Drawing from the promise of Prophet Jeremiah, CAPA invited us to reflect on the heart of Christ – a heart that is compassionate, consistent, embracing, welcoming, and deeply attentive to the realities of people’s lives. Using a synodal approach through Conversation in the Spirit (group sharing), the Assembly focused on three key pastoral areas: Catechesis, Boundaries and Youth. The aim was to achieve clarity, foster communion, and renew pastoral commitments.
CATECHESIS affirms that the priest remains the primary educator and role model in the parish, working collaboratively with catechists. It goes beyond classroom teaching, is rooted in the Word of God, is expressed through witness, and is lived through pastoral experiences. Our task is to provide guidelines that lead students to Christ, and to form missionary disciples. This requires reviewing our methodology, syllabus, and formations for catechists, to keep catechesis meaningful, transformative, and life-giving.
The session on BOUNDARIES challenged us to view boundaries not as obstacles, but as bridges that support healthy, Christ-like pastoral ministry. Priests should be compassionate, available, and effective collaborators, as regular communication is essential. We were reminded that being “after the Heart of Christ” involves truth, justice, mercy, availability, responsibility, accompaniment and accountability.
YOUTH ministry became a major focus during the Assembly. Young people are not merely the future of the Church, but are in fact, the Church of today. The call is to accompany them with patient, non-judgmental listening - to empower them through shared responsibility, and to integrate them into the wider parish community and mission. Young people need to be revived, rejuvenated, and reimagined within the Church.
One of the most enriching parts of CAPA was the Conversation in the Spirit. Although some discussions echoed those of previous years, I felt this year’s process gave me deeper insights, broader perspectives, and more concrete pastoral responses. Attentive listening enabled the Holy Spirit to guide us beyond repetition, towards renewed understanding and shared commitment.
What impressed me during these four days of our CAPA journey was the reminder that a healthy ministry depends on clarity of roles, relationships, and responsibilities. I found the emphasis on youth uplifting - reinforcing the call to walk alongside them.
CAPA 2026 has truly refreshed my perspective - giving me a stronger pastoral focus, and a renewed sense of hope. Being shepherds after the Heart of Christ, leads us to carry our priestly ministry more consistently - to practise patience in our accompaniment, and to approach our mission with greater courage.
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