Introduction

12-Mar-2019

Welcome to this short online course about the baptismal vocation.

In this module we explore the nature of the baptismal vocation and particularly its implications for service of others, at home, in the church and in society. At the heart of every Christian marriage, every Christian ministry, every Christian life, is the mystery of our baptism. In baptism we are made members of the body of Christ, the community of God’s church, also called the family of God. We share in Jesus’ work and mission for the world, and in the life and love of the holy Trinity. Each day we are called to live this vocation more deeply, in our homes, in our workplaces and in society. Baptism calls us to be more Christ-like, and so, more deeply human.

As you work your way through this module, at your own pace, reflect on your experience of the baptismal vocation and how it can shape our journey together in faith.

The aims are of this module are:

  1. To think about what it means to share in Jesus’ mission and look particularly at what that might mean for the care, and living, of marriage and family life.
  2. Discovering how laity and clergy: together serve the family, Church and society in different but complementary ways.
  3. Understand examples of collaborative ministry, where this working together of priests and lay people has born great fruit, particularly in the service and nurture of married life and family.
  4. To think about the particular gifts that lay people can bring to service and leadership in the church, particularly in the care of marriage.

Let’s make a start then, remembering the prayer that Peter makes in his first letter: “Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer sacrifices to God through Christ Jesus”. (1 Peter 2:5)

Reflection

Corinthians 5:18-21

“It was God who reconciled us to himself in Christ and gave us the work of handing on this reconciliation. In other words God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself not holding men’s faults against them, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled. So we are Ambassadors for Christ, it is as though God were appealing through us. And the appeal we make in Christ’s name is be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin so that in him we might become the goodness of God.”

 

Throughout this module you are invited to reflect on your own response to what you are encountering and what it means to you, especially in your journey in faith. You will therefore need a notebook or journal to record your thoughts as you progress through the following pages and complete the reflective activities provided.

Before you begin please complete this short preliminary evaluation form.

If you enjoy this module please do look at the five other short courses in this series In Service of Marriage and Relationships: a course for equipping and resourcing lay people.