Buxar Holds Three-Day Workshop to Draft Diocesan Perspective Plan

Buxar, Bihar, November 15, 2025: A three-day Strategic Planning Workshop was held in Buxar diocese from 13 to 15 November 2025 at Sewadham, Buxar, as part of its preparation for the Diocesan Perspective Plan 2026–2031. With the Diocese approaching its Silver Jubilee in 2031, the plan aims to guide the Church towards deeper communion, participation and mission, rooted in a participatory pastoral vision.

The workshop was animated by Fr. Prakash Louis SJ, a Patna Jesuit known for his work as a research scholar, spiritual animator and social activist. The Faith Formation Commission, led by its Secretary, Fr. Anil Benet Cruz, organised the programme with the encouragement of Bishop James and the support of the Christian Life team. A total of 106 participants took part, including priests, sisters, catechists, lay men and women, and youth representatives.

With the goal of shaping a SMART strategic plan through active participation and shared responsibility, the workshop opened on 13 November with Eucharistic adoration, entrusting the process to God. Participants then began discussions on key pastoral and social ministries. The methodology included expert inputs, group discussions, spiritual conversations and collective reflections.

Eight priority areas were identified for deliberation: pastoral ministry, social apostolate, health care ministry, youth ministry, family ministry, ecology, migration, and the formation of laity, religious and priests. The three-day exercise combined spiritual depth with structured planning, supported by daily Eucharistic celebrations and prayers.

Specialised inputs were offered by resource persons with field experience: Fr. Rajesh from the Diocese of Gorakhpur on pastoral ministry; Sr. Sindhya CJ on ecology; Fr. Manoj on the social apostolate; Fr. Susai on youth ministry; and Fr. Prakash Louis on migration.

Participants displayed strong enthusiasm throughout the workshop. Group sharing and common-session responses remained focused and constructive. In his concluding address, Bishop James Shekhar expressed gratitude to all participants and organisers, noting that the evident zeal for mission reflected the movement of the Holy Spirit.

A five-member drafting committee was appointed to prepare the final Perspective Plan. The team includes Fr. Anil Benet Cruz, Fr. Dominic Amalan, Fr. Manoj Kumar, Sr. Cynthia and Sr. Suprabha. The workshop also included reflections linked to the upcoming Silver Jubilee of the Diocese.

Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders for their commitment, appreciation to the organising team led by Fr. Anil Benet Cruz, and gratitude to the Sewadham community for their hospitality and support.

By Fr. Anil Benet Cruz

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