Lay vs. priests/bishops in the Church

[jamil_joseph02]

It is clear that in the Church, we have, first, apostles, then prophets, then teachers (1 Cor.12:28). These are the bishops and priests that we have today. Now, I’ve also learned that as members of the faithful, we also share the prophetic, kingly, and priestly mission of Christ. I do believe that means we as lay persons could also teach and give spiritual or doctrinal (doing apologetics) advice on our other fellow Catholics as well.

In my local church they are seeking for volunteers in teaching Catechism lessons for children. And sometimes, I also give some advice on my friend when she’s had a terrible day or when she’s doubting her faith in God. In fact I think almost all of us Catholics are also doing this when we have friends in need of directions and/or enlightenment. Even here in the forums. And let’s also not forget when we speak up about those moral issues like the dangers of contraception, same sex marriage etc etc

My question is, well aside from the fact that we’re speaking as a lay and not as bishops/priests, what’s the difference between a lay person speaking for the Church and a Bishop/priest doing likewise? do you see any other? What’s the difference when a lay person gives advice on others and when a priest gives his advice on a lay? What’s the difference when I speak up to others regarding contraception and when a priest also speak up on contraception?

I think my question is really this: if not all are apostles, prophets and teachers, then what’s up with the lay speaking up for the Church?

Sometimes I think it’s “authenticity” or “legitimacy,” that I may speak up as a lay although that wouldn’t make me a legitimate or “licensed” teacher of the Church, but, I’m not sure about that. So what do you guys think?

 

[cmforte]

It is clear that in the Church, we have, first, apostles, then prophets, then teachers (1 Cor.12:28). These are the bishops and priests that we have today. Now, I’ve also learned that as members of the faithful, we also share the prophetic, kingly, and priestly mission of Christ. I do believe that means we as lay persons could also teach and give spiritual or doctrinal (doing apologetics) advice on our other fellow Catholics as well.

In my local church they are seeking for volunteers in teaching Catechism lessons for children. And sometimes, I also give some advice on my friend when she’s had a terrible day or when she’s doubting her faith in God. In fact I think almost all of us Catholics are also doing this when we have friends in need of directions and/or enlightenment. Even here in the forums. And let’s also not forget when we speak up about those moral issues like the dangers of contraception, same sex marriage etc etc

My question is, well aside from the fact that we’re speaking as a lay and not as bishops/priests, what’s the difference between a lay person speaking for the Church and a Bishop/priest doing likewise? do you see any other? What’s the difference when a lay person gives advice on others and when a priest gives his advice on a lay? What’s the difference when I speak up to others regarding contraception and when a priest also speak up on contraception?

I think my question is really this: if not all are apostles, prophets and teachers, then what’s up with the lay speaking up for the Church?

Sometimes I think it’s “authenticity” or “legitimacy,” that I may speak up as a lay although that wouldn’t make me a legitimate or “licensed” teacher of the Church, but, I’m not sure about that. So what do you guys think?

There is your answer. The clergy ***officially ***speak for The Church (unless they specifically say otherwise). We laity just give our opinions and personal interpretations of Church dogma. As a lay person, I make it a rule to disclose that my views are not **“official”**when in a discussion concerning Catholicism.

-Chris

 

[DaveBj]

There is your answer. The clergy ***officially ***speak for The Church (unless they specifically say otherwise). We laity just give our opinions and personal interpretations of Church dogma. **As a lay person, I make it a rule to disclose that my views are not **“official”****when in a discussion concerning Catholicism.

-Chris

I’m far from being an expert on matters like these (see top of post, on the right), but this sounds like a very wise practice. And as a lay person, let my stress that my opinion is verrry unofficial

 

[Joe_5859]

You’re basically talking about the distinction between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of the faithful. Here’s how the Catechism explains it:

1546 Christ, high priest and unique mediator, has made of the Church “a kingdom, priests for his God and Father.” [20] The whole community of believers is, as such, priestly. The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king. Through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation the faithful are “consecrated to be . . . a holy priesthood.” [21]

1547 The ministerial or hierarchical priesthood of bishops and priests, and the common priesthood of all the faithful participate, “each in its own proper way, in the one priesthood of Christ.” While being “ordered one to another,” they differ essentially. [22] In what sense? While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace --a life of faith, hope, and charity, a life according to the Spirit–, the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood. It is directed at the unfolding of the baptismal grace of all Christians. The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church. For this reason it is transmitted by its own sacrament, the sacrament of Holy Orders.

[20] Rev 1:6; cf. Rev 5:9-10; 1 Pet 2:5,9.
[21] LG 10 § 1.
[22] LG 10 § 2.

Note, the two priesthoods differ essentially. In other words, it’s not simply a difference in degree (as though ordained priests simply have more of the same thing we have) but a difference in essence.

 

[kkollwitz]

The clergy wield the authority that goes with their offices.

 

[kmax]

Bishop/priest: they are far more intelligent than most of so called lay people (i’m talking about religion) They’ve got greater knowledge as far as the religion is being concerned. Don’t forget in many countries priests must attend to the university or something like that, that’s where they learn all about christianity.

**Layperson: ** OK now, these are people who think they now a lot but most often they know just the basic stuff.

In other words if I needed to get a religion-releted advice I’d certainly go to the priest

 

[DavidFilmer]

Note, the two priesthoods differ essentially. In other words, it’s not simply a difference in degree (as though ordained priests simply have more of the same thing we have) but a difference in essence.

That is a very clear and succinct way to explain it - I’m gonna remember that one.

There are, of course, some priests whom I wish would just shut up and never speak about the Church.

OH, and FWIW, I know of one active forum member who is a priest (and a very good one), although he doesn’t disclose it here (it’s not a secret, but he wants his posts to stand on their own merit and not on his Office). He has two Masters degrees from St. Vincent Seminary (where the Archabbey for the Benedictine Order is located - although he is not himself OSB) and he graduated with high honors. The guy really knows his stuff. And, besides raw knowledge, he has a great pastoral instinct - something that some of us crusty old apologists find lacking.

 

[Joe_5859]

That is a very clear and succinct way to explain it - I’m gonna remember that one.

I just “borrowed” it from Lumen Gentium 10.

 

[TimothyH]

Lets not forget about deacons.

Deacons have a threefold ministry - Word, Liturgy and Service. The deacon shares in the Church’s “Ministry of the Word” as an evangelizer and teacher.

From the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States:

Herald of the Gospel: The deacon participates as an evangelizer and teacher in the Church’s mission of heralding the word. In the liturgy of the word, especially in the Eucharist or in those liturgies where he is the presiding minister, the deacon proclaims the Gospel. He may preach by virtue of ordination and in accord with the requirements of Canon Law. Other forms of the deacon’s participation in the Church’s ministry of the word include catechetical instruction; religious formation of candidates and families preparing for the reception of the sacraments; leadership roles in retreats, evangelization, and renewal programs; outreach to alienated Catholics; and counseling and spiritual direction, to the extent that he is properly trained.

The deacon also shares in the Church’s ministry of the liturgy as a sanctifier, and in the Church’s ministry of charity and justice as a witness and guide.

-Tim-