Church Must Move from Maintenance to Mission, Urges CCBI Deputy Secretary General

Goa, 12 November 2025: “The Church in India must move from maintenance mode to missionary mode,” urged Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), while inaugurating the Regional Deputy Secretaries Capacity Building Programme in Goa on Wednesday.

In his address, Rev. Dr. Alathara called on the Regional Deputy Secretaries to rekindle the missionary zeal that inspired the early Christian communities. “We are not called to preserve structures, but to proclaim the Good News with courage and compassion. The time has come to move from maintenance to mission, from comfort to commitment,” he said. He recalled that the CCBI launched its Pastoral Plan in 2024 precisely to help the Church in India embrace this renewed missionary vision.

The three-day programme aims to equip Regional Deputy Secretaries with pastoral leadership skills and tools for effective community transformation. The resource persons include Fr. Joe Xavier, S.J., Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Fr. Duming Gonsalves, and Mr. Vincent D’Silva, who are guiding the sessions through reflections, group work, and practical insights.

Participants described the opening day as deeply motivating and transformative. “This programme is helping us rediscover our missionary identity,” said Fr. Peter Charles, Regional Deputy Secretary of Bihar. “It challenges us to move beyond routine and serve with renewed faith and purpose,” added Fr. Francis, Regional Deputy Secretary of Tamil Nadu.

The programme will conclude on 14 November with a commitment session where participants will propose concrete action plans to make their diocesan ministries more missionary-oriented.

By Catholic Connect Reporter