HONG KONG (SE): Central Council of Catholic Laity of the diocese considers the restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic an opportunity to organise online activities to reach out to a greater audience.
While addressing the online annual general meeting of the Council, Father Joseph Liu Ah-lun, the spiritual director of the council, pointed out, “Although the actual gatherings are suspended, we have organised more online gatherings which enables us to see unlimited opportunities behind the present trial.”
In response to the diocesan plan for parish renewal over the coming three years, the council is preparing to launch a series of online talks for the comprehensive formation of parish leaders on the important elements of parish life, including the Word of God, leadership skills, worship, community spirit, community services, stewardship and evangelisation methods.
Father Liu invited the laity to promote parish renewal with the joy of the gospel. He said the council would keep looking for new ways to evangelise and share different innovative ideas from parishes.
Sam So Kwok-wai, president of the council, said the pandemic had created a new Church life as people can no longer join Masses and there is a need for more online formation activities.
“While the laity have become used to watching the online talks any time, organisers of formation activities need to think about how to address this situation after the pandemic,” he said.
He said one advantage of online activities is that they can reach more people but at the same time, events organisers need to remember that they are conducted not only for a number of participants, but also for the general public.
Another issue discussed at the meeting is the reduced number of applications for evangelisation funds, which is due to the suspension of Church activities. In the past year, the council’s meetings with parish councils and pious associations were also held online.
