Regional Laity Commission Calls for Greater Lay Co-responsibility in Church Mission

CHANDIGARH, August 10, 2026: Greater participation of the laity in the life and mission of the Catholic Church was the focus of a two-day formation programme organised by the Regional Laity Commission at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sector 19-A, Chandigarh, on August 8 and 9.

Around 23 participants from the Archdiocese of Delhi and the dioceses of Jammu-Srinagar, Jalandhar and Simla-Chandigarh attended the programme, held under the theme, “Laity: Co-workers in the Mission of the Church.”

The formation programme explored the baptismal identity, vocation and mission of lay faithful, with particular attention to their active participation and co-responsibility in the life and mission of the Church.

The programme opened with prayer, a Scripture reading from Ephesians 4:11-13 and the lighting of the lamp. Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas of Simla-Chandigarh, Chairman of the Regional Laity Commission, delivered the inaugural address, underlining the universal call to holiness and the threefold mission of every baptised Christian as priest, prophet and king. He urged the participants to take a more active role in the Church’s mission.

Reflecting on Christifideles Laici, Fr Anil Sequeira called for a renewed understanding of the baptismal identity and mission of the laity, while encouraging participants to remain attentive to the changes and challenges of contemporary society.

The formation also examined the concept of lay co-responsibility in the Church. Emmanuel Johnson highlighted the role of lay faithful as co-workers in the Church’s mission and encouraged them to participate actively in its life and apostolic work.

Jennifer Tigga focused on the vocation and place of the laity in the Church, encouraging greater lay involvement in building God’s Kingdom and bringing Gospel values into families, society and the wider world.

Interactive sessions, group discussions, action-plan presentations, personal sharing and evaluation were integrated into the programme. Participants also reflected on ways of linking lay formation with the Regional and Diocesan Pastoral Plans.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Arun Frederick and a renewed commitment among participants to holiness, co-responsibility, active lay participation and missionary engagement.

The formation programme reinforced the Church’s call for lay faithful to assume their baptismal responsibility and serve as active co-workers in the mission of Christ and the Church.

By Jenifer Tigga

Regional Secretary

Laity Commission