Attitudes of the Laity Towards the Missionary Activity of the Catholic Church (Theoretical and Empirical Contexts)

Abstract

The role of the laity in the Catholic Church and their co-responsibility for its development was highlighted during the Second Vatican Council. One can distinguish many forms of involvement of the laity in the missionary activity of the Church. From those less absorbing, such as prayer, financial support, through membership in secular institutes, preaching catechesis, to volunteering or lay missionaries to mission countries In the article, after a brief review of the involvement of the laity in the missionary activities of the Church, the author presents the results of qualitative research - individual interviews conducted with people involved in the “adoption of the heart” for many years – that is paying for education of an African child The aim of the research was to examine the attitudes of Polish Catholics towards the missionary activity of the Church. The statements of the respondents indicate that Catholics involved in the life of the Church are aware of their co-responsibility for its development. They join the campaign because it is their duty as Christians to share with others what they possess, both faith and material goods.

Keywords

• attitude
• laity
• role of the laity
• the missionary activity of the church
• "adoption of the heart"