The 39th Plenary Assembly of the National Catholic Laity Congress (NCLC) has ended at Bibiani in the Wiawso Diocese with a call on the lay faithful to regularly receive the Eucharist (Holy Communion) which is the source and summit of the Church.
Most Rev. Joseph Francis Essien, Bishop of Wiawso, who made the call during Mass at the St. Theresa Catholic Church to conclude the Assembly, said it was in the Most Holy Eucharist that Christ the Lord Himself is contained, offered, and received and by which the Church continually lives and grows.
He urged the Laity to hold the Most Holy Eucharist in high esteem, take an active part in the celebration of the most august sacrifice, receive it devoutly and frequently, and worship it with the highest adoration.
The Mass was concelebrated by Most Revs. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji and Emmanuel Fianu, Episcopal Chairmen of the NCLC and Very Rev. Fr. Michael Awuah Ansah, National Chaplain of the NCLC.
The four-day Congress from March 30 to April 2, was on the theme: Do This in Memory of Me: The Eucharist as the Foundation for the Participation of the Laity in the Pastoral Care Ministry of the Church.
Bishop Essien lamented that in some Parishes, only fifty percent of the Congregation receive Communion, a situation according to Him, the Laity must look at so as to address all barriers.
He urged all communicants to let their lives reflect the Eucharist they receive during Mass, cautioning them not to scandalise people with their attitude because Christ hated gossip, cheating and untruthfulness.
Fraternal messages were received from the Wiawso Diocesan Priests’ Association, Political and Traditional leaders.
Launching the Study Programme, Rev. Fr. Dr. Simon Kofi Appiah, a Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and Co-Author of the 2017 Laity Week Study Programme (Booklet), advised the delegates to ensure that those who would launch the programme at the Diocesan and Parish levels were well prepared for good presentation and understanding.
He said a well prepared launch would usually bring encouragement to the people, calling on Catholics to allow themselves to be formed and to make the efforts to read and learn about the teachings and positions of the Church on doctrinal and social issues.
He entreated the lay faithful in Ghana to participate fully in Laity Week programmes to enhance their faith, lamenting that many Catholics fail to attend such programmes.
The delegates among other things discussed the Report by National Chairman, accounts for the year ended December 31, 2016, and reports from the Diocesan Laity Councils, National Associations, Societies and Councils.
The Annual Laity Week celebrations are to start in Parishes and Outstations throughout the country by June and Diocesan Laity Councils were encouraged to ensure that every Parish and Outstation celebrate the Week.
The 40th Plenary Assembly in 2018 will be hosted by the Kumasi Province at Obuasi.
