Lay Ministers Association of Western Washington

In this address to the Lay Ministers Association of Western Washington, Archbishop Murphy shares his perspectives on the present experience of lay ministry, his hopes for the future and some fears for influences that could hamper this vibrant part of the church in the Post Vatican II era. Archbishop Murphy articulated his view by stating, “Three key realities in the present experience of lay ministry would be to acknowledge that it is public ministry; it can be painful; and it must be prophetic.” He concluded by offering the following thought, “I hope lay ministry will be energizing – not only for the people who benefit from the ministry shared, but energizing especially for the lay minister himself or herself.”