Ministry & States of Life
Ordained ministry, consecrated life, the laity and vocations.
248 documents
- Priesthood56
- Priestly Formation & Seminaries50
- Diaconate12
- Clerical Celibacy18
- Holy Orders28
- Vocations20
- Consecrated Life47
- Contemplative & Monastic Life9
- Laity40
- Lay Ministries17
- Ecclesial Movements & Associations14
- Women in Church & Society26
- Young People24
- Older People5
- Persons with Disabilities2
- Universal Call to Holiness36
Related topics
A dagger (†) means the date or the official link is still awaiting verification.
1890s
1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
- Conclusiones de la Conferencia General de Río de Janeiro4 August 1955Rio de Janeiro Conclusions (root; founding of CELAM)Bishops' Conferences
1960s
- Statuto del Movimento dei Focolari26 January 1966Focolare statute approved by the Congregation of the CouncilEcclesial Initiatives
- General Audience of 23 March 196623 March 1966The Council on the dignity of the laity and their apostolate rooted in Baptism and Confirmation (1966)Pope
- Ecclesiae Sanctae6 August 1966Implementing the Decrees Christus Dominus, Presbyterorum Ordinis, Perfectae Caritatis and Ad GentesPope
- The Brother of the Christian Schools in the World Today: A Declaration†1967Lasallian Declaration (39th General Chapter)Ecclesial Initiatives
- Catholicam Christi Ecclesiam6 January 1967Establishing the Council of the Laity and the Commission Justice and PeacePope
- Final recommendations of the I Ordinary General Assembly†29 October 1967I Ordinary General Assembly (1967), Preservation and strengthening of the Catholic faith: final recommendations/propositions (no single final text)Synod of Bishops
- General Audience of 27 December 196727 December 1967The Council's teaching on the People of God and the laity's right and duty to share the Church's mission (1967)Pope
- Carta de Río†May 1968Letter of Rio (Latin American Jesuit provincials on social justice)Ecclesial Initiatives
- Pontificalis Romani18 June 1968Approving the New Rites of Ordination of Deacons, Priests and BishopsPope
- De Ordinatione Diaconi, Presbyteri et Episcopi†15 August 1968Rite of Ordination (editio typica)Roman Curia
- General Audience of 15 January 196915 January 1969Conciliar renewal must be chiefly interior, moral and personal, not merely structural (1969)Pope
1970s
- Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis†6 January 1970Basic Plan for Priestly Formation (1970)Roman Curia
- The Program of Priestly Formation (1st ed.)18 January 1971Program of Priestly Formation (1st ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Ultimis temporibus†30 November 1971II Ordinary General Assembly (1971), The Ministerial Priesthood: synodal document on the ministerial priesthoodSynod of Bishops
- The Study of Philosophy in Seminaries20 January 1972The Study of Philosophy in SeminariesRoman Curia
- Immensae caritatis29 January 1973Instruction on facilitating sacramental Eucharistic communionRoman Curia
- Men for Others: Education for Social Justice and Social Action Today†July 1973Men for Others (Valencia address)Ecclesial Initiatives
- Ministry and Ordination (Canterbury Statement)September 1973ARCIC I: Ministry and OrdinationEcumenical & Interreligious Dialogue
- A Guide to Formation in Priestly Celibacy11 April 1974A Guide to Formation in Priestly CelibacyRoman Curia
- The Program of Priestly Formation (2nd ed.)†1976Program of Priestly Formation (2nd ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- The Theological Formation of Future Priests†22 February 1976The Theological Formation of Future PriestsRoman Curia
- Inter insigniores15 October 1976Declaration on the admission of women to the ministerial priesthoodRoman Curia
- Message to the People of God29 October 1977IV Ordinary General Assembly (1977), Catechesis in Our Time: Message to the People of God [→ Catechesi Tradendae]Synod of Bishops
- Mutuae relationes14 May 1978Directives for mutual relations between bishops and religiousRoman Curia
- Catechesis on the cardinal virtues25 October 1978Completion of John Paul I's plan on the "seven lamps": the cardinal virtues, beginning with prudence (1978)Pope
- Theology of the Body5 September 1979Catechesis cycle on human love in the divine plan (1979-1984)Pope
1980s
- Circular Letter on Spiritual Formation in Seminaries6 January 1980Circular Letter on Spiritual Formation in SeminariesRoman Curia
- Conclusions of the Particular Synod for the Netherlands†31 January 1980Particular (Special) Synod for the Netherlands (1980), The Pastoral Situation in the Netherlands: Conclusions/ResolutionsSynod of Bishops
- Postquam apostoli25 March 1980Directive notes on cooperation among particular Churches and distribution of clergyRoman Curia
- The Contemplative Dimension of Religious Life†12 August 1980The Contemplative Dimension of Religious LifeRoman Curia
- Our Secondary Schools Today and Tomorrow†September 1980Our Schools Today and TomorrowEcclesial Initiatives
- The Program of Priestly Formation (3rd ed.)†1981Program of Priestly Formation (3rd ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly1982Fulfilled in Your HearingBishops' Conferences
- Fraternità di Comunione e Liberazione11 February 1982Pontifical recognition of the Fraternity of Communion and LiberationEcclesial Initiatives
- Essential Elements in the Church's Teaching on Religious Life31 May 1983Essential Elements on Religious LifeRoman Curia
- Sacerdotium ministeriale6 August 1983Letter on certain questions concerning the minister of the EucharistRoman Curia
- Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis (1985)19 March 1985Basic Plan for Priestly Formation (updated 1985)Roman Curia
- Guide to the Training of Future Priests concerning Social Communications19 March 1986Guide on Social Communications for Future PriestsRoman Curia
- The Characteristics of Jesuit Education8 December 1986Characteristics of Jesuit EducationEcclesial Initiatives
- Message to the People of God†29 October 1987VII Ordinary General Assembly (1987), Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful: Message to the People of God [→ Christifideles Laici]Synod of Bishops
- The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation25 March 1988The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual FormationRoman Curia
- The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School7 April 1988The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic SchoolRoman Curia
- Pornography and Violence in the Communications Media7 May 1989Pornography and Violence in the Media: A Pastoral ResponseRoman Curia
- De Ordinatione Episcopi, presbyterorum et diaconorum (editio typica altera)29 June 1989Rite of Ordination, second typical editionRoman Curia
- Inspectis dierum10 November 1989Instruction on the Study of the Fathers of the Church in Priestly FormationRoman Curia
1990s
- Statuti generali dell'Opera di Maria†1990General Statutes of the Work of Mary (Focolare) approvedEcclesial Initiatives
- Message to the People of God†27 October 1990VIII Ordinary General Assembly (1990), Formation of Priests in Circumstances of the Present Day: Message to the People of God [→ Pastores Dabo Vobis]Synod of Bishops
- The Program of Priestly Formation (4th ed.)†1992Program of Priestly Formation (4th ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests31 January 1994Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests (1994)Roman Curia
- Message of the Synod†28 October 1994IX Ordinary General Assembly (1994), Consecrated Life and its Role in the Church and the World: final message [→ Vita Consecrata]Synod of Bishops
- Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities16 June 1995Sacraments with Persons with DisabilitiesBishops' Conferences
- Responsum ad dubium concerning Ordinatio sacerdotalis28 October 1995Response on the teaching of Ordinatio sacerdotalisRoman Curia
- Called and Gifted for the Third MillenniumNovember 1995Called and Gifted for the Third MillenniumBishops' Conferences
- The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality8 December 1995The Truth and Meaning of Human SexualityRoman Curia
- Sons and Daughters of the Light: A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults12 November 1996Sons and Daughters of the LightBishops' Conferences
- Common Declaration5 December 1996Common Declaration of John Paul II and Archbishop CareyEcumenical & Interreligious Dialogue
- The Ecumenical Dimension in the Formation of those engaged in Pastoral Work†16 March 1997The Ecumenical Dimension in Pastoral FormationRoman Curia
- Ecclesiae de mysterio15 August 1997Instruction on collaboration of the non-ordained faithful in the ministry of priestsRoman Curia
- Ratio fundamentalis institutionis diaconorum permanentium / Directorium pro ministerio et vita diaconorum permanentium22 February 1998Basic Norms and Directory for Permanent DeaconsRoman Curia
- Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions19 June 1998Sharing Catholic Social TeachingBishops' Conferences
- The Dignity of Older People and their Mission in the Church and in the World1 October 1998The Dignity of Older PeopleRoman Curia
- Inter-Institute Collaboration for Formation8 December 1998Inter-Institute Collaboration for FormationRoman Curia
- The Priest and the Third Christian Millennium19 March 1999The Priest and the Third Christian Millennium, Teacher of the WordRoman Curia
- Spes Aedificandi1 October 1999Proclaiming Sts Bridget, Catherine of Siena and Teresa Benedicta co-patronesses of EuropePope
2000s
- E Sancti Thomae Mori31 October 2000Proclaiming St Thomas More patron of statesmen and politiciansPope
- The Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests2001Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of PriestsBishops' Conferences
- Starting Afresh from Christ19 May 2002Starting Afresh from Christ: A Renewed Commitment to Consecrated LifeRoman Curia
- Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People14 June 2002Charter for the Protection of Children and Young PeopleBishops' Conferences
- The Priest, Pastor and Leader of the Parish Community4 August 2002The Priest, Pastor and Leader of the Parish CommunityRoman Curia
- From the Diakonia of Christ to the Diakonia of the Apostles30 September 2002From the Diakonia of Christ to the Diakonia of the ApostlesTheological & Biblical Commissions
- Consecrated Persons and their Mission in Schools28 October 2002Consecrated Persons and their Mission in SchoolsRoman Curia
- Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the participation of Catholics in political life24 November 2002Doctrinal Note on Catholics in Political LifeRoman Curia
- Redemptionis Sacramentum25 March 2004Instruction on matters to be observed or avoided regarding the Most Holy EucharistRoman Curia
- Letter on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World31 May 2004Letter on the Collaboration of Men and WomenRoman Curia
- National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States26 December 2004National Directory for Permanent Deacons (1st ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Note on the Minister of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick11 February 2005Note on the Minister of Anointing of the SickRoman Curia
- Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the LordNovember 2005Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the LordBishops' Conferences
- Instruction concerning the criteria for the discernment of vocations with regard to persons with homosexual tendencies4 November 2005Criteria for Discernment of Vocations (homosexual tendencies)Roman Curia
- The Program of Priestly Formation (5th ed.)4 August 2006Program of Priestly Formation (5th ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Common Declaration23 November 2006Common Declaration of Benedict XVI and Archbishop Rowan WilliamsEcumenical & Interreligious Dialogue
- Sacramentum caritatis22 February 2007On the Eucharist, source and summit of the Church's life and missionPope
- Educating Together in Catholic Schools8 September 2007Educating Together in Catholic SchoolsRoman Curia
- Statuto del Cammino Neocatecumenale11 May 2008Neocatechumenal Way statutes: definitive approvalEcclesial Initiatives
- Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood28 June 2008Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Priestly FormationRoman Curia
2010s
- Catechesis on the Threefold Munus of the Priest14 April 2010 – 26 May 2010Year for Priests close: munus docendi, sanctificandi and regendi, 2010Pope
- Catechesis on Women Saints and Mystics1 September 2010 – 2 February 2011Medieval and early-modern women saints from Hildegard of Bingen to Teresa of Avila, 2010-2011Pope
- Catechesis on the Doctors of the Church9 February 2011 – 13 April 2011Doctors of the Church from Peter Canisius to Therese of Lisieux, closing on holiness, 2011Pope
- Ministrorum institutio16 January 2013Transferring competence for seminaries to the Congregation for the ClergyPope
- Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests (new edition)11 February 2013Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests (2013)Roman Curia
- Catechesis on the Sacraments8 January 2014 – 2 April 2014The seven sacraments from Baptism to Matrimony, 2014Pope
- Catechesis on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit9 April 2014 – 11 June 2014The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, 2014Pope
- Sensus fidei in the Life of the Church10 June 2014Sensus fidei in the Life of the ChurchTheological & Biblical Commissions
- Catechesis on the Church18 June 2014 – 26 November 2014The Church as People of God, Body of Christ, Mother, one holy catholic apostolic, following Lumen gentium, 2014Pope
- Testimoni della gioia21 November 2014Apostolic letter to all consecrated people for the Year of Consecrated LifePope
- Catechesis on the Family17 December 2014 – 18 November 2015Thirty-three catecheses on the family around the two Synods on the Family, 2014-2015Pope
- Cristãos leigos e leigas na Igreja e na sociedade (Doc. 105)†April 2016Lay Christians in Church and SocietyBishops' Conferences
- Common Declaration5 October 2016Common Declaration of Francis and Archbishop WelbyEcumenical & Interreligious Dialogue
- Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis8 December 2016The Gift of the Priestly VocationRoman Curia
- New Wine in New Wineskins†6 January 2017New Wine in New Wineskins: Consecrated Life and its Ongoing ChallengesRoman Curia
- For Greater Things You Were Born1 March 2017For Greater Things You Were Born (on human dignity and vocation)Diocesan Bishops
- Final Document27 October 2018XV Ordinary General Assembly (2018), Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment: Final Document [→ Christus Vivit]Synod of Bishops
- Letter from the Synod Fathers to Young People28 October 2018XV Ordinary General Assembly (2018), Young People: Letter of the Synod Fathers to Young PeopleSynod of Bishops
- Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus 2019-202919 February 2019Jesuit Universal Apostolic PreferencesEcclesial Initiatives
- National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons (2nd ed.)12 June 2019National Directory for Permanent Deacons (2nd ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology26 October 2019Special Assembly for the Pan-Amazon Region (2019): Final Document [→ Querida Amazonia]Synod of Bishops
- Jesuit Schools: A Living Tradition in the 21st Century5 November 2019Jesuit Schools: A Living TraditionEcclesial Initiatives
2020s
- Catechesis on the Beatitudes29 January 2020 – 29 April 2020The eight Beatitudes of Matthew 5, 2020Pope
- The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community in the Service of the Evangelising Mission of the Church29 June 2020Instruction on the Pastoral Conversion of the ParishRoman Curia
- Vademecum on Procedures in Cases of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clerics16 July 2020Vademecum on Abuse Cases (v1.0)Roman Curia
- Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission: Challenges, Convictions and Hopes29 July 2020Declaration on the Lasallian Educational MissionEcclesial Initiatives
- Authenticum charismatis1 November 2020Amending canon 579 on erecting institutes of consecrated lifePope
- Patris corde8 December 2020On St Joseph, 150th anniversary of his proclamation as Patron of the Universal ChurchPope
- Spiritus Domini10 January 2021Amending canon 230 §1: women admitted to lector and acolyte ministriesPope
- De institutione catechistarum3 December 2021Rite of Institution of Catechists (editio typica)Roman Curia
- Catechesis on Old Age23 February 2022 – 24 August 2022Eighteen catecheses on the meaning and value of old age, 2022Pope
- Praedicate Evangelium19 March 2022On the Roman Curia and its service to the Church and the worldPope
- Program of Priestly Formation in the United States of America (6th ed.)24 June 2022Program of Priestly Formation (6th ed.)Bishops' Conferences
- Catechesis on Discernment31 August 2022 – 4 January 2023Fourteen catecheses on spiritual discernment, 2022-2023Pope
- Motu proprio sulle prelature personali8 August 2023Amending canons 295-296 on personal prelaturesPope
- C'est la confiance15 October 2023On confidence in God's merciful love (St Thérèse of the Child Jesus)Pope
- A Synodal Church in Mission: Synthesis Report28 October 2023XVI Ordinary General Assembly, First Session (2023), For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission: Synthesis ReportSynod of Bishops
- Lettera sul ruolo della letteratura nella formazione17 July 2024Letter on the role of literature in formationPope
- For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission26 October 2024XVI Ordinary General Assembly, Second Session (2021-2024 synod on synodality): Final Document (adopted by Pope Francis as ordinary magisterium)Synod of Bishops
- Lettera sul rinnovamento dello studio della storia della Chiesa21 November 2024Letter on renewing the study of Church historyPope
- Interim Reports of the Study Groups17 November 2025Synod on synodality implementation: Interim Reports of the Study GroupsSynod of Bishops
- Una fedeltà che genera futuro8 December 2025A Fidelity that Generates the Future: 60th anniversary of Optatam totius and Presbyterorum ordinisPope
- Revision of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis in a missionary synodal perspective3 March 2026Synod Study Group 4 Final Report: Formation for the PriesthoodSynod of Bishops
- Women's participation in the life and leadership of the Church10 March 2026Synod Study Group 5 Final Report: Women's participation in the life and leadership of the ChurchSynod of Bishops
- Relationship between bishops, consecrated life and ecclesial communities (Study Group 6)8 September 2026Synod Study Group 6 Final Report: revision of documents on relations between bishops, consecrated life and ecclesial aggregationsSynod of Bishops