Pastoral Enrichment Programme for PPC Members (Canacona Deanery)
A spiritually enriching Pastoral Enrichment Programme was held at St. Xavier’s Church, Bhatpal, on 8th June 2025. The day commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass by Rev. Fr Leo Fernandes, providing a profound opportunity for spiritual growth, fellowship, and reflection for all present. His homily centred on faithful service, vocation, and the joy of priesthood, inspiring the congregation to reflect deeply on their call to serve.
A warm floral welcome was extended by the Deanery Executive Committee members. Fr Freddy then introduced the resource persons, setting the tone for an engaging and meaningful day.
Mr. Deron Rodrigues, Moderator of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, began with highlighting the significance of the teams of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), in promoting synodality and shared leadership. Further he spoke in depth about Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) as a beacon of hope for a synodal Church, emphasizing their value in fostering personal relationships, building communion across communities, and encouraging lay involvement in the Church’s mission. His session called for a shift from digital distractions to deeper human connections and stressed the importance of empowering young people, supporting families, and embracing openness and interfaith dialogue.
Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat, led a session on the CCBI Pastoral Plan, highlighting how sessions are being conducted at the Diocesan, Regional, and National levels to guide the Church towards a unified and forward-looking mission. At the heart of this initiative lies the reflective question: “Where is God calling the Church to be by 2033?”, as we prepare to celebrate the Great Jubilee of our Redemption. Fr. Leo introduced the three key pillars of strategic planning: dream – a time-bound vision, strategic alignment – coordinated and collaborative action, and communal discernment – leadership rooted in listening and shared responsibility.
Another key session was a detailed presentation on the Pastoral Letter for the year 2025–2026, titled “Hope Doesn’t Disappoint Us” (Romans 5:5). The letter’s message of hope was unpacked in relation to the Church’s synodal journey, with attention given to pastoral priorities such as the sick and elderly, youth, migrants, families, persons with disabilities, prisoners, the poor, and care for creation. The session encouraged participants to consider how these priorities could be effectively addressed at the Archdiocesan, Deanery, and Parish levels.
Participants engaged in group discussions and shared reflections, fostering mutual learning and strengthening the sense of spiritual community.
The programme concluded with a note of thanks delivered by Canacona Deanery Pastoral Council Moderator, Mr Albert Jacques. This was followed by a fellowship lunch and the distribution of Jubilee plants to the Parish Pastoral Councils of the Canacona Deanery a symbolic gesture of growth, unity and care for ecology our Common Home.
This gathering was a beautiful blend of celebration, enrichment, and community spirit, leaving all participants spiritually nourished and renewed in their pastoral commitment.
Dorety De Souza
Secretary- PPC of St Sebastian Church – Loliem
& Secretary of Canacona Deanery Pastoral Council
Pastoral Enrichment Programme for PPC Members (Central Zone)
The Pastoral Enrichment Programme for Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Members of the Central Zone Deaneries of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was held on 29th June 2025 at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. The Central Zone includes the deaneries of Old Goa, Goa Velha, Panaji, and Ponda. Members who had missed the earlier session due to other commitments also joined this program. The day began with the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m., presided over by Rev. Fr. Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat. In his homily, Fr. Leo drew inspiration from Saints Peter and Paul, encouraging PPC members to lead the Church closer to God. The liturgy saw active participation from all deaneries, making it a meaningful and collaborative celebration.
After a short break, Ms. Craby Jude Fernandes, Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, formally welcomed all members with a heartfelt, self-composed song. This warm welcome set the tone for the next session on the CCBI Plan 2033, presented by Rev. Fr. Leo Fernandes. He spoke about practical ways to implement the plan and explained the three key pillars of strategic planning: dream – time bound, strategic alignment through coordinated processes, and fostering communal discernment through leadership that empowers the People of God, especially the lay faithful, in their pastoral mission. He also shared valuable insights into the functioning of the CCBI and its core team.
The next session was led by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes, who provided an in-depth explanation of the Pastoral Letter of the Archbishop for the Pastoral Year 2025-26. He highlighted that the central theme for the year is hope, and outlined how the Synodal pathways can help realize this vision. The Bishop emphasized pastoral priorities for various groups, including prisoners, persons with disabilities, the sick and elderly, the poor, youth, migrants, families, and the care for creation. He elaborated on how the Church can actively support these communities at the Archdiocesan, Deanery, and Parish levels. His talk was both enlightening and inspiring, offering valuable insights to all present. The programme continued with a lively interlude of action songs, led by youth members from the various deaneries, to refocus and energise the participants.
Following this, Mr. Deron Rodrigues, Moderator of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, addressed the gathering on the theme: “Basic Ecclesial Communities – A Beacon of Hope for a Synodal Church.” He emphasized how BECs serve as a model for synodality. His talk explored the urgent need for conversion from digital gadget dependency to personal relationships, the importance of engaging in inter-religious dialogue and ecumenism, and the journey from exclusivity to openness in parish communities, priority of placing children at the center of Church life, empowering young people as missionaries, and stressing on shared responsibility in Church mission. He highlighted on Diocesan Women’s Commission, a CCBI initiative that supports women in need, helps them identify their gifts, and empowers them to flourish in Church and society.
Ms. Rhea Mendes, Vice-Moderator of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their presence and active involvement. She also thanked everyone at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre for their support and arrangements. The day concluded at 2:00 p.m. with group photographs of the PPC members from the various deaneries, followed by a fellowship lunch shared in a joyful spirit of unity and community.
Shrutika Gaude
P.P.C. Jt. Secretary St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Old-Goa
