CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #51

(On the Vocation and the Mission 
 of the Lay Faithful 
 in the Church and the World)

PARTICIPATION OF THE LAY FAITHFUL 
IN THE KINGLY MISSION OF CHRIST
by their combined efforts 
remedy the institutions and conditions 
of the world 
when the latter are an inducement to sin, 
that all such things 
may be conformed to the norms of justice, and 
may favor the practice of virtue 
rather than hindering it.
 
By so doing, 
they will infuse culture and human works 
with a moral value".     

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~              
                                               
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #47

Apostolic Exhortation 
The Role of the Christian Family 
in the modern World 
 - Pope John Paul II )

The social and political role is included 
in the KINGLY mission of service...
 
...a commitment to live their vocation 
as lay people 
and therefore 
to "seek the kingdom of God 
by engaging in temporal affairs and
by ordering them according to the plan of God." 

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

FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #63

Apostolic Exhortation 
The Role of the Christian Family 
in the modern World 
 - Pope John Paul II  

...in intimate communion with the church, 
the KINGLY people,...
called to exercise its "service" of love 
toward God and 
toward its fellow human beings.

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

By the Priestly mission, 
the baptized person offers 
self and the whole of creation 
to the Father with Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. 

THE PRIESTLY MISSION
______________________________________ 
 
By the PRIESTLY mission, 
the baptized person offers self 
and the whole of creation 
to the Father with Christ, 
guided by the Holy Spirit. 
    
[ From   the OCDS CONSTITUTIONS: PREFACE ]
______________________________________ 

Referencing:
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM #155
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM #10, 11, 34
 (Dogmatic Constitution of the Church
  Light of Nations)
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14
 (On the Vocation and the Mission 
  of the Lay Faithful 
  in the Church and the World)
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #59, #61, #62
 The Role of the Christian Family 
 in the modern World)
 (Apostolic Exhortation)   
 
___________________________________ 

<<<<<<<<<<<   Nutshell  >>>>>>>>>
____________________________________ 

The laity can participate 
in the PRIESTLY mission 
of the Lord by:

◊  persevering in prayer and praising God,  
   ...present themselves as a living sacrifice, 
   holy and pleasing to God. 

◊  receiving the sacraments, 
    in prayer and thanksgiving, 
    in the witness of a holy life, 

◊  self-denial and active charity.

     [From Lumen Gentium #10 ]  

      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
◊ Taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice...
    they offer the Divine Victim to God,
    and offer themselves along with It.

     [From Lumen Gentium #11 ]

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


◊  offer(ing) spiritual sacrifices 
   acceptable to God through Jesus Christ

    ▪ spiritual worship for the glory of the Father 
       and the salvation of man.  

    ▪ all their works, prayers 
       and apostolic undertakings, 
       family and married life, 
       daily work, relaxation of mind and body, 
  
◊ In the celebration of the eucharist 
       these may most fittingly be offered 
       to the Father, 
       along with the body of the Lord. 

◊  worshiping everywhere by their holy actions, 
       the laity consecrate the world itself to God.
                                                                                                                                         
          [From Lumen Gentium #34 ]

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

◊  reading and meditating on the word of God,   

◊  reception of the sacraments, 

◊  devotion and consecration 
        to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,  
 
◊  veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary...

     authentic devotion to Mary, 
     which finds expression in sincere love 
     and generous imitation 
     of the Blessed Virgin's interior spiritual attitude 

     ...For she who is the Mother 
        of Christ and 
        of the Church
     is in a special way the Mother 
        of Christian families, 
        of domestic Churches. 


◊  the recitation of the rosary:   

◊  grace before and after meals,...
       

◊  the Divine Office...     
 
         [From FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #61 ]
                                                                                                         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  


          Romans 12;1-2 

          1  I urge you therefore, brothers, 
             by the mercies of God, 
             to offer your bodies 
             as a living sacrifice, 
             holy and pleasing to God, 
             your spiritual worship.  

          2  Do not conform yourselves to this age 
             but be transformed 
             by the renewal of your mind, 
             that you may discern 
             what is the will of God, 
             what is good and pleasing and perfect. 

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
____________________________________ 

<<<<<<<<<<<   >>>>>>>>>
_____________________________________ 

COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM 
OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

155. 
In what way does the people of God share  
in the three functions of Christ 
as Priest, Prophet and King?

  (  see Catechism of the Catholic Church 
     783-786)

The people of God participate 
in Christ's PRIESTLY office 
insofar as the baptized are consecrated 
by the Holy Spirit 
to offer spiritual sacrifices. 

http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/
documents/
archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
#I Believe in the Holy Spirit 

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


CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
PART ONE:        THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION TWO I    THE CREEDS
CHAPTER THREE    I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Article 9        "I BELIEVE 
                 IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH"
Paragraph 4      CHRIST'S FAITHFUL 
                 HIERARCHY, LAITY, CONSECRATED LIFE

II. THE LAY FAITHFUL

Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 900


900 
Since, like all the faithful, 
lay Christians are entrusted by God 
with the apostolate 
by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, 
they have the right and duty, 
individually or grouped in associations, 
to work so that the divine message of salvation 
may be known and accepted 
by all men throughout the earth. 

This duty is the more pressing 
when it is only through them 
that men can hear the Gospel and know Christ. 

Their activity in ecclesial communities 
is so necessary 
that, for the most part, 
the apostolate of the pastors cannot be 
fully effective without it. 



The PARTICIPATION of lay people 
in Christ's PRIESTLY office

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 901

901 
"Hence the laity, 
dedicated as they are to Christ and
anointed by the Holy Spirit, 
are marvellously called and prepared 
so that even richer fruits of the Spirit 
maybe produced in them. 

For all their works, prayers, 
and apostolic undertakings, 
family and married life, daily work, 
relaxation of mind and body, 
if they are accomplished in the Spirit 
 - indeed even the hardships of life 
   if patiently born - 
all these become spiritual sacrifices 
acceptable to God 
through Jesus Christ.

In the celebration of the Eucharist 
these may most fittingly be offered 
to the Father 
along with the body of the Lord. 

And so, worshipping everywhere by their holy actions, 
the laity consecrate the world itself to God, 
everywhere offering worship 
by the holiness of their lives." 

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 902

902 
In a very special way, 
parents share in the office of sanctifying 
"by leading a conjugal life 
 in the Christian spirit and 
 by seeing to the Christian education 
 of their children." 

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 903


903 
Lay people who possess the required qualities 
can be admitted permanently to the ministries 
of lector and acolyte. 
          (436)

       [  (436) Cf. CIC, can. 230 #1 ]


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

       CIC CODEX IURIS CANONICI      
       CODE OF CANON  LAW  230   Paragraph 1


       Can. 230 §1. 

       Lay men who possess 
       the age and qualifications 
       established by decree 
       of the conference of bishops 
       can be admitted on a stable basis
       through the prescribed liturgical rite 
       to the ministries 
       of lector and acolyte.

       Nevertheless, 
       the conferral of these ministries 
       does not grant them the right to obtain 
       support or remuneration from the Church.

       CODE OF CANON  LAW  230   Paragraph 2

       Can. 230 §2. 

       Lay persons can fulfill the function of lector 
       in liturgical actions by temporary designation.
       All lay persons can also perform the functions 
       of commentator or cantor, or other functions, 
       according to the norm of law.

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

CATECHISM
(continuation of            
            Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
            Paragr #4:  II:   Item 901 )


When the necessity of the Church warrants it and 
when ministers are lacking, 
lay persons, even if they are not lectors or acolytes, 
can also supply for certain of their offices, namely, 
 to exercise the ministry of the word, 
 to preside over liturgical prayers, 
 to confer Baptism, and 
 to distribute Holy Communion 
in accord with the prescriptions of law."  
           (437)

        [  (437) Cf. CIC,can. 230 #3 ]   

        ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
    
        CIC  CODEX IURIS CANONICI      
        CODE OF CANON  LAW  230   Paragraph #3


        Can. 230 #3

        When the need of the Church warrants it 
        and ministers are lacking,
        lay persons, 
        even if they are not lectors or acolytes, 
        can also supply certain of their duties, 
        namely, 
         to exercise the ministry of the word, 
         to preside offer liturgical prayers, 
         to confer baptism, and 
         to distribute Holy Communion, 
        according to the prescripts of the law.

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

LUMEN GENTIUM #10, 11… 
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH 

LUMEN GENTIUM - Light of the Nations
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

                  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.  

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.  

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.

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

11. 
It is through the sacraments and the exercise of the virtues 
that the sacred nature and organic structure 
of the PRIESTLY community 
is brought into operation. 

Incorporated in the Church through baptism, 
the faithful are destined 
by the baptismal character 
for the worship of the Christian religion; 
reborn as sons of God 
they must confess before men the faith 
which they have received from God through the Church.

They are more perfectly bound to the Church 
by the sacrament of Confirmation, 
and the Holy Spirit endows them with special strength 
so that they are more strictly obliged 
to spread and defend the faith, 
both by word and by deed, as true witnesses of Christ.

Taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, 
which is the fount and apex 
of the whole Christian life, 
they offer the Divine Victim to God, 
and offer themselves along with It.    

Thus both 
by reason of the offering and 
through Holy Communion 
all take part in this liturgical service, 
not indeed, all in the same way 
but each in that way which is proper to himself. …

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

LUMEN GENTIUM #34 
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH 

LUMEN GENTIUM - Light of the Nations   
POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964 

34. The supreme and eternal Priest, Christ Jesus,
      since he wills to continue his witness and service 
      also through the laity, 
      vivifies them in this Spirit 
      and increasingly urges them on 
      to every good and perfect work.

      For besides intimately linking them 
      to His life and His mission, 
      He also gives them a sharing in His priestly function 
      of offering spiritual worship for the glory of God 
      and the salvation of men. 

     For this reason the laity, dedicated to Christ 
     and anointed by the Holy Spirit,
     are marvelously called and wonderfully prepared 
     so that ever more abundant fruits of the Spirit 
     may be produced in them. 

     For all their works, prayers and apostolic endeavors, 
     their ordinary married and family life, 
     their daily occupations, 
     their physical and mental relaxation, 
     if carried out in the Spirit, and even the hardships of life, 
     if patiently borne—all these become "spiritual sacrifices 
     acceptable to God through Jesus Christ".        
                   (199) 

               [  ( 199)   Pt. 2:5. ]

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

                  1  Peter 2:5

                  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.

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

     Together with the offering of the Lord's body,
     they are most fittingly offered 
     in the celebration of the Eucharist. 

     Thus, as those everywhere 
     who adore in holy activity, 
     the laity consecrate the world itself to God.

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

CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14

(On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful 
 in the Church and the World)


The lay faithful are SHARERS in the PRIESTLY MISSION, 
for which Jesus 
offered himself on the cross and 
continues to be offered in the celebration of the Eucharist 
for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity. 

Incorporated in Jesus Christ, the baptized are united 
to Him and to His sacrifice 
in the offering they make 
of themselves and their daily activities 

    (cf. Rom 12: 1, 2). 

         Rom 12: 1, 2 

         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.
         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.

Speaking of the lay faithful the Council says: 
"For their work, prayers and apostolic endeavours,
their ordinary married and family life, 
their daily labour, their mental and physical relaxation, 
if carried out in the Spirit, and even the hardships of life 
if patiently borne-
 all of these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable 
 to God through Jesus Christ 

    (cf. 1 Pt 2:5).

         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

         1 Pt 2:5 

         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.

         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the celebration of the Eucharist 
these sacrifices are most lovingly offered 
to the Father along with the Lord's body. 

Thus as worshipers whose every deed is holy, 
the lay faithful consecrate the world itself to God"  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
  
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO      
   
(Apostolic Exhortation - The Role of the Christian Family 
 in the modern World 
 - Pope John Paul II )

FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #59

PRIESTLY vocation and mission for the spouses and family 
by which their daily lives are transformed 
into "spiritual sacrifices 
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 

... by celebrating the Eucharist and the other sacraments and
through offering themselves to the glory of God, 
but also through a life of prayer, 

"59. 
The Church prays for the Christian family 
and educates the family 
to live in generous accord with THE PRIESTLY GIFT AND ROLE   
received from Christ the High Priest. 

In effect, the BAPTISMAL PRIESTHOOD OF THE FAITHFUL, 
exercised in the sacrament of marriage, 
               
constitutes the basis of a PRIESTLY VOCATION AND MISSION 
for the spouses and family 
by which their daily lives are transformed 
into "spiritual sacrifices 
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."   

This transformation is achieved 
not only by celebrating the Eucharist and the other sacraments 
and through offering themselves to the glory of God, 
but also through a life of prayer, 
                
through prayerful dialogue with the Father, through Jesus Christ, 
in the Holy Spirit… 
                                             
Family prayer has for its very own object family life itself, 
which in all its varying circumstances is
 seen as a call from God and 
 lived as a filial response to His call. 

Joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments, 
births and birthday celebrations,
wedding anniversaries of the parents, 
departures, separations and homecomings,
important and far-reaching decisions… 
                 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 


FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #61

Liturgical Prayer and Private Prayer 

61. 
There exists a deep and vital bond 
between the prayer of the Church 
and the prayer of the individual faithful, 
as has been clearly reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council. 

An important purpose of the prayer of the domestic Church 
is to serve as the natural introduction for the children 
to the liturgical prayer of the whole Church,
both in the sense of preparing for it 
and of extending it into personal, family and social life. 

Hence the need for gradual participation by all the members 
of the Christian family  in the celebration of the Eucharist,
especially on Sundays and feast days, and of the other sacraments,
particularly the sacraments of Christian initiation of the children. 

The directives of the Council opened up a new possibility 
for the Christian family 
when it listed the family among those groups 
to whom it recommends the recitation 
of the Divine Office in common.  

Likewise, the Christian family will strive to celebrate at home, 
and in a way suited to the members, 
the times and feasts of the liturgical year. 

As preparation for the worship celebrated in church, 
and as its prolongation in the home, 
the Christian family makes use of private prayer, 
which presents a great variety of forms.

While this variety testifies to the extraordinary richness 
with which the Spirit vivifies Christian prayer, 
it serves also to meet the various needs and life situations of those 
who turn to the Lord in prayer. 

Apart from morning and evening prayers, 
certain forms of prayer are to be expressly encouraged, 
following the indications of the Synod Fathers, 
such as 
 reading and meditating on the word of God, 
 preparation for the reception of the sacraments, 
 devotion and consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
 the various forms of veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 
 grace before and after meals, and
 observance of popular devotions.

While respecting the freedom of the children of God, 
the Church has always proposed certain practices of piety 
to the faithful 
with particular solicitude and insistence. 

Among these should be mentioned 
 the recitation of the rosary: 

"We now desire, 
as a continuation of the thought of our predecessors, 
to recommend strongly the recitation of the family rosary

...There is no doubt that... 
the rosary should be considered 
as one of the best and most efficacious prayers in common
that the Christian family is invited to recite. 

We like to think, and sincerely hope, 
that when the family gathering becomes a time of prayer
the rosary is a frequent and favored manner of praying." 

In this way authentic devotion to Mary, 
which finds expression in sincere love and generous imitation
of the Blessed Virgin's interior spiritual attitude,
constitutes a special instrument 
for nourishing loving communion in the family 
and for developing conjugal and family spirituality. 

For she who is the Mother of Christ and of the Church
is in a special way the Mother 
 of Christian families, 
 of domestic Churches. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                                              
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #62

Prayer and Life 

62. 
It should never be forgotten
that prayer constitutes an essential part of Christian life, 
understood in its fullness and centrality.

Indeed, prayer is an important part of our very humanity: 
it is "the first expression of man's inner truth,
the first condition for authentic freedom of spirit." 

Far from being a form of escapism from everyday commitments,
prayer constitutes the strongest incentive 
for the Christian family
to assume and comply fully with all its responsibilities 
as the primary and fundamental cell of human society. 

Thus the Christian family's actual participation 
in the Church's life and mission 
is in direct proportion 
to the fidelity and intensity of the prayer
with which it is united with the fruitful vine
that is Christ the Lord. 

The fruitfulness of the Christian family 
in its specific service to human advancement, 
which of itself cannot but lead 
to the transformation of the world,
derives from its living union with Christ, 
nourished by Liturgy, by self-oblation and by prayer. 
                                                                                                             Romans 12; 1-2 

             1  I urge you therefore, brothers, 
                by the mercies of God, 
                to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, 
                holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.  

             2  Do not conform yourselves to this age 
                but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, 
                that you may discern what is the will of God, 
                what is good and pleasing and perfect. 

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

And as Prophet,  the baptized person 
announces God’s plan for human kind and

denounces all that is contrary to it.      [1]

                                       [1].      LG 31-35.   Lumen Gentium

THE PROPHETIC MISSION 
______________________________________ 
The PROPHETIC  MISSION 
 
"...as prophet, the baptized person
   announces God’s plan for human kind and 
   denounces all that is contrary to it"

    [ From OCDS Constitution:   Preface ]
________________________________________ 
Referencing:
OCDS Constitutions,  
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM #155,
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH,
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14, #34 
  (On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful 
   in the Church and the World)(Apostolic Exhortation)
LUMEN GENTIUM  #35, #12, 
  (Dogmatic Constitution of the Church - Light of Nations)
FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #48, #51
  The Role of the Christian Family in the modern World) 
  (Apostolic Exhortation)
________________________________________  
 
<<<<<<<<<<<  Nutshell  >>>>>>>>>
________________________________________ 

The laity can participate 
in the PROPHETIC mission of the Lord by:

◊ "liv(ing) in the presence of God,
        seeking Him in solitude and silence 
        with zeal for God’s glory."

◊ "promoting God’s law of charity 
        and truth in the world"

              [ From OCDS CONSTITUTION Section I ]

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

◊ "adher(ing) unfailingly to that faith 
    and deepen(ing) their understanding and witness to it. 

              [ From COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM 
                      OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH  ]

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

◊ accept(ing) the gospel in faith and

◊ proclaim(ing) it in word and deed, without hesitating 
   to courageously identify and denounce evil. 
  
◊ allow(ing) the newness and the power of the gospel 
   to shine out everyday 
   in their family and social life

◊ express(ing)... patiently and courageously 
   in the contradictions of the present age, 
   their hope of future glory 
   even "through the framework of their secular life..  

             [ From CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14 ]

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

◊ overcom(ing) in themselves the separation 
    of the Gospel from life, 

◊ tak(ing) up,  
    in their daily activities 
    in family, work and society, 
  an integrated approach to life 
  that is fully brought about 
  by the inspiration and strength of the Gospel... 

◊ ...the loving pursuit of Christ 
  and adherence to him 
  will be the factors determining 
  how a person is to live and grow, and 
  these will lead to new ways of living more 
  in conformity with human dignity.

            [ From CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #34 ]

_________________________________________

<<<<<<<<<<<   >>>>>>>>>
_________________________________________


From the OCDS Constitutions (Preface)

"...the Baptized person as prophet, 
announces God’s plan for human kind and 
denounces all that is contrary to it"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~                  
 
From the OCDS CONSTITUTION Section I
"OUR IDENTITY, VALUES AND COMMITMENT"

5. 
Elijah 
represents the PROPHETICAL TRADITION OF CARMEL and
is an inspiration to 
live in the presence of God,
seeking Him in solitude and silence 
with zeal for God’s glory.

The Secular Carmelites live the PROPHETIC DIMENSION 
of Christian life and Carmelite spirituality
by promoting God’s law of charity and truth in the world,
above all by making themselves the voice for those 
who cannot, on their own, express this love and this truth

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


COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

155. 
In what way does the people of God share  
in the three functions of Christ 
as Priest, Prophet and King?

 (  see Catechism of the Catholic Church 783-786)

They share in Christ’s PROPHETIC office 
when with a supernatural sense of faith 
they adhere unfailingly to that faith 
and deepen their understanding and witness to it. 

http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/
documents/
archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html#
I Believe in the Holy Spirit 
   
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH        
PART ONE:        THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION TWO I    THE CREEDS
CHAPTER THREE    I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Article 9        "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH"
Paragraph 4      CHRIST'S FAITHFUL
                 HIERARCHY, LAITY, CONSECRATED LIFE

II. THE LAY FAITHFUL

Participation in Christ's PROPHETIC office

Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 904

904 
"Christ . . . fulfills this PROPHETIC office, 
not only by the hierarchy . . . but also by the laity. 

He accordingly both 
establishes them as witnesses and 
provides them with 
 the sense of the faith [sensus fidei] and
 the grace of the word" 

To teach in order to lead others to faith 
is the task of every preacher and of each believer. 

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 905

905 
Lay people also fulfill their PROPHETIC MISSION 
by evangelization, 
"that is, the proclamation of Christ 
by word and the testimony of life." 

For lay people, "this evangelization...acquires 
a specific property and peculiar efficacy 
because it is accomplished 
in the ordinary circumstances of the world." 

This witness of life, however, 
is not the sole element in the apostolate; 

the true apostle is on the lookout for occasions 
of announcing Christ by word,
either to unbelievers . . . 
or to the faithful. 

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 906

906 
Lay people who are capable and trained 
may also collaborate 
 in catechetical formation, 
 in teaching the sacred sciences, and
 in use of the communications media. 

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

Catechism
Part 1:   Section 2:   Ch. 3:  Article #9: 
Paragr #4:  II:   Item 907


907 
"In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence 
which they possess,
[lay people] have the right 
and even at times a duty to manifest 
to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters 
which pertain to the good of the Church, 

and they have a right to make their opinion known 
to the other Christian faithful, 
with due regard to the integrity 
of faith and morals and reverence 
toward their pastors, 
and with consideration for the common good 
and the dignity of persons." 

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

CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #14
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

...Through their participation 
in the PROPHETIC MISSION of Christ,
"who proclaimed the kingdom of his Father 
by the testimony of his life and by the power of his world", 

the lay faithful are given the ability and responsibility 
 to accept the gospel in faith and 
 to proclaim it in word and deed, 
without hesitating to courageously identify and denounce evil.

United to Christ, the "great prophet"     
         (Lk 7:16), 

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

          Lk 7:16 

          And there came a fear on them all: 
          and they glorified God, saying: 

          A great prophet is risen up among us: 
          and, God hath visited his people  

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

and in the Spirit made "witnesses" of the Risen Christ, 
the lay faithful are made sharers in the appreciation 
of the Church's supernatural faith, 
that "cannot err in matters of belief"  
and sharers as well in the grace of the word 

     (cf. Acts 2:17-18; 
          Rev 19:10). 

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

          Acts 2:17-18 

          And it shall come to pass, in the last days, 
          (saith the Lord,) 
          I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: 
          and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, 
          and your young men shall see visions, 
          and your old men shall dream dreams.

          And upon my servants indeed, 
          and upon my handmaids 
          will I pour out in those days of my spirit, 
          and they shall prophesy. 
          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

          Rev 19:10) 

          And I fell down before his feet, to adore him. 
          And he saith to me: 
           See thou do it not: 
           I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, 
           who have the testimony of Jesus. 
           Adore God. 
           For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
They are also called 
to allow the newness and the power of the gospel 
to shine out everyday in their family and social life, 
as well as to express patiently and courageously 
in the contradictions of the present age 
their hope of future glory 
even "through the framework of their secular life..."


 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~         
                                                                                                                     
CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI #34

(On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful 
 in the Church and the World)

...At this moment the lay faithful, 
in virtue of their participation 
in the PROPHETIC MISSION of Christ, 
are fully part of this work of the Church. 

Their responsibility, in particular, is
to testify how the Christian faith constitutes 
the only fully valid response
- consciously perceived and stated by all in varying degrees -
to the problems and hopes that life poses to every person and society.

This will be possible 
if the lay faithful will know how
 to overcome in themselves 
   the separation of the Gospel from life,
 to again take up in their daily activities 
   in family, work and society, 
   an integrated approach to life 
   that is fully brought about 
   by the inspiration and strength of the Gospel...

...This vital synthesis will be achieved 
when the lay faithful know how 
to put the gospel and their daily duties of life 
into a most shining and convincing testimony, 

where, not fear 
but the loving pursuit of Christ 
and adherence to him 
will be the factors determining 
how a person is to live and grow,
 
and these will lead to new ways of living more 
in conformity with human dignity. 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~       
 
LUMEN GENTIUM 35. 
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  - Light of the Nations   #35

POPE PAUL VI   -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964

Christ is the great prophet 
who proclaimed the kingdom of the Father both 
by the testimony of his life and 
by the power of his word. 

Until the full manifestation of his glory, 
he fulfills this PROPHETIC OFFICE, 
not only by the hierarchy 
 who teach in his name and by his power, 
but also by the laity. 

He accordingly both 
establishes them as witnesses and 
provides them with the appreciation of the faith 
(sensu fidei)  
           [5]    
      
           [5] See LG 12 LUMEN GENTIUM  12   (below)

and the grace of the word

      (cf. Acts 2:17,18; 
           Apoc 19:10) 

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

           Acts 2:17-18 

           And it shall come to pass, in the last days, 
           (saith the Lord,) 
           I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: 
           and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, 
           and your young men shall see visions, 
           and your old men shall dream dreams.

           And upon my servants indeed, and upon my handmaids 
           will I pour out in those days of my spirit, 
           and they shall prophesy. 

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

           Rev 19:10  

           And I fell down before his feet, to adore him. 
           And he saith to me: 
            See thou do it not: 
            I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, 
            who have the testimony of Jesus. 
            Adore God. 
            For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
 
           ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

so that the power of the Gospel may shine out 
in daily family and social life. 

 
...if, strong in faith and hope, 
they make the most of the present time 

         (Eph 5:16; 
          Col 4: 5), 

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

          Eph 5:16 

          But as wise: 
          redeeming the time, 
          because the days are evil.

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

          Col 4: 5)

          Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, 
          redeeming the time

          Col 4:2 - 6 

          Be instant in prayer; 
          watching in it with thanksgiving:

          Praying withal for us also, 
          that God may open unto us a door of speech 
          to speak the mystery of Christ 
          (for which also I am bound;)

          That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.
          Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, 
          redeeming the time.
          Let your speech be always in grace seasoned with salt: 
          that you may know how you ought to answer every man

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

... express it through the structure of their secular lives...  
in wrestling “against the world rulers of this darkness, 
against the spiritual forces of iniquity”  

         (Eph 6:12) ... 

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

          Eph 6:12  

          For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; 
          but against principalities and power, 
          against the rulers of the world of this darkness, 
          against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

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

the laity become powerful heralds 
of the faith in things to be hoped for 

          (cf. Heb 11: 1) 

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

          Heb 11: 1
 
          Now faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, 
          the evidence of things that appear not.

          Heb 11: 1-3 

          Now faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, 
          the evidence of things that appear not.

          For by this the ancients obtained a testimony. 
          By faith we understand 
          that the world was framed by the word of God; 

          that from invisible things visible things might be made.

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

if they join unhesitating profession of faith to the life of faith. 

This evangelization, that is, 
the proclamation of Christ 
by word and the testimony of life, 
...accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world.

The state of life that is sanctified by a special sacrament,  
namely, married and family life, 
has a special importance in this PROPHETIC OFFICE.  

In it the married partners 
 have their own proper vocation:

They must be witnesses of faith and love of Christ 
to one another and to their children.  

...do valuable work for the evangelization of the world. 

...must cooperate in spreading and in building up 
the kingdom of Christ. 
                                                                                                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~       

LUMEN GENTIUM 12. 
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  - Light of the Nations   #12

POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964

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

          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


...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. 

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

FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #48

(Apostolic Exhortation - The Role of the Christian Family 
 in the modern World 
 - Pope John Paul II )

...the Christian family...to exercise its PROPHETIC role 
by bearing witness to the kingdom and peace of Christ, 
toward which the whole world is journeying

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

FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO #51

(Apostolic Exhortation - The Role of the Christian Family 
 in the modern World 
 Pope John Paul II )

...the Christian family fulfills its PROPHETIC role 
by welcoming and announcing the word of God: 

It thus becomes more and more each day 
a believing and evangelizing community.

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

LUMEN GENTIUM  LG 31-35

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH
LUMEN GENTIUM  - Light of the Nations   

POPE PAUL VI    -  NOVEMBER 21, 1964

CHAPTER IV    THE LAITY  LUMEN GENTIUM 31. 

The term laity is here understood to mean 
all the faithful 
 except those in holy orders and 
        those in the state of religious life 
        especially approved by the Church. 

These faithful are by baptism 
 made one body with Christ and
 are constituted among the People of God; 

they are in their own way 
 made SHARERS IN THE 
PRIESTLY, PROPHETICAL, AND KINGLY 
 FUNCTIONS OF CHRIST; 

and they carry out for their own part 
the mission of the whole Christian people 
in the Church and in the world.

What specifically characterizes the laity 
 is their secular nature. 

It is true that those in holy orders   
can at times be engaged in secular activities, 
and even have a secular profession. 

But they are by reason 
 of their particular vocation 
especially and professedly ordained 
 to the sacred ministry. 

Similarly, by their state in life, 
religious give splendid and striking testimony 
that the world cannot 
 be transformed and offered to God 
 without the spirit of the beatitudes. 

But the laity, by their very vocation, 
seek the kingdom of God 
 by engaging in temporal affairs and
 by ordering them 
according to the plan of God. 

They live in the world, 
that is, in each and in all 
of the secular professions and occupations. 

They live in the ordinary circumstances 
 of family and social life, 
from which the very web of their existence 
 is woven. 

They are called there by God 
 that by exercising their proper function 
 and led by the spirit of the Gospel 
they may work for the sanctification 
 of the world 
from within as a leaven. 

In this way 
they may make Christ known to others, 
especially by the testimony 
 of a life resplendent 
in faith, hope and charity. 

Therefore, since they are tightly bound up 
 in all types of temporal affairs 
it is their special task 
 to order and to throw light 
 upon these affairs in such a way 
that they may 
 come into being and 
 then continually increase 
according to Christ to the praise 
 of the Creator and the Redeemer.

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

LUMEN GENTIUM 32. 

By divine institution Holy Church is 
ordered and governed 
with a wonderful diversity. 

"For just as in one body 
 we have many members, 
yet all the members 
 have not the same function, 
so we, the many, are one body in Christ, 
but severally members one of another".   
            (191)  
            
       [ (191)  1 Rom. 12:4-5 ] 

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

      (1 Rom. 12:4-5 )
       For as in one body 
        we have many members, 
       but all the members 
        have not the same office:
       So we being many, 
        are one body in Christ, 
       and every one 
        members one of another.

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

Therefore, 
the chosen People of God is one: 
"one Lord, one faith, one baptism"   
       (192);    

       [ (192) Cf. Eph. 4:5. ]

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

       Eph. 4:4-7 

       One body and one Spirit; 
       as you are called 
         in one hope of your calling.
       One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
       One God and Father of all, 
       who is above all, 
         and through all, 
         and in us all.
       But to every one of us 
         is given grace, 
       according to the measure 
         of the giving of Christ.

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

sharing a common dignity as members 
 from their regeneration in Christ, 

having the same filial grace and 
 the same vocation to perfection; 

possessing in common one salvation, 
 one hope and one undivided charity. 

There is, therefore, 
 in Christ and in the Church 
no inequality 
on the basis of 
 race or nationality, 
 social condition or sex, 
because 

 "there is neither Jew nor Greek: 
  there is neither bond nor free: 
  there is neither male nor female. 
  For you are all 'one' in Christ Jesus".   
          (193)    

      [ ( 193)     Gal. 3:28; 
               cf. Col. 3.11 ]

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

      Gal. 3:26-28 

      For you are all 
       the children of God 
       by faith, in Christ Jesus.

      For as many of you as 
       have been baptized in Christ, 
       have put on Christ.

      There is neither Jew nor Greek: 
      there is neither bond nor free: 
      there is neither male nor female. 

      For you are all one 
        in Christ Jesus.

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

      Col. 3.11 )

      Where there is neither 
       Gentile nor Jew, 
       circumcision nor uncircumcision, 
       Barbarian nor Scythian, 
       bond nor free. 
      But Christ is all, and in all.

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

If therefore in the Church 
everyone does not proceed 
 by the same path, 

nevertheless all 
 are called to sanctity and
 have received an equal privilege of faith 
through the justice of God.
        (194)    

      [ (194)     Cf. 2 Pt. 1:1. ]

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

      2 Peter 1:1  

      Simon Peter, 
       servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, 
      to them that have obtained 
        equal faith with us 
      in the justice 
      of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

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

And if by the will of Christ 
some are made 
  teachers, pastors and 
  dispensers of mysteries 
on behalf of others, 

yet all share 
  a true equality with regard 
to the dignity and 
to the activity common to all the faithful 
for the building up of the Body of Christ. 

For the distinction 
which the Lord made 
between sacred ministers and the rest 
of the People of God 
bears within it a certain union, 

since pastors and the other faithful 
are bound to each other 
by a mutual need. 

Pastors of the Church, 
following the example of the Lord, 
should minister to one another 
and to the other faithful. 

These in their turn 
should enthusiastically lend 
their joint assistance 
to their pastors and teachers. 

Thus in their diversity 
all bear witness to the wonderful unity 
in the Body of Christ. 

This very diversity 
of graces, ministries and works 
gathers the children of God into one, 
because 
 "all these things are the work 
  of one and the same Spirit". 
        (195) 
   
     [ ( 195 )  1 Cor. 12:11. ]

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

    (1 Cor. 12:11 )

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

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

Therefore, from divine choice 
the laity have Christ for their brothers 
who though He is the Lord of all, 
came not to be served but to serve.   
      (196)  

    [ ( 196 )  Cf. Mt. 20:28. ]

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

    (Mt. 20:28 )

    Even as the Son of man 
      is not come to be ministered unto, 

    but to minister, 
    and to give his life 
      a redemption for many

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

They also have for their brothers 
those in the sacred ministry 
who by teaching, by sanctifying 
and by ruling with the authority of Christ 
feed the family of God 
so that the new commandment of charity 
may be fulfilled by all. 

St. Augustine puts this very beautifully 
when he says: 

  "What I am for you terrifies me; 
   what I am with you consoles me. 

   For you I am a bishop; 
   but with you I am a Christian. 

   The former is a duty; 
   the latter a grace. 

   The former is a danger; 
   the latter, salvation" 
         (1*).     

      [ ( 1* )  S. Augustinus, Serm. 340, 1: 
                PL 38, 1483.    ]

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

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   34. 

The supreme and eternal Priest, Christ Jesus, 
since he wills to continue his witness and service 
also through the laity, 
vivifies them in this Spirit 
and increasingly urges them on 
to every good and perfect work.

For besides intimately linking them 
to His life and His mission, 
He also gives them 
a SHARING in His PRIESTLY FUNCTION 
of offering spiritual worship 
for the glory of God 
and the salvation of men. 

For this reason the laity, 
dedicated to Christ 
and anointed by the Holy Spirit, 
are marvelously called 
and wonderfully prepared 
so that ever more abundant fruits 
of the Spirit 
may be produced in them. 

For all 
their works, prayers and apostolic endeavors, 
their ordinary married and family life, 
their daily occupations, 
their physical and mental relaxation, 
if carried out in the Spirit, 
and even the hardships of life, 
if patiently borne —
all these become "spiritual sacrifices 
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ".
     (199)     

  [ ( 199 )  Pt. 2:5.  ]

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

    Peter 2:5

    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

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
Together with the offering 
of the Lord's body, 
they are most fittingly offered 
in the celebration of the Eucharist. 

Thus, as those everywhere 
who adore in holy activity, 
THE LAITY CONSECRATE THE WORLD ITSELF TO GOD.

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

LUMEN GENTIUM 35. 

Christ, the great Prophet, 
who proclaimed the Kingdom of His Father 
both by the testimony of His life 
and the power of His words, 
continually fulfills His prophetic office 
until the complete manifestation of glory. 

He does this 
not only through the hierarchy 
 who teach in His name 
 and with His authority, 
but also through the laity 
 whom He made His witnesses 
and to whom He gave understanding 
of the faith (sensu fidei) 
and an attractiveness in speech 
      (200) 

  [ (  200 ) Cf. Acts 2:17-18; 
                 Rev. 19:10. ]

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

     Acts 2:17-18 

     And it shall come to pass, 
      in the last days, 
      (saith the Lord,) 
     I will pour out of my Spirit 
      upon all flesh: 
     and your sons and your daughters 
      shall prophesy, 
     and your young men 
      shall see visions, 
     and your old men 
      hall dream dreams.

     And upon my servants indeed, 
     and upon my handmaids 
     will I pour out in those days 
      of my spirit, 
     and they shall prophesy. 

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

     Rev 19:10 

     And I fell down before his feet, 
      to adore him. 
     And he saith to me: 
      See thou do it not: 
      I am thy fellow servant, 
      and of thy brethren, 
      who have the testimony of Jesus. 
      Adore God. 
      For the testimony of Jesus 
       is the spirit of prophecy.

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

so that the power of the Gospel 
might shine forth 
in their daily social and family life. 

They conduct themselves 
as children of the promise, 
and thus strong in faith and in hope 
they make the most of the present,   
       (201) 

   [ (  201 ) Cf. Eph. 5:16; 
                  Col. 4:5. ]

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

     Eph 5:16 

     But as wise: 
     redeeming the time, 
     because the days are evil.
 
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Col 4: 5 

     Walk with wisdom towards them 
     that are without, 
     redeeming the time

     Col 4:2 - 6 

     Be instant in prayer; 
     watching in it with thanksgiving:

     Praying withal for us also, 
     that God may open unto us 
     a door of speech 
     to speak the mystery of Christ 
     for which also I am bound;)

     That I may make it manifest 
     as I ought to speak.

     Walk with wisdom towards them 
     that are without, 
     redeeming the time.

     Let your speech be 
     always in grace seasoned with salt: 
     that you may know 
     how you ought to answer every man

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


and with patience await the glory 
that is to come. 
         (202)   

     [ (  202 ) Cf. Rom. 8:25. ]

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

        Rom. 8:25 
 
        But if we hope for that 
        which we see not, 
        we wait for it with patience

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

Let them not, then, 
hide this hope 
in the depths of their hearts, 
but even in the program 
of their secular life 
let them express it 
by a continual conversion and 
by wrestling 
"against the world-rulers 
of this darkness, 
against the spiritual forces 
of wickedness.   
         (203)    

      [ ( 203)  Eph. 6:12 ]

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

      Eph. 6:12 

      For our wrestling is not 
       against flesh and blood; 
      but against principalities and power, 
       against the rulers of the world 
        of this darkness, 
      against the spirits 
        of wickedness in the high places

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

Just as the sacraments of the New Law, 
by which the life and the apostolate 
of the faithful 
are nourished, 
prefigure a new heaven 
and a new earth,
        (204)    

     [ ( 204)  Cf. Rev. 21:1. ]

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

      Rev. 21:1 

      And I saw 
      a new heaven and a new earth. 

      For the first heaven 
      and the first earth was gone, 
      and the sea is now no more.

      And I John saw
       the holy city, 
       the new Jerusalem, 
      coming down 
      out of heaven from God, 
      prepared as a bride 
      adorned for her husband.

      And I heard a great voice 
      from the throne, saying: 

      Behold the tabernacle 
      of God with men, 
      and he will dwell with them. 

      And they shall be his people; 
      and God himself with them 
      shall be their God.

      And God shall wipe away 
      all tears from their eyes: 
      and death shall be no more, 
      nor mourning, nor crying, 
      nor sorrow shall be any more, 
      for the former things are passed away.

      And he that sat on the throne, 
      said: 
      Behold, I make all things new. 

      And he said to me: 
      Write, 
      for these words are 
      most faithful and true.

      And he said to me: 
      It is done. 

      I am Alpha and Omega; 
      the beginning and the end. 

      To him that thirsteth, 
      I will give of the fountain 
      of the water of life, freely.

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

so too the laity go forth 
as powerful proclaimers of a faith 
in things to be hoped for,
        (205)  

      [ (205)  Cf. Heb. 11:1 ]

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

      Heb. 11:1 

      Now faith is the substance of things 
      to be hoped for, 
      the evidence of things 
      that appear not.

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

when they courageously join 
 to their profession of faith 
a life springing from faith. 

This evangelization, 
that is, this announcing of Christ 
 by a living testimony 
 as well as by the spoken word, 
takes on a specific quality and a special force 
 in that it is carried out 
 in the ordinary surroundings of the world.


In connection with the PROPHETIC FUNCTION 
is that state of life 
which is sanctified by a special sacrament 
obviously of great importance, 
namely, married and family life. 

For where Christianity pervades 
the entire mode of family life, 
and gradually transforms it, 
one will find there 
both the practice and an excellent school 
of the lay apostolate. 

In such a home 
husbands and wives 
find their proper vocation 
in being witnesses of 
the faith and love of Christ 
to one another and to their children. 

The Christian family loudly proclaims 
both the present virtues 
of the Kingdom of God 
and the hope of a blessed life to come. 

Thus by its example and its witness 
it accuses the world of sin 
and enlightens those who seek the truth.

Consequently, even when preoccupied 
with temporal cares, 
the laity can and must perform 
a work of great value 
for the evangelization of the world. 

For even if some of them 
have to fulfill their religious duties 
on their own, 
when there are no sacred ministers 
or in times of persecution; 
and even if many of them 
devote all their energies to apostolic work; 
still it remains for each one of them 
to cooperate in the external spread 
and the dynamic growth 
of the Kingdom of Christ in the world. 

Therefore, let the laity 
devotedly strive to acquire 
a more profound grasp of revealed truth, 
and let them insistently beg of God 
the gift of wisdom.

LUMEN GENTIUM #36
 
CHAPTER IV    THE LAITY  #36

Christ, 
becoming obedient even unto death 
and because of this exalted by the Father,  
   (206) 
entered into the glory of His kingdom. 

    206    Cf. Phil. 2:8-9.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Phil 2:8-9

    For by grace you are 
     saved through faith, 

    and that not of yourselves, 
     for it is the gift of God
 
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To Him all things are made subject 
until He subjects 
 Himself and all created things 
to the Father 
that God may be all in all.  
      (207) 

       207 Cf  1 Cor. 15:27

        ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       1 Cor  15:27

       For “God has put all things 
       in subjection under his feet.” 
       But when it says, 
       “all things are put in subjection,” 
       it is plain that he is excepted 
       who put all things 
        in subjection under him 

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Now Christ has communicated 
 this royal power to His disciples 
that they might be constituted 
 in royal freedom and 
that by true penance and a holy life 
they might conquer 
 the reign of sin in themselves.  
      (208) 

     [ 208 Cf. Rom. 6:12. ]

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

       Rom. 6:12

       Let no sin therefore reign 
       in your mortal body, 
       so as to obey the lusts thereof

       ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Further, He has shared this power 
so that serving Christ 
in their fellow men 
they might by humility and patience 
lead their brethren 
to that King 
for whom to serve is to reign. 

But the Lord wishes to spread His kingdom 
also by means of the laity, 
namely, 
a kingdom of truth and life, 
a kingdom of holiness and grace, 
a kingdom of justice, love and peace  (4*). 

     (4*) Ex Praefatione festi Christi Regis.
          From the Preface 
          of the feast of Christ the King

In this kingdom 
creation itself will be delivered 
from its slavery to corruption 
into the freedom of the glory 
 of the sons of God.  
     (209) 

    [ 209 Cf. Rom.  8:21. ]
 
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Rom.  8:21

     Because the creature also itself 
     shall be delivered
     from the servitude of corruption, 
     into the liberty of the glory 
     of the children of God.

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Clearly then a great promise and a great trust 
is committed to the disciples:
"All things are yours, and 
you are Christ's, 
and Christ is God's". 
     (210)

     [210  1 Cor. 3:23 ]

     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     1 Cor. 3:23

     And you are Christ's; 
     and Christ is God's

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
The faithful, therefore, 
must learn the deepest meaning 
and the value of all creation, 
as well as its role 
in the harmonious praise of God. 

They must assist each other 
to live holier lives 
even in their daily occupations.

In this way the world may be permeated 
by the spirit of Christ 
and it may more effectively 
fulfill its purpose 
in justice, charity and peace. 

The laity have the principal role 
in the overall fulfillment 
of this duty. 

Therefore, 
by their competence 
 in secular training and
by their activity, 
 elevated from within 
by the grace of Christ, 
let them vigorously contribute their effort, 
so that created goods may be perfected 
by human labor, technical skill 
and civic culture 
for the benefit of all men 
according to the design of the Creator 
and the light of His Word. 

May the goods of this world 
be more equitably distributed among all men, 
and may they in their own way 
be conducive to universal progress 
in human and Christian freedom. 

In this manner, 
through the members of the Church, 
will Christ progressively illumine 
the whole of human society 
with His saving light.

     ~ ~ ~ ~

Moreover, 
let the laity 
 also by their combined efforts 
remedy the customs and conditions 
 of the world, 
if they are an inducement to sin,
so that they all 
 may be conformed 
   to the norms of justice and
 may favor the practice of virtue 
rather than hinder it. 

By so doing they will imbue 
 culture and human activity 
with genuine moral values;    
 
They will better prepare 
 the field of the world 
for the seed of the Word of God; 

And at the same time 
they will open wider 
 the doors of the Church 
by which the message of peace 
 may enter the world.

             ~ ~ ~ ~

Because of the very economy of salvation 
the faithful should learn 
how to distinguish carefully 
between those rights and duties 
which are theirs 
 as members of the Church, 
and those which they have 
 as members of human society. 

Let them strive to reconcile the two, 
remembering that 
 in every temporal affair 
they must be guided 
 by a Christian conscience, 
since even in secular business 
there is no human activity 
which can be withdrawn 
 from God's dominion. 

In our own time, however, 
it is most urgent that 
 this distinction and also 
 this harmony 
should shine forth 
 more clearly than ever 
 in the lives of the faithful, 
so that the mission of the Church 
 may correspond more fully 
to the special conditions 
 of the world today. 

For it must be admitted 
that the temporal sphere is governed 
by its own principles, 
since it is rightly concerned 
with the interests of this world. 

But that ominous doctrine 
which attempts to build a society 
 with no regard whatever for religion, 
 and 
which attacks and destroys 
 the religious liberty of its citizens, 
is rightly to be rejected. 
        (5*)
   
(5*) Cfr. Leo XIII, 
     Epist. Encycl. Immortale Dei, 
     1 nov. 188S: 
     ASS 18 (188S) p. 166 ss. 

     Idem, 
     Litt. Encycl. Sapientae christianae, 
     10 ian. 1890: 
     ASS 22 (1889-90) p. 397 ss. 

     Pius XII, 
     Alloc. Alla vostra filfale. 
     23 mart. l9S8: 
     AAS S0 (145R ) p. 220: 
     Ia Iegittima sana laicita dello Stato .. 
     Acta Apostolicae Sedis

 

The great Teresian Carmelite family is present
in the world in many forms.

The nucleus of this family      
is the Order of Discalced Carmelites  — 

     the friars,            
     the enclosed nuns,            
     the seculars. 

It is the one Order with the same charism. 

The Order is nourished by the long tradition of Carmel

expressed in
    the Rule of Saint Albert and
    the doctrine of the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and
    the Order’s other saints.

The present OCDS Constitutions are      
the fundamental law for its members,
present in different regions of the world.

For this reason they are characterized by
 simplicity of structures and
 moderation in rules concerning the way of life.

In this way,  within a fundamental unity 
established by this legislation,
there is preserved

 openness to pluralism in expression demanded  
 by the various social, cultural  and ecclesial contexts.

To achieve this,
particular Statutes may be drawn up

to complete and adapt the general laws
where permitted in these Constitutions.

 

______________________________________________________
   

Abbreviations Key

AA                Apostolicam actuositatem

Ac                 Acts of the Apostles

CIC               Codex Iuris Canonici

CL                 Christifideles laici

DV                 Dei verbum

IC                  Interior Castle

Jn                  Gospel of John

K                   Book of Kings

L                   The Book of her Life

Letter            Letters of St. John of the Cross

LF                 Living Flame of Love

Lk                 Gospel of Luke

M                  Meditations on the Song of Songs

MC               Marialis Cultus

Prec.             Precautions

RM               Redemptoris mater

Rule              St. Albert’s Rule

Sayings         Sayings of Light and Love

VC                Vita Consecrata

WP               Way of Perfection

______________________________________________________

                       REFERENCE    SOURCES    

COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM

OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Given on 28 June 2005,

the vigil of the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul,
in the first year of my Pontificate.        

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI   

http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html#I Believe in the Holy Spirit

                         ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

PART ONE:                         THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

SECTION TWO I.                THE CREEDS

CHAPTER THREE             "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT"

Article 9                              "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH"

Paragraph 4.                       CHRIST'S FAITHFUL -  HIERARCHY, LAITY, CONSECRATED LIFE

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM

      ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±
CODE OF CANON  LAW

CODEX IURIS CANONICI      CIC

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

 
                                          ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

LUMEN GENTIUM

Dogmatic Constitution On The Church   
Solemnly Promulgated By His Holiness  Pope Paul Vi     
On November 21, 1964 

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

                                           ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO

Apostolic Exhortation  Of Pope  John Paul II    
To The Episcopate To The Clergy  And   
To The Faithful  Of The Whole Catholic Church   
On The Role Of The Christian Family In The Modern World

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_19811122_familiaris-consortio_en.html

                                            ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

QUADRAGESIMO ANNO

Encyclical Of Pope Pius XI  
On Reconstruction Of The Social Order     
To Our Venerable Brethren,     
The Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, Bishops,   
And Other Ordinaries   
In Peace And Communion With The Apostolic See,    
And Likewise To All The Faithful Of The Catholic World.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19310515_quadragesimo-anno_en.html

                                       ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

RERUM NOVARUM

ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII  ON CAPITAL AND LABOR

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum_en.html

                                    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM

Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity   
Pope Paul VI  1965

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

  
                                                         ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±
 

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
December 8, 1975

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19751208_evangelii-nuntiandi_en.html

                                  ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±    ±

  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________





   10/03/12  

 

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

10/03/12