May 27, 2011 - Catechism 871-873

I think the whole division between the hierarchy of the Church and the laity is misunderstood by both those inside the Church and outside.  Those inside may take advantage of the hierarchy and have the feeling that it is only really important for the priest and bishops to learn and understand the faith.  The laity can just coast along and we don’t have any real responsibility.  That is not the teaching of the Church.  The laity have a responsibility to know the faith and be a light for the Church out in the world. 

On the other hand we have those that think organized religion is not something that is necessary.  We are all capable of finding out what Christ taught on our own.  The whole “not religion” fad stems from this understanding.  The Catholic Church sets out that we need both the hierarchy and structure as well as the participation of the laity for a strong Church.