Cleric Calls for Stronger Laity-Clergy Collaboration to Advance Church Mission

Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Marcel Chukwunonye

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

A Catholic priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Marcel Chukwunonye, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the clergy and the laity in the administration of parish affairs, both spiritually and temporally.
He described the laity as members of the Church who are not ordained and have not received the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Fr. Chukwunonye, who serves as the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Iba Pope, Awada, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, made the remarks while speaking with journalists during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Laity Week programme in his parish.
The cleric and scholar explained that the laity, also known as the lay faithful, constitute the overwhelming majority of the Church, while ordained priests account for only a small percentage of its membership.
“The lay faithful are indispensable to the life and mission of the Church,” he said. “They support the priest through their time, talents, resources, and commitment, helping to ensure the growth and progress of the parish community.”
According to him, although priests are entrusted with the administration and pastoral leadership of parishes, the active participation of the laity remains crucial to the effective functioning of the Church.
“Without the laity, the Church cannot function effectively. There is a continuous need for priests and lay faithful to work together harmoniously in managing the affairs of the parish, both spiritual and temporal,” he added.
Speaking on the significance of Laity Week, Fr. Chukwunonye described it as a special period set aside by the Church for the spiritual formation, education, and empowerment of the laity.
“Laity Week is a period designed by the Church to help the lay faithful grow in the knowledge of God and become more informed in matters affecting their spiritual and temporal lives. It provides an opportunity for deeper faith formation and personal development,” he said.
He noted that the programme also serves as a period of spiritual renewal, encouraging those whose faith may be waning to reconnect with the Church and become more active participants in its mission.
“It is a time when the Church reminds the faithful of the need to revive their spiritual lives. Those who may be backsliding in their faith are encouraged to return to active participation in the Church and deepen their relationship with God,” he stated.
The priest further explained that Laity Week is specifically designed to promote the spiritual growth and overall well-being of the lay faithful. He expressed satisfaction with the topics presented during this year’s programme, noting that they focused on the Church’s social teachings, social justice, and the critical role of the laity in supporting the mission of the Church.
Fr. Chukwunonye expressed optimism that the lessons learned during the programme would inspire parishioners to embrace evangelization with renewed zeal and commitment, while striving to live according to God’s will.
“I have a positive impression that after this Laity Week, more of my parishioners will become committed to living out their faith and working towards the ultimate goal of attaining heaven,” he said.
He also commended the quality of the resource persons who facilitated the sessions and praised the impressive turnout of parishioners throughout the programme.
“I was particularly impressed by the calibre of lecturers who handled the various topics and by the massive participation of parishioners,” he said.
“In fact, the organizers did an excellent job. They carefully selected knowledgeable resource persons who delivered enriching presentations capable of helping participants grow intellectually, spiritually, and in their understanding of the faith,” Fr. Chukwunonye added.