By Vernon Khelawan

Tobago was brought into the Synod spotlight last week when the final session of preparing parish leaders to complete their pastoral plans was conducted in Scarborough by a team from Trinidad.

Consultant Ramona Khan, who, together with Ruby Allen had completed the training in all five vicariates in the Archdiocese, went through in great detail the process of Appreciative Inquiry (SOAR) explaining that the process builds on strengths rather than putting the focus on weaknesses. SOAR is the acronym for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results.

Other team member Fr Joe Harris spoke about the restructuring of the Church and the specific actions that would be taken to implement Synod and so achieve the mission, which is building a civilisation of love in harmony, which was well-received.

Nine delegates attended the two-hour session held at the presbytery of the St Joseph Church – five from Delaford, led by Yvette Phillip and four from Scarborough, led by Percy Joseph together with the parish priest, Monsignor Kenneth Spence.

Last Saturday a special session was held for the religious communities for preparation of their pastoral plans. It was conducted by Monsignor Jason Gordon and Ramona Khan.

Meanwhile reports coming in from around the Archdiocese indicate that feverish preparations are continuing as the Parish Implementation Teams make every effort to have their pastoral plans ready for delivery to Archbishop Edward Gilbert at the special Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, December 8, beginning at 5 p.m.

However, even as the number of days to the Pastoral Plan deadline grows less, members of the Synod Implementation Team (SIT) continue to make themselves available to give any assistance needed by the implementation teams in the parishes who may be experiencing challenges in completing the assignment.

The protocol to be observed on December 8 for handing in the plans is quite simple. Immediately following the Prayers of the Faithful, the chosen representative from each parish will walk to the sanctuary and place the plan in the appropriate basket. There will be eight baskets, one each for the five vicariates and three others to accommodate the religious, ecclesial communities and schools.