CHAPTER 6 – MINISTRY AND APOSTOLIC SERVICE
“The important thing is to do charity, not to talk about charity. We must understand the work with very poor people as God’s chosen mission.” -St. Dulce of the Poor
The basis of the apostolic work of the members of the Coworkers of Christ is to live the gospel with a humble and joyful heart in a ministry of presence. The purpose of our presence is to proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. The most apparent manifestation of this ministry of presence is in making ourselves available and responsive.
However, our ministry of presence extends beyond simple availability. We also undertake planned initiatives within the broader community and Church. These various ministries, carefully integrated into our overall apostolic work, reflect the communal life described in Acts 2 and 4.
Our apostolic work isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We create space for each member to utilize and develop their unique talents. This allows individuals to flourish and contribute their very best talents and gifts returned to the Lord who bestowed them in the first place.
Our ministry of presence extends beyond designated service. It’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, including our secular work. We don’t compartmentalize our faith – everything is an opportunity to share God’s love with a troubled and lonely world yearning for connection. This commitment also translates to supporting our Community’s well-being and fostering its growth.
The Community seeks a peaceful and evangelical balance between prayer and activity, yet the primacy of prayer is always recognized and protected. The rhythm of the Spirit leads us from prayer into action, and from action back into prayer.
Every vow, every action, becomes part of our ministry. We don’t live for ourselves alone, but for the good of the world. Everything we do carries a ripple effect, impacting those around us. For instance, by choosing simple meals and saving money, we free up resources to help those in need. Even when not directly engaged in service, we contribute through acts of compassion and love to the least of these.
By faithfully fulfilling our entrusted duties, all members contribute to the Community’s apostolic call. Each person’s actions become a testament to our collective unity. We serve not for personal recognition, but in the name of God – to Him be given all glory and honor!
Scriptural Support
[Jesus said,] “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all — he is the greatest. Luke 9:48 (NIV)
[Jesus] called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, “Preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay.” Matt. 10:1,5-8 (RSV)
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Matt. 24:45,46 (RSV)
[Jesus said,] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers!’” Matt. 7:21-23 (RSV)