Parish Council Officials Vow to Rejuvenate Pastoral Councils


BELLARY, DEC. 16, 2018: A two-day animation was held for Vice Presidents and Secretaries of Parish Pastoral Councils and Deanery Pastoral Councils of Bellary Diocese on Dec. 15-16, at St. Anthony Centre. 58 persons participated enthusiastically.

The office bearers of the newly constituted Parish Pastoral Councils, Deanery Pastoral Councils and Executive Committee members of the Catholic Association, Bellary, a ttended the session.

They deliberated on the following:
1. The role of the laity in the life of mission of the Church.
2. The effective functioning of the Parish and Deanery Pastoral Councils.
3. Promotion of leadership in civil society and public life.
4. Youth Ministry and helping unemployed youth
5. How to benefit from Government schemes for minorities and backward sections.

Bishop Henry D'Souza in his input urged lay leaders "to recognize that they are not second class citizens in the Church. They have a God-given mission in the Church for the transformation of the world. Promoting the Kingdom of God in the secular world is their specific mission." He urged the lay leaders to help the local Church to be "outward looking", fostering leadership at all levels, ensuring the best practices in administration and caring for youth, "who would be where we are today"! Diocesan Commissions' Coordinator Fr. Maxim Dias, Diocesan Laity Commission Chairman Fr. Leo Michael, Secretary Mr. Y. Joseph and the Catholic Association organized the programme.