23 October 2023
Sannidhi, Shimoga: "There is a great need for all the Diocesan Commission Directors along with deanery commission committee members to come together and to plan for the Year 2024. This has come true today as all of you representing different deaneries have come together." said Msgr Felix Joseph Noronha, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Meeting and Get-together of the Diocesan Commission Directors and the Deanery Commission committee members.
He appreciated the efforts of Most Rev Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga for arranging such event to focus on the vision and mission of the Diocese of Shimoga. A large gathering of lay faithful, priests and religious sisters representing different commissions participated in the preparation of Year Plan for 2024 for each Commission. Noted among the audience was the presence of Very Rev Fr Stany D'Souza, Dean of Carmel Deanery and Very Rev Fr George K A, which was very conspicuous.
The main resource person for the day was Fr Veeresh Moras who spoke elaborately on the synodal theme, "Participation " at all levels. The laity, priests and religious must come together to plan at the grassroot level by ensuring the participation of all. Thereafter Fr Duming Dias, Coordinator of Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, explained to the participants about hie to plan and essentials of planning. Further he delved on the Functioning of Commissions at the Parish, Deanery and Diocesan levels.
Then the the Diocesan Commission Directors along with the Deanery Commission Committee members went into groups to prepare action plan for their commission. The Commission Directors presented the Action Plan for 2024 to the Coordinator. The Coordinator informed the Commission Directors to refine what had been planned in the groups and then present the final draft of the Action Plan- 2024 during the Commission Directors' Meeting to be held on 17 November 2023 in Sannidhi.
Earlier the meeting began with a prayer led by Sr Therese Mascarehnas followed by a few lines of welcome bt the Coordinator to the dignitaries and participants. Fr Roshan Pinto thanked the Bishop, the Vicar General, the Deans, Commission Directors, priests and religious both men and women from deaneries and the lay collaborators. Fr Lawrence Dsouza compered for the events of the day. The meeting concluded with the Angelus by Sr Dorothy and prayer over meals by Fr George K A.
