Jean-Jacques Olier - Parish Work

Parish Work

To achieve this goal, the parish was divided into eight districts, each under the charge of a priest and his associates, whose duty it was to know individually all the souls under their care, both their spiritual and corporal needs. Of special attention were the poor, the uninstructed, the vicious, and those bound in irregular marital unions. Thirteen catechetical centres were established, for the instruction not only of children but of many adults who were almost equally ignorant of the Catholic faith. Special instructions were provided for every class of persons, for the beggars, the poor, domestic servants, midwives, workingmen, the aged, etc.

Instructions and debates on Catholic doctrine were organized for the benefit of Calvinists, hundreds of whom were converted. A vigorous campaign was waged against immoral and heretical literature and obscene pictures. Pamphlets, holy pictures and prayer books were distributed to those who could or would not come to church, and a bookstore was opened at the parish church to supply good literature.