In a bid to ensure the Pastoral theme for 2024 which focuses on children is achieved as directed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Pastoral Office of the Archdiocese has put together a document to guide Priests, Animators and the entire lay faithful.
On November 24, 2023, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp, the Local Ordinary of Accra wrote a letter to Priests, Religious and the Lay Faithful in the Archdiocese informing and directing them to use 2024 to focus on children on the theme: “Helping Children to seek Christ: From Discovery to Discipleship.” John 12:21 – “We wish to see Jesus”
“In consultation with the Archdiocesan Council of Priests, I wish to inform you that as from 2024, pastoral programmes and activities of all the Parishes, Rectorates, Outstations and Institutions of the Archdiocese shall be guided by a common theme,” the Archbishop said in his letter.
Archbishop Kwofie stated “The choice of the 2024 theme for the Archdiocese takes into consideration the urgent call to foster the growth of the Catholic Church which was recently made by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.”
The news from the Office of Archbishop indicating that the year 2024 would focus on children was received with joy by Catholics of the Archdiocese especially Animators and those who are in the children and youth apostolate.
According to the document prepared by the Accra Archdiocesan Pastoral Office “the chosen theme for 2024 resonates deeply with the urgent call made by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to foster the growth of the Catholic Church.”
“At its heart lies a vital focus on the children apostolate, a fundamental pillar for the church’s growth and vitality,” the document stated.
The document to be used as guide by Priests and Animators further stated, “With a firm commitment to the nurturing and guidance of the youngest members of our community, the Church in Accra’s pastoral priority for 2024 centers on the spiritual development and growth of children within the archdiocese.”
The document which highlights some activities to be undertaken by Parishes during the year 2024 said “Recognizing them as the bedrock of our future Church, our collective efforts will be dedicated to directing attention and resources towards cultivating a personal and deeper connection with Christ among our younger generation.”
It added that the theme encapsulates “our dedication to creating an environment where children not only discover the presence of Jesus but embark on a transformative journey of discipleship.”
“It is a call to action, urging us to channel our energies towards the spiritual well-being of our children, ensuring that they become active participants in the vibrant tapestry of our faith community,” it noted.
The Archdiocese was optimistic that “As we embark on this collective mission, may our endeavors be guided by the heartfelt aspiration expressed in John 12:21 “We wish to see Jesus,'” adding, “Through our concerted efforts, let us illuminate the path for our children, helping them seek, discover, and embrace the transformative love and teachings of Christ.”
In the document, there are some frameworks aimed at empowering children centered on the theme “Helping Children to seek Christ: From Discovery to Discipleship,” which encapsulates a framework to empower children as active followers of Jesus within the contemporary world.
It provides a comprehensive roadmap comprising three distinct goals, each emphasizing vital aspects integral to a child’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and communal development.
While this plan offers structured objectives and indicators, Parishes have been encouraged to embrace flexibility and adaptability, tailor and customize these outlined priorities to align with the unique needs, resources, and dynamics of their Parish communities.
“Let this plan serve as a foundational guide, allowing for creative implementation and innovation,” the document urges Parishes.
During a recent Christmas party dubbed: “Children’s time with the Archbishop” at the Mary Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church at Airport West in Accra on December 28, 2023, Archbishop Kwofie reiterated the need for all Parishes and Parish Priests to adhere to the directives and ensure each Parish’s activity in 2024 focuses on children and youth.
The Holy Father Pope Francis at the end of the Angelus on Friday, December 8, 2023, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, announced that the first World Day of Children will take place in May 2024. The initiative is being promoted by the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
With the call by the Holy Father and the Archbishop of Accra, it is however expected that during the year 2024, Parishes in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra through their Priests and Animators would provide children with appropriate biblical teachings at children’s services, instill moral values like kindness, compassion, and empathy through storytelling, role-playing, and interactive activities.
Church leaders in the Metropolitan Archdiocese are also expected to engage children in community service projects, connecting teachings to real-world contexts (e.g., visiting the sick and aged) and ensuring increment in Sunday School/Children’s service attendance and participation.
By the close of the year 2024, Parishes in Accra are expected to observe improvements in behaviours of children reflecting moral values and virtues, encourage active participation in liturgical roles suitable for children such as serving, reading, singing and ushering.
It is the expectation of the Pastoral Office to ensure Parishes establish tailored youth ministries, fostering a sense of belonging, organize events to strengthen connections among children, families, and the parish community.
These activities should aim at increment in children’s involvement in liturgical roles and growth in youth ministry attendance and engagement.
By Damian Avevor
