Episode 042 – The Call of the Laity: Listening, Formation, and Mission with Maria Parker

In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Christopher Wesley sits down with Dr. Maria Parker, Assistant Director for the Laity in the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). From her early years in Catholic education to parish ministry and now national leadership, Maria shares her journey of discovering the universal call to holiness—and what it truly means for every baptized person to live as a missionary disciple.
Together, Christopher and Maria unpack Listen, Teach, Send, the USCCB’s new pastoral framework, exploring what it means for both seasoned ministry leaders and everyday Catholics. They discuss the importance of understanding baptism as the foundation for vocation, how the Church can better accompany the laity, and why listening to the Holy Spirit and local context is key to renewal.
Key Takeaways
A Journey of Mission: Maria’s story spans classroom, parish, and national ministry—each stage revealing new ways to serve Christ through education, accompaniment, and leadership.


The Role of the Laity: Every baptized person shares in the mission of the Church. Being “lay” isn’t second-tier—it’s the frontline of evangelization in daily life.


From Teaching to Accompaniment: Ministry is not about delivering content but walking with people, understanding their stories, and meeting them where they are.


Formation Must Be Flexible: There is no one-size-fits-all model for forming lay leaders—each diocese and community must respond to its unique needs and gifts.


Listen, Teach, Send: The new framework builds on Co-Workers in the Vineyard by emphasizing listening to the Holy Spirit, teaching from lived experience, and sending forth disciples into the world.


Diversity of Gifts: Lay apostolates, ministries, and movements are signs of the Holy Spirit’s creativity—not competition with the institutional Church.


The Future Is Collaborative: Renewal in the Church will depend on stronger partnerships between dioceses, parishes, schools, and apostolates rooted in shared mission, not silos.


What Maria Recommends
Go-To Tool: Structured clarity—creating order and organization to handle the chaos of ministry life.


What She’s Reading: Indispensable: A Catholic Guide to Welcoming Persons with Disabilities edited by Mark Bradford—a collection of essays that explore dignity, inclusion, and accompaniment in the Church.


Leadership Lesson: “Never lead by force. Listen, collaborate, and decide together.”


Connect with Maria and the USCCB
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 usccb.org/laity – Learn more about the Office of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth
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