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The book highlights the importance of a well-trained laity in various forms of pastoral care in the context of strengthening the local church. It examines strategies like forming of pastoral teams from basic ecclesial communities (BECs) to promote the laity's participation in church activities and effective pastoral ministry based on theoretical studies and experiences. It explores inputs to empower the laity with proper training. Emphasising the importance of recognising capable BEC leaders with skills, it examines the origin and growth of Vellore diocese, laity participatory structures in the diocese, nature and teachings of the church on BECs, their elements, their characteristics and impact of the BECs. It is also concerned with aspects linked to pastoral ministry like its historical development, parish as locus standi of the ministry, need for renewal in the system and way to form parish pastoral teams from BECs.