Church and the Laity Among Catholics

The relation of the Catholic laity to the Roman Catholic Church is clearly defined by obligations encumbent upon adherents throughout the centuries. The attitudes of the lay Catholics toward their church vary. On one hand, a variety of charitable, professional, and social organizations with a distinctively Catholic orientation flourish. On the other hand, less than half the Catholics in some dioceses attend mass regularly, although regular attendance is required and expected. The Catholic laity belongs, organizationally, at the bottom of the Church hierarchy. This stems historically from the prestige of the priests and monks who preserved the Catholic intellectual heritage during hostile onslaughts throughout the Christian ages. The reluctance of the Church in America to welcome lay participation has historical roots in an early trusteeism which humiliated and embarrassed the young Church in this country. The current growing demands upon the Church and the resulting burden upon facilities and clergy as well as the increase in numbers of educated and able Catholics will lead the laity into fuller participation in the business of their Church.—Ed.