As we consider "vocations" in the Church, it would be useful for all of us to review two recent and important documents for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles: As I Have Done for You: A Pastoral Letter on Ministry, and, Gathered and Sent: Documents of the Synod of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles 2003. (1)

"Following the Second Vatican Council there has been a rediscovery in Catholic theology of baptism as the foundational sacrament of ministry, and a clearer recognition that ministry is not just for the ordained. The Council related the baptismal call, the ministry of the baptized, and the office of the ordained to the mystery of Christ and found in each a reflection of the threefold office of Christ as prophet, priest, and king. Every vocation in the Church and every ministry is rooted in the same reality of Christ and his presence by the Spirit in the Church."

"The Christian vocation is rooted in the Church as a sacrament of Christ in the communion of the Holy Spirit. All ministry, be it the ministry of the baptized or the ordained, is to be understood in relation to the community of the Church which expresses and receives its identity as the Body of Christ in Word and Sacrament. All ministry is for the service of the Church and the wider world, a participation in the ministry of Christ the Servant who, after washing the feet of his disciples urges them, and us, one and all: 'As I have done for you, you should do also' (John 13:15)." (2)

"All Christians are configured to Christ through baptism, for that is the sacrament by which the new People of God are incorporated into the Church, participate in Christ's death and resurrection, and assume the name 'Christian.' All Christians are called to a life of discipleship and have the obligation of extending his work and presence in the world today, advancing the Reign of God in our own time and place. All share in the one same vocation --- to be and to build the Body of Christ, building up the Kingdom of God here and now. It is in the Church, at this time and in this place, that the presence of Christ --- the one who witnessed, worshiped and, above all, served --- continues. And it is through witness, worship, and service that the Church continually expresses and receives its identity as the Body of Christ." (3)

This important understanding of "vocations" in the Church was further developed through the Synod process which concluded last September. Pastoral Initiative IV was entitled "Toward Deeper Commitment to Witness, Worship, and Service." It speaks clearly to the vocation which flows from our own baptism.

"Baptism and Confirmation give each one a share in the Church's witness, worship, and service for the good of its mission --- the mission of Christ and of the Spirit --- for the transformation of the world…. This 'baptismal grace of all' is the context within which all types of leadership in the Church --- the vitally important priestly role of bishops and presbyters to build up and lead the Church as visible signs of its unity, the role of deacons ordained specifically for the service of charity, as well as the importance of the consecrated life as prophetic sign of the coming Reign of God, and committed lay leadership --- are affirmed."

"What is called for in all exercises of ministry and leadership is collaboration with one another for the building of the one Body of Christ. With well-trained and deeply committed ordained and lay ministers and leaders in the Church, the Word will be effectively preached to our own faith communities…." (4)

To implement this vision of "vocations" in the Archdiocese, the following practical steps were approved:

---On the Archdiocesan level, processes are to be established to ensure better collaboration and cooperation among the laity, religious, and clergy so that the laity can more effectively assume their baptismal responsibility in the mission of the Church.

---A plan for the joint training of ordained and lay leaders, especially in processes of collaboration and shared decision making, is to be implemented.

---A "school of ministry for laity" or its equivalent is to be established in each pastoral region to train parishioners for participation in a variety of parochial ministries.

---Women are to be included on an equal basis in all aspects of Church leadership, administration, and ministry not otherwise restricted by Church doctrine.

As we pray for increased vocations across our Archdiocese, it is vital that we keep in mind the sound underpinnings that our Catholic Faith bring to this important issue today.

1) As I Have Done for You, Holy Thursday, April 20, 2000; Gathered and Sent, September 4, 2003. Both are available on the Archdiocesan Website, www.la-archdiocese.org , or from Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago, www.ltp.org.

2) As I Have Done for You, par. 48.

3) As I Have Done for You, par. 52.

4) Gathered and Sent, page 32.