Lay Involvement in the Australian Catholic Church, 1924-2023.

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history and involvement of laypeople in the Australian Catholic Church from 1924 to 2023. It highlights the significant contributions of the laity in various aspects of church life, such as prayer, charity work, education, and finance. The article also discusses the changes and tensions that occurred after the Second Vatican Council, including the decline in religious vocations and the increasing role of laypeople in leadership positions. It addresses the conflicts within the church, particularly regarding issues like contraception and the role of women, as well as the sexual abuse crisis. The article concludes by emphasizing the ongoing importance of laypeople in the future of the Australian Catholic Church. [Extracted from the article]