Being a Catholic Layperson

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Adam_Cook

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I’m fairly new to Catholicism, although many people would disagree with that statement. My time within the church has been enjoyable to some point, but one thing constantly hounds me, not being able to partake in my joy.

Before I was a Catholic, I was a protestant and for over 6 years I taught the message of Christ to my peers, always standing as a light of Christ’s love. When people saw me, and still even now, they know that I am a Christian, they know I have answers, they know that if they need anything when it comes to religion and faith, I’m the answer.

Yet constantly my lack of being able to preach the Gospel with words runs heavy on me. To spread the message is why I began a hobby of studying theology, why I did everything I did over those 6+ years. Now as a Catholic layperson, I find the inability to guide souls frustrating. I feel as if I have become a shepherd with no sheep, with no one to teach to, because its against Canon Law.

Apart of me wants to go back to protestantism, only because I can preach there, yet I’ve seen truth and to do such would be turning my back on truth and that’s not going to happen lol.

I literally feel as if I’m between a rock and a hard place, and I don’t know what to do. I have all this knowledge, I have all this joy for the ministry, yet no where to direct it, no where to put it all at.

So my question, in ya’lls own lives, how have ya’ll dealt with your desires for preaching the ministry of Christ? How have you directed yourselves towards preaching Christ’s good news? And suggestions on how I could do the same would be awesome!
 
You’re only forbidden from preaching during the Mass. You should be ready to spread the Gospel at any time. There’s plenty of laypeople who speak in public,and who write books.
 
Yes, Richard is absolutely right, I myself am a lay person, actually quite young, and I’ve been given a chance by a priest from local community, to speak about God before other young people.

I am very happy for you, for your return home to Rome and for your eager to preach the Gospel! 👍

God bless, and I hope that you will soon find an opportunity to bring some lost sheep back to our Holy Sheperd.
 
Become a certified catachist! The Church is always looking for more!
 
Adam_Cook said:
I’m fairly new to Catholicism, although many people would disagree with that statement. My time within the church has been enjoyable to some point, but one thing constantly hounds me, not being able to partake in my joy.

Before I was a Catholic, I was a protestant and for over 6 years I taught the message of Christ to my peers, always standing as a light of Christ’s love. When people saw me, and still even now, they know that I am a Christian, they know I have answers, they know that if they need anything when it comes to religion and faith, I’m the answer.

Yet constantly my lack of being able to preach the Gospel with words runs heavy on me. To spread the message is why I began a hobby of studying theology, why I did everything I did over those 6+ years. Now as a Catholic layperson, I find the inability to guide souls frustrating. I feel as if I have become a shepherd with no sheep, with no one to teach to, because its against Canon Law.

Apart of me wants to go back to protestantism, only because I can preach there, yet I’ve seen truth and to do such would be turning my back on truth and that’s not going to happen lol.

I literally feel as if I’m between a rock and a hard place, and I don’t know what to do. I have all this knowledge, I have all this joy for the ministry, yet no where to direct it, no where to put it all at.

So my question, in ya’lls own lives, how have ya’ll dealt with your desires for preaching the ministry of Christ? How have you directed yourselves towards preaching Christ’s good news? And suggestions on how I could do the same would be awesome!
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Axiosaxiosaxios said:
Become a certified catachist! The Church is always looking for more!
Click to expand...
This is great advice. You might also ask your Priest and/or religious education director if there are any opportunities to teach in the parish, and find out what you might need to do (if anything) to serve in those roles.

I know that at my parish many people volunteer with religious education, and we also have a number of people involved in our RCIA program (which I now coordinate). Although my main job is handling the paperwork and coordinating/scheduling the RCIA teacher volunteers, I also get to teach a couple of the classes along the way, which is a great joy since I, like you, feel called to preach the Gospel.

You may also consider becoming involved with the Lectors in your parish. Although they cannot read the Gospel or give the homily, they can still proclaim the word of God before the people.

And one final option to possibly consider is the permanent diaconate. Of course, if you became a Deacon, you wouldn’t be a layperson any more per-se. But if you feel a strong call to preaching and teaching, the diaconate may be an option (depending on your age). I have considered this as well, although I am not yet old enough so I have several years yet to discern if I am being called to it.

God bless 🙂
 
Adam_Cook said:
I literally feel as if I’m between a rock and a hard place, and I don’t know what to do. I have all this knowledge, I have all this joy for the ministry, yet no where to direct it, no where to put it all at.

So my question, in ya’lls own lives, how have ya’ll dealt with your desires for preaching the ministry of Christ? How have you directed yourselves towards preaching Christ’s good news? And suggestions on how I could do the same would be awesome!
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Ask your priest for direction. There are plenty of areas where lay people can share their faith. Bible studies, Catechism classes, faith formation groups, and more. 🙂

If your parish doesn’t offer any of these (or if the people running them won’t let you in for some reason), look to the Diocese.

There will be some required training for whatever you choose to do, but it’s not arduous at all. Myself, I’m doing Youth Ministry and RCIA this year. In previous years, I’ve led Catechism classes for teenagers, and a variety of different Bible studies. I have one-year and three-year certifications in Bible Study Leadership, Youth Ministry, and Catechesis. In my case, I end up learning more than the students do. It’s fun and rewarding! 🙂
 
I personally encourage you to try telling people, especially Protestant fellows around you, about Catholicism, as there are a great deal of misunderstanding about Catholicism in the Protestant community. Don’t force conversion; just show them the theological errors in Protestantism and the beauty and fullness of Catholic faith. Lots of Catholics need to be re-evangelized too! All in all, if you want to be a pastor, stay nowhere but in Catholic Church, for Catholic evangelization is the ultimate evangelization! 🙂
 
I understand how you feel and there is a lot to do for your talent. Talk to the priest and see what you can do. Some of the best teachers and evangelists are converts. God expects you to share the good news, it is our mission.
 
There are lots of great opportunities for you to speak! Talk to your local priest or the religious education director at your parish. You absolutely have a place and opportunities to do what you feel called to do! 🙂
 
Adam_Cook said:
I literally feel as if I’m between a rock and a hard place, and I don’t know what to do. I have all this knowledge, I have all this joy for the ministry, yet no where to direct it, no where to put it all at.

So my question, in ya’lls own lives, how have ya’ll dealt with your desires for preaching the ministry of Christ? How have you directed yourselves towards preaching Christ’s good news? And suggestions on how I could do the same would be awesome!
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Let’s not neglect our role as Catholics in the community and the workplace.

I always think those of us who are Catholic laypeople have a special role in this regard to set a good example in the broader community. We don’t always “preach” but we can show how we live our lives.
 
There may be the possibility to become a deacon who may preach at Mass.

RICA is looking for those who can teach the faith.

Catholic Radio may have something.

Catholic Paper may have something.

If there may be no position at one parish, ask another.
 
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