Catholic Action, alongside priests, deacons, and catechists, holds the status of an ecclesial office and has also been granted a “mandate” — a commission and authorization to participate in the Church’s communal apostolate. Members of Catholic Action are therefore lay collaborators officially assisting the Church hierarchy. The popes who conceived Catholic Action saw it as a tool for expanding the Kingdom of God and renewing humanity; hence, its motto should come as no surprise: To renew all things in Christ. Members of Catholic Action are called to work for God, the Church, and their homeland, permeating their surroundings with Gospel values. To fulfill our mission and the hopes placed in us as fully as possible, our activities span many areas — from culture and social issues to charitable, religious, and prayer activities. A special focus of our work is one of the most important communities for every Catholic — the parish.

Catholic Action in Poland is divided into three levels: the national institute, the diocesan institute, and parish branches — the basic units of activity, each led by a president elected by the branch members and placed under the pastoral care of a parish assistant. We are called to support the life and functioning of the parish and to cooperate with the parish priest as the representative of the Church hierarchy at the local parish level. In practice, our parish activities include, for example, charitable work, organizing cultural events (such as film screenings and excursions), promoting Christian culture, organizing pilgrimages, organizing prayers for the homeland, publishing the parish newsletter, and organizing signature drives for petitions important to the good of the Church and the homeland. In reality, however, the possibilities for action are virtually unlimited and adapted to the specific needs of each parish. Well-organized parish branches of Catholic Action allow parishioners to use their talents in the service of the Church and of other people. They revitalize parish life, provide the parish priest with more helping hands, and lessen the sense of isolation in his ministry. They also form people capable of apostolic work and active engagement, bring joy in building a living Church, and strengthen love for God and one’s homeland. For the members themselves, Catholic Action becomes a place where they meet people of strong values and build relationships with those who are earnestly committed to following Christ.