Polish Speaking Pastoral Care in Germany Current Conditions and Initiatives

Abstract

The article characterises the most important current conditions of Polish speaking pastoral care in Germany. The social and cultural conditions include: the economic situation, legal system and social policy of the target country of emigration, the emigrant’s residence status and the nature of professional work. In terms of religious and ecclesiastical conditions, the pastoral structures of the German Church, the human resources of the Polish Catholic Mission and the elements of religiousness of Polish emigrants were indicated. In the interest of the development of religious life among the emigrants, traditional forms of pastoral care (Holy Mass, administering of  sacraments, pilgrimages) are maintained and new ones are introduced (theological and pastoral symposia, religious competitions, youth meetings, workshops and further education courses).