The Young Clergy Meeting was held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad Karwar.

The Young Clergy Meeting was held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad Karwar.

The Young Clergy Meeting was held on 6th November 2024 at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad, marking the first gathering since Bishop Duming Dias was ordained as bishop. The meeting was attended by 19 priests. It began with a prayer hymn. Fr. Stephen D’Souza (Jr) served as the master of ceremonies, leading the program smoothly, while Fr. Wilson D’Souza welcomed Bishop Duming Dias, the resource persons, and all the young clergy.

To honor the new bishop, Fr. Michael Pinto (Jr) and Fr. Valentine Fernandes, the senior-most among the young clergy, presented him with a garland and shawl. Fr. Cyprian Silva then read the minutes of the previous meeting. The meeting proceeded with the election of the young clergy’s president and secretary. Fr. Bostenv Nazareth was proposed and appointed as president, while Fr. Rohan Gonsalves was proposed and appointed as secretary.

The first session featured a talk by Fr. John Fernandes, drawing on his 40 years of ministry, Fr. John Fernandes shared enriching insights, including his personal journey, experiences in community life with fellow priests, and his roles in both parish and school settings.The second session was led by Fr. Baptist Gomes, the diocesan chancellor, who covered canonical topics, specifically on “temporal goods” and “Graviora Delicta.” His session was highly informative, and he addressed practical questions related to marriage and other issues posed by the young priests.

During afternoon session, each priest shared personal experiences, including both challenges and successes in ministry and mission work. This sharing created a supportive environment where priests discussed their journey, the difficulties they face, and their mission experiences.

After the sharing session, Bishop Duming Dias addressed the young clergy. He offered invaluable advice, encouraging them to be confident, positive, multi-tasking, organized, mission-oriented, and pastoral in their ministry. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Silvan Rodrigues.

Workshop on Karwar Diocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan Held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad

Workshop on Karwar Diocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan Held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad

On November 5, 2024, a workshop focusing on the Karwar Diocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan was successfully held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad. This event gathered around 60 participants, including clergy and lay leaders, each committed to understanding and implementing the diocesan vision.

The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from Rev. Fr. Baptist Gomes, who extended greetings and set a reflective tone for the day’s proceedings. Following the welcome, Rev. Fr. Nirmal Miranda, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), provided a comprehensive briefing on the strategic pastoral plan. Fr. Miranda highlighted the foundational goals of the plan and discussed the priorities aimed at deepening faith, fostering community engagement, and strengthening social outreach initiatives across the diocese.

The keynote address was delivered by Bishop Duming Dias, who outlined a clear roadmap for the implementation of the pastoral plan. Bishop Dias emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in fulfilling the diocesan mission, urging participants to embrace their roles in the broader vision. He encouraged active involvement, stressing that each participant’s contribution was vital to the success of the strategic objectives set for the upcoming years.

This collaborative gathering was marked by insightful discussions and a renewed commitment to pastoral service, leaving attendees inspired to bring the diocesan vision to life in their respective communities. The event concluded with a commitment from all participants to work together for the spiritual and social growth of the diocese.

One-Day Seminar on Strategic Pastoral Planning by Bishop of Udupi

One-Day Seminar on Strategic Pastoral Planning by Bishop of Udupi

On November 4, 2024,  one-day seminar on “Strategic Pastoral Planning” was held at Puneeth Sadan, Shirwad. The seminar was led by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi and Chairman of the CCBI Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee.

The event began with a welcome keynote by Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. The event brought together 35 participants, including members of the College of Consultors, Senate members, deans, commission directors, and CRI office bearers.

Bishop Lobo shared insights on the importance of strategic planning in enhancing the church’s mission and outreach. He shared valuable insights from his experiences in the Udupi diocese, highlighting effective strategies he implemented to strengthen community engagement and pastoral care. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among different ministries and the need for adaptive planning to address the unique challenges within the diocese.

Participants engaged in constructive discussions, reflecting on how these insights could be applied in their own contexts. The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to enhance pastoral planning and outreach efforts in their respective communities.

This event marked a significant step towards fostering a proactive pastoral environment, encouraging all members to contribute to the church’s mission of growth and service.

 

Parish Youth Office Bearers Training Program

Parish Youth Office Bearers Training Program

One-day training program titled “Empowering Tomorrow” for Sirsi deanery Parish youth office bearers on November 1, 2024. Held at St. Anthony’s Parish Community Hall, the event brought together 21 participants and was led by Fr. Valento Fernandes, the Deanery Youth Coordinator.

The day commenced with an input session by the Diocesan Youth Director, Fr. Silvan Rodrigues, who emphasized effective leadership qualities. His session covered essential skills such as team building, encouraging creativity, and fostering discussion. Additionally, participants engaged in various activities designed to develop team synergy, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

The program also included reading of reports, planning future events, creative exercises, animated discussions, and a series of fun-filled games that energized and connected the participants. Overall, the training aimed to inspire the youth leaders to carry forward their roles with renewed vision, responsibility, and unity within their respective parishes.

The Diocesan Family Commission organized a comprehensive Marriage Preparation Course.

The Diocesan Family Commission organized a comprehensive Marriage Preparation Course.

The Diocesan Family Commission organized a comprehensive Marriage Preparation Course at DPC Hall, Shirwad, from October 18th to 20th, 2024. 32 participants attended the three-day residential course.  The course aimed to provide a thorough understanding of marriage’s spiritual and practical aspects, equipping participants with knowledge and skills for a strong, enduring, and spiritually fulfilling marriage.

Curriculum Highlight’s:

  1. Marriage as a covenant and sacrament
  2. Intimacy and effective communication
  3. Pro-life principles and holiness of body
  4. Financial management
  5. Spirituality of family life
  6. Conflict resolution and reconciliation
  7. Human anatomy and marital relations
  8. Healthy relationships with parents and in-laws
  9. Complementarity of men and women according to God’s plan
  10. Responsible parenthood
  11. Implications of canon law on marriage

The course received glowing reviews, with participants expressing deep gratitude to the commission for its dedication to fostering strong, healthy marriages.” 

 

Karwar Diocesan Laity Convention held at Karwar

Karwar Diocesan Laity Convention held at Karwar

On 17th, October the Karwar Diocesan Laity Convention witnessed an inspiring turnout of 122 members, who gathered for a day of reflection and learning at St. Joseph’s College Hall. The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, symbolizing enlightenment and the presence of the Holy Spirit, followed by a heartfelt prayer led by Rev.Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Vicar General.

The highlight of the convention was the engaging session by our resource person, Fr. Veeresh Moras from the Shimoga diocese. He addressed the current scenario of the Laity in today’s Indian context, emphasizing the vital role that lay members play within the Church and society. Fr. Moras encouraged attendees to be vigilant, proactive, and enthusiastic in their mission as evangelizers, fostering a deeper connection with their faith and community.

The convention provided a valuable platform for discussion and reflection on the responsibilities of the Laity, reinforcing their integral part in the Church’s mission. Attendees left inspired to take on new roles and challenges in their spiritual journey.Fr. Lancy Rodrigues thanked all participants for their engagement and look forward to future gatherings that continue to empower the Laity within our diocese.

Karwar Diocesan Laity Convention held at Karwar

Karwar Diocesan Laity Convention held at Karwar

On 17th October, the Karwar Diocesan Laity Convention witnessed an inspiring turnout of 122 members who gathered for a day of reflection and learning at St. Joseph’s College Hall. The event commenced with a ceremonial lamplighting, symbolizing enlightenment and the presence of the Holy Spirit, followed by a heartfelt prayer led by Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Vicar General.

The highlight of the convention was the engaging session by our resource person, Fr. Veeresh Moras from the Shimoga diocese. He addressed the current scenario of the laity in today’s Indian context, emphasizing the vital role that lay members play within the church and society. Fr. Moras encouraged attendees to be vigilant, proactive, and enthusiastic in their mission as evangelizers, fostering a deeper connection with their faith and community.

The convention provided a valuable platform for discussion and reflection on the responsibilities of the laity, reinforcing their integral part in the church’s mission. Attendees left inspired to take on new roles and challenges in their spiritual journey.Fr. Lancy Rodrigues thanked all participants for their engagement and looks forward to future gatherings that continue to empower the laity within our diocese.

Karwar Diocesan Executive Members of the Parish, Women’s Meet at Karwar.

Karwar Diocesan Executive Members of the Parish, Women’s Meet at Karwar.

Karwar Diocese women’s commission conducted a one-day program for the executive members of the parish women’s on the 16th of October 2024. More than 220 women participated in the program. Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, encouraged and motivated the women through the SWOT analysis to focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, to build up on strengths and opportunities so that weaknesses and threats could be reduced for our all-round empowerment in the Diocese. He felt happy to see so many women leaders emerging in the Diocese; he encouraged the service of the Diocesan women commission secretary, the Deanery sister coordinators and the Diocesan team.

Rev. Fr. Richard Rodrigues, the Vicar General, spoke about the women and their role as we enter into the Jubilee year. And Sr. Mabel explained to the women, ‘Guidelines of the Women Commission.’ Mrs. Victoria Rodrigues shared a few points on Women and law. Mrs. Perpeth Lopes and Mrs. Anita Rodrigues shared their experience of attending National Conference in Jharsuguda, Orissa.

The election for the Diocesan executive team is held, and a new team is formed.  The team which served for the past 2 years was also thanked, as was Fr. Nirmal Kumar, who remained as a strong support and encouragement through the preparation of this program till the completion of the same. The sisters of St. Michael’s convent generously accommodated our program in their hall. We concluded the program with a sumptuous meal.

Seminar for the Annual Renewal of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Seminar for the Annual Renewal of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

The Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Karwar conducted a one-day seminar for the annual renewal of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. It was held at Infant Jesus Parish Hall in Prabhat Nagar. The seminar was well attended by 131 participants from various parishes of Bhatkal, Honavar and Kumta deaneries. Fr. Nirmal, the organizer of the seminar and the secretary of the liturgical commission of the diocese, welcomed the participants and began the seminar with a catechesis on how we can pray with the church through the prayer of the church, Then a solemn celebration of the prayer was led by Mr. Epiphanes Fernandes. A catechesis was given on the progress of the Synodal journey by Fr. Nirmal. Mr. Stephan Almeida, an emerging, prolific speaker of the diocese, spoke with experience about “what it means to be an EMHC member and responsibilities attached to this ministry.

This year the diocesan focus was studying all 4 documents of the II Vatican Council Documents, and it was already done through video lectures by Rev. Dr. Anthony Dias, Rev. Dr. Richard Rodrigues, Rev. Dr. Valerian Sequeira, and Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Cruz with Fr. Salvador Rodrigues, Former Director of Communication Centre of the Diocese, with Fr. John Rodrigues, the Rector, Fr. Steven Dsouza, Director of KDDC,and Fr. Stewart Fernandes, the present director of Communication Centre. Fr. Nirmal made a special expose of the Sacrosanctum Concilium at the occasion.

The event ended with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Dean of Honavar Deanery, Rev. Fr. Thomas Fernandes. On behalf of the participants, Mr. Dany Gonsalves thanked the organizer, Fr. Nirmal, for taking all the trouble to arrange this seminar in a closer vicinity, which became convenient for the participants. He had a special word of appreciation for Fr. Gabriel Lopes, the parish priest, for providing all the logistical support. A delicious meal gave a fitting conclusion to the seminar.

Jubilee 2025 Planning Committee Meeting

Jubilee 2025 Planning Committee Meeting

On 9th October 2024, the Jubilee 2025 Planning Committee held a meeting at Puneeth Sadan, Karwar, attended by Bishop Duming Dias, Vicar General Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Judicial Vicar Fr. Valerian Sequeira, Chancelor  Fr. Baptist Gomes, all Deans, Commission Directors, and the CRI President and Secretary. The meeting started with a prayer video led by Fr. Stewart Fernandes, Communication Director, followed by a welcome address from Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Vicar General.

Bishop Duming Dias delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the significance of the jubilee, leading to fruitful discussions on planning and organizing the upcoming celebrations. There was discussion Jubilee on celebration reports of Deanery meetings. Many suggestions were accepted, and a brief plan was made ready. Bishop Duming Dias verbalized the vote of thanks to all those who were present for the meeting. The planning committee meeting was ended with the meal.