Where the Church lives and breathes

Who comprises this varied group of people that the Catholic Church calls the “laity.”  I’ve never cared for that name because it sounds so ordinary, “the laity.”  “The laity” believes that…

We hear so often in sound bites that, “the American people believe that…”  I think that they are talking about someone else because I often don’t agree with what’s been said.  So, who is this vague group of people that gather in the pews on Sundays or those who claim to be Catholic but sleep in every Sunday morning?

The laity is:
A.) Those waiting for the next papal encyclical to add to the list of encyclicals that they haven’t read?
B.)  Those patiently waiting for the sermon to end so they can get to the good part, getting communion?
C.) Those who get goose bumps ever time the word “pope” is mentioned?
D.) Those “sheepish” people Jesus talked about who are whisked away with a good feeling; compliant and faithful followers?
E.)  Those who “hook, line and sinker” the Church’s every word?
F.) Those who are a discriminating, thoughtful, discerning, sensitive, cultivated, aesthetic and introspective group of people?

When I get up there on a Sunday to lead “the laity” in prayer,” I am thinking, hoping and looking at the “F” group.