The NBCLC Pastoral Management Course was organized to equip priests, religious, and lay leaders with contemporary management skills rooted in Gospel values. A total of 32 participants attended the eight-day programme. The course integrated management principles, pastoral leadership, spiritual formation, and practical learning through group activities, role plays, case studies, games, discussions, and personal reflection.

Management, Technology, and Creativity
The programme was designed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of priests, religious superiors, procurators, accountants, treasurers, finance officers and institutional leaders involved in the financial administration of religious and charitable institutions. The course focused on financial management, accounting, auditing, taxation, banking, legal compliance and the administration of temporal goods in the Church.

Dr. Bindhia Joji, in her session on Artificial Intelligence in Education and EdTech Integration, provided practical exposure to AI tools that can support catechesis and youth ministry. The activity “Tech for Mission” encouraged participants to explore the responsible and creative use of technology in pastoral ministry.

Sessions on Financial Stewardship and Financial Analysis, led by Dr. Mareena Mathew and Dr. Aparna Hawaldar, focused on budgeting, transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management through practical exercises and simulations.

Prof. Ajay Jose’s session on Creative Habit Loop encouraged innovative thinking and creativity, while Dr. Jacob Joseph’s session on Institutional Branding through Flower of Service helped participants understand creativity, service, and institutional identity. Rev. Dr. Fr. Viju P.D., Pro-Vice Chancellor, Christ University, led a reflective session on Vision, Mission, and Values, emphasizing shared purpose, effective communication, and value-based leadership.

People, Leadership, and Organizational Culture
Prof. George John, through People Management in a Positive Workplace, highlighted the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.

Fr. Thomas T.V., through Group Dynamics and Leading and Managing Change, helped participants understand teamwork, leadership, and effective organizational change. Dr. Fr. Jose C.C., Vice Chancellor, Christ University, addressed Building Organizational Culture, emphasizing shared values, healthy relationships, collaboration, and effective leadership.

A major highlight of the course was the visit to the Christ University campus. Participants visited academic blocks, innovation centres, and pastoral spaces and were inspired by the university’s infrastructure, academic excellence, innovation, and pastoral ambience. The warmth and professionalism of the staff, particularly the MBA students, reflected a beautiful spirit of hospitality and servant leadership.

Mentorship, Emotional Intelligence, and Crisis Leadership
Dr. Rekha Aranha and Dr. Arun Kumar conducted the session on Mentorship and Coaching, using role plays to explore practical approaches to mentoring priests, seminarians, and staff.

The session on Emotional Intelligence, conducted by Dr. Sathiyaseelan B. and Dr. Delma Thaliyan, used games and reflective activities to strengthen self-awareness, resilience, emotional maturity, and interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Anil Pinto, Registrar, Christ University, addressed Leadership in Crisis and Managing Turbulence through practical scenarios related to schools and parishes. Participants were encouraged to remain calm, make responsible decisions, and provide effective leadership during challenging situations.

Prof. Krishna M.C.’s session on Cost Management and Financial Control focused on financial discipline, accountability, cost management, and the responsible use of resources.

Diversity, Conflict Management, and Evaluation
Dr. Deepti Sinha, through Leveraging Diversity and Inclusivity, Managing Conflict, emphasized respect for diversity, inclusion, mutual understanding, and constructive conflict management. Skits and role plays enabled participants to explore practical ways of handling differences within organizations and pastoral communities.

The course concluded with a meaningful session of reflection and evaluation, led by Dr. Mareena Mathew and Dr. Sathiyaseelan B. Participants shared their key learnings and reflected on how the knowledge and skills gained could be applied in their respective pastoral ministries.

The valedictory session, evaluation, distribution of certificates, and expressions of gratitude marked the successful completion of the programme.

We express our sincere gratitude to NBCLC, Christ University, all the resource persons, staff, and MBA students for their valuable contribution, guidance, generosity, and outstanding hospitality. The eight-day course was a memorable and enriching experience that will inspire participants to exercise effective, responsible, creative, and Gospel-centred leadership in their respective pastoral ministries.