News in Lay

Women and the Diaconate

Women and the Diaconate

by: Giancarlo Pani SJ in Lay,

 On May 12, 2016, at a meeting of the International Union of the Superiors General of Women’s Religious Orders, one sister asked Pope Francis why women were excluded from decision-making processes in the Church and from preaching at Eucharistic celebrations. In asking, she cited his words, “the feminine genius is needed in all expressions of the life of the Church and Society.”

Is There a Lay Spirituality?

Is There a Lay Spirituality?

by: Domingos Terra, SJ - La Civiltà Cattolica in Lay,

The word “spirituality” refers to something in the world of experience. It is the life of the Spirit in us (cf. Gal 5:25). But it is something that is not limited to mere personal experience: it also includes reflection on what is experienced. Spirituality, then, is also attentive knowledge of what happens in that life of the Spirit in us. 

Fewer young people volunteering for long-term missions abroad

Fewer young people volunteering for long-term missions abroad

by: Marie-Flamine Lavergne | France in Lay,

The Catholic Delegation for Cooperation (DCC), the first international voluntary service to be set up in France, sent an email to its entire network at the end of June with an urgent appeal. It's looking for young adults who are willing to go on one of three long-term service missions the DCC is carrying out in the Holy Land beginning in September. 

London Bridge attack 'skateboard hero' is on path to sainthood

London Bridge attack 'skateboard hero' is on path to sainthood

by: Bess Twiston Davies - The Tablet in Lay,

A 39-year-old Spaniard known as the “skateboard hero” for his acts of valour during the 2017 London Bridge attack is on the path to sainthood.On June 3, 2017, Ignacio Echeverría ran towards terrorists who were wielding 12-inch knives in Borough Market. Earlier they had driven into the crowds in a van.

Asian bishops’ federation: Hopes of a lay woman

Asian bishops’ federation: Hopes of a lay woman

by: Virginia Saldanha - UCANews in Lay,

 At the end of my term, as I looked back over the 15 years since the start of the Women’s Desk in 1995 following the resolution of the Bishops at the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) Plenary Assembly VI, of which I was the first executive secretary, I was happy that several conferences had set up some structure to deal with issues of women in their country.

Why all the people of God must take some responsibility for clericalism

Why all the people of God must take some responsibility for clericalism

by: Hatty Calbus - The Tablet in Lay,

 Clericalism is a distortion of true priesthood – and it is an abuse of authority found in every institution, not just in the Catholic Church. It is certainly a major factor in the misuse of power that is at the root of the sexual abuse of children by priests. But all the people of God – bishops, clergy and lay people – have to take some responsibility for clericalism in the Church.

The Meaning of Catholic Education in the 21st Century

The Meaning of Catholic Education in the 21st Century

by: Álvaro Lobo Arranz, SJ - La Civiltà Cattolica in Lay,

 Throughout history, the education of Catholics has been largely entrusted to religious. This has been the case since schools arose around monasteries, and then universities were established.   Numerous religious congregations, devoted to education, appeared, especially during the 19th century. Many saints have dedicated themselves to educating young people, such as Saint Marcellin Champagnat, Saint Joseph Calasanz and Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac. Thousands of religious and lay people have spent their lives offering a good education and in this way expanding the Kingdom of God. 

Maria Montessori: ‘The child is the savior of humanity’

Maria Montessori: ‘The child is the savior of humanity’

by: Giancarlo Pani SJ - La Civiltà Cattolica in Lay,

 On the occasion of the International Congress for the 150th anniversary of Maria Montessori’s birth, Pope Francis called her “one of the most eminent figures of the cultural scene of the 20th century, who left a profound mark on education and on society as a whole […] for the construction of a more fraternal and peaceful world. […] May this significant anniversary encourage generous dedication in favor of the new generations, to form people of solidarity, citizens of the world open to dialogue and acceptance.”

John Wilkins, former Tablet editor, dies aged 85

John Wilkins, former Tablet editor, dies aged 85

by: Patrick Hudson - The Tablet in Lay,

John Wilkins, former editor of The Tablet, has died aged 85. He joined the paper as assistant editor in 1967, before leaving to work as a BBC producer, and returned as editor in 1982 shortly after the pastoral visit of St John Paul II.  He retired with the Christmas issue in 2003, after 21 years which saw circulation almost tripled.Born 20 December 1936, Wilkins was a scholar at Clifton College and Clare College, Cambridge, and did National Service in the Gloucestershire Regiment. He began his career at the ecumenical journal Frontier.

The diplomat’s vocation

The diplomat’s vocation

by: Philip McDonagh - The Tablet in Lay,

Must international relations be only a game of power, or is there a role for diplomats as builders of a shared civilisation in a world where people disagree? My understanding of diplomacy goes back to a moment of epiphany when I was a student. 

Coffee and catechism

Coffee and catechism

by: Pierre Cochez - La Croix International in Lay,

In San Joaquin, which is a part of the municipality of Pantelho, people speak the indigenous language Tzeltal. Manuel Guzman Perez lives here with his wife and three children.The 30-year-old farmer cultivates coffee on the six hectares that were allocated by the community to his parents and their seven children.

The Economy of Francesco and Young People

The Economy of Francesco and Young People

by: Gaël Giraud, SJ - La Civiltà Cattolica in Lay,

 Pope Francis invited young economists from around the world to meet and reflect on how to “change the current economy and give a soul to the economy of tomorrow.” He invited to participate in this broad, shared discernment, all those who today are beginning to study and practice an economics that is different from the one he rejected in the first chapter of his encyclical, Fratelli Tutti.

A heart and a half: Mary McAleese president of Ireland

A heart and a half: Mary McAleese president of Ireland

by: Mary Kenny - The Tablet in Lay,

 Ireland’s former president has always been vigorous in challenging the Vatican. Mary McAleese was the second woman to become president of Ireland, following Mary Robinson. Both were admirable holders of the office; both brought judgement, grace and stature to the presidency. 

Discontent brews among India's laity

Discontent brews among India's laity

by: John Dayal - UCAnews in Lay,

There are brilliant examples of great collaboration between the faithful, bishops and clergy. But Catholic Union leaders feel that in many dioceses, even basic provisos of the Code of Canon Law have not been observed, on issues of transparency, governance and the participation of the people.

How Social Media Made Me a Better Person

How Social Media Made Me a Better Person

by: Adam and Christine Jeske in Lay,

The problem isn't social media. The problem—and the solution—is us. You often hear about the dangers of social media, including: narcissism, wasted time, envy of the lives of others, lack of integrity or the temptation to restart unhealthy relationships. Of course, these are all concerns, and you need to consider them in terms of what role social media has in your life. 

Nuncio says parishes must rely more on laity

Nuncio says parishes must rely more on laity

by: The Tablet in Lay,

“In the face of this crisis, which nobody can deny, the churches should be pushed to give to the lay people more tasks surrounding the spiritual life of the parishes,” Archbishop Antonio Mennini, apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, said.

Lord Ashley, Champion of the disadvantaged

Lord Ashley, Champion of the disadvantaged

by: BBC - News in Lay,

Jack Ashley was a tireless crusader. For more than 40 years, first as an MP and then a peer he fought for the rights of the underprivileged and the disadvantaged. His efforts on behalf of the least fortunate in society won him the admiration and support of politicians from all parts of the political spectrum. 

The Importance of Vocation

The Importance of Vocation

by: Andreas Widmer - The Catholic Thing in Lay,

When I entered the Swiss Guards, I was twenty years old and, like my fellow guards, in peak physical conditionThe term “vocation” means much more than the standard dictionary definition of “a career path or line of work.” It is more of a “calling” than a “job.” According to John Paul II, your vocation answers the question, “Why am I alive?”

Laity on a mission

Laity on a mission

by: Fr Dominic Robinson SJ - The Tablet in Lay,

 Lay Catholics have an essential role to play in the new evangelisation in their parishes, but to do this they often need to acquire the appropriate skills. A new course of formation helps them to do just that. The programme aims to provide an integrated theological, spiritual and pastoral formation for laity which is ecclesially rooted in the life of the student’s parish.