The Catholic laity refers to the majority of Catholics, who are not a part of the clergy. Much of the work and ministries of the Church is performed by lay people, particularly since the Second Vatican Council of Bishops (1962-1965), and other advocacy organizations have been formed for the purpose of bringing about changes or reform in the Church. Many of these organizations or fellowships are sanctioned by the Church, but others are not. Within the Roman Catholic Church, the rights of the laity in regards to the Church are recorded in the Code of Canon Law. Prior to 1972, there were no sanctioned lay ministries within the Roman Catholic Church, only the major orders and minor orders, and the minor orders were reserved for those who were preparing for the priesthood. However, Vatican II effectively replaced the minor orders with two ministries: the lector and acolyte, allowing ministries to be assigned to lay Catholics. As a result, several lay ministries have been established within the Roman Catholic Church, and many other Catholic bodies make similar use of Catholics who are not part of the clergy. There are thousands of Catholic lay organizations at the local, national, and international level, covering a wide spectrum of Catholic life, some of which were created and are operating without ecclesiastical authority or approval. The structure of some Catholic Religious Orders allow for associated lay branches, as well; but, for the purpose of categorization, these will be listed within the appropriate categories for Catholic Religious Orders. A number of Catholic advocacy groups have been established for the purpose of bringing about reform within the Church, or with the hope of forcing change upon the Church. Some of the better known lay organizations within the Catholic Church include the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Malta, the Catholic Police Guild, the Guild of Catholic Doctors, and the Catholic Association of Performing Arts.
Categories
Knights of ColumbusKnights of Malta | Legion of MaryOrder of Saint Lazarus |
Recommended Resources
Association of Catholic Nurses in England and Wales
Originally the Catholic Nurses Guild, the Association of Catholic Nurses was founded in 1897 as a support and social group for Catholic nurses. Its membership policies and requirements are presented, along with its constitution, executive committee, staff contacts and office hours. A history of nursing is included, along with books and articles of interest to Catholic nurses, the organization’s position statements and issues.
http://www.catholicnurses.org.uk/
Catholic Association of Performing Arts
Founded in 1911, the Catholic lay organization was originally known as the Catholic Stage Guild. Charged with serving the needs of its members by developing a community in which they can apply their talents and skills, the organization reaches out to a wider community through a number of events and projects produced by its membership. Membership policies and benefits are discussed, and a calendar of events is posted to the site.
http://www.catholicassociationofperformingarts.org.uk/
Catholic Police Guild of England & Wales
Formed to cater to the spiritual needs of Catholic police officers, the CPG of England & Wales was founded in 1914 as the Metropolitan and City Catholic Police Guild, and approved by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster. The Guild became a national association in 1974, when membership was opened to Catholic police forces in the rest of England and Wales. Its history, mission and structure are defined, membership policies are posted, and a photo gallery is included.
http://www.catholicpoliceguild.org.uk/
Guide to Religious Ministries for Catholic Men and Women
Created and maintained by The Catholic News Publishing Company, this is a directory of Catholic communities for men and women in the United States, featuring a guide to Catholic religious communities and vocations for men and women, as well as retreats, houses of prayer, and events. Listings explain the nature of specific religious vocations, the steps involved in entering the religious life, and a description of its ministries.
http://www.religiousministries.com/
National Association of Catholic Nurses USA
In the early 1930s, a few existing groups of Catholic nurses from the United States, along with nursing groups from other countries, assembled in France and founded the International Catholic Committee for Nurses and Medico-Social Assistance, which was recognized by Ecclesiastical authority. Shortly afterwards, the National Council of Catholic Nurses of the United States was formed, which was reorganized under its current name in the 1990s.
https://nacn-usa.org/
The Catenian Association is an international brotherhood of practicing Catholic men who meet socially, in local branches known as circles, which provides a supporting haven for its members as they practice their faith in their business, professions and families. Membership is by invitation only, and is open solely to practicing Catholic laymen over the age of twenty-one who are financially stable and employed at the time of joining.
http://www.thecatenians.ie/
