Reflections on Renewal

The United States bishops' document Co-Workers in theVineyard of the Lord is a vital resource for the ongoingdevelopment of lay ecclesial ministry. Building upon Co-Workersand affirming the recent renewal of the laity and the flowering of layministries, Reflections on Renewal contributes to efforts to reshapeministerial language and practices in the church today. It exploresthe theological and pastoral foundations of ministry, including howall ministry is rooted in the sacraments of initiation, and suggestsways of refining or redefining our understandings of lay ecclesialand ordained ministries so that we as church can respond morefully to the call of God in our lives and world. At the same time, thebook recognizes that lay ministry developed organically as the workof the Spirit and is, foremost, a cause for rejoicing.This collection of essays is grounded in Fordham University'scommitment to the church and its mission in the world. It honorsthe thousands of laypeople who have answered a call to serve thechurch in ministry.