Catholic Action, a privilege and responsibility of every Christian

A rolling stone gathers no moss. So any Christian who does not join with others in small groups in the Church to exercise an apostolate risks paying lip service to the call of the gospel. A living faith requires good works through Catholic Action organised by the laity and directed by the Bishop.

Pope Pius XI defined Catholic Action as, “The participation of the Catholic Laity in the apostolate of the hierarchy.” Catholic Action has four essentials namely: it is an apostolate, working toward the conversion and salvation of souls. It is formed by the laity who are called by the bishops to work for the salvation of souls.

It is organised, that while an individual may be engaged in Catholic Action, it is in organised lay association that the work will be most successful since the work is social in nature. It is under the direction and control of the bishops who have the direct responsibility of teaching and ruling the Church. (cf. The Catholic Concise Encyclopedia)

When Jesus instituted the college of the twelve apostles, he later appointed seventy-two disciples to carry out the same work in His Church. The apostles constitute the hierarchy while the seventy-two (72) represent the laity. The 72 were to go ahead of Jesus, to any town that he was to visit. In other words, they did the groundwork and facilitated the apostles’ mission. Luke was very likely one of them. His conversion came about when Paul consulted him as a physician. He went further to evangelise through the writing of his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. The two roles of priesthood and laity are unique but complementary.

It was very clear in the mission of the twelve that they had to bring in the rich harvest from the many who were not yet converted. For those converted they had to be evangelised so that they grow in the spirit of the gospel. Where they are welcomed they should bring peace to these households. The goal is spiritual growth. Sometimes this noble pursuit is in danger because other elements kill the group spirit instead. Material gain and financial transactions may distract and turn people’s minds to worldly achievements. We fail to heed Jesus’ warning. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?

Often when a member is on her last days the group may be more concerned with getting the person pay her dues than inviting the priest to administer the sacraments. How is it that we spend so much to bury a person than giving care to that person when he is alive? The devil is quick to take advantage when division and the love of money creep in. Most of our Church groups tend to be more social than spiritual. The word of God and prayers are often neglected.

In parishes and institutions the laity engage in associations and devotional groups approved by the Church, with the local Bishop as the head. The Bishops of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province have come up with the Pastoral Plan that has recommended a number of commissions to enable each Christian exercise an aspect of the Church’s apostolate of the laity.

Though the nineteen (19) are not functioning in most parishes and institutions, there is need for more if every Catholic has to carry out the good works recommended by St. James who does not recognise any genuine faith without good works.

Most of our Christians limit their activities to Mass attendance on Sundays. This is regrettable because it is the wish of every bishop to see a vibrant Church with every Christian being responsible, not only for himself but also for his brother and sister. In a group we assist one another in understanding and living the gospel. That is why at the end of every gospel sharing we launch a plan of action in the neighbourhood and beyond.

Most Catholic Actions are traditional and well constituted according to Church Law. New groups must seek proper approval by the Church. Its purpose must be spelt out, that is, to save souls. Members must experience gradual growth in their spiritual life. Christ came that they may have life to the full. This means that the Bishop or through his priests and other assistants should ensure that these groups do not deviate from their original objectives as desired by the Church. Any defiant group should be sanctioned or stopped. Each group is guided by the constitutions or by-laws that help members to be orderly, disciplined and goal oriented. Guidelines should protect the interests of all or at least that of the majority.

The unwritten laws that individuals impose on others for selfish interests destroy many groups. Sometimes individuals claim personal revelations and visions to scare or manipulate others. Nobody has the right to impose his private inspirations on others. Members who experience some powers tend to control others or they leave the group or even the Church to found their own. Discernment of spirits is essential. The sign of a genuine spirit is humility and docility. Any new spirit that persists can be studied by the Bishop and sent to Rome for study and if approved, it can be recommended for individual devotion.

In “The Joy of the Gospel”, the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, refers to Catholic Action in these words: “Other Church institutions, basic communities and small communities, movements, and forms of association are a source of enrichment for the Church, raised up by the Spirit for evangelising different areas and sectors. Frequently they bring a new evangelising fervour and a new capacity for dialogue with the world whereby the Church is renewed.

But it will prove beneficial for them not to lose contact with the rich reality of the local parish and to participate readily in the overall pastoral activity of the particular Church. This kind of integration will prevent them from concentrating only on part of the Gospel or the Church, or becoming nomads without roots” (no. 29)