Excerpt from Cardinal Stephen Chow SJ’s Words of Encouragement at the Annual General Meeting of HKCCCL in 2024
The original theme of the World Synod of Bishops was “Communion, Participation and Mission”, and the first Working Paper suggested the three topics in priority were “Communion, Mission and Participation”. Communion is for achieving the Mission. The Church is a Mission and the Mission is synodality, journeying together towards the Mission. Last year, the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops used “Expand the Tabernacle” entailing inclusiveness of the Church, accepting and accommodating more people. We should go beyond our parish to reach out to more people, communicate and talk to them, welcome them to the church, especially young people, allow our mission and participation to create changes which foster motivation. It will be easier to contact non-Catholics if we can organize activities for free at venues outside the church.
The Hong Kong Council of Catholic Laity (HKCCCL) has been doing well but there is still room for betterment e.g. evangelization through digitalization, allowing people to contact us on the internet, in particular, young people. There is a lot of fake information in the database on the internet, we can provide correct information for people to search. Evangelization is based on spiritual practice. In the past, our belief only relied on reasoning, information and knowledge. May the Holy Spirit guide us so that we can learn how to listen and discern, and also, assist all brothers and sisters to converse and listen with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Diocese will expand the formation of parishioners in listening which will also benefit families, as the ability to listen will reduce conflicts and misunderstandings. Let us strengthen our spiritual foundation to fulfil our Mission.
Sharing from the President
Sr. Blossom Lee
16 March 2025