"This study aims to examine the pastoral situations of Wenzhou Diocese, to evaluate the formation for laity in Wenzhou Diocese under pastoral communication perspective, to find its positive and critical signs, as well as to analyze the pastoral needs, which leads to integrate pastoral communication in lay formation. The survey result shows that “Xue Xi Ban” (Basic Ecclesial Community in Wenzhou context) helps laity in Wenzhou to know Catholic faith, to live as Christian, to have sense of belonging, and to exercise their vocation and mission. The lack of Catechists, the study content, need for community building, and missing structural support, are the critical signs of “Xue Xi Ban”, which indicates the pastoral needs for lay formation. These needs are categorized as the need of strengthening pastoral communication in ministry (Preaching, Catechesis, Liturgy, Biblical Apostolate, and Service), the need of formation for catechists, and the need of means of social communication. This study also finds out seven challenges for lay formation: the Atheistic approach, the political pressure, the threat of Materialism, the impact of migration, the family problem, the division among the Catholic Church, and lack witness of life. The pastoral needs and challenges demand an emphasis on pastoral communication. By using the “Wenzhou Model of development”, the research explores the possibilities of integrating pastoral communication in lay formation, which includes to make a five-year pastoral plan, to promote Basic Ecclesial Community, to use possible agents for lay formation, and to create possible programs for lay formation." (Abstract)

Thesis of Cardinal Foley Scholarship Fund (CFSF) beneficiary