Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes on Monday stated that a ‘think tank’ is an important body every diocese should have, in order to get proper guidance and information from different strata of people that becomes easy and convenient while rendering services to the people.
He was speaking while inaugurating a workshop at the Bishop’s House on the formation of a Catholic Think Tank for the Belagavi Diocese for entrepreneurs and professionals from the society.
“Today, the world is changing so fast that the diocesan administration requires inputs from people involved in different types of works and professions in the society. Since there are intellectuals and experts in this think tank, whenever we have the diocesan pastoral meeting, the ‘Think Tank’ committee members should be also involved in the same,” Bishop Fernandes said opening up a new chapter of clergy-laity relationship.
Speaking on the occasion, President of ‘The Karnataka Catholic Think Tank’ Roy Castelino also emphasised the need to form the body in every diocese by involving professional and entrepreneurs.
“Time has come when we need to organised ourselves and have strong teams to deal with the matters, crisis related with the Catholics and also see that the community experts are engaged in maintaining excellent rapport between the laity and clergy and also maintain rapport with politicians, bureaucrats, industrialists and members of other religions.
In his orientation talks Fr (Dr) Sudeep Paul gave an orientation talk on the formation of the ‘Catholic Think Tank’ at every diocese and explained about the aspects that need the attention in maintaining the very presence of Catholic faith, principles and ideals as a part of evangelisation.
The programme was organised by the Laity Commission. President of the Commission Clara Fernandes in her welcome address and introductory remarks highlighted the importance of the formation of the ‘ Catholic Think Tank’.
A core team comprising Brian D’Souza, Clara Fernandes and Manuel Carvalho was also formed. Noted entrepreneurs, professionals, priests and youth leaders from Belagavi, Hubballi, Dharwad and other districts were present at the event.
