The National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC) officially launched its 47th Annual Plenary Assembly and the 2026 Laity Week Study Programme on Friday at the Pastoral Centre in Apowa, Takoradi, urging lay faithful to move beyond passive membership and embrace their role as active agents of transformation in both the Church and Ghanaian society.
The event, which brought together bishops, clergy, consecrated persons, traditional leaders, and lay faithful from across the country, centred on this year’s theme: “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana.”
Launching the study programme, the NCLC leadership emphasised that the annual celebration represents more than tradition, and it is also an opportunity for renewal and rediscovery of the layperson’s mission as baptised children of God.
“This moment is a significant one for the entire Catholic faithful in Ghana, for the Laity Week is not just an annual celebration—it is an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and rediscovery of our mission as the baptized children of God,” the address delivered at the launch stated.
The five-day study programme, running from Monday to Friday during Laity Week, will explore topics ranging from understanding synodality to the practical application of Catholic Social Teaching in Ghana’s current socio-political context.
Monday’s opening session, “Understanding Synodality: Journeying Together as One Church,” will examine how synodality belongs not only to bishops but to all baptized members. Tuesday’s focus is on “Justice and Peace in the Light of Catholic Social Teaching,” which will frame these concepts as practical obligations rather than abstract ideals.
Wednesday’s discussion, “The Role of the Laity in Building a Just and Peaceful Ghana,” challenges lay Catholics to live their faith publicly and professionally. Thursday’s theme, “Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Nation-Building: The Church’s Mission in a Diverse Society,” addresses healing divisions through forgiveness and collaboration with other faiths. The week concludes on Friday with “Leadership and Accountability in a Synodal Church,” encouraging servant leadership and transparency at all levels.
The launch address stressed that the laity’s mission extends far beyond church walls, particularly at a time Ghana faces economic hardship, social tensions, political polarization, and moral challenges.
“Our mission extends to the places where we live, work, and lead to our homes, schools, workplaces, communities, and the entire nation,” the address continued. “These reflections challenge us to move beyond passive membership into active discipleship. They remind us that being Catholic is not only about attending Mass, but it is about living the Gospel daily and witnessing to Christ in every setting of life.”
As part of the launch, every layperson was invited to engage in personal reflection, asking themselves how they can make their parishes more welcoming communities, promote justice in their workplaces, contribute to national unity, and use their God-given gifts to serve both Church and country.
“The Church believes in the laity. Our bishops continue to remind us that we are co-responsible for the mission of the Church,” the address concluded. “This means that the future of the Church in Ghana depends not only on clergy and religious, but even more on laymen and women who allow their faith to shape their actions.”
BY: Vanessa Yeboah//Newswatchgh.com
