OFFICIAL II - Laity Sunday

Laity Sunday is being celebrated this year in our Archdiocese on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

I take this opportunity to greet and thank all our lay faithful in our parishes, who, through their presence in Cells, Associations, Small Christian Communities (SCCs), Parish Councils, and other ecclesial bodies, make a valuable contribution to parish life. Their involvement brings visibility, and demonstrates that our parishes are active, relevant, and vibrant.

The laity have participated in the pastoral concerns of the people, in communion with the priests and religious, faithfully living out their mission in the world; making a difference by their involvement. The laity are called to experience holiness in

the world, that is, to live out their faith in the family, in the parish community, in the workplace, and in society.

Reflecting on the insights of Pope Leo XIV, we are invited to recognise God's presence in the world - amidst wars, scandals, pain, and suffering. He encourages us to "let the faith walk through stones, puddles, and moments of joy."

A special issue of The Examiner dated June 28, 2025 will explain how the laity make a difference by their involvement. The Office for Lay Collaboration in Ministry (OLCM) has prepared guidelines for a meaningful celebration of Laity Sunday. That same evening (June 29), the Heads of Cells and Associations will be invited to Antonio Da Silva Hall, Dadar for a Rally at 4:30 p.m.

June 16, 2025

✠ John Rodrigues Archbishop of Bombay