The Catholic community of Hnaring in Hakha Diocese held its first-ever community leaders’ training program from August 3 to 7, providing newly elected community leaders with formation in liturgy, Christian leadership, and practical community management.

The five-day training was organized by Fr. Julian Sang, assistant parish priest of St. Michael Church, Hnaring. Sessions were conducted each evening from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fr. Julian Sang and Saya Anthony Thang Pum served as the main facilitators.

The program was organized following the election of new community leaders in November 2025. Twelve participants, who were elected as community elders, attended the training. Their number was likened to the twelve apostles, highlighting their responsibility to serve and guide the Catholic community.

Deepening Understanding of Liturgy

During his sessions, Fr. Julian Sang focused mainly on the meaning and significance of the Church’s liturgical celebrations. He explained practices such as kneeling, bowing, standing, silence, the greeting “The Lord be with you,” and the significance of the fixed altar and showing respect toward the altar. He also explained the role of the choir during liturgical celebrations.

Fr. Julian said that many people participate in these practices without fully understanding their meaning. Some simply follow instructions or imitate others without grasping the deeper significance.

“I want to let them know more deeply about what we are doing in our liturgical celebration, so that they may have greater devotion to it,” Fr. Julian said.

He also emphasized the responsibility of community elders to serve as examples for other members of the Church. This includes regular participation in daily Mass and other Church activities.

“Since they are elders in the community, they should be exemplary in the Church community,” he said. He added that their example could strengthen and motivate other faithful to attend church and become more actively involved in community activities.

Christian Leadership and Service

Saya Anthony Thang Pum led sessions on Christian leadership. He focused on the questions, “Who is a leader?” and “What is leadership?” He also presented seven key qualities of Christian leadership, with particular emphasis on servant leadership, sincerity, humility, self-control, love, and faith.

Drawing on Mark 10:43 and other biblical teachings, he encouraged community leaders to understand leadership as a form of service rather than authority. He also discussed the importance of personal discipline and helping others within the Christian community.

The training also provided practical guidance on organizing effective meetings, including preparation before a meeting, responsibilities during the meeting, and follow-up actions after the meeting.

Using the example of engine oil in a motorcycle, he explained that effective community leadership is sometimes not immediately visible.

“People may not recognize us or see what we do for our community. We need to fill the gap to run the community well,” he explained.

He stressed that community elders serve as an important bridge between the faithful and the Church. Therefore, they need adequate knowledge and formation to serve their communities effectively.

A New Beginning for Community Leadership

Community leaders in the past faced many difficulties in leading their community due to the lack of formal leadership training. Some participants said they had relied largely on their own ideas when guiding the community. They had not known how to conduct or properly record meetings.

As leaders of their local Catholic communities, the participants were encouraged to practice humility, availability, and responsible service. They were also reminded that their role extends beyond their own families to the wider Christian community.

One participant welcomed the initiative, saying, “This program is very good. Thank you very much. I hope that training and teaching in leadership and liturgy will continue in the future and that there will be a lot of development in our community.”

The training is the first leadership formation program organized specifically for the St. Michael Church community in Hnaring. It marks an important step toward equipping local Catholic leaders with a deeper understanding of the liturgy and the practical skills needed to serve their communities.

The community trustees are generally elected every two years. The twelve participants who attended the training will serve as community leaders for the 2026–2027 term.

By RVA Hakha Service