Diocese of Karwar Hosts Parish Finance Committee Seminar

Shirwad, Karwar, August 25, 2025 – The Laity Commission of the Diocese of Karwar conducted a Parish Finance Committee (PFC) Seminar for members of the Kajubag and Kone Deaneries on 24 August 2025 at Puneeth Sadan in Shirwad. The event, attended by 43 participants from both deaneries, aimed to strengthen their understanding of parish financial management and reinforce the vital role of the laity in the Church.

The programme began with a prayer service led by Fr. Intru Pinto, Laity Commission Coordinator for Kone Deanery, setting a reflective tone for the sessions that followed. Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, Director of the Laity Commission, conducted the first session on the theme “Role of Laity in the Church”. Drawing insights from Sacred Scripture and Vatican II documents such as Lumen Gentium, Gaudium et Spes, and Apostolicam Actuositatem, he highlighted the dignity, mission, and leadership responsibilities of the laity in the life of the Church.

The second session of the programme, “Financial Administration of the Parish”, was led by Fr. Gabriel Lopes, Diocesan Education Secretary. He detailed the statutes of the PFC, clarifying that, while the Parish Pastoral Council serves as a consultative body, the PFC assists the parish priest in financial matters. He stressed that PFC plays a vital role in any financial development or sustainability plan of a parish.

The highlight of the seminar was the address by Rt. Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. Bishop Dias urged parishes to pursue self-reliance amid declining external funding. He encouraged participants to approach their responsibilities with dedication and creativity to further the Church’s mission.

The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, attended by doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff who were at the Bishop’s House for their jubilee celebrations, followed by a fraternal lunch, marking the end of a productive day.

Source: Diocese of Karwar

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