Commission on China discussing formation of laity

(April 23, 2012) The commission that Pope Benedict XVI established in 2007 to study issues regarding the Church in China began a 3-day meeting in the Vatican on Monday, focussing on the laity. The Holy See’s Press Office said that from April 23 to 25, the commission will study issues related to the formation of the laity in the life of the Catholic Church in China. The Commission is composed of the Superiors of those Dicasteries of the Roman Curia competent in the area as well as some representatives of the Chinese episcopate and religious congregations. Previous meetings focused on the theme of the formation of seminarians, priests and consecrated persons. This year, the formation of the lay faithful is being considered in the light of the situation of the Catholic community in China and in the framework of the "Year of Faith," which will be celebrated throughout the world from 11 October 2012 to 24 November 2013. Special attention will be paid to the progress made in formation programmes for priests, seminarians and consecrated persons, and what remains to be done for their adequate preparation for the forms of service which they are called to perform within the Church and for the good of society.