Sacred Heart Cathedral, 5 Dec 2022
Shimoga: The Cathedral, as part of the second stage at the parish level, held the Training on the Preparation of the Parish Pastoral Plan for the year 2023 on 4 Dec 2022 in its premises. The PPC and PFC members, animators of 22 wards, office bearers of various associations were the participants. In all there were 50 participants. Fr Duming Dias Director of the Sannidhi, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, moderated the session.
The session began with an invocation to God followed by a few welcome words from the Parish Priest, Rev Stany Dsouza. Thereon, Fr Duming took over and explained to the participants about the role and responsibilities of the members present for the training.
He enlightened on the mission of Jesus who made use of simple people - apostles and disciples eho hailed from very low background - to extend God's Kingdom on earth and hence the participation of laity in the life of the church, the early Church and Vatican II. He made them understand that they are the CHURCH and therefore they need to actively participate in church's activity and thus they should plan for their church to take it from the present lower level to a better position.
After that, he delved on the focal issue of what a parish plan is and what needs to be done, taking into consideration the present situation of the Parish. He also told them about the 22 Commissions and their objectives. Then they were formed into 8 Parish Commission Committees, by combining the Commissions.
In groups, they were asked to choose an objective, select a few activities keeping in mind the present situation of the parish and then, they were asked to select one activity from among many choices, that is of paramount importance. They were instructed to plan one activity for each commission. This exercise was meticulously carried out.
At thr end, the plan for each commission was ready with able and active participation of the Parish Priest Fr Stany Dsouza and Fr Shanthraj, the Asst Priest. The participants actively engaged themselves in the process. Fr Shanthraj thanked all the members for their active participation and interest in the parish affairs.
