# Laity ## Catechism of the Catholic Church The faithful who, having been incorporated into Christ through Baptism, are made part of the people of God, the Church. The laity participate in their own way in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly functions of Christ. Laity are distinguished from clergy (who have received [[holy-orders|Holy Orders]]) and those in consecrated life ([[1.2.3.9.p2a#^ccc-897|897]]).