AoB/Cir/08 2021

Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo,

1. Advent 2021:

 After two years of slumber in our pastoral activities in our Parishes and Missions due to Covid-19 we are gradually getting back to normalcy by the grace of God. We have to do many things seriously to get back our Parishes and Missions back to a stable state pastorally, spiritually and economically. This needs the efforts of all the baptized members including children, youth and adults. Let us put our hearts and minds together in this regard for the good of our faith and the Church.

We have begun the synodal journey with the theme: Communion, Participation and Mission. For the first three weeks of advent we could discuss, reflect and pray on these key words and find ways and means to make this a reality in our particular situation. In a particular way let us all make extra efforts to work very closely with the youth and children in our Parishes and Missions. Let them be part of all our activities. I wish each of you many blessings for a blessed season of Advent.

2. Archdiocesan Pastoral Council 2022 & 2023:

At their AGM on 20 November a new DPC was elected as follows:

Chairperson: Mr. Titus Mugadza (Soweto Deanery)
Vice Chair: Mr. Daniel Mpikelelo (North West Deanery)
Secretary: Mr. Charles Mzizi (Eastern Deanery)
Vice Secretary: Mrs. Sithulisiwe Dube (Ekusileni Deanery)
Treasurer: Mr. Velile Sithole (North West Deanery)

All the chairpersons of the Deaneries and chairpersons of the youth and young adults will be committee members.

3. Gratitude:

We extend our gratitude to Sodality of Our Lady for organizing the drama competition for the youth which was a great success. This enabled our youth to get back together after a long time of their absence from the Church. I thank all the youth, their advisors and spiritual directors for the job well done. Keep it up.

4. Congratulations:

4.1. AMR Sisters officially opened their primary and secondary schools at Lupane on 26 November. It was a great witness of faith. Keep it up.

4.2. A preschool under St. Timothy Mission, Lupane was officially opened on 26 November under the guidance of Fr. Marko Mkandla. Well done.

4.3. St. Elizabeth Chapel at Beula under St. Joseph's Mission, Kezi was blessed on 28 November under the leadership of Fr. Innocent Ndlovu. The participation of the local community and communities around was very impressive for a self-supporting church.

"Be awake, guard your heart, and let's add an essential ingredient: the secret to being watchful is prayer."
- from the message of Pope Francis on the first Sunday of Advent 2021 -

Sincerely

+ Alex Thomas
Archbishop of Bulawayo