By Lucy Napitalai

Port Moresby, PNG, 5 December 2023 -- There is an ever-increasing need to bring those who are lost especially in the local communities into the church, to maintain and increase the commitment of those already in the church. This requires vibrant parish leadership. Leaders from the various Liklik Kristen Kominiti (LLK – Small Christian Community) of Mary Help of Christians Parish, Sabama along with its outstations Serokone, Pari and Gabutu, and their various devotional group leaders began the month of December with their first-ever leadership retreat at Sivarai Namona Pastoral Centre, Bomana. The retreat commenced on the afternoon of Friday, December 1, and concluded on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Organized and facilitated by their Parish Priest, Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, with the assistance of volunteer animators, the program saw 31 leaders immerse themselves in various sessions aimed at a more vibrant parish.

Opening the program with a warm welcome, Fr. Ambrose reminded everyone to "Switch off, switch on!" emphasizing the need to turn off phones for people and to switch on spiritually during the retreat. A dynamic introductory session allowed members to get to know each other. Rosary at the grotto and a solemn Eucharistic adoration then followed. The participants were encouraged to reflect and realign their hearts with God. The rosary and adoration were led by Sr Mini Joseph MSMHC and Sr Kanchan Toppo MSMHC. A simple yet delicious dinner nourished bodies and opened hearts as participants exchanged reflections, thoughts and plans to animate and lead the parish.

The second session, entitled 'A Vibrant Parish,' was facilitated by Cleric Raphael Gobi from Sabama. He emphasized the importance of individuals loving God, as described in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and serving Him with their hearts. Servant leadership, demonstrated by the life of Jesus in the New Testament, was stressed. Mentioning, "The Son of man came not to be served but to serve," Cl. Raphael added, "Following the example of Jesus, leaders must be servants, offering themselves in unity to serve in our parish."

After a good night’s sleep, the participants rose to refreshing morning exercises led by Lucy Napatalai. A rosary and the Eucharistic celebration then followed. The third session on the following day featured Grace Wrakia, an animated Catholic woman, Lasallian youth animator and participant at the recent Synod on Synodality, Rome. She empowered participants to appreciate their Catholic faith, sharing her experiences from the Synod. Grace explained the Synodality of communion, participation, and mission, highlighting the letter of the Synod 2023. She emphasized that the entire synod process was a listening one, with the Holy Spirit as the protagonist. Grace stressed the Holy Spirit's role as the center of our mission as Christians and the need for leaders to be listeners. She stated, "A servant leader is a listening leader, and being a leader is a responsibility, not a privilege." Encouraging participants to be yeast in their communities, she added, "We will be the yeast in the community so that the Kingdom of God will rise." The session concluded with an exercise where participants broke into groups to discuss communion, participation, and mission in their contexts.

As members of the Mary Help of Christians Parish, and being members of the family of Don Bosco, the final session facilitated by Fr. Ambrose highlighted the Strenna for 2023. He dwelt on three elements: first, cheerfulness – being cheerful always and dismissing troubles that take away one's peace; second, fulfilling duties – being committed and diligent in performing one's responsibilities; and third, doing good to others – helping those in need, even if it requires effort and trouble. Fr. Ambrose also explained that a human family needs justice and dignity, truth, peace, and fraternity. He stated, "Christians are not for themselves. A vibrant parish calls for vibrant Christians and leaders. The failure of Christian witness allows sin to flourish, and a weak Christian is a disaster for the world." At the program's conclusion, participants were instructed to gather in their respective groups to elect their leaders for the coming year, 2024. Fr. Ambrose congratulated everyone for electing credible leaders committed to working in their LKK and parish. He also thanked the outgoing leaders who have led the parish over the past years.

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