The role of the laity in evangelisation in Mpala Parish in light of Apostolicam Actuositatem

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the role of the Laity in evangelization in Mpala Parish in light of Apostolicam Actuositatem. The researcher’s target after the study was to bring awareness to the people of Mpala Parish of their role in the evangelization of the Parish and the Church at large. The researcher used both descriptive qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection. Qualitative information was obtained through key informants and conducting interviews. Quantitative data was obtained from respondents who after issuing them with questionnaires, answered and returned them to the researcher. The findings indicate that the Laity have not done much in fostering Evangelization in the Parish and thus an urgent need to re-awaken and re-energize them to take evangelization seriously. Therefore, for the growth of the participation of the Laity in the threefold mission of Christ and the Church as Priests, Prophets and Kings, there is need for proper catechesis for children, youth and adults, training of Laity, motivation from Church leaders, active involvement of the parents, empowering of the youth apostolate, and financial support to Laity among others. The researcher found out that the very best solution to curb the passiveness of the laity as regards their participation in the mission of the Church is their collaboration with each other and the clergy. Journeying together as one Church leads to effectiveness of Church work. There are some challenges faced by the Laity as they try to execute Church work and these include: unemployment, poverty, poor family background, inadequate knowledge about evangelization, lack of proper catechesis, clericalism, misleading social media, mushrooming sects among others. The possible solutions have been given priority to curb such challenges. Conclusively, the concept and meaning of evangelization should be made known to all the Laity of Mpala Parish. Modern means of evangelization like use of modern mass media for communication may be used as a means of fast evangelization. This will help all the Laity by virtue of their baptism to exercise fully their sharing in the three-fold ministry of Christ: priestly, prophetic and kingly office.