ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Associations of the faithful

Associations of the faithful are groups of people who come together to practice their faith in a specific way. Imagine you are playing with your friends and you all like playing soccer. You could create a soccer club, where you come together to play soccer and have fun. Similarly, associations of the faithful are groups of people who come together because they share the same beliefs and want to worship, pray, or serve others in a specific way.

These associations can be connected to the Catholic Church, which is like a big family. The Catholic Church has many different types of associations, such as confraternities, religious orders, and lay movements. These associations follow certain rules and have a special connection to the Church, but they are still separate groups with their own goals and purposes.

For example, some associations may want to help the poor or spread the Gospel message in a specific way. They may organize events or service projects to achieve these goals. Other associations may focus on prayer or devotions, such as praying the rosary or doing Eucharistic adoration.

Overall, associations of the faithful are like groups of friends who come together to practice their faith in a way that is meaningful to them. They are an important part of the Catholic Church and can help people grow in their faith and serve others.