Jullundur Bishop Calls for Financial Transparency and Grassroots Participation in Parishes

Jalandhar, October 26, 2026: Bishop Jose Sebastian of Jullundur has urged parishes to ensure transparent financial administration and strengthen grassroots participation through Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), identifying both as priorities for building a more accountable and synodal Church.

Addressing the Diocese’s Pastoral Council meeting at Holy Trinity Auditorium, Chogitty, on October 26, the Bishop stressed the need for Parish Finance Councils to function effectively in every parish, with proper accounting and systematic record-keeping. He cautioned that financial irregularities and poor documentation could create serious problems.

The meeting, held under the theme “Towards a Synodal Church,” brought together clergy, religious and lay representatives to discuss the implementation of the diocesan pastoral plan and the role of parish communities in Church decision-making.

Parish Finance Councils had been constituted by Bishop Sebastian on September 29. Fr. Peter Hans, the diocesan Judicial Vicar, outlined their importance in ensuring responsible financial administration at the parish level.

The council also examined ways to put the diocesan pastoral plan into practice. Fr. Robin Azad, General Secretary of the commission responsible for its familiarisation and implementation, led the discussion on translating the plan into action.

A separate session focused on synodal discernment, with Fr. Antony Thuruthiyil, Deputy Secretary of the Regional Bishops’ Council of the North, explaining the importance of listening, mutual respect and shared responsibility. Ten discussion groups examined assigned topics and presented their conclusions to the assembly.

Bishop Sebastian called on council members to offer practical suggestions for the growth of the diocese and urged parishes to develop stronger Basic Ecclesial Communities. He emphasised that communion, participation and shared responsibility must find expression in the everyday life of parish communities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter