Theological Foundations new file

131 The Ecclesial Dimension formed by the religious. It was life itself that imposed this style of work, but now they could all be at peace and follow this path with confidence, serving the bishops wherever possible. 50 Serving the Church in such an important field requires special talents as well as preparation so that parishes can be efficiently organized and run. The author rejects a notion that education and intellectual capabili- ty are necessary only to write books or teach in schools. They are also very useful in parish work which cannot be done well by just anybody. A particular effort should be made not to neglect the rural parishes because a well organized parish life there will bear fruit for the entire area. A well organized parish may become an example, inspiration and support for other parishes. The lay brothers would be of great assistance in this case. 51 This is very important in the situation of a constant short- age of people to perform various works and tasks in the Church. Therefore, nothing should be spared in order to provide proper training and education of the brothers because all the costs and efforts will bear abundant fruit. But, in the training of the brothers the concern should be also to instruct them in matters of faith, to give them a solid foundation in spiritual life, to imbue themwith the apostolic spirit which would later enable them to enkindle the faith in the hearts of the people whom they meet. 52 Father Renovator sees a special field of work for the brothers full of apostolic zeal in the fight with all kinds of immorality and vice. They could visit poor workers in their shanties and basements. They could bring Christ into many places, some of which a priest cannot reach. They could distribute alms, instruct the poor, give them worthwhile books and encourage them to go to Church. Directed and supervised by priests, such brothers could really be a great help. 53 Apostolic zeal inspired the Renovator of the Marians with the idea to get lay people involved in the evangelization of society as well. Even before the contemporary Church worked out a theology of the laity, long before the decree on the apostolate of lay people, Apostolicam actuosi- tatem, was promulgated by the Second Vatican Council, he read the