The Family Commission of JHAAN Region (Jharkhand & Andamans) concluded a transformative two-day strategic pastoral planning conference at the Social Development Centre, Ranchi, establishing a comprehensive 10-year roadmap grounded in the profound theological question: "Where does God want our families to be in 2033?"
Organized by Fr. Louis Joseph, Regional Secretary of Family Commission-JHAAN, the July 23-24 gathering brought together 35 participants and distinguished resource persons. Fr. Arul Raj, National Executive Secretary of Family Commission from CCBI, articulated the fundamental vision for "healthy, happy, and holy families." Sr. Marilyn SMI, National Family Commission council member, enriched discussions with sharing of her extensive pastoral experience. Fr. Valerian Lobo, JHAAN-RBC Regional Deputy Secretary, masterfully connected insights with Jubilee 2025's "Pilgrims of Hope" theme, elucidated the nuanced pastoral plan for the region and helped the participants to devise a tentative pastoral plan for the dioceses. Most Reverend Julius Marandi, Bishop of Dumka and Chairman Bishop, offered the Eucharist, emphasizing the urgent need for pastoral care despite contemporary challenges.
The exuberant plan undoubtedly propelled the curious participants for following reasons: This strategic initiative transcends organizational planning, positioning the Church as faithful steward of divine intention for family life. The threefold vision—healthy, happy, holy—mirrors the Trinity's relational nature, suggesting families are called to reflect divine communion and serve as communities of hope for society.
The plan encompasses six critical mission areas revealing God's comprehensive vision: Marriage Preparation through remote, proximate, and immediate programs; Marriage Enrichment for functioning marriages; Relationship Counselling for troubled relationships; Better Parenting skills enhancement; Family Spirituality Enhancement through prayers and regular visits; and Vulnerable Family Care supporting elderly, single parents, broken families, and special needs members.
Concrete targets represent faithful responses to divine invitation:
- training 3 couples in 12 parishes across dioceses for post-marital accompaniment by March 2026;
- initiating parish-level family cell training in 5 parishes per diocese by December 2026;
- achieving systematic family visits covering 50% of families across all parishes in 8 dioceses by December 2027; and
- ensuring 30% of families receive better parenting training by December 2027.
Cultural relevance through developing Hindi materials by December 2026 and organizing multi-generational celebrations including Children's Day and Grandparents Day reflect God's desire for families honouring their context while transcending divisions.
By 2033, the plan envisions JHAAN Region families as living icons of trinitarian love, communities where healing and reconciliation are normal, spaces where children naturally encounter the sacred, networks eliminating family isolation, witnesses to enduring love, and schools of discipleship preparing future Church leaders.
The sophisticated multi-level implementation framework through synodal way —operating through regional, diocesan, and parish levels—mirrors the Church's hierarchical structure, ensuring coordinated effort across all ecclesial levels. Comprehensive monitoring mechanisms provide accountability while maintaining focus on spiritual transformation.
Participants resolved with "overwhelming joy and zealous determination," recognizing their participation in God's creative work. Their eagerness to share "the treasure hidden in clay jars" echoes St. Paul's understanding that ministry carries divine power through human vessels. This landmark achievement represents more than pastoral organization—it's a faithful response to divine invitation. The JHAAN Region's strategic plan ultimately answers not just "What can we do for families?" but "What does God desire to do through families for the world?" By 2033, these families will stand as testament that God's vision for human community—rooted in love, sustained by hope, and animated by divine grace—can transform both individual lives and society through the fundamental unit of human relationship: the family. The event was sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries International (HCFM International).
Prepared by Fr. Valerian Lobo
Dy. Sec. JHAAN-RBC (Jharkhand)
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP