Sigh... 

What is more problematic in my mind is this insecurity certain Catholics have with distinctions and office in the Church.   I have a healthy enough of a sense of self that I don't feel threatened by phrases like "Reduced to the lay state."  This is especially true since I explained what I meant by "Reduced to the lay state."  The phrase means the priest is relived of his priestly obligations.  

"Returned to the lay state" if you really want to split hairs is just as "offensive."  It implies that something is being lost--something which lay people do not have.

It is like parish bulletins that use the word "Associate Pastor" rather than "Assistant Pastor" or "Parochial Vicar" because the word "Associate" implies "equality" where as "Assistant" or "Parochial Vicar" does not necessarily have the same connotation.  It all amounts to the same thing though.  If you are the "Associate" you are not the pastor. That is what matters.