by Dolores Grosso

Personal, ongoing study of Catholicism has been a part of my life since my return to the Church some 20 years ago. I had been somewhat active in my parish. However, in undertaking the three-year Lay Ministry Program sponsored by the diocesan School of Evangelization’s Pastoral Institute, I experienced a merging of the spiritual and intellectual, together with the practical application of my faith, all ordered toward building up the kingdom.

During my course of study, the biggest eye-opener was the realization that by virtue of our baptism, we are all called to share in the life of the Church. This is not only for the ordained and those in religious life. As lay people, we have a different calling than those in consecrated life. We are out in the world in our workplaces and our neighborhoods in ways that clergy and religious may not be. This seems to somehow escape us as Catholics. However, with the New Evangelization, it becomes front and center.

In order to help enter fully into that baptismal calling, the Lay Ministry Program equips individuals to participate in the New Evangelization in a more profound way. The classes and workshops are immensely helpful as are the days of reflection. Along with the theological material, spiritual development is an integral part of the program, as personal and ongoing conversion better enables us to introduce others to Jesus. Our prayer is that this would in turn reinvigorate our parishes and schools and foster both lay and consecrated vocations.

During the past three years, I had help discerning which area of ministry is suitable for my gifts. Since my commissioning as a lay pastoral leader, I have had the privilege to work in my parish with individuals wishing to become Catholic in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and with adults preparing for confirmation.

I had no idea when I began this program just how different my outlook would be by the time the commissioning ceremony took place. At the outset the thought being in a classroom after so long was a bit overwhelming, but with encouragement from others, I was able to push past my fears. Life got in the way, as it often does with things that are worth the effort. At one point, I wasn’t sure I would be able to complete the program since I had to undergo surgery and needed time to recover. But with the prayers and the help of others, I was able to persevere until completion.

Lay ministry is a part of my journey that is bearing much fruit in my spiritual life, and it is my hope that this will translate into better service to others. My prayer has changed much as has my perception of my faith and how I live it out.

This inspiring program has excellent instructors who are part of a very encouraging, supportive staff. Every person encountered, whether alumni, teachers or even fellow students, are all a part of what makes this a life-changing process. I soon found I had nothing to fear and everything to gain. If we answer God’s call and trust in his providence, we will soon be doing more than we ever thought possible.

Grosso is a parishioner at Mary’s Nativity-St. Ann Church, Flushing.