One of the founding principles of Pax Christi Catholic Community is Lay Leadership, and it remains an essential value. The Second Vatican Council offers much wisdom on this subject. As summarized by community member Dave Putrich, "the Church is the People of God, the community of the baptized. In collaboration with the ordained, we the baptized hold responsibility as lay leaders for the life and the mission of the Church. Our call is to lead and walk alongside members of our community when we can, each according to our unique set of abilities."When we say “Lay Leadership,” we mean Servant Leadership. The best example of Servant Leadership is Jesus:“…So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet,you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example,that you also should do as I have done to you."- John 13:12-15
A servant leader is dedicated to the mission and values of Pax Christi. A servant leader brings commitment and passion to helping others in this community. A servant leader is good at listening and speaking thoughtfully. A servant leader inspires others, not only fellow members of the council, but also fellow parishioners. A servant leader leads with empathy, understanding where others are and recognizing that each of us is living out our own journey, sometimes in pain of one kind or another. A servant leader delegates and empowers council members, because no one can do it alone. A servant leader is creative and innovative and helps create an environment in which fellow council members can be so as well. A servant leader makes decisions and does so in a collegial and collaborative way.- Community Council Chair Dave Putrich
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Lay Leadership is an invitation to live into your Baptismal Call.
Article by parishioner Dave Putrich, April 2021, Pax Christi Magazine
Article by Staff Writer and Technical Editor Karin Poellinger, April 2021, Pax Christi Magazine