Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A group of 87 lay ministers from parishes and agencies across the Archdiocese of Louisville gathered at St. Meinrad Archabbey from July 28 to 30 for the biannual Lay Ecclesial Assembly. The event, organized by the Office of Continuing Education for Priests and Lay Ecclesial Ministers, provided an opportunity for participants to pray, reflect on Scripture, attend Mass and adoration, network with colleagues, and hear presentations centered on their ministry.

The assembly’s theme was “Sharing the Kingdom of God: Listening with the Holy Spirit.” Participants included pastoral care providers, formation and religious education leaders, business managers, liturgical musicians, and other parish professionals.

On the final day, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre addressed attendees and expressed gratitude for their service. He reminded them of what he described as a key aspect of their roles: “Our ongoing journey and relationship with Jesus Christ.” He acknowledged that this might seem like a “theological abstraction,” but emphasized its importance by saying: “This relationship with the Lord must be an active and ongoing source, a dynamic reality for us from which everything we do flows.”

Archbishop Fabre also highlighted four areas where lay ministers need continued formation—areas shared with clergy development—and encouraged them to keep their relationship with Jesus Christ central in their lives.

The archdiocese began hosting these assemblies in 2018 based on guidance from “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” a document released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2005. The schedule was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has since resumed every other year. In addition to lay minister gatherings, separate assemblies are held annually for priests and deacons.