The Diocese of Pekhon convened a three-day workshop from July 8 to 10 at Han O Parish Hall, bringing together 65 priests, religious representatives, and commission heads to formulate a four-year strategic plan under the guidance of the National Socio-Pastoral Coordination Unit (SPCU).

The workshop was held under the direction of Bishop Felice Bahtoo of Pekhon Diocese and Vicar General Fr. Robert Shabert, with all active priests in the diocese, representatives of different religious congregations, and heads of each commission and association participating.

Shepherd’s Message: Architects of the Future

In his opening message, Bishop Felice exhorted the participants to see their gathering as more than just a meeting.

“Remember that your very presence here at this three-day Strategic Planning Workshop is not just a mere meeting, but as an indispensable architect shaping together the futures of the diocese,” he said.

The bishop acknowledged the challenges facing the diocese in a world marked by turmoil and complexity. “Amidst this transient, noisy, turmoil, and complicated world, challenges are rising day and night,” he said. “To be able to respond effectively, we have to read the times, and listen attentively to the crying or the sobering of the youths, the families, migrants, the poor, and the internally displaced peoples around us.”

He emphasized that the strategic plan is not merely a governing document but “a must-have road map for the diocese.”

Three Calls to Action

Bishop Felice appealed to all participants to embrace three principles:

First, to listen—to listen to the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to listen to one another.

Second, to collaborate—”We are gathering here not to expose our individual and personal plans, i.e., to erect a new Babel Tower, but, with Synodal Spirit, to build together the future of the diocese, the New Jerusalem, where God and humans live together harmoniously.”

Third, to carry out the Strategic Plan with a never-giving-up spirit “in seasons and out of seasons.”

“We are beaten down by violence and challenges, but hope is still alive,” the bishop said. “Reading the signs of the times, and without hesitation, we have to respond to the needs of the needy and the displaced peoples with a sound commitment.”

Nine Directions for the Diocese

During the workshop, participants engaged in group discussions, presentations, and evaluations based on nine strategic directions: Faith Formation, Safeguarding, Capacity and Competencies Building, Education, Health, Humanitarian, Youth Apostolate and Migration, Justice and Peace, and Socio-Pastoral Coordination.

An elderly priest reflected on the diocese’s mission: “The diocese, as a Mystical Body of Christ, is called to be the tangible hands and legs of Christ to extend to the least and the needy, especially in this critical period.”

Daw Sarah, a representative of St. Anne Association, expressed her personal conviction: “I feel like it is a call from God to respond to the urgent current situation of the people in the diocese, especially the needs of the poor, and the displaced.”

A Vision for the Silver Jubilee

The workshop concluded with the bishop’s remark that in 2031, the diocese will celebrate its Silver Jubilee year.

“This strategic plan will be the lighthouse that leads the diocese to be a flourishing and fruitful one,” Bishop Felice said. “I invite all of you to flesh out this plan together within these four years with Synodal spirit.”

By RVA Kayan Service