Layperson: An Apostle
The idea of apostolate and the name apostle, according to the scriptures, is not such that it cannot be separated from ecclesiastical jurisdiction … Therefore, one who is not a priest can be honored with the name “apostle” and his work can rightly be called an “apostolate.’’ (OOCC, III, p. 140)
At a time when the layperson had little place in the Church’s missionary endeavors, St. Vincent visualized an active role for the layperson in the mission of the Church. Living at a time when people in the secular world aspired for freedom and democratic values, St. Vincent saw the need to engage the layperson in a significant way in the life of the Church as well. He saw the laity as a powerful force to give dynamism to the revival of faith and enkindling of charity within the Church. Thus, it was St. Vincent’s firm belief that if a person works for the enhancement of the kingdom of God, even though he is not a priest, he can be given the title “apostle” and his work can be declared an “apostolate.” In order to substantiate his belief, he gave the following argument. The name “apostle” in the scripture primarily refers to the twelve men whom Jesus chose and on whom he conferred the sacred ministry of priesthood. But we find references in the scripture that the terms “apostle” and “apostolate” are separated from the ecclesiastical jurisdiction and from the sacred ministry of priesthood. Thus, St. Vincent includes in the term “apostolate” not only ecclesiastical ministry, but also various forms of services in which a layperson can be engaged in the Church. Hence, when a layperson engages in the work of the enhancement of the kingdom of God, though he is not engaging in an ecclesiastical ministry, he truly becomes an apostle and the work in which he is engaged in service to the kingdom of God is an apostolate.
Do we acknowledge the role of the layperson in the Church? Do we encourage lay ministry in the Church? Is there cooperation between the clergy and laity?
Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are men of note among the apostles, and they are in Christ before me. (Rom. 16: 7)