Belgaum Diocese Holds Seminar to Train PPC and PFC Members of Belgaum Deanery

Belagavi, March 21, 2025 – The Belgaum Diocesan Commission for Laity organised a seminar on March 16 at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ Training Institute, Camp, Belagavi, to train members of the newly formed Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) and Parish Finance Committees (PFCs) of the Belgaum Deanery. A total of 88 participants, including parish priests and religious sisters, attended the training programme which was presided over by Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum.

Mrs. Clara Fernandes, Secretary of the Commission for Laity, Diocese of Belgaum, welcomed Bishop Derek and the participants. In her opening address, she emphasised the vital role of an empowered laity in the Church’s mission. The first session of the seminar, led by Fr. Santhosh Jude, focused on "Collaboration in the Church". In his session, Fr. Santhosh stressed the ‘equality of dignity and the functional diversity’ of all the Christian faithful. He also outlined the various mechanisms of collaboration in the Church, from the universal level to the parish level.

The second session, presented by Mrs. Clara, provided an in-depth explanation of the PPC and PFC statutes, supplemented by insights from Bishop Derek. Following this, Mrs. Clara introduced the methods of “Spiritual Discernment” and “Conversation in the Spirit.” A live demonstration, facilitated by Bishop Derek and a group of nine members, showcased how these techniques could be used for parish discussions. The bishop and the nine members reflected on the question, “How can lay people cooperate in the pastoral ministry of the parish?” After applying the technique of “Conversation in the Spirit”, they identified key areas for involvement, including encouraging youth participation and outreach to lapsed Catholics.

After lunch, all the participants of the seminar applied these methods in parish-based group discussions. Guided by trained facilitators, they explored ways to enhance youth participation in the Church and strategies to reconnect with Catholics who have drifted away from their faith. Group secretaries later presented their conclusions, revealing a strong commitment to addressing these pastoral challenges.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Derek expressed gratitude to all the attendees for their enthusiastic participation. He encouraged them to apply the methods they learnt during the seminar not only in parish councils but also in family discussions. Feedback from attendees affirmed that the seminar provided not only information but also valuable training, equipping them with practical skills to contribute more effectively to their parishes.

By Catholic Connect Reporter