PPC TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT

by dalius ll

Sandakan: On Tuesday, 19th June 2012, the St Mary's Cathedral Parish Delegate Assembly (PDA) Task Force presented a 250-page report on the outcomes and findings derived from all mini assemblies in the formulation of the proposed Diocesan Vision and Mission statement to the Parish Pastoral Council.

Fr. Thomas Makajil as advisor to the PPC was on hand to receive the report, witnessed by the Parish Pastoral Councilors. The report would then be tabled for deliberation by the PPC during their upcoming monthly meeting in July.

The Chairman of the PDA Task Force, Jacob Chin shared that it took the Task Force close to a year to conduct 14 mini assemblies reaching out close to 500 parishioners representing the various church groups, communities and individuals. He extended his appreciation to his committee for their commitment in organizing the many assemblies, evaluating, compiling and documenting the views and aspirations of the parishioners. He also thanked all participants for their active participation in realizing the Vision and Mission Statement.

The Task Force aimed to reach out to 5% of the 18,000 registered parishioners, however, about 3% responded to the exercise. Nevertheless, the findings gathered from all the 14 mini assemblies were substantial as it covered  a cross-section of the faithful at the grass root. The documented feedback formed the basis in the formulation of the Vision and Mission Statement. Representatives from the three language groups spend a full day in their individual language group to deliberate and formulate the initial Vision and Mission Statement. Another session was held to consolidate and refined all proposed statements taking into account the common elements found in the different language Vision and Mission statements.

Jacob Chin (2nd left) handing over the report to Fr Thomas (3rd left)

The documents would be tabled for adoption and endorsement in the next meeting on 9th July 2012, after which the report would then be submitted to the Diocese.