KARWAR – In a significant move to localize the global call for a more collaborative Church, the Diocese of Karwar hosted a transformative training intensive on April 26, 2026. The program, centered on the theme “The Synodal Way: Empowering Parish-Level Lay Coordinators for the Faith Formation Ministry,” marked a decisive step in bringing the Diocesan Pastoral Plan to life at the grassroots level.
The initiative was spearheaded by Most Rev. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, whose pastoral vision emphasizes the active role of the laity in the Church's mission. Organized by Fr. Cyprian D'Silva, Secretary of the Commission for Faith Formation, the event served as a bridge between high-level diocesan goals and practical parish ministry.
The day featured Fr. Vijay Machado, the CCBI Executive Secretary for the Commission for Faith Formation, as the primary resource person. Fr. Machado’s sessions provided the 12 attending Parish Coordinators with a blend of deep theological understanding and "on-the-ground" practical frameworks, ensuring they returned to their communities not just with knowledge, but with a clear sense of purpose.
The five-hour program was designed to be highly interactive, moving beyond theory into real-world application.
"We aren't just walking alongside each other; we are building the future of our faith together," noted the organizers, echoing the Synodal spirit of the day.
Key highlights of the session included:
The program concluded with a landmark achievement: the creation of a unified action plan by the coordinators. This roadmap is meticulously aligned with the broader Diocesan Pastoral Plan, ensuring that every parish in the Karwar Diocese moves in harmony.
By empowering these 12 lay leaders, the Diocese of Karwar has ensured that the Faith Formation Ministry will be more structured, inclusive, and spiritually vibrant, truly embodying the essence of a Church that walks together.
Report by Fr Vijay Machado
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