The Laity Commission is an important body within the Catholic Church that focuses on the formation, empowerment, and active involvement of lay faithful—the non-ordained members of the Church. Rooted in the belief that every baptized person shares in the mission of Christ, the Commission seeks to help laypeople live their vocation fully, both within the Church and in the wider world.
The Laity Commission plays a vital role in guiding, supporting, and coordinating lay participation in all areas of parish and community life. Its mission is to foster collaboration between the clergy and the laity, helping every member to recognize their gifts and use them for the good of the Church and society.
The Commission provides programs and opportunities to help laypeople grow in faith and understanding of the Church’s teachings. Through seminars, retreats, and formation sessions, members are encouraged to live their Christian calling in their families, workplaces, and communities, becoming true witnesses of the Gospel in daily life.
The Laity Commission promotes the active participation of lay members in various areas of Church life—such as parish councils, liturgical ministries, catechetical programs, and apostolic activities.
It also fosters a spirit of collaboration between clergy and laity, encouraging shared responsibility in pastoral planning, leadership, and decision-making.
Recognizing the family as the “domestic church,” the Commission supports initiatives that strengthen Christian family life, including marriage preparation, parenting formation, and family counseling.
Beyond the home, it also inspires laypeople to uphold Christian values in society through acts of charity, social justice, and human rights advocacy, promoting the Church’s mission of compassion and service.
The Laity Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church serves as a vital bridge between the Church hierarchy and the everyday faithful. It ensures that laypeople are not only participants in Church life but also missionaries in the world, living out their baptismal call through faith, service, and love.
The Commission oversees and coordinates the many lay movements, associations, and pious groups within the parish or diocese—such as the Vincent De Paul Society, Legion of Mary, Jesus Youth, and others.
It provides guidance, ensures these groups remain faithful to Church teachings and mission, and encourages unity and collaboration among them for the greater good of the coEngaging Laity in Public Life
The Laity Commission encourages Catholic laypeople to be active and responsible citizens, bringing Gospel values into public life. This includes involvement in politics, education, social service, media, and community leadership.
It offers ethical and spiritual formation to those serving in public roles, helping them to be witnesses of faith, integrity, and justice in society.
