In his Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Pope Paul the VI speaks of the "pressing and unmistakable work being done by the Holy Spirit in making the laity ever more conscious of their own responsibility and encouraging them to serve Christ and the Church in all circumstances." In the four decades since the promulgation of this decree, the role of the laity has grown in various ways and has become an integral part of the ministry of the Church. The apostolic activity of the people of God focuses on spreading the Reign of God. Lay ecclesial ministers have taken their rightful place as "co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord." Like the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, persons who are not "religious members of Community within the Church" are now sharing their thoughts about life and its meaning and systematizing parallel activities to empower the Word becoming flesh in our society today. The Spirit of God, in our time, has expanded the various gifts previously lived by Religious Congregations, by calling lay women and men to become Associates of these congregations, to better live the principals of Incarnation in everyday, practical ways, touching life's meaning and moving it to a deeper wholeness. As individuals, we embody Christ when we do all as He did, for the glory of the God. God calls! We respond! Today's church can scarcely exist and function without the activity of the Laity.

As Associates of the Incarnate Word, our purpose is to spread the reign of Christ throughout the earth, for the glory of God, and so that the Word may continue to become flesh in us. This is a practical awareness that we as Associates take very seriously. We openly bear witness to Christ and promote the salvation of all people by our way of life, in the midst of the world and its concerns, with the zeal of the Spirit. Whether eating or drinking, waking or sleeping, working or resting, everything we do is for the glory of God and the spreading of Incarnate love. We, the Laity, are called by God to exercise our apostolate in the world, like leaven, with the spirit of Christ, who is God's Presence made visible. We, Associates of Jeanne Chézard de Matel, are called to radiate joy and to give evidence of our happiness in the service of the Incarnate Word and the Church. Sent forth in the confidence of the Gospel, the Incarnate Word assures us, "Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, even to the end of time" (Matthew 28, 20).

We cannot succeed without complete union with Christ. We remain faithful to our Baptismal call in a special way by choosing to seek a deeper intimacy with our Incarnate Word. Regular monthly meetings provide us with opportunities for spirituality, self-improvement, sharing, service, solace, support, sustenance, meaning, and strength for the journey. The Spirit speaks to us, affirms us, and leads us to be extensions of the Incarnate Word, bringing God's presence into our daily lives, furthering the Gospel message of love, justice, mercy and peace.

Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. You who abide in Me, and I in you, will produce fruit abundantly, for apart from me you can do nothing." As Associates, we know and believe that, without the Person of Christ as central to our lives, we can do nothing.

We respond to this work by praising God, through Jesus, in union with the Holy Spirit, by living the Gospel of love in just about every possible ministry available within the Church. We have members participating in liturgical ministries throughout the Diocese of Cleveland in parishes, in nursing homes, and for the homebound. We are Eucharistic Ministers, readers, greeters, musicians, singers, and interpreters for the deaf. We can be found serving on RCIA teams, presiding at Communion Services, participating in funeral services, at Parish Council meetings, serving on the Spiritual Life Commissions, wellness teams, clown ministry, and bereavement ministry. We serve at hunger centers, soup kitchens, hospices, and Catholic Charities Drives. We welcome "newcomers" to the United States, teach, volunteer, tutor, sponsor children from foreign countries, help struggling moms, teens, married couples, primary caregivers of terminally ill persons, mentally challenged individuals, and those serving our country in the Armed Services. We lead Scripture/Bible Study groups, faith sharing groups, prayer and mediation groups, and family support groups.

Wherever we are, the charism and spirituality of Jeanne Chézard De Matel and the Order of the Incarnate Word supports us in our response. Individual and communal prayer is a priority. Our forms of service are many, and in them, "the Word became flesh and dwells among us."