SOUTH AFRICA: Church to Launch New Pastoral Plan to Respond its Needs

JOHANNESBURG, JANUARY 21, 2020 (CISA)-Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference will on January 26 launch its new pastoral plan in response to the current needs of the Church.

The event will take place at Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto rooted on the theme “Evangelising Community Serving God, Humanity and All Creation” and will develop the original plan of 1989.

“Upon reflection the Bishops together with the people of God have become aware of the changed situations and the need to respond to them differently and effectively according to their nature,” Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the President of Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) said.

The occasion will be preceded by Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Sipika and concelebrated by all SACBC Bishops. Dignitaries and faithful from the host archdiocese of Johannesburg and beyond are expected to grace the event.

According to SACBC Spokesperson, Fr William Slattery the pastoral plan aims to help people to hear and respond to the cry of the poor, the cry of the earth, and to listen and respond to God’s Word. It will do this by focusing on eight themes that have been identified as key focal areas outlined in the plan.

The launch will begin with a gathering at 7:30 at Mshenguville Park in Mofolo, followed by a prayerful procession to Regina Mundi, where Holy Mass and the official launching of the Pastoral Plan will take place.