- 15 August, 2026
Ranchi, August 15, 2026: Vocation promoters and early-stage formators from the Bihar-Jharkhand region have been urged to move beyond recruitment-focused approaches and adopt a more pastoral, missionary and synodal model of accompanying young people in their vocational discernment.
The call came during a three-day National Zone Seminar-cum-Workshop organised by the CCBI VSCR Commission from August 12 to 14 at the Social Development Centre (SDC), Ranchi. The seminar, held under the theme “Strengthening Vocation Promotion through Pastoral Mission Orientation,” brought together 57 vocation promoters, formators, priests and religious.
The gathering focused on the changing realities facing young people and the need to renew vocation ministry in response to developments in Church and society.
Opening the seminar with a reflection on the call of Samuel, Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi Anand David Xalxo highlighted God’s initiative in every vocation and the importance of a willing human response. He encouraged vocation promoters to become joyful and attentive companions to young people seeking to discern God’s will.
Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, who is also Secretary General of the CCBI, delivered the keynote address on the Church’s synodal vision. He said vocation promotion was not the responsibility of a select group but a mission entrusted to the entire Church.
He called for vocation ministry rooted in listening, participation, communion and mission, urging promoters to accompany young people with compassion and discernment rather than viewing vocation promotion primarily as recruitment.
Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI VSCR Commission, examined the characteristics and challenges of Generation Z. He described young people as deeply immersed in the digital world while also being emotionally sensitive, spiritually searching and psychologically complex.
He urged vocation promoters to adopt patient and attentive accompaniment, cautioning against quick judgments and one-size-fits-all approaches to young people.
The seminar also addressed the need to reach marginalised and migrant communities. Fr. Jaison Vadassery presented a pastoral framework based on “Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate,” calling for greater inclusion of communities that can remain outside traditional pastoral structures.
Digital technology and innovative methods of vocation promotion also featured in the discussions. Fr. Valerian Lobo encouraged participants to explore appropriate digital tools to engage young people, while Fr. Charles Leon reiterated the principle, “God calls—we accompany,” emphasising that vocation promoters facilitate discernment rather than determine a young person’s vocation.
The final day focused on 12 policy concerns identified in the CCBI Mission 2033 Pastoral Plan as part of the process of developing National Guidelines for Vocation Promotion. Participants reflected on collaboration, mentoring, networking, communication, innovation and responsible practices in vocation ministry.
Concluding the seminar, Archbishop Aind urged participants to carry the renewed vision back to their dioceses and religious congregations. He emphasised authentic accompaniment, pastoral closeness, missionary outreach and trust in God’s initiative.
The seminar ended with a commitment to strengthen vocation ministry as a pastoral and missionary responsibility of the whole Church, with greater emphasis on synodality and accompanying young people in discerning and responding to their vocation.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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