New initiative

“Church on the Road”: With Tuk Tuk to the people

The initiators with their sky tuk-tuk.

(Bild: Karl Lenz)

New initiative of the Catholic churches: In south-eastern Styria, people are now being taken to the people by tuk tuk.

If the people don't come to church, the church comes to the people! This is the motto of the "Church on the road" project launched by the pastoral area team in south-eastern Styria. This involves riding a cargo tricycle, known as a "sky tuk-tuk", to public places such as marketplaces, schools or shopping centers.

Why? "Many people stay away from churches and their topics. But there is still a need for spiritual conversations or support," explains Maria Pieberl-Hatz from the pastoral care area. "People come with their worries, talk about health problems or grief after the loss of a loved one. No matter where we stop off with the tuk tuk, people are beating down our doors!" she says happily.

Pastor enthusiastic about new concept
Pastor Johannes Lang, who is always present at the stops, is also enthusiastic about the success of the tuk-tuk tours. "You realize that it's not absolutely necessary to live your faith in church, but everywhere. And: we also notice where the shoe pinches in terms of church policy and what we can do better."

The project is now so successful that it was fully financed by the innovation fund of the Graz-Seckau diocese. And the young people of Radkersburg are also involved: the Tuk Tuk was painted by a class from the local BORG. "We also want to take the Protestant church on tour soon," says Pieberl-Hatz.

Philipp Braunegger, "Steirerkrone"