On Saturday 24th June 2023 members of the Bible Commission gathered for a special meeting chaired by the Commissions’ Head Fr. Dominic Gomes. The agenda was finalization of the inaugural program to launch the ‘Theology for the Laity’ course that is slated to start shortly on 8th July 2023 at the Archbishop House.
At the start, Bible Commission members who had been visiting different parishes to announce the course and motivate people to join the course reported their largely positive and encouraging response from Parish Priests and parishioners. The total number of persons enrolled for the course was 56 and rising with a few more days to go the Commission expect s the numbers to cross 65. It was also agreed that one-time payment of the nominal registration and course fees (total of Rs 1,200) should not be an impediment to enrol for the course and people may pay a sis convenient for them.
A WhatsApp group is being setup to keep all course students informed about classes and other relevant information. All those who have enrolled should already have seen their numbers included on this ‘Theology Course Group’, if not then should please contact the person they enrolled through or Fr. Dominic directly.
Another important matter of maintaining continuity of the course and it was suggested that students taking this course who are not already members of the Bible Commission Cells in their Parishes join the Cells and if there is yet no Bible Cell in the Parish then they should start such a Cell with the help and encouragement of the Parish Priest. Also, the students will be provided with short encapsulated modules on each of the themes covered during the duration of the course and they should take this back for sharing sessions in their own parishes through the Bible Cells and or other types of special sessions organized in consultation with Parish Priests. This will ensure an opportunity for the joy of sharing and spreading the learnings related to the Word of God and Catechism of the Catholic Church with others. The inaugural program for 8th July would start with a solemn Bible procession and enthronement with opening hymns and prayer followed by felicitation of the dignitaries. A welcome message will be delivered by Archbishop, His Grace Thomas Dsouza and a message by Rector of Morning Star Seminary Rev Fr. Dr. George Panthanmackel MSFS. Fr. Dominic Gomes will speak on the genesis, continuation and purpose of the Bible courses held so far in the Archdiocese followed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose’s talk on the dynamics and salient features of the course. Closing hymn, Bible blessings, vote of thanks will close the inaugural program. Following a fellowship tea-snack break the first class of the course will start after a self-introduction by all the students.
Based on his earlier discussions with Rev Fr. Dr. Henry Jose MSFS (Dean of Theology), Most Rev Archbishop Thomas D’Souza imparted encouraging message through his announcement at the recently held Priests’ Recollection regarding the importance and vitality of this Course. It is also recorded in Archbishop’s Circular RCAC/Cir-10/2023 to the Clergy, Consec rated Persons and Lay Faithful. My Sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the Bible Commission members for their generous help and support for mobilising all the parishes for the Theology Course of the Laity.
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