Reflections on Renewal: Lay Ecclesial Ministry in the Church

The document of the US bishops entitled Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord is a vital resource for the ongoing development of lay ecclesial ministry. Building upon Co-Workers and affirming the recent renewal of the laity and the flowering of lay ministries, Reflections on Renewal contributes to efforts to reshape ministerial language and practices in the church today. It explores the theological and pastoral foundations of ministry, including how all ministry is rooted n the sacraments of initiation, and suggests ways of refining or redefining our understandings of lay ecclesial and ordained ministries so that we as church can respond more fully to the call of God in our lives and world. At the same time, the book recognises that lay ministry developed organically as the work of the spirit and is, foremost, a cause for rejoicing. This collection of essays is grounded in the commitment of Fordham University to the church and its mission in the world. It honours the thousands of lay people who have answered a call to serve the church in ministry. Dona Eschenauer is the director of religious education and the catechumenate at the Cathedral Parish of St Agnes in Rockville Centre, New York. She received her PhD from the Fordham University Education Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. Her recent publication A Second Look at the directory for Masses with Children appeared as a featured article for PrayTell, the blog of Liturgical Press and the St John School of Theology. Harold Daly Horell is an assistant professor of religious education at the Fordham Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. He received his PhD from the Boston College Institute of Religion Education and Pastoral Ministry. His publications include Human Sexuality in the Catholic Tradition, edited with Kieran Scott and Horizons and Hopes: The future of Religious Education with Thomas H Groome.