Called to More: How the Laity Can Recognize, Discern, and Respond to God's Invitations in Their Parish

As we approach the Feast of St. John Vianney on August 4th—the humble Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests—I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary gift our priests are to the Church. St. John Vianney once said, “The priest is not a priest for himself; he is a priest for you.” His life was a witness to the tireless, often hidden sacrifices of parish priests, whose daily “yes” nourishes and sustains our faith communities. Thinking about his legacy stirred in me a deep gratitude—and also a renewed awareness of how vital our support and collaboration as laity truly are.

When Pope Leo XIII spoke of the laity’s role in the Church, he was echoing a truth that has been affirmed again and again throughout the history of our faith: the mission of the Church is not entrusted to clergy alone, but to all people of God. The Second Vatican Council made this abundantly clear, describing the laity as the “leaven in the world” (Lumen Gentium, 31).

But for many of us sitting in the pews, the question remains: How do I know when God is inviting me to step forward? How do I recognize whether the needs I see around me are actually His call to serve?

In Apostolicam Actuositatem, the Council Fathers wrote:

“The laity must take up the renewal of the temporal order as their own special obligation. Led by the spirit of the Gospel, and in the mind of the Church, they must act directly and in a definite way in the temporal sphere.” (AA, 7). 

This means that the Spirit entrusts the laity not only with the task of evangelization, but also with shaping the ordinary life of the parish and the world. It is not a secondary or optional role, it is at the heart of our baptismal identity.

Christifideles Laici, Pope St. John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation, added: 

“The lay faithful’s duty and right to participate in the mission of the Church derives from their union with Christ the Head.” (CL, 15). In other words, the very fact that we belong to Christ means He desires to use our gifts in His mission.

Often, our first step is simply to notice....without judgement, what is God calling to my attention? A lack of hospitality in the parish. A youth program that seems to be dwindling. An elderly neighbor who no longer makes it to Mass. A young mom struggling in the cry room.

It’s easy to see these needs as someone else’s problem, or to assume the pastor will find a solution. But what if the very reason we noticed is because God is asking us to respond?

Discernment is not about doing everything, but about listening. The 2020 Vatican instruction The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community put it plainly:

“The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can take very different shapes that demand the involvement of all the baptized.” (PCPC, 9)
Involvement of all the baptized. That means you and me.

Recognizing God’s invitation often stirs a lot of questions.  This is where we begin to discern.  Discernment is meant to be a path, not a puzzle.  Be open and full of curiosity when you begin to notice and those questions begin to arise.

~Do I have the right gifts?
~Will I be stepping on someone’s toes?
~What if I fail?

These are not signs to stop, but invitations to deeper discernment. Coaching, rooted in Catholic faith, can help here. Coaching offers space to:

• Name the gifts God has entrusted to you.
• Clarify the needs around you.
• Discern the alignment between your talents and your parish’s mission.
• And take courageous, concrete steps toward service.

Far from replacing spiritual direction or pastoral guidance, coaching complements them. It equips lay men and women to bring their God-given strengths to life in their parish, supporting clergy while building up the Body of Christ.

When laity say “yes” to God’s promptings, parishes can flourish.  A retired tradesman helps consult on grounds and maintenance for the parish. A business leader helps the parish council with stewardship planning. An empty nester starts volunteering with the youth group.  Each small yes multiplies, until the parish becomes not just a place of worship but a vibrant community of disciples.

Pope Francis, in Praedicate Evangelium, reminded us that even at the highest levels of the Church, the mission cannot be carried solely by clergy. Lay people bring expertise, perspective, and Spirit-filled gifts that are not optional extras but essential for the Church’s mission.

What needs are stirring your heart right now?  Could they be God’s way of saying, I need you here?

And as you step into that call, know that you are not alone. Catholic coaching can provide the support, clarity, and encouragement you need to bring your gifts forward in service of Christ and His Church.  Together, clergy and laity form the living Body of Christ. Together, we carry the mission forward. Together, we say yes.

If you’re feeling the nudge to explore your own gifts and where they might serve your parish, consider beginning a conversation through Catholic coaching. It may just be the space you need to recognize God’s call and take the next faithful step.