Sandakan Diocesan Human Development Commission formalized

SANDAKAN: The inaugural meeting of the Diocesan Human Development Commission was held on Saturday, 18th Jan 18 at the Diocesan Retreat Centre, Ulu Dusun. In his welcoming speech, Bishop Julius extended his warm welcome and appreciation to all members of the commission for their presence. The prelate was grateful that after the third attempt, the commission was finally formalized.
The prelate added that the commission is relatively less known as it is something new in the Diocese. He hoped that the efforts of Sr. Maria Dipal, RGS, the Chairperson of the commission, through her proposed introduction and awareness programs on human development will enlighten commission members to better understand their roles. He believed that the collaboration between all the existing commissions will further enhance the process of integral human development of the local community.
Among its key roles, the Commission will endeavor:
1) to promote the Catholic Social Teaching of the Church
2) to promote and implement work of the Catholic campaign for human development in fulfilling the church social mission for the benefit of the broader community
3) to liaise and enhance the function of all Parish Integral Human Development Ministries in matters related to human development/social mission of the church.
Members that made up the commission line-up for the two-year term (2014 – 2016) were commissioned by Bishop Julius during the Sunday Eucharistic celebration Jan 19 at St Paul’s Church. They made their pledge before the prelate, witnessed by the local faithful, to perform the task of faithful service, to their utmost best as willed by God. They would serve with love and compassion, bringing light and hope to those in need, especially the poor, the oppressed and those bound in darkness.