The Accra Archdiocesan Catholic Laity Council (AACLC), under the auspices of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, held its 2025 Plenary Assembly on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Odorkor-Tipper.
The assembly, held under the theme “Strengthening Lay Apostolate for the Renewal of the Catholic Church,” brought together priest representatives from the Kaneshie, Kpehe, Osu, Mamprobi, Madina, Ashiaman, Tema, and Battor-Ada Deaneries, as well as representatives from the Youth Council, Women’s Council, and guests.
The annual plenary assembly serves as the highest governing and deliberative forum for the laity within the Archdiocese of Accra. It provides an opportunity for lay leaders to review past activities, deliberate on issues affecting the Church and society, and plan future programs in line with the National Catholic Laity Council’s annual study themes.
The gathering also offers a platform for the various constituent bodies and recognized lay organizations to present reports, share feedback, and ensure transparency and alignment with the council’s vision. Activities during the assembly typically include spiritual reflection and Holy Mass, aimed at renewing and equipping the laity for effective apostolate.
In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Accra Archdiocesan Catholic Laity Council, Mr. John K.K.D. Mensah welcomed participants and emphasized that evangelization is a shared responsibility between the clergy and the lay faithful.
He observed that many lay Catholics are not fully living out their mandate and stressed the need for proper formation.
“We need to know who we are as lay faithful, and when we know who we are, that is when we will understand how to carry out our responsibilities,” he stated.
Mr. Mensah highlighted the implementation of Bible-sharing sessions in various parishes as one of the council’s key achievements. He encouraged, especially retirees, to undertake Bible and formation courses to support future leadership in the Church.
A message from the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, was read on his behalf by Monsignor Theodore Quaye Quarshie. The Archbishop extended his warm greetings to delegates and urged them to make decisions that would contribute to the growth and mission of the Church.
Delivering the main address, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Obodai Torgbor, Chaplain of the Mamprobi Deanery Laity Council, reminded participants that renewal of the Church requires the active and Spirit-filled participation of every baptized Catholic.
“The laity are not spectators. They are sharers in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission of Christ,” he declared, citing Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium 31.
Fr. Torgbor called on parishes to establish mentorship structures, provide leadership training, and integrate young people into decision-making processes. He also stressed the need for lay associations such as the Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO), Legion of Mary, and Catholic Charismatic Renewal to actively recruit, train, and support their members.
“The future of the Church is not tomorrow, it is today. When young Catholics discover their charisms and use them, the whole Church comes alive,” he said.
The Accra Archdiocesan Catholic Laity Council is the umbrella body representing the lay faithful within the Archdiocese of Accra. It coordinates the activities of parish and deanery lay groups, supports evangelization, promotes ongoing formation, and represents the laity in the socio-spiritual development of the Church.
Through initiatives such as business development seminars, leadership orientations, networking platforms, and collaborative projects with youth and women’s councils, the AACLC continues to empower lay Catholics to actively participate in the mission of the Church and society.
By Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatchgh.com
