Dumka Diocese in Jharkhand Charts Five-Year Strategic Plan Through Participatory Workshop

DUMKA, Jharkhand, April 11, 2025 — Around 100 priests and religious sisters from the Diocese of Dumka gathered on April 8 and 9 at the Diocesan Social Developmental Centre to formulate a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for the diocese. The two-day workshop was facilitated by Sr. Christin Joseph, HC, a National Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) trainer, who guided participants in evaluating the pastoral and social realities of the diocese and charting a mission-driven path forward.

At the heart of the planning was the newly articulated diocesan vision: “A participatory Church deeply rooted in the Word of God and Eucharist, journeying as one family on a Mission of compassion to all creeds and cultures.”

During the sessions of the workshop, Sr. Christin emphasised the importance of pastoral planning and led participants through an in-depth analysis of diocesan strengths and weaknesses across various dimensions—personnel, intellectual, institutional, social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental. “It was a great eye-opener to know all our strengths, which we often ignore,” remarked Fr. Pius Mardi, Parish Priest of Dumka Cathedral.

Participants also explored the opportunities and challenges faced by the diocese through a guided SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Sr. Christin explained how to leverage strengths, address weaknesses, and mitigate challenges. Using a parable of two builders and biblical references, she illustrated the importance of effective, faith-rooted planning.

The sessions also featured inputs from Fr. I.P. Sarto, Regional BEC Coordinator for Bengal and Sikkim, who shared practical examples of effective planning from his years of pastoral ministry. Fr. KC Stephen, Jesuit Provincial of Dumka, led a spiritual conversation exercise to help participants discern and articulate the diocesan vision in a spirit of prayer.

Bishop Julius Marandi, Bishop of Dumka, welcomed and thanked all participants for their dedication to the diocese and expressed gratitude to the facilitators—Sr. Christin and Fr. Sarto—for their valuable contributions.

Throughout the workshop, participants collaboratively developed detailed mission statements and action plans focused on parish animation, pastoral collaboration, and institutional effectiveness for the next five years. The plan includes provisions for regular review, evaluation, and follow-up to ensure continuous alignment with the diocesan mission.

Several attendees praised the workshop, describing it as insightful and highly beneficial. Sr. Philomina, Superior of the Sisters of Charity in Dumka, remarked that

the planning process allowed her congregation to work with a focused spirit. Fr. Lambert Ekka, MSFS added that the workshop him to recognise the great resources within the diocese. “This effort has enabled us to organise our resources and goals systematically,” noted Fr. Ignatius Soren, Treasurer of the Diocese.

Fr. Sonaton Kisku, Vicar General of the diocese, played a key role in organising the workshop, ensuring its smooth and fruitful execution.

By Fr. I.P Sarto