Called and Chosen

That lay women and men increasingly serve as leaders of institutional ministries in the Church is nothing new. Yet, until now, these lay leaders have longed for theological resources and formational training to help them in their vocation and ministry. Called and Chosen: Toward a Spirituality for Lay Leaders is designed especially for women and men who, in collaboration with vowed religious and the ordained, shepherd Church ministries and touch the lives of countless people. Written by leading authorities in biblical studies, theology, spirituality, church history, and ecclesial leadership, the book is broken into four parts: Part one invites lay leaders to claim their own call and commitment by reflecting on the Catholic vision of spirituality, vocation, mission and ministry, and the experiences of other leaders. Part two grounds their work in the larger story of our institutional ministries by examining their biblical, theological, and historical roots. Part three probes the work of the Spirit in communities and institutions, against the backdrop of contemporary cultural realities, to help leaders develop the capacity to discern the Spirit's workings. Part four focuses on issues central to the role of a spiritual leader: the spirituality of administration, the task of building community, the use of power and authority and work of forming and mentoring others. Questions at the end of each chapter invite further reflection on the themes explored.

Called and Chosen invites thoughtful reflection on the vital yet complex task of leading Catholic institutions. The various essays inspire wisdom and hope, even as they challenge readers to new depths of commitment., Grounded in the transformative vision of the Second Vatican Council, this volume offers a holistic perspective on the core issues confronting lay ecclesial leaders in the US Catholic church today. As experienced leaders and seasoned scholars, the contributors use life stories and practical cases to bring theory to life. Hopeful and helpful, this book honors the pioneering work of the church's current lay leaders and encourages the next generation in this expansion of ecclesial ministry. It will be a valuable resource for use in programs of initial and ongoing leadership development. Questions at the end of each chapter provoke reflection and will provide focus for fruitful group discussion., Though relatively short, this is a rich book, both in breadth and depth…I hope lay leaders in Catholic education, health care, and other institutions will get hold of this book and use it., This book belongs in the personal library of any professional heading a Catholic institution as well as in libraries of colleges that train lay leaders., In spite of evidence to the contrary—scandals and crises—there is a new Pentecost breaking out in the church as lay people claim the rights and responsibilities of their baptism. But if lay leaders are to stay the course, they must ground themselves in a life-giving spirituality, one that draws from the deep waters of the Catholic treasury. Called and Chosen will be an invaluable resource to this good end.

Zeni Fox is Professor of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. She is the author of New Ecclesial Ministry: Lay Professionals Serving the Church (Sheed & Ward, 2002) and serves as an advisor to the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Subcommittee on Lay Ministry. Regina Bechtle, S.C. is Director of Charism Resources for the Sisters of Charity of New York. She researches, writes about and offers retreats and programs on Vincentian spirituality, religious life, and leadership.