But we can't include the laity in discussions on the role of the laity because including the laity in discussions on the role of the laity is not on the list of roles of the laity.

It reminds me of the very great children's story by Arnold Lobel, "A List," in *Frog and Toad Together*. In fact, this would be an excellent Christmas present for someone you love who has not seen them yet: Lobel's four Frog and Toad books, *Grasshopper on the Road*, and, most strange, *Owl at Home.* These stories are made for adults as well as for kids and have more wise insights into everything important than much more pretentious literature. Trust me.