“Go therefore and make disciples out of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Mt 28:19-20.
“We intend that no one should blame us about this liberal gift which we are administering, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight, but also in the sight of men, “ 2 Cor 8:19-20.
“You are being enriched in every way for all generosity which through us produces thanksgiving to God for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.” 2 Cor 9:11-12.
“Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2.
“Lay persons of a genuinely apostolic spirit supply the needs of others and are a source of consolation no less to the pastors than to the rest of the faithful. Nourished by their active participation in the liturgical life of their community, they engage zealously in its apostolic works; they draw others towards the Church who had been perhaps very far away from it; they ardently cooperate in the spread of the Word of God, particularly by catechetical instruction; by their expert assistance they increase the efficacy of the care of souls as well as of the administration of the goods of the Church.” Vatican II on the Laity, 10.
“Organizations created for group apostolates afford support to their members, train them for the apostolate, carefully assign and direct their apostolic activities. Whenever the laity are at work the apostolate under its collective and organized form should be strengthened.” Ibid.18.
“The laity are “to illuminate and order all temporal things.” They are to “permeate social, political and economic realities.” They have ”the right and duty, individually or grouped in associations to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all.” CCC 897-899.
“We consider lay participation in church life at all levels a gift of the Holy Spirit, given for the common good. Laity can and should exercise responsible participation both individually and in groups, not only at the invitation of church leadership but by their own initiative.” USCCB Called and Gifted for the Third Millenium.
“Too numerous to mention by name are all those instances in which lay persons have organized educational, advocacy, or charitable efforts which have helped the Church be a more credible and effective witness to the Gospel in public life.” Ibid.
“ I see that you really are a living parish where you all collaborate, where you bear each other’s burdens and thus contribute to the growth of the living building of the Lord, which is the Church.
She is not made of material stones but of living stones, of baptized people who feel the full responsibility of the faith for others, the full joy of being baptized and knowing God in the face of Jesus. Consequently, you are striving to ensure that this parish can truly grow. I would simply like to say thank you for your commitment. To see in a parish so many active people who visit the sick, who help those in difficulty, who collaborate with the parish priest, who see that there is a good celebration of the liturgy, is a joy.” Pope Benedict XVI, March 26, 2006.
Administration as a spiritual gift is to steer the body (whether parish, ministries or organization etc) toward the accomplishment of God given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising a program and other people. Administration is a spiritual gift when used by the power of the Holy Spirit in an atmosphere of love, discernment and service. The administrator requires vision, goals and the spiritual means to accomplish them.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?