“Synchronized efforts, a need in the Diocese of Tagum” – Pastoral Director

Fr. Noel Gastones
Pastoral Director, Diocese of Tagum

The Diocese of Tagum, in celebration of the Year of the Laity, has organized a Consultative Assembly where the concerns raised in  Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA) 3 was discussed last July 17 at the Lay Formation and Training Center, Seminary Drive, Tagum City.

Themed as Kristohanong Layko: Gipili…Gitawag…Gipadala…sa paghalad sa kaugalingon, almost 150 lay leaders from various apostolates, pastoral agencies and schools benefited from the echoed input on the Year of the Laity by the newly-appointed diocesan pastoral director Fr. Noel Gastones.

Nine groups talked among themselves to address some  salient points in the DPA such as the following: formulation of Diocesan Statutes to have a unified implementation of policies from the diocesan level to the GKK’s; constant formation in the GKKs; creation of Diocesan Building Committee; creation of unified GKK structures, policies and guidelines; education-formation and training of lay formators; implementation of livelihood projects which will help the poor; conduct of dress code; planning for concrete programs for the out-of-school-youth; ecological awareness; enhancing religious instruction in schools especially catechism among the youth, and putting up of Kristohanong Pagplano sa Pamilya centers and Counseling-Post-Cana Centers in all parishes and GKKs.

Fr. Gastones in an interview with DCHerald challenges,

“Belonging in one diocese, I wish to synchronize all the pastoral initiatives where everybody will get involved in the activity of one agency…just like in a family, when one celebrates the birthday, everybody will take part, as well.”

Additionally, Family Life Apostolate Coordinator Sr. Antonietta Comahig quips, “This will really synchronize activities geared towards diocesan actions concerning the Year of the Laity…There is the continuity on the flow of the life of the GKK as we prepare for a bigger celebration in 2021.  This also serves as a post-education to lay while giving clearer direction to DPA 3.”

The Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA) 3 was held at Lanipao Hill Complex, Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province on October 6-9, 2008.

A bigger gathering such as the Diocesan Pastoral Summit will be happening before this year ends.