2026
Plan Launched • Listening Phase Opens
We begin our journey together, listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another, rooted in prayer and discernment.
DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN 2026–2033
TOGETHER
TOWARDS 2033
A SHARED MISSION
Walking Together in Communion, Participation and Mission
HIMACHAL PRADESHCHANDIGARHPUNJABHARYANA
+ Most Rev. Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas
Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh
❝
A Message From Our Bishop
A Call to Journey Together in Faith
This Pastoral Plan is the fruit of a long and grace-filled journey - of prayerful reflection, sincere dialogue, and attentive listening across our Diocese. It carries the voices of our clergy, religious, and lay faithful, and is offered now as a renewed vision for the years ahead, rooted in communion, participation, and mission.
The real challenge now lies ahead. The success of this Plan depends not merely on its formulation, but on its faithful implementation - by every individual, every family, and every parish. We are called to become a living sign of God's presence: "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), "the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), and the leaven that transforms society.
As a missionary Diocese, we are called in a special way to proclaim the Good News. Evangelization is not one activity among many - it is the very identity of the Church. Let us go forth with renewed zeal, reaching out especially to the poor, the marginalized, and all who have not yet encountered Christ.
THE PASTORAL PLAN
Our Vision. One Mission.
Our Vision
To create a New Society centred on Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, permeated with the Gospel Values, and be transformed in mind and heart.
Our Mission
Inspired by the Word of God and centred on the Eucharist, our mission to be Spirit-filled witnesses of Christ in a pluralistic society, calls us to be person-oriented and collaborate with like-minded people to empower the powerless.
2026 -2033
A seven-year journey of synodal renewal across 58 parishes, 5 deaneries and 3 states + 1 UT
OUR PASTORAL COMMISSIONSServing Together, Building the
Serving Together, Building the
Kingdom
Our commissions are the hands of our diocese, working in various ministries to serve our people and bring the vision of the Pastoral Plan to life.
FOUNDATION
Built on Four Pillars
Communion
Fostering unity and fellowship
among all members of our Church.
Participation
Empowering every voice to
contribute to our shared journey.
Mission
Reaching out with the Gospel
to the peripheries of society.
Service
Living our faith through
compassionate action and care.
18
Commissions
58
Parishes
5
Deaneries
3+1
States + UT
DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN 2026–2033
A Pilgrim Path, 2026 to 2033
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Guided by Christ, we walk together in faith,
growing in communion, participation and mission.
2027
Commission Handbooks Published
Equipping our leaders and communities with vision, direction and tools to fulfill our mission faithfully.
2028
Mid-Term Diocesan Synodal Assembly
We gather as one Church to reflect, pray and discern, strengthening our shared commitment to mission.
2030
Pilgrim Review - Course Corrections
With humility and hope, we review our progress and realign our path to serve Christ and His people better.
2031
Serving Together
Strengthened by collaboration, we reach out to the poor, the youth and the families, living the Gospel in action.
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"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Matthew 18:20
View All Commissions →DIOCESAN LIFEMoments from
Moments from
the Journey.
A glimpse into the pastoral, liturgical and community life of the Diocese through gatherings, celebrations and mission initiatives.
Community Outreach
Pastoral Meeting
Small Communities
Liturgical Celebration
Youth Formation
Faith Formation
Clergy Gathering
Mission & Evangelisation
FROM THE DIOCESE
News & Announcements
BISHOP'S OFFICEOctober 12, 2026
Inaugural Mass for the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Brings Thousands Together
A historic moment for the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh as clergy, religious, and lay faithful gathered to officially launch the seven-year Pastoral Plan journey.
Read More →
COMMISSIONSOctober 5, 2026
Youth Commission Announces Annual Convention
Registrations are now open for the diocesan youth gathering focusing on synodal participation.
EVENTSSeptember 28, 2026
Family Ministry Workshops Begin in Deaneries
New resources and training sessions for family ministry leaders rolling out across all five deaneries.
JUSTICE & PEACESeptember 15, 2026
Outreach Program for Marginalized Communities
A new initiative focused on providing educational support to underserved children.
A PRAYER
PASTORAL COMMITMENT PRAYER
"Heavenly Father, We thank You for calling us to be Your Church.
A people of communion, participation, and mission.
Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Strengthen us to proclaim Your Gospel And to walk together in unity and service.
Holy Spirit, Guide us to listen, discern, and act with courage, in a true synodal spirit. We commit ourselves to the faithful implementation of our Pastoral Plan, Especially reaching out to the poor and the marginalized.
May Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany us on this journey of faith. Amen."
Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh · 2026