What Are Jharkhand’s Eight Dioceses Planning Together for Mission 2033?

Bishops, priests, religious and lay representatives from the eight dioceses of Jharkhand have agreed to work together on implementing the CCBI Pastoral Plan, with a regional pastoral plan to be prepared by the end of 2026. The decision was taken during a one-day workshop titled “Strengthening Collaboration and Implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan,” held on September 22 at the Social Development Centre in Ranchi. The workshop was organised by the JHAAN Regional Bishops Council and facilitated by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Isaac Lobo, Chairman of the CCBI Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee. The gathering brought together 32 representatives, including Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, Bishop Linus Pingal Ekka of Gumla, Bishop Telesphore Bilung SVD of Jamshedpur and Auxiliary Bishop Anand David Xalxo of Ranchi, along with Vicars General, priests, religious Sisters and lay representatives. Emphasis on Synodality The workshop focused on communion, participation, mission and shared responsibility. Participants discussed how listening and collaboration could support pastoral planning across the region. Archbishop Vincent Aind, who is also Secretary General of the CCBI, emphasised the importance of united pastoral planning during the Church's synodal journey. He also pointed to the community-oriented traditions of Jharkhand's tribal communities as an important reminder of the value of community in an increasingly individualistic society. He explained that synodality should not be treated simply as a temporary programme but as an ongoing way of living and working as Church. This approach is intended to influence pastoral planning, decision-making and cooperation among dioceses. Four Regional Priorities Bishop Emeritus Gerald Isaac Lobo introduced pastoral planning as a structured process through which the Church responds to people's needs, accompanies them towards holiness and encounter with Christ, and develops a shared pastoral vision. During the discussions, four priority areas were identified for the JHAAN region: Families Faith formation through Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) Migrants Youth Basic Ecclesial Communities were highlighted as an important foundation for strengthening individual dioceses and the region as a whole. From Regional Planning to Diocesan Plans Representatives from all eight dioceses and the regional secretaries presented updates on their pastoral activities. These discussions allowed participants to share progress, challenges and existing initiatives while identifying areas where greater cooperation could help implement the CCBI Pastoral Plan. The participants agreed to complete a regional pastoral plan by the end of 2026. Individual diocesan plans are expected to follow in the subsequent months. The regional plan will seek to turn the shared discussions and discernment into concrete pastoral initiatives suited to the realities of each diocese, while maintaining the four identified priorities of families, BEC-based faith formation, migrants and youth. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks and final blessing by Archbishop Vincent Aind. The organisers also acknowledged Fr. Valerian Lobo, Regional Deputy Secretary of RBC-JHAAN, for coordinating the workshop and facilitating the discussions. The initiative forms part of the broader implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033, which provides a framework for pastoral planning and mission across the Catholic Church in India.