Table of Contents
Preface ix
Chapter 1 Recent Developments Regarding Laity 1
Introduction 1
Theological Developments Since Vatican II 2
Influences in the Early 1980s 7
Some Recent Beneficial Developments 11
Current Negative Trends 15
Some Areas of Hope 20
Chapter 2 Laity and the Local Church 24
Introduction 24
Theology of the Local Church 25
The Parish as Local Church 31
The Local Church as Foundational Church 37
Lay Responsibility in the Local Church 41
Chapter 3 Work 48
Introduction 48
Approaches to Work: From Curse to Mission 49
The Dignity of Human Work 53
Work in Perspective: Leisure 58
Work in a Lay-Centered Church 63
Chapter 4 Family 68
Introduction 68
Family as Foundational Church 69
Sexual Love and Life 73
Parenting and Family Education 77
The Importance to the Family of Conscience Formation 81
Family Responsibilities in a Lay-Centered Church 85
Chapter 5 Outreach in Service and Social Involvement 90
Introduction 90
Christianity and Social Consciousness 92
Service and Social Involvement 99
Christianity's World Vision of Justice 104
Chapter 6 Celebration and Liturgical Life 110
Introduction 110
Celebrating Life 111
Celebrating Prayer 115
Celebrating Community 119
Celebrating Worship 123
Notes 128
Bibliography 138
Index 145
