Russell Shaw is one of the most prolific contemporary authors and commentators on the Catholic Church; he is a quiet, thoughtful observer of Catholic life today, understood through the prism of Catholic history.
Can the laity save the church?
Laity and Hope: “Revitalizing Catholicism in America: Nine Tasks for Every Catholic”
A look into the Catholic Church’s decline in esteem and membership during the last 60 years, but with a foreseeable renewal for the church.
Partners in mission: Dicastery promotes ‘co-responsibility’ of clergy, laity
Related to the Synod of Bishops’ goal of promoting a church where people listen to one another and work together to share the Gospel and care for the poor, a Vatican dicastery is asking: How do clergy and laity walk and work side by side?
Papal nuncio urges U.S. bishops to stay true to Church’s mission
In his Nov. 15 address to the U.S. bishops at their annual fall assembly in Baltimore, the papal nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, emphasized the need to remain focused on the church’s missionary role of spreading the Gospel message.
Pope asks missionaries to help laity take responsibility for church
“An essential element of the synodal journey is the development of a greater sense of co-responsibility of the lay faithful for the life and future of the church,” the pope said Oct. 20.
Pope promulgates Curia reform, emphasizing church’s missionary nature
Nine years in the making, the pope’s reforms require including more laypeople in Curia leadership positions.
German bishops say talks with Rome on parish document must include laity
The German bishops plan to seek talks with the Vatican about its instruction on parish reforms and the role of lay Catholics the Catholic Church.
‘Journeying Together’ will focus on church’s engagement with young people
The U.S. Catholic Church convened a yearlong intercultural process with young adults and ministry leaders July 25.