Who were lay people?

In the medieval Catholic Church, lay people were members who were not part of the clergy. This included everyone from peasants to nobles. Laity were not ordained and could not perform certain sacraments, such as the Eucharist. However, they could still participate in church life, such as attending Mass and receiving communion.

Laity were expected to follow the teachings of the church, but they were also free to pursue their own interests and desires. This allowed for a great deal of diversity within the medieval church. Some lay people were very religious and devoted to their faith, while others were more secular and focused on their worldly affairs.

The role of lay people in society changed over time. In the early Middle Ages, they had little power or influence. However, as the Middle Ages progressed, lay people began to play a more active role in politics, culture, and the economy. By the end of the Middle Ages, lay people were essential to the functioning of medieval society.