The lay faithful in the Church

Abstract

The maturely formed lay faithful feel at home in the Church and share responsibility for the whole community of the baptized people. The most important task of lay members of the Church is to take care of the family, or the domestic Church, by faithfully fulfilling the marriage vows, i.e. loving a spouse and wisely raising children according to the principles of the Catholic faith. The second important area where secular responsibility for the Church is revealed is activity in the parish, which should not be limited only to the use of the sacraments and participation in the Sunday Eucharist. It is also important to join the Catholic formation groups and care for others who need spiritual, emotional or financial support. A specific domain of the lay faithful is social and political activity in the interest of the common good and in accordance with the social teaching of the Church. The maturity of lay people manifests itself in giving courageous testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and in the persistent pursuit of holiness, i.e. being good and wise at the same time.