oldenburg-l - Nachricht 2008-01 00222

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The following is a description of the Kolping Society as  published in the 
History of St Marien Church in Oythe, amt  Vechta.
 
In 1846, Adolph Kolping, the Curate of the Cathedral in  Cologne, founded a 
journeymen association in Cologne.  With papal blessing, the journeymen  
associations spread in Europe and the USA. His associations got the name  
"Kolpingfamilies"; they were something like alternative families for the  traveling 
journeymen.  Kolping died  1865 and was buried in the Minoriten Church in Cologne. 
His beatification was  done 1991.
 
The  organizations should be "Schools for life" for their members, about all 
of the  important areas of life. The Kolpingfamilie member sees himself as a 
Roman  Catholic, supporting the education and other facets of the  community. 
Primarily  after 1945, the Kolpingwerk developed to a worldwide social 
association, which  is represented in more than 50 nations of the world. There are 
380,000 members  in more than 4200 local communities. In Germany, 270,000 
members belong to 2800  Kolpingfamilies (1996).  As a rule,  the Kolpingfamilies 
cooperate closely with the local parishes. Women and men of  all age groups, of 
all professions and life situations are welcomed.     
In 1989,  the Oythe Kolpingfamilie could look back on their 40 years of 
existence; the  organization was established on March 17, 1949 when 31 young men 
joined the  Kolpingfamilie.  The first  Ecclesiastical Chairman was Minister 
Holzenkamp, who, today, is still remembered  in Oythe.  At that time, protocols  
were expressed to strengthen interest in religious, professional, social and  
political questions.  The sons of  Kolping also provided assistance with the 
renovations and construction.   
Since  December 6, 1971, women have been included in the Kolpingfamilie.   
At the end  of 1971, for health reasons, Minister Holzenkamp resigned his 
office as  Ecclesiastical Chairman. The new minister of Oythe, Josef Draude, then 
became  the Ecclesiastical Chairman.  The  number of the members increased 
until today there are 200 members.   
Today, the  Kolpingfamilie is organized into three age groups:   
-          Youth Kolping (14 to 18 years)  
-  Young adult (18 to 30 years)   
-          Adult (from 30years)  







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