The Laity Commission of the Diocese of Gulbarga organised training programmes on “Strengthening Parish Structures for Effective Mission” for the Bidar, Gulbarga and Bijapur Deaneries on 15 and 16 August 2026. The first programme was held on 15 August at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bhalki, for the Bidar Deanery. Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, encouraged the participants to build active, vibrant and participatory Parish Pastoral Councils that can effectively contribute to the mission of the Church.
Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Health, served as the resource person and conducted the training sessions. The programme brought together PPC Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries and Superiors of Religious Congregations. On 16 August 2026, a similar training programme was held for the Gulbarga and Bijapur Deaneries, with the participation of PPC Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries and Superiors of Religious Congregations. Fr. Santhosh Dias continued as the resource person.
The sessions focused on strengthening parish structures, fostering collaboration among clergy, religious and laity, and encouraging effective participation in the mission of the Church. The participants were inspired to take greater responsibility in parish life and to work together in building vibrant, participatory and mission-oriented communities. The programmes were organised under the coordination of Fr. David, Secretary of the Laity Commission, Gulbarga Diocese. The two-day training concluded with a renewed commitment among the participants to strengthen Parish Pastoral Councils and promote a more active and collaborative approach to the mission of the Church.
