Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: The Vocation of the Laity

Program Description
The vocation of the laity in the Church is not something new. From the earliest days of the Church, laity have been co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord. As circumstances changed and as needs arose, they have responded to this responsibility in diverse ways. This program will explore some of the unique resources found in Rome in order to understand more deeply how the laity have responded to the Lord’s call to prayer and service through the ages.

Visits to important sites and presentations will offer an historical context for reflecting on what it means to be a co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord today. Participants will also have the chance for further enrichment through contact with people involved in lay ecclesial ministry from different parts of the world, and through dialogue with members of the Roman Curia in order to consider the ecclesial vocation of the laity. Each day of the program will feature the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Daily Schedule
Welcome to the Eternal City. Participants will be welcomed in the afternoon with an introductory presentation and orientation, followed by an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

The Laity in the Early Church
The first day will be dedicated to learning more about the role of the laity in the early Church. A morning outing will feature guided visits to the house churches of St. Praxedes, St. Pudenzia and St. Clement. In the afternoon the group will gather for a conference at the Lay Centre on the history of lay ministry in the Church.

The Laity in the Communion of the Church
The morning will begin with the weekly Papal Audience to hear Pope Benedict XVI and pray with pilgrims from around the world. If the Holy Father is not in Rome, an alternative program will be offered. After a period of free time for people to have lunch near the Vatican and perhaps do some shopping on the famous Borgo Pio, the afternoon will feature a lecture and discussion at the Lay Centre on John Henry Cardinal Newman’s theology of the participation of the laity in the Church.

Prophetic Laity in the Medieval Church
The morning will feature a reflection at the Lay Centre on women in the Church. The afternoon will offer guided visits to some of the places important during the Middle Ages to women like Catherine of Siena, Bridget of Sweden and Frances of Rome. In the evening after dinner in Trastevere, the day will conclude by joining the St. Egidio Community for the celebration of Sung Evening Prayer.

Day of Reflection: Subiaco
This day will afford the group a day outside of Rome for prayer and reflection. An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the prospects for developing an authentic and vibrant spirituality for the lay ecclesial ministers today and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer. Lunch is included.

Lay Ecclesial Ministers Today
The morning will feature a roundtable discussion on lay ecclesial ministry with some Vatican officials and a diverse group of theologians. The week will draw to a fitting close with a guided visit to the Baptistery of St. John Lateran, a celebration of the Eucharist with the Renewal of Baptismal Promises and a closing dinner at the Lay Centre.

Arrivederci Roma!
Departure from Rome.

Organizing this Program for your Group
To schedule this program for your group or organization you must have a minimum of 15 participants.  Please contact Robert White at info@laycentre.org to help you organize this study program.

The cost of this program is $775.00 per person. The cost includes all lectures, guided site visits, private coach transportation to and from site visits, and three meals during the course of the week.

Airfare to and from Rome, lodging, all other meals and all other expenses are not included. Program participants are responsible for making travel and lodging arrangements.  

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