"Criteria of Ecclesiality" for Lay Groups

[AMBusam]

Hello All.

I've been doing research on a group in my area. I have some reservations about their claims and I get mixed messages from their members when I ask them about their relationship with the Catholic Church. Many of it's members are Catholic, but it includes many other denominations as well. There are many ambiguities and have been misunderstandings in many of my discussions.
 I'm looking to see if there is any kind of authoritative approval or disapproval (or any indication that this group is seeking approval at least). To that end I've been reading the Apostolic Exhortation *Christifideles Laici* concerning the nature of lay groups. I read (#31 in the exhortation) that

“The Pontifical Council for the Laity has the task of preparing a list of those associations which have received the official approval of the Holy See, and, at the same time, of drawing up, together with the Pontifical Council for the Union of Christians, the basic conditions on which this approval might be given to ecumenical associations in which there is a majority of Catholics, and determining those cases in which such an approval is not possible.”

Is this list something that can be looked up? Is there someone I can contact about a lay groups standing?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Della]

I would think that any lay group operating in your diocese would be known by your diocese if they are approved, so I’d start there.

 

[AMBusam]

Haha! That should likely be the case, wouldn’t it? Sometimes the answers are right in front of you, aren’t they? Thanks!

I am still curious about this list though, so if anyone happens to know anything about it I’d be all ears.

 

[Della]

AMBusam:

Haha! That should likely be the case, wouldn’t it? Sometimes the answers are right in front of you, aren’t they? Thanks!

Yes, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

I am still curious about this list though, so if anyone happens to know anything about it I’d be all ears.

I tried going to the Vatican website and found a email address for questions: office@net.va. Here’s my inquiry. I’ll let you know what, if any answer I get.

Good day to you,

Is there, and/or can you direct me to, a list of approved ecclesiastic lay groups? Or should I apply to my diocese for this information?

Thank you for your time and attention.

God bless,

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