PASTORAL COMMISSIONS
PASTORAL COMMISSIONS   MOVEMENTS
THE ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL CENTRE
Rev. Fr. K. A. Jesu Nazarene
Director, Pastoral Centre
Coordinator of all the Commissions
Keeping in mind the constant call of the late Pope John Paul II and in the light of the Second Vatican Council which brought to light the very nature of the church as missionary, St. Xavier's pastoral centre for the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore was started in 1993 with the view of evangelization of the non-Christians and the re-evangelization of the already baptized Catholics. Ever since its inception all the pastoral activities OF THE Archdiocese are planned and carried out by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre through various commissions.
PASTORAL FORMATION
Primarily it is a centre where all Pastoral commissions' meetings, training programmes and seminars take place.
CO-ORDINATION
The various activities of different Pastoral commissions are coordinated. In the Archdiocesan level, long and short term Pastoral programmes are taken up and executed. This includes various activities like the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, planning for the meaningful celebration of the year of St.Paul, expressing the solidarity to the faithful affected by the violent attacks on the Christians form different parts of India.
AUDIO- STUDIO
A full-fledged multi track digital audio recording theatre is functioning at the Centre.
PASTORAL COMMISSIONS  Top  
CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS
Very Rev. Msgr. A. Louis
Commission Secretary
The commission takes care of the formation of both minor and major seminarians, assigning ministry places during holidays and arranging the Annual get together are part of it. The main focus of the commission is to organize the ongoing formation programme for the diocesan clergy on a regular basis. Vocation promotion is the primary task of the commissions' Secretary.
BIBLE
Rev. Fr. A. Benjamin
Commission Secretary
GOALS
> To help the faithful in having a correct understanding of the Bible against the fundamentalist approach of the sects.
> To be able to interpret and explain the Word of God in Anbiams (BCC) and prayer meetings.
> To create an interest in the Word of God and to assimilate the Biblical Spirituality.
MEANS
> Conducting Bible classes, group discussions and seminars.
> Distribution of handouts, notes and publishing articles on Biblical themes.
> Training the BCC Animators.
> Conducting seminars at the vicariate level.
> Preaching in the parishes.
> Distributing the copies of the Bible at a reduced rate.
CATECHETICAL & LITURGICAL
Rev. Fr. Amalor Pushparaj,
Commission Secretary
The ministry of catechism covers the following three different areas:
  • SCHOOL CATECHISM: In all catholic schools catechism classes are conducted with standard text books and a well framed syllabus. Exams are conducted and certificates and prizes are awarded every year.
  • SUNDAY CATECHISM: overseeing the catechetical formation in the parish level through the Sunday catechism classes.
  • CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTIONS: as a preparation for a meaningful celebration of sacraments like First Communion, Confirmation and Matrimony. printing hymn books, publishing prayer pamphlets, arranging seminars on Liturgy are part of the liturgical ministry of the commission.
VOCATION
Rev. Fr. A. Devadoss
Commission Secretary
EVANGELIZATION, ECUMENISM & DIALOGUE
Rev. Fr. K. A. Jesu Nazarene,
Commission Secretary
The commission carries out its work under three levels:
  • Mission to the Non-Christians through the Christ Information Centre.
  • Mission to the already baptized by forming BCC in all the parishes.
  • Mission to all Christians and people of our religious by arranging ecumenical and inter-religious programme.
FAMILY
Rev.Fr.A.Thomas,
Commission Secretary
Marriage preparation courses consisting of a series of lessons are conducted with professionally trained personnel and audio- visual materials. Couples for Christ programme is conducted for the couples by the commission. Marriage Information Bureau run by the commission helps those who are at the age of marriage to find their life partners.
LAITY & WOMEN
Rev.Fr.I.Ratchagar,
Commission Secretary
Much importance is given for the formation of the Laity by conducting sessions on Lay Leadership, Laity in the Church, Bible etc., Laity Forum, Laity Council, Christuvar Vazhvurimai Iyakkam and Women Commission function under this commission. Establishing Parish Pastoral Council and creating political awareness among the Laity are the prime tasks of this commission.
YOUTH
Rev.Fr. D. Savarimuthu,
Commission Secretary
The goal is forming the youth as the future leaders of the Society and the Church with a sense of justice, good conscience and morality. Conducting value education seminars, awareness camps, sessions on media education, career, guidance and job placements are the means of achieving the above goals. The Catholic Youth Association in the parishes, the Young Christian Students' Movement (YCS) and the Young Students' Movement (YSM) are functioning under this commission.
LABOUR
Rev. Fr. V. Albert Thambi Durai
Commission Secretary
HEALTH
Rev.Fr. M.A. Gnanapragasam,
Commission Secretary
JUSTICE, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
Rev. Fr. V. Albert Thambi Durai
Commission Secretary
The Archdiocese has joined the commission to the Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society (PMSSS) along with the social upliftment and relief works. For more details you may log on to the PMSSS official website www.pmsss.org.in
SC/ST
Rev. Fr. D. Leo Vijaya Pushparaj
Commission Secretary
In the light of the teachings of the Church on life, this Commission promotes the awareness towards the value of life and importance of life through various seminars, hospital and school visits. Through the Nurses' Guild the Commission carries outs its mission towards the sick, the orphans, destitute and the dying.
BC / MBC / DNC
Rev. Fr. C. Don Bosco,
Commission Secretary
MASS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
Rev. Fr. K. A. Jesu Nazarene
Commission Secretary
TRAINING
Media Education Classes for school students, youth and for those in the religious formation.
PRODUCTION
Producing ACD,VCD television programmes on festive occasions, publication of hymn books etc.,
PERFORMING ARTS:
Stage programme, sound and light productions.
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