| Director |
Very Rev. Fr. V. P. Jose |
0471-2221194, 2290542 |
Aim of Pastoral Ministry
The aim of the Board of Pastoral Ministry is to deepen the catholic faith
throughout the diocese. Though the seed of faith was sown by the zealous
missionary activities of Carmelite fathers from Belgium and Italy, it was not
deep rooted in the hearts of the people. Hence this board organizes different
training programmes, seminars, camps and other activities to achieve this goal.
The Board of Pastoral Ministry consists of eight different commissions, namely
- Commission for Bible and Catechism
- Commission for Liturgy
- Commission for Youth
- Commission for Pious Associations
- Commission for
Family Apostolate
- Commission for Vocation
- Commission for Evangelization
- Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue
Each commission charts out a detailed plan of action based on common policy
of the board before the beginning of each financial year. The plan of action is
presented at a prescribed meeting of Senate of Priests in the diocese for
approval. The Senate approves the plan of action after serious and prolonged
discussions and sometimes with certain corrections and modifications. The
executive secretaries of all commissions try to implement the approved
programmes regularly. Each commission is directed by a priest - Executive
Secretary. The activities of each commission are dealt with separately.
i. Commission for Bible and Catechism
"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mk
16:15). Keeping this divine command in mind this commission organises
the follow up of catechetical and biblical programmes.
The main programmes under this commission are, training programme for
teachers and resource persons, Bible quiz, catechism day celebration,
teachers’ convention, Bible kalolsavam, Vacation Bible School (VBS),
and publication of diary which includes prayer, holy mass, annual
programmes, syllabus and general knowledge of the Bible.
ii. Commission for Liturgy
Liturgy is nothing but experiencing Jesus. Therefore the motto of the
Liturgy Commission is "to animate the people of God into the Christ
or God experience". With this motto and vision, the Commission prepares
yearly plan and budget. The main plan is to form liturgy committees for
executing the above said motto in the parish liturgical activities. Then the
Forane liturgical committee is formed and finally the Diocesan level liturgical
committee.
Altar boys and the choir groups are the leading groups in each
liturgical function. Therefore these two groups are always to be formed.
Altar boys and choir members of each parish are to register their names
officially in the Diocese. Liturgy of the Catholic Church upholds a universal
nature and hence the liturgical principles should not be overlooked.
iii. Commission for Vocation
This commission organises annual camps for boys and girls to help them
to choose their vocation after knowing different types of vocation. To
promote vocation to priesthood and religious life, this commission arranges
forane level camps, seminars and eucharistic adorations periodically.
iv. Commission for Family Apostolate
Commission for Family Apostolate organizes monthly camps in order to
prepare our youth to receive the sacrament of marriage. Many
distinguished and authorized persons handle different and important topics.
It plans to organise similar classes and seminars for those who have
completed 10,25 and 50 years of family life.
v. Commission for Youth Apostolate (KCYM)
This commission aims at the integral growth of the Catholic youth aged 15
– 30 based on scriptures and church's teachings. In order to achieve this
goal, it organises prayer sessions, study sessions, training programmes and awareness programmes. Contemporary topics arising from the
contemporary social problems are the subjects for the above sessions. It
has got parish and forane units and diocesan unit according to the byelaws
of Kerala Catholic Youth Movement.
vi. Commission for Evangelization
This commission is responsible to strengthen the missionary work of 190
catechists of the Diocese. It tries to co-ordinate and direct their work. It
organises annual retreat and functions for catechists in the Diocesan level.
In order to strengthen them in their zealous missionary work some seminars
are also organised in the forane level on contemporary and useful topics.
vii. Commission for Pious Associations
The Little Way Association, the Legion of Mary, the Society of St. Vincent
de Paul and the Charismatic Group are the main Pious Associations of the
diocese. The Little Way Association helps the students to learn more
about St. Therese of Lesiux, to grow in holiness.
The Legion of Mary is an Association of Catholics who, with the sanction
of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate,
Mediatrix of all Graces have formed themselves into legion for service in
the warfare against the evil powers. They promote rosary devotion to the
Blessed Virgin Mary in the diocese.
By imitating the missionary zeal of St. Vincent de Paul, the Vincentians of
this Diocese try to help the poor, the widows and the sick.
viii. Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue
"The glory, which you have given me, I have given to them, that they may
be one as we are one" (Jn 17, 22). Remembering these words of Jesus
Christ this commission invites other non-catholic sects for dialogue
periodically.
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