Mangaluru: In a concerted effort to deepen and broaden the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for 2024-2026, the Diocese of Mangalore recently conducted a series of vicariate-level workshops across deaneries. These sessions engaged key representatives from all parishes, gathering over multiple dates with the goal of fostering a united approach to pastoral activities and mission in line with diocesan goals.
The training, directed under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, and Very Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo, Diocesan Coordinator of the Pastoral Plan, brought together diverse participants, including all priests from each deanery, superiors of religious communities, vice presidents, secretaries of parish pastoral councils, as well as commission coordinators and conveners from each parish.
The Bishop and Fr Faustine, themselves were the resource persons at all deaneries. Each session focused on ensuring that the new pastoral plan would be integrated not only at the parish and diocesan levels, as it was previously, but now also at the deanery level, further enhancing cohesion and collaboration across the diocese. The resources team, further strengthened by the participation of diocesan secretaries of various commissions, provided expert insight and guidance throughout the training.
The workshops commenced on October 9, 2024, with the first session held at the Vittal Deanery followed by other deaneries. The recent was held in the Permannur deanery on October 31, 2024 .Each workshop was designed to emphasize the operational aspects of the 21 commissions central to the Pastoral Plan, covering areas of faith formation, catechesis, social welfare, education, youth development and more. The comprehensive agenda aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to execute the pastoral mission more effectively within their communities.
Expressing his vision for this pastoral initiative, Bishop Saldanha said, "The revised Pastoral Plan, with its expanded scope, empowers our deaneries to engage actively in executing our mission. Together, we are building a church that is dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the faithful across every level."
This successful series of workshops highlights the Diocese of Mangalore's dedication to spiritual growth, community service, and the cohesive engagement of its clergy, religious, and laity, laying a strong foundation for the full implementation of the Pastoral Plan across all deaneries in the months to come.