Report & Photography: Meena Serrao Barboza, Social Commission convener

Mangaluru, Oct 2: St Lawrence Church Bondel organized a training session for all the conveners, coordinators, and commission (Ayog) animators on Monday, October 2in the St Lawrence English Medium Auditorium from 3 pm to 5 pm. The purpose of this training was to help participants understand their roles as conveners, animators, and coordinators and to develop their skills in building a vibrant parish. Fr Faustine Lobo, diocesan coordinator for the Pastoral Commission, served as the resource person.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza welcomed the gathering, and the training session began with a prayer song. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the parish priest, addressed the attendees.

Fr Faustine Lobo delivered a motivational speech and provided a detailed explanation of each of the commissions, defining "commission (Ayog)" as an instruction, command, or role given to a person or group. He emphasized the significance of the Pastoral Council and discussed various types of commissions worldwide. He stressed the pastor's responsibility for tending to the parishioners and the importance of leadership, selfless service, and building bridges as a leader. Fr Faustine Lobo used a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the six types of commission development: Cultural, Financial, Administration, Technology, and Environment. He answered questions from the members.

The event was attended by Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School), Fr Lancy D’Souza, assistant parish priest, John D’Silva, vice president of Parish Pastoral Council, and Manoj Lewis, director of all Church Commissions.

The session concluded with a thanksgiving prayer and a blessing. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, the parish priest, expressed gratitude to all the participants for their active involvement and continuous support for the well-being of the parish.