Reported By: Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes

Mangaluru, Mar 23: The members of the newly constituted Pastoral Council were trained at the diocesan level to be the trainers of Pastoral Council at the deanery and parish level on March 22 in Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre, Bajjodi, Mangaluru.

The Diocesan Curia, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru, Fr Maxim L Noronha, the vicar general, Dr Victor George, the chancellor along with Dr Joseph Martis, parish priest of Derebail, Fr Naveen Pinto, administrator, St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu and Fr Santhosh Rodrigues organised the "Training of Trainers" for Pastoral Council.

The five pastoral council members from every deanery which included dean of the deanery, two priests and two lay faithful took part in the training session.

In the first session, bishop Peter Paul Saldanha dwelt upon "What is Church". He briefly explained the nature of the Church, and its role in building God's Kingdom on earth. The bishop said, “The mission of Jesus Christ is the mission of all chosen in the Church.”

Fr Naveen Pinto briefly explained "The Hierarchical Structure of the Church." He said, "The mission of the Lord is carried out in the Church through a hierarchical structure." He said that the structure in the Church exists to serve and not to govern or rule. Hence, it is a district from democracy.

Fr Dr Joseph Martis spoke on "Parish and the mission." He gave a scriptural perspective on the pastor and pastoral ministry. He guided the pastoral council members on how to support the church, collaborate with the parish priest in building a synodal church and show care and concern to all with an attitude of service after the great model of Jesus, the good shepherd.

Along with speakers,  Dr Victor George D’Souza shared his expert knowledge on the subjects discussed and clarified the doubts raised by the pastoral council trainers.

The prayer was led by the priests of Kasargod Deanery. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues and Fr Joseph Martis co-ordinated the programme.