Partners in Mission
LAY MISSIONARIES
Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer constitute the fullest expression of collaboration and participation of the laity in the life of the Congregation. This category of association was established by the XXI General Chapter in 1991. Specific to Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer is a “closer collaboration in the apostolic life of the Redemptorist community” . The very purpose of the Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer is to participate in the Redemptorist mission “to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, by preaching the Word of God to the poor.”
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Following a Provincially-mandated process of formation, Lay Missionaries make an initial commitment for a period of one year, which is received by the Provincial Superior. The General Government must be informed of the commitment of Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer. Commitment may be renewed annually or, where agreed-upon, for a longer period of time. Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer may be engaged in the Redemptorist mission as salaried employees, volunteers, and members of Provincial Secretariats or Commissions. Some Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer may further the Redemptorist mission in totally new endeavours.
ASSOCIATES
Redemptorist Lay Associates are men and women who are familiar with the ministry of Redemptorists, in parishes, retreats and missions, and who enter into ways of collaboration with their ministry precisely as lay persons.
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The Associates aim to grow in the spirituality developed by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorists. This spirituality is a practical path which people can follow to come closer to God and love their neighbor.
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Meetings of Redemptorist Associates take place in communities across the country. For more information about becoming a Redemptorist Associate contact a Redemptorist Parish in your area.
BRANCHING OUT
The Redemptorists in Canada have made a very conscious effort to draw upon the gifts and talents of dedicated laypeople in their ministry. As a result of this our “Redemptorist family” now includes people connected to the Redemptorists in a variety of ways.
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In recent years, stimulated by the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council, the Church has become more clearly conscious of the complimentarity of the religious and lay vocations. Hence, collaboration between religious institutes and the laity is being promoted as one of the means best calculated to develop the apostolic dynamism of both religious and laity as well as giving clear witness to the evangelizing mission of the ecclesial community. (Communicanda #4, 8 September, 1995)