Formation on Stewardship

Last April 24, 2022, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles had issued a decree. The Decree is on the Initial Act of Implementing One of the Concrete Developments of our Stewardship Program in the Archdiocese of Davao: The Discontinuation of the Arancel Related to Funeral Masses, Wake Masses and Funeral Blessings. Prompted by Archbishop Valles, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Stewardship Committee organized the Vicariate Stewardship Formation and Training for the Parish Frontliners.

The purpose of such formation and skills training for the Parish Frontliners is to enable them to develop communications skills that would help them serve better the parishioners. After undergoing the role playing activity, they realized the need for better ways of making the parish a welcoming, listening, and caring community.

So far, Four Vicariate Formations have been held in four different settings, namely: the San Pedro Vicariate, last April 28th at San Pedro Cathedral; Immaculate Conception Vicariate, last May 20th at Holy Cross of Babak; San Pablo Vicariate, last May 27th at San Pablo Parish; and lastly, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Vicariate, May 29th, in San Roque Malabog. One of the common points discussed is the use of terms like “walay na’y bayad”, “Halad Pasalamat”, “Halad Kinasing-kasing” and “Gawasnong Paghalad”.

During the Vicariate sessions, the participants have realized that as parish frontliners, they should be extra careful and sensitive in receiving the parishioners who want to avail of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Moreover, they felt the need to make use of the Social Communications tools in conveying the message. They also saw the importance of engaging in ongoing formation and skills training of parish workers. The presence of the Parish Priests and Parish Vicars helps a lot.

At the end of the Vicariate Formation and Skills Training, the participants were reminded that the removal of the “fixed rate” pegged for Funeral Mass is just one of the initial steps in implementing the Spirituality of Stewardship as a Way of Life. As mentioned on the Primer, “The practice of the Spirituality of Stewardship is an expression of a heart that has encountered the person of Jesus Christ.”

The rest of the seven Vicariates will have their respective sessions: Sto. Rosario on June 3; Sta Ana on June 5; and St. James on June 10. Hopefully, a better assessment of the Formation and Training will be achieved. (Vicky Estoque Anghag)