Diocese of Jamshedpur Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Collaboration in Mission

Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, April 3, 2025 – The Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur organised a two-day workshop titled "Collaboration between the Diocesan Personnel and Religious Men and Women for a Fruitful Mission" on March 31 and April 1, 2025. The event, held to enhance unity and mission effectiveness, brought together over 230 participants, including clergy, religious men and women, and the diocesan leadership. The workshop aimed to foster collaboration among Church members by emphasising the theological significance of working together, addressing challenges, and learning strategies for aligning diverse charisms and ministries to foster authentic collaboration for a more impactful ministry.

The programme commenced with a prayer service, setting a reflective tone for the sessions. Bishop Telesphore Bilung, SVD, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of unity and shared purpose in achieving the Church’s mission. His address served as a call to action for collaborative ministry rooted in Gospel values.

Bishop Elias Frank of the Diocese of Asansol, the key resource person for the workshop, was welcomed with traditional honours, including a shawl and a statue of “Khuntpani Mata”. In his insightful sessions, he explored:

The urgency and the theological significance of collaboration in advancing the Church's mission.

Challenges that hinder effective collaboration between diocesan and religious communities.

Canonical insights into the complementary roles of bishops and religious congregations.

Practical strategies for aligning diverse charisms and ministries to foster authentic collaboration.

The sessions were firmly rooted in strong theological and doctrinal foundations. Biblical reflections, particularly from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, underscored the unity of the Body of Christ, the critical role of each member in the mission, and the importance of them remaining connected to Christ for fruitful ministry. Participants also studied Church documents such as “Christus Dominus”, which outlines the pastoral role of bishops in promoting unity and effective ministry.

A plenary session facilitated open dialogue on key challenges in collaborative ministry. One critical issue raised was the inconsistency in adhering to liturgical norms due to ignorance and varying regional practices, often justified under the pretext of creativity. This discussion reaffirmed that liturgical unity and fidelity to Gospel values must remain at the heart of collaborative efforts. Participants were encouraged to deepen their understanding of Church teachings and liturgical traditions to ensure alignment with the Diocese’s mission.

The plenary also underscored the need to integrate individual charisms into the larger framework of the Church’s mission. Each charism, as a unique gift or ministry, was recognised as essential for carrying forward the mission with authenticity and coherence.

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to strengthening collaboration in ministry. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, recognising that a mission-centred approach is essential for effective service. Through the event, the attendees gained valuable insights and got a clear vision for enhancing harmony and cooperation within the diocese.

By prioritising collaborative efforts and leveraging the unique contributions of each member, the Diocese of Jamshedpur is poised to build a more unified and impactful ministry.

By Fr. Valerian Lobo,

Director of Pastoral Work,

Diocese of Jamshedpur