In the year of his Silver Jubilee, Bishop Gerald Barnes is being honored nationally for one of the hallmarks of his Episcopacy – lay formation.

On June 2, Bishop Barnes will receive the Gaudium et Spes Award from the National Association for Lay Ministry. This honor is given to one who promotes understanding of the Church in the world within the context of the Second Vatican Council. It is named for one of the four pastoral constitutions that emerged from Vatican II, addressing the relationship between the Church and society. Promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965, it called for greater involvement of the laity in the carrying out of Church ministry.

The Diocese of San Bernardino has built a national reputation for lay formation, largely through the flagship Ministry Formation Institute.

Full story at Inland Catholic Byte.