Ranchi Deanery Catholic Sabha Calls Laity to Renew Commitment to Church and Society

Ranchi, April 28, 2026: More than 2,000 members representing 13 parishes of the Ranchi Deanery gathered at St. Antony's Church, Saparom, for the Annual General Meeting of the Ranchi Deanery Catholic Sabha, reaffirming the vital role of the laity in the Church's mission in today's world.

Centred on the theme, "The Role of Catholic Sabha Towards the Church in the Present Context," the meeting highlighted the growing responsibility of lay Catholics in addressing contemporary social and ecclesial challenges.

Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi was the chief guest at the event, which was also attended by Fr. Anand David Khalkho, Vicar General and Parish Priest of Ranchi Cathedral, along with priests, women religious, and office bearers of the Sabha, including President Augustus Tirkey, Secretary Ranjit Bara, Treasurer Sunil Francis Khalkho, Organising Secretary Sunil Lakra, committee members, and several distinguished guests.

Delivering the keynote address, Fr. Praful Bara, Professor at St. Albert's College, spoke of the pressing issues confronting the Church today, including secularism, materialism, family disintegration, youth indifference, and social injustice. He underscored that the Church's mission belongs to all the baptised, not only to priests and religious.

He said that the laity are living members of the Body of Christ, urging the faithful to witness to the Gospel through their daily lives. He called on Catholic Sabha members to nurture faith and moral values in families, participate actively in parish and diocesan life, and work for justice, peace, and love in society.

Fr. Bara also stressed the need to strengthen parish-level bodies, including the Parish Council Committee, Finance Committee, Youth Committee, Women’s Committee, Education Committee, and Social Service Committees, to ensure vibrant and effective lay leadership.

In his address, Archbishop Aind commended the Catholic Sabha for its efforts to revitalise lay participation. He noted that the organisation has a significant role in fostering spiritual, moral, and social development within the community. Expressing concern over the comparatively lower participation of men in Church activities, he encouraged greater involvement and a renewed sense of responsibility among all members.

The day began with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Anand David Khalkho, with Fr. Vijay, Parish Priest of Saparom Parish, and Fr. Praful Bara as concelebrants. In his homily, Fr. Khalkho reflected on Christ as the Good Shepherd, calling the faithful to become guides and protectors within their families and society.

Secretary Ranjit Bara later presented the annual report, followed by deliberations on the Sabha's action plan for the coming year.

The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, participation, and a spirit of service, underscoring the indispensable role of the laity in building a vibrant Church and contributing meaningfully to society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter