Lay Ecclesial Ministry : Pathways Toward the Future

The role of lay ecclesial ministers—professionally prepared laity who serve in leadership roles—is becoming critically more important in the life of the Catholic Church. In Lay Ecclesial Ministry, theologians and pastoral leaders from diverse disciplines provide a deeper understanding, envision future direction, and offer inspiration for these new ministers and the community of the church.

"Lay Ecclesial Ministry should be on the shelf of everyone who is following one of the most exciting developments to have grown up from Vatican II lay ecclesial ministry. A thorough, well-rounded presentation of lay ministry today by a trusted team of experts in the field."-Karen Sue Smith, editorial director of America

"The contributors of Lay Ecclesial Ministry are some of the most significant voices in the country in the development of a theology of ministry. It is a volume that everyone concerned about ministry scholar and practitionerùwill find illuminating and insightful."ùChristopher Anderson, executive director, National Association for Lay Ministry

"A comprehensive view of the history, status, and key themes surrounding the comparatively new phenomenon of lay ecclesial ministry. This is essential reading for those interested in church ministry."-Susan K. Wood, SCL, Marquette University

"Zeni Fox''s new book is exactly what the American Church needs to guide it in the most important development of pastoral practice in its history. Here are the right questions, the right people to answer them, and the right perspective to clarify this formidable gift of the Holy Spirit."ùPaul Philibert, OP, Congar Institute for Pastoral Development; author of Priesthood of the Faithful

The role of lay ecclesial ministersùprofessionally prepared laity who serve in leadership rolesùis becoming critically more important in the life of the Catholic Church. In Lay Ecclesial Ministry, theologians and pastoral leaders from diverse disciplines provide a deeper understanding, envision future direction, and offer inspiration for these new ministers and the community of the church.

Zeni Fox is professor of pastoral theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University. She is the author of New Ecclesial Ministry: Lay Professionals Serving the Church and coeditor of Called and Chosen: Toward a Spirituality for Lay Leaders. She served as an advisor to the Bishops'' Subcommittee that developed the document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.