Theological Background:

The Church which is instituted by Jesus Christ is an Assembly of the People of God. The Church is both Spiritual and Institutional, both visible and invisible. In his public ministry, Jesus has chosen his disciples and his collaborators. Among them were both men and women of all walks of life. Jesus associated himself with the ordinary people who were of low profile. Along the history of the Church, many lay associations were created to promote the nature of the Church which is all inclusive and participative. The role of laity was highlighted in the documents of Vatican II ( LG ).

Commission functioning in the diocese:

This diocesan commission for laity was systematically formed in the first diocesan Synod of Pathein in 1997. However the lay movement like St. Vincent De Paul, Legion of Mary were active and functioning even before the first Synod was conducted. Today the diocese is functioning the support of the laity in the works of the evangelization. Beside St. Vincent De Paul and Legion of Mary, there are also Family Apostolate, Women Association, Men Association, Former Seminarian Association, Youth and Children Association.

Focus Areas:

●      Family Apostolate

●      St. Vincent De Paul

●      Legion of Mary

●      Women Association

●      Men Association ( Catholic Action)

●      Former Seminarians Association

●      Youth and Children

Objectives:

●      To develop a deeper awareness and understanding on the challenges to today’s families by finding out ways and means of preventing  dangers through the programs for faith formation of family members especially the youth and children

●      To develop a system of collecting the statistics of broken/ separated families and finding ways and means to help them

●      To assure the identification of the biggest challenge to the youth and adults and the setting up of a solid marriage preparation program

●      To have education and livelihood/vocational training program for the youths