Apostolicam Actuositatem Catholic Action The 4 characteristic notes

Key to the reading of these notes These have to be read in the light of the Council Catholic Action can only be defined within the Church. They are all related to one another and they have to be taken all together. They present a progressive development. Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

First note: Catholic Action’s Ecclesial character “The immediate aim of organizations of this kind is the Church’s apostolic aim, that is to make the gospel known and men holy and to form in them a Christian conscience, so that they can infuse the spirit of the gospel into the various communities and spheres of life” (AA 20. a) Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

First note: Catholic Action’s Ecclesial character »Catholic Action takes upon itself the same aim of the Church »It lives up to this aim and puts it into practice in everyday life, in specific places and in the theology of the particular Church. »Catholic Action is called upon to “implant the Church” in those places and in those human and social situations where it is not as yet present. »Catholic Action is born and lives for evangelization in all its aspects Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Second note: Lay people as protagonists Catholic Action’s secular nature “Lay people, collaborate with the hierarchy in their own secular way, by bringing forward their experiences and by assuming responsibility for the running of these organizations. They study the circumstances in which pastoral work has to be carried out and draft and execute the plan of action.” (AA 20.b) Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Second note: Lay people as protagonists Catholic Action’s secular nature »The rights and duties of the laity stem from their Baptism and Confirmation. »Every different lay vocation contributes towards communion within the Church and towards its mission. That which is common contributes towards unity while the differencies complement each other. »The immediate and direct responsibility of lay people: their lay ministry. »Lay people can contribute through their experience, through their ability to analyse situations and through the methods they adopt. Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Third note: United as an organic body “The laity act together in the same way as an organic body so that the Church is seen better as a community and so that the apostolate is more effective.” (AA 20.c) Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Third note: United as an organic body »This shows the associative nature of our lay apostolate. »The specific contribution given by the Association is a contribution of service in unity: »in the Church as communion and for the entire mission of the Church »in full solidarity and with full corresponsibility »through the associative structures. Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Fourth note: Under the higher direction of the Hierarchy These lay people, whether they offer themselves freely or are invited to give their share, cooperate directly with the hierarchy. They all function under the higher direction of the hierarchy itself, which can sanction this cooperation by an explicit «mandate».” (AA 20.d) Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Fourth note: Under the higher direction of the Hierarchy »A special charateristic of its apostolate is that CA inserts itself in the pastoral work of the local Church »With full reciprocal and vitale cooperation, which implies diverse roles and ministries: the hierarchical ministry and the lay ministry. Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes

Fourth note: Under the higher direction of the Hierarchy »This entails constant and trustful dialogue among the Bishop, priests and lay people. »This does not diminish the importance of the vocation of the laity but rather gives it more importance. It puts a greater responsibility on the Association to animate the different spheres of life. Apostolicam Actuositaten: the 4 characteristic notes