The 21st Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, which will be held in Rome between November 24-28, will be devoted to reflection on the parish in the modern world.

After brief remarks by council president, Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, on the assembly’s theme, "Discover once again the true face of the Parish," the under-secretary, Professor Guzman Carriquiry will speak about "The present day situation of the laity: crucial questions."

Scheduled topics include: "The parish in a changing world: the great social, cultural and religious challenges"; "The institutional parish: a pastoral, juridical and historic perspective"; "Building up the community parish together: councils, ministers, services and other forms of collaboration and involvement for lay people."