33. The nature of Church authority
The major difference between the governance structure of the Church and democratic institutions is the source of authority.
32. Co-responsibility of the Laity
Co-responsibility demands a change in mindset especially concerning the role of lay people in the Church. They should not be regarded as “collaborators” of the clergy, but, rather, as people who are really “co-responsible” for the Church’s being and acting.
31. Collaboration with the laity
Do we collaborate with the laity in the mission, or is our relationship with them exploitative?
30. Why we must work together in the ministry
Whatever we achieve while working alone in the ministry will always be doubled if we work together.
29. Religiosity and Spirituality
Religious experience differs from spirituality because one or multiple experiences with God do not always equate to a relationship with him
28. Emotional intelligence and spiritual depression
The lack of self-worth induced by disregard by ecclesiastical authority snuffs out the burning zeal for our father’s house
27. Spiritual self-destruction
The vine-dresser in John 15 is not interested in branches with beautiful flowers but in those that bear fruits. The Church is the mystical body of Jesus Christ (Mysticum Corpus Iesu Christi), and it is ONLY Christ’s criteria for the mission that should govern everything we do. Every other thing is secondary.
26. We are not called to be successful, but fruitful
Jesus is not interested in the number of our academic degrees or our grades at graduation; he is not interested in our wealth or talents, or awards, but in how our knowledge, wealth, and talents bear fruit in the lives of others.
25. Effects of not working together
Indeed, discussing priest or religious with the laity is a symptom of a toxic relationship in the rectory, presbyterium, or convent.
24. Working for the common good
A leader is to lead, and an assistant is to assist the leader. Whether it is an assistant trying to push over or outshine the leader, or a leader trying to suppress the assistant—none is being faithful to his duty.