Meeting Held to Evaluate Pastoral Plan Implementation in Karwar Diocese

Shirwad, Karwar, June 20, 2025: The Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee of the Diocese of Karwar held a meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Puneeth Sadan, the pastoral centre of the diocese, located in Shirwad. The gathering brought together several diocesan officials to review and reinforce the implementation of the pastoral plan in the Diocese of Karwar.

Bishop Duming Dias, the Bishop of the Karwar Diocese, presided over the session, which was attended by the Vicar General, deans of all the diocesan deaneries, directors of various diocesan commissions, secretaries, CRI members from the diocese, and the regional director, Fr. Anil Prasad.

The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of Puneeth Sadan, followed by a welcome address by Fr. Baptist Gomes, Chancellor of Karwar Diocese. Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Diocesan Commission Coordinator, emphasised the importance of a systematic and unified approach to pastoral planning. 

In his keynote address, Bishop Duming Dias stressed the importance of unity, pastoral zeal, and collaboration while preparing and implementing the diocesan pastoral plan. He urged all the attendees to ensure that the diocesan plan is closely aligned with the pastoral visions of the Karnataka Regional Conference and the national plan of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

Fr. Anil Prasad emphasised the significance of pastoral planning in line with the Church’s vision as he introduced the 7th Revised Karnataka Regional Pastoral Plan (2025–2028) and the CCBI’s national plan, Mission 2033: Journeying Towards a Synodal Church. He highlighted the four key stages in developing and executing a pastoral plan: planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. He also encouraged participants to engage in collaboration and networking to enhance the effectiveness of their respective ministries.

Directors of several diocesan commissions presented reports on activities held so far and shared detailed proposals for upcoming pastoral activities to be held from July to September 2025. Bishop Dias commended their efforts and encouraged them to maintain thorough documentation of all initiatives. He also urged them to foster a spirit of collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Benjamin D’Souza, followed by a group photograph and fellowship over lunch.

Source: Karwar Diocese website