The Church has always relied on lay people to help support its foundations, ever since the time of the Apostles.
With more responsibilities being taken up by the Church in the formation and well-being of its parishioners, it has become increasingly important to rely on full-time personnel to back up the parish team. These people are in charge of the general administration of the parish, of preparing the various important activities in the calendar year of the parish for young and old, leaving the priests and religious free to cater to the more holistic needs of the parish community.