Lay ministry is here to stay, says this theologian. But there are growing pains still to come. When faced with the question “Who are the laity?” in the mid...
In the Pews
Stories of real-life Catholics living out their faith, with reporting on parishes, ministries, and vocation.
Zeni Fox says that calling lay Catholics to ministry has its roots in the early church. Where in the tradition do we find lay ministry? According to the New...
How women who work for the church keep the faith It’s lunchtime at St. Clement Parish in Chicago, and although some of the city’s best restaurants are within...
Scratching the stained-glass ceiling, an increasing number of women hold leadership positions in the church. Here’s a look at the gifts they bring and...
Find or be a mentor. Ministry associations are great, but informal groups work, too. “I’ve really found a lot of support in the older women who have paved the...
Dung Tran remembers attending the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress several years ago and being struck by a particular scene. "The deacons...
The modern deacon has been around for 40 years—and some are still finding their place in the parish. Beverly Hills, California deacon and author Eric...
Editors’ note: Sounding Board is one person’s take on a many-sided subject and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of U.S. Catholic, its editors...
The day after their farewell Mass, parishioners of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church were locked out. Archdiocesan officials had changed the locks days ahead...
(This story accompanies The need for closure: What happens when a parish closes its doors.) Whatever church leaders do, parishioners aren’t going to be...
