ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - The laity is of increasing importance in the pastoral life of the Church, study from the Archdiocese of Seoul shows

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Catholic lay men and women are working hard and are becoming increasingly more active in pastoral activities of the Church. This is what was found in a study done by the Archdiocese of Seoul and published by the local Church.
The “Study on the Pastoral Activity of Parishes in Seoul” offers a panoramic view and study on the various ecclesial realities from 2005-2007, considering the specific areas of pastoral: catechumenate, evangelical formation, Biblical apostolate, missionary work, liturgy, pastoral-social activity, and activities concerning justice, peace, protecting the environment, formation of the various ministers, and “minor orders.”
In almost all these areas, the Study says, there is a continual growth in lay involvement, mainly in the “missionary work” section and in “pastoral-social activity.”
The Catholic laity are playing a more central role in the Church and this is a great cause for joy in the local Church, as Seoul's Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung has noted. The Bishop mentioned that the laity are essential in the mission of the Church, praising the Church in Korea's annual celebration since 1986 of the “Day of the Laity.” The event is a way of spreading awareness among the Christian community and awakening the spirit of the laity to bear witness in their social responsibilities and in evangelization.
Also noteworthy is the effort made in the formation of the laity: in 2007, Seoul began the new “School for Catholic Lay Formation,” with courses on current issues, theology, social doctrine, and catechesis. The various pastoral programs of the laity in Seoul, mainly geared towards the family, are also well-attended. Thanks to these activities, the laity are today major players in the Church in Korea. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2009)