Bangalore, December 13, 2023 (CCBI): Abp. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, during the inauguration of the two-day trainers training programme for CCBI Strategic Planning at Paalanaa Bhavan, Bangalore emphasized the significance of aligning vision with strategy, stating, “vision without strategy remains an illusion.”
Archbishop Machado highlighted the need for an action-oriented focus rather than an idea-oriented one, underscoring the importance of careful listening over talking in the strategic planning process.
During the second day Holy Mass, Archbishop Machado delivered a compelling homily, emphasizing the significance of Strategic Planning for the Church in India. In his address, he eloquently stated, “Advent beckons us to engage in strategic planning for our lives. Just as Jesus was born only once, we should strategically welcome Him into our lives. Through this intentional planning, we are called to lighten the burdens of others,” fostering a sense of purpose and communal responsibility within the Church community.
The CCBI successfully organized the second batch of trainers training for the Strategic Planning in Bangalore from December 11-13, 2023, hosted at Paalanaa Bhavan, the Bangalore Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre. The programme drew 44 participants from Andhra-Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Western regions of the CCBI. Post-training, these trainers will lead one-day Strategic Planning sessions in the dioceses.
Facilitators, including Fr. Joe Xavier, S.J., Fr. Charles Leon, Fr. Baptist Pias, S.V.D, and Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, conducted engaging sessions covering various topics, contributing to the comprehensive training experience. This initiative reflects the commitment of the CCBI to equip leaders with the skills necessary for effective strategic planning, emphasizing collaboration, action, and attentive communication.
The diocesan phase of the Strategic Planning is slated to commence in January and conclude in April 2024. CCBI aims to publish the Strategic Planning document in May 2024, incorporating input from over 35,000 stakeholders across the national, regional, and diocesan levels.
The strategic plan is conceived to invigorate CCBI’s 16 Commissions, 4 Apostolates, and 6 Departments, along with the Regional and Diocesan Commissions. It serves as a follow-up to the CCBI Pastoral Plan formulated in 2013 and aligns with the two national syntheses for the Synod submitted for the Continental and Universal Synods.
CCBI Office Bearers have chosen to extend this process to regional levels, encouraging broader participation, including from religious and lay faithful. This approach aims to foster collective ownership of the plan, involving all sections of the people of God. The goal is to generate a new energy and passion among participants to comprehend the Synodal Journey.
Rev. Dr. Charles Leon
Coordinator, CCBI Strategic Planning