Lviv – The first stage of a summer school on lay leadership concluded in the western Ukrainian city of Novoyavorivsk (Lviv region) on 17 July 2004. The initiator of this school was the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The main objective of the school was to deepen the awareness of laypeople about Christian ministry according to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.

The summer school was set up under the auspices of the Fidel Goetz Foundation, which trains lay leaders and provides them with good knowledge of current social problems.The school teaches laypeople how to become leaders for better work in the church, how to establish cooperation between laypeople and lay groups in the church and to seek new, more efficient methods of lay activities in the church.

The school curriculum includes seminars on the current issues of today, a final conference presenting the results of local projects carried out, and planning for further activities.

Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, head of the UGCC, took part in the ceremony at which diplomas were awarded. The cardinal emphasized that laypeople are called and obliged to deal with general religious matters. “A layperson can serve God well in three ways: by diligently fulfilling daily professional and social duties; by being involved in various church organizations and establishments; by serving as a good example to neighbors on how to live according to the faith,” the cardinal said.

Cardinal Husar stressed the special mission of the laity in the improvement of the world, since they stay in much closer contact with the people with whom they work, travel or study; therefore, it makes their chances to be heard and to show other people the way to God much greater.