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How you can help » The formation of the laity in southwest China

Lay pastoral workers are of great importance in supporting the work of the priests, especially in a country like China, which has far too few priests in proportion to the number of Catholic faithful. In one diocese in the southwest of China, the laity are particularly active and by their involvement help to keep the parishes running. Their training operates on three levels. One is addressed at the leaders of basic communities, another at catechists and the third at individuals who will take care of the finances of the diocese. In a range of courses, the future catechists learn everything they need about liturgy, prayer and pastoral work.

"Our diocese is a dynamic one, which is undertaking a number of initiatives; on the one hand in order to deepen the religious life and knowledge of the Catholic laity, and on the other to reach out to those outside our community and hel

Lay pastoral workers are of great importance in supporting the work of the priests, especially in a country like China, which has far too few priests in proportion to the number of Catholic faithful. In one diocese in the southwest of China, the laity are particularly active and by their involvement help to keep the parishes running. Their training operates on three levels. One is addressed at the leaders of basic communities, another at catechists and the third at individuals who will take care of the finances of the diocese. In a range of courses, the future catechists learn everything they need about liturgy, prayer and pastoral work.

"Our diocese is a dynamic one, which is undertaking a number of initiatives; on the one hand in order to deepen the religious life and knowledge of the Catholic laity, and on the other to reach out to those outside our community and help in society generally. We are a diocese with many active laity, and I am hoping that, through the generosity of the benefactors of ACN, we can do still more to advance them." So runs one letter to ACN.

The diocese has requested our support for the formation of its laity. Once again, our benefactors came generously to our aid, and we were able to help with €6,000, so that the priests, religious and laity – the modern agents of evangelisation – can receive a solid training.

p in society generally. We are a diocese with many active laity, and I am hoping that, through the generosity of the benefactors of ACN, we can do still more to advance them." So runs one letter to ACN.

The diocese has requested our support for the formation of its laity. Once again, our benefactors came generously to our aid, and we were able to help with €6,000, so that the priests, religious and laity – the modern agents of evangelisation – can receive a solid training.