Clergy Study Meeting Hosted by New Westminster Eparchy
From October 29 to 31, training sessions for the clergy of the New Westminster Eparchy were held at the Reverend Jerome Chimy Diocesan Center in New Westminster.
This is stated on the website of the Eparchy of New Westminster.
This event brought together priests from all over the eparchy to discuss topical issues of parish life, financial resources and the future development of the eparchy.
The first session focused on two main topics: general parish statistics and the current situation, where priests reported on the state of affairs of their parishes. They also discussed pastoral realities and areas of development of the eparchy.
Catechesis is the nurturing of a deep understanding of the faith
The second day began with the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Eucharist. The main topic of discussion was catechesis as a vital aspect of pastoral work.
During the training days, Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski emphasized “the central role of catechesis in the life of each parish and the entire eparchy.” “Catechesis is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but the nurturing of a deep understanding of the faith among the faithful, which leads to a more vibrant and active spiritual life,” said the bishop.
Bishop Michael added that “high-quality catechesis is the key to the growth of future generations, who must not only know their faith but also live it.” He urged priests and catechists to work actively in this direction, emphasizing the need to support these initiatives at both the parish and diocesan levels.
Then Fr. Andriy Chornenkyi and Alina Novytska delivered a presentation on the survey and research of diocesan catechists.
Financial situation of the eparchy and parishes
In addition to the catechesis, the reality of the overall financial situation of the eparchy and each parish was carefully analyzed. Fr. Robert Lashyn, chairman of the Eparchial Finance Council, and Alla Eismont, diocesan accountant, presented statistics and answered questions.
Bishop Michael noted that “each parish is certainly a spiritual community, but in order to be financially stable, it also needs the volunteer participation and support of its members in the form of donations, as well as fundraising efforts that also provide an opportunity for community outreach.”
A Look to the Future
To conclude the Clergy Study gathering, the day began with a Divine Liturgy, which was attended by many local parishioners.
The main focus was centered on the mission of the Church, the charisms of the Eparchy and reflections on the 50th anniversary of the New Westminster Eparchy.
Ms. Marichka Trakalo made a presentation on psychological insights in stress management.
The UGCC Department for Information
