Diocesan Secretaries for Faith Formation from Karnataka Meet to Discuss Pastoral Plans for 2025

Bangalore, February 7, 2025: The Diocesan Secretaries for Faith Formation in Karnataka gathered on February 6, 2025, at Subodhana Regional Pastoral Center in Bangalore for a full-day meeting to review diocesan reports, address challenges, and strategize plans for the year 2025-26. Led by Regional Secretary Fr. Bonaventure Rodriguez and animated by the Executive Secretary to the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, Fr. Vijay Machado, the meeting saw participation from representatives of 12 out of the 14 dioceses in the state. During the meeting, Bishop Arokia Raj Satis Kumar, the newly appointed Chairman of the Commission for Faith Formation, was accorded a warm welcome and was felicitated on his appointment.

The meeting focused on key updates, including faith formation initiatives, pastoral planning, and activity-oriented engagement for different demographic groups. The CCBI commended the diocesan secretaries from Karnataka for the collaborative work done by them among the faithful from the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara rites. It also introduced new methodologies such as "Discerning Synodal Path" and "Spiritual Conversation Approach" to enhance faith formation across dioceses in the state.

In his address, Fr. Vijay Machado, the Executive Secretary to the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, underscored the necessity of structured reporting and a well-coordinated pastoral plan, urging diocesan secretaries to submit their respective plans by March 30.

Special attention was given to targeted engagement, with discussions on initiatives like Faith Formation Day, Grandparents Day, and YouCat Ministry to involve children, youth, adults, senior citizens, and marginalized communities.

In addition to this, the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation encouraged diocesan representatives to share reports of happenings in their respective dioceses on the Catholic Connect App to ensure wider coverage.

In his address, Bishop Arokia Raj Satis Kumar called on secretaries to modernize catechetical approaches, engage youth effectively, and provide clarity on significant Church teachings, including interfaith marriages and contraception. He emphasized strategic planning, lay involvement, and perseverance in faith formation efforts.

The meeting concluded with the gathering appreciating the leadership of Bishop Arokia Raj and a reaffirmation of commitment to strengthening catechesis in Karnataka. The Diocesan Secretaries for Faith Formation in Karnataka will be having their next meeting in Shimoga. The dates for the meeting will be announced later.

By Sr. Lydia,

Secretary,

Faith Formation Commission, KRCBC