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The Call to Lead: Lay Catholics Must Step Into Public Life

Countdown to #RaiseUpAndLead (June 23–27)

Photo by Brad Barmore / Unsplash

The Church needs you—not just within its walls, but out in the world.

For far too long, many lay Catholics have viewed leadership in civil society as a secular pursuit, separate from their faith. But the Second Vatican Council made it clear: the laity are called not only to holiness, but to mission. The world—its institutions, systems, and culture—needs the influence of well-formed, faith-driven Catholic professionals. Now more than ever, it's time to step into public life.

Faith That Engages, Not Retreats

The Catholic faith is not a private ideology. It is a public truth meant to shape every corner of society. Lay Catholics are uniquely positioned to bring this truth into boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms, and legislative chambers. Yet, many shy away from leadership, believing it's the job of clergy or religious.

In Christifideles Laici, Pope St. John Paul II wrote: "The lay faithful are called by God so that they, led by the spirit of the Gospel, might contribute to the sanctification of the world, as from within like leaven."

This means we are to infuse politics, business, media, education, and the arts with the light of Christ—not by dominating, but by serving with integrity and witness.

From June 23–27, join Tepeyac Leadership for #RaiseUpAndLead—a Catholic call to action!

The Crisis of Leadership Today

Our culture is suffering from a vacuum of moral clarity and principled leadership. The result? Confusion, injustice, and a growing divide between faith and public life. As Catholic professionals, we cannot remain silent observers. When ethical leaders stay on the sidelines, others with no moral compass fill the space.

Catholics must lead not just as professionals but as witnesses. Our worldview—rooted in the dignity of the human person, the common good, and the pursuit of truth—is exactly what our world needs.

Every Vocation Has a Public Dimension

Whether you're a lawyer, educator, entrepreneur, civil servant, or healthcare provider, your profession is not just a career. It’s your apostolate. You’ve been given skills, influence, and a network not merely for personal success, but for mission.

This is the vision behind Tepeyac Leadership: to equip Catholic professionals to lead with virtue and courage in every sector of society. Leadership isn't just for CEOs or elected officials—it's for every lay person who believes that faith can and should shape the world.

Lead Where You Are

You don’t need a title to lead. Start in your community. Join a board. Speak up at work. Mentor others. Run for office. Advocate for justice. Be known as someone who leads with wisdom, humility, and faith.

The world is waiting for Catholic professionals to rise with purpose.

📣 From June 23–27, join Tepeyac Leadership for #RaiseUpAndLead—a Catholic call to action! 🙌 Five consecutive days of LinkedIn livestreams to highlight the urgent need for lay Catholic leadership in civil society. 💻✨ Your support will help form the next generation of faithful, mission-driven Catholic professionals ready to transform the world. 🌍💼

Register now for The Hour of the Laity 2025, our flagship leadership summit taking place this year in Mexico City.

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