In Canada Catholic Churches are only attended by old and older "Stubborn Catholics" like me and Hispanics and other immigrants; and happily, their young children. Otherwise, we only see kids, youths and young people at First Communions, Weddings and sometimes at Funerals. 
As a nine year old Would-Be-Altar-Boy, the elderly Pastor exhorted me to always speak the Latin responses loudly as I spoke on behalf of hundreds of Church-spectators! I did so with pride and loudness. Later on, then in my twenties when the spirit of Vatican II m, my wife-to-be and other like minded reenergized Catholics helped reawaken my faith, I vowed to be a Participant rather than a silent Spectator at Holy Mass and to always "Speak to my God for Myself " still loudly, fervently and vigorously. And learn an Sing the hymns in the same way rather than listen to an unseen Choir.
For a while, we Lay people were equal! Then, slowly, things reverted.
A Year of the Laity? ONE In 2000?  Another new beginning? I Hope!