Diocesan Pastoral Plan for 2026–2033
Our shared vision and strategic priorities for the coming seven years of synodal renewal.
Our Shared Vision
The Diocesan Pastoral Plan of the Diocese of Simla–Chandigarh is deeply aligned with the National Pastoral Plan Mission 2033 of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. While Mission 2033 offers a common pastoral framework for the Church in India, this diocesan plan seeks to faithfully embody that vision within the missionary and pluralistic realities of North India.
Rooted in the synodal spirit of communion, participation and mission, the plan reflects the fruits of collective listening, discernment and shared responsibility across the Diocese. It calls the faithful to journey together in strengthening pastoral life, empowering the laity, engaging youth, promoting social outreach, fostering ecological responsibility and embracing new paths of evangelization.
As a local expression of the Church’s national pastoral vision, this plan seeks to guide the Diocese in responding faithfully to the signs of the times while remaining rooted in the Gospel and united in mission.
Walking Together in Faith
The Diocesan Pastoral Plan (2026–2030) emerged through a process of prayerful discernment, wide consultation and shared responsibility across the Diocese of Simla–Chandigarh. Inspired by the synodal vision of Pope Francis and aligned with the National Pastoral Plan Mission 2033 of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, this journey sought to listen attentively to the voices of clergy, religious and lay faithful in shaping the pastoral direction of the Diocese.
The process began with the formation of a Core Committee under the guidance of Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, along with representatives from the clergy, religious and laity. Through core committee meetings, commission gatherings and diocesan consultations, the Diocese engaged in a structured listening process rooted in communion, participation and mission.
Parish-level consultations, deanery meetings and small group discussions brought together youth, women, catechists, teachers, migrants and pastoral council members, whose insights and pastoral concerns meaningfully shaped the vision, priorities and action plans of this Pastoral Plan.
The listening process revealed a local Church deeply committed to strengthening communion, fostering participation and renewing missionary outreach. It highlighted the need for ongoing faith formation, youth engagement, greater collaboration and pastoral care for the marginalized, while calling the Diocese to become an ever more synodal and mission-oriented Church.
May this shared pastoral journey continue to guide the Diocese with hope, discernment and pastoral charity as we walk together in faith and mission.
Core Priorities
Preferential Option for the Poor and Needy
Prioritizing the poor and those on the peripheries (SFD, nos. 40, 46).
Inclusiveness and Peaceful Co-existence
Fostering inclusive and respectful communities (SFD, nos. 27, 42).
Shared Responsibility and Teamwork
Promoting co-responsibility among all faithful (SFD, nos. 36, 55).
Empowering the Laity in Mission
Encouraging active lay participation in mission (SFD, nos. 37, 58).
Accountability and Transparency
Ensuring responsible governance and administration (SFD, nos. 56, 62).
Respect for Religious and Cultural Diversity
Promoting dialogue with religions and cultures (SFD, nos. 25, 43).
Recognizing Lay Expertise
Valuing professional contributions of the laity (SFD, nos. 38, 57).
Synodality and Discernment as a Way of Life
Practicing, listening and communal discernment (SFD, nos. 29, 35).
A Renewed Pastoral Direction
Rooted in the synodal vision of the Church and aligned with the National Pastoral Plan Mission 2033, these pastoral priorities guide the Diocese toward greater participation, collaboration and missionary renewal.
Active Participation
Encouraging active participation of clergy, religious, laity, women and youth in diocesan and parish decision-making processes.
Invest in capacity building
Strengthening leadership formation and capacity building for laity, youth and women as partners in mission.
Inclusive Pastoral Outreach
Responding with greater pastoral care to migrants, the poor, the differently abled and marginalized communities.
Build networks and partnerships
Building partnerships with ecumenical, interreligious and civil institutions for the common good and shared mission.
Transparency & Accountability
Promoting a culture of collaboration, transparency and accountability across diocesan structures and ministries.
Our Path to Renewal
Establishing participatory pastoral structures across parishes, commissions and diocesan bodies rooted in communion, participation and mission.
Strengthening faith formation, leadership development and collaborative ministry among clergy, religious and laity.
Implementing pastoral outreach initiatives across parishes, institutions and mission areas with focus on evangelization, inclusion and social responsibility.
Reviewing pastoral progress, strengthening accountability structures and discerning future priorities for continued diocesan renewal.