(ANS – Lisbon) – Between 23 and 26 June the pastoral teams from around the country gathered together in the Provincial House in Lisbon for the  “Ministry Days”: four days of formation and work which in addition to providing time for reflection were used for planning for the coming pastoral year.

The days were divided into two distinct parts, devoted to formation and to work. Thus it fell to Fr Rui Alberto SDB to lead the times for reflection and discussion in which he helped those present to reflect on the  models and the quality criteria   for a re-newed Youth Ministry. Afterwards  Fr Tarcizio Morais, Delegate for Schools showed the link between these criteria and the new edition of the Frames of Reference for Salesian Youth Ministry.

The aim was to build bridges for dialogue between the Salesian charismatic heritage (summed up in the Frame of Reference) and  theological-pastoral options of the local Church.

In addition a new working document for the new  Evangelisation Plan for Salesian Schools was presented. This is currently being drawn up by the Portuguese Province, which aims to build up  and organise those proposals that will improve and provide the basis for the evangelising activities in the Institutes.

The working sessions provided the opportunity to plan for the next pastoral year, through the presentation of the Provincial Programme and the Calendar of the traditional Salesian Youth Ministry activities, as well as those being planned for the celebration of the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco.

The 30 people taking part were divided into work groups to reflect on some specific issues such as the Salesian “Good morning”,  penitential services, catechesis  and other key themes of Salesian Youth Ministry in the country.

Among those taking part were Fr Arthur Pereira, the Provincial, who spoke about the challenges and projects of the Salesians in Portugal; and the Salesian Brother Orlando Camacho, Delegate for Administration, who explained the new organisation of the Salesian presences in the country and the new context of solidariety thanks to the formation of the “Fundação Salesianos”.

Published 02/07/2014