Category pastoral reflection

It is an honor for us to be allowed to participate in this very valuable activity “Effective Training in the Digital Era”. Of course, this is very helpful for us in our current self-development and in the days to come. As a prospective leader and leader, public speaking training is very important to learn, because sometimes when we are asked to speak in front of many people, we often feel nervous, awkward, and have stage fright. Many people are good at conceptualizing and theorizing but are not good at practicing it. During the On Going Formation activity, many things have been learned, even for us participants, all the materials provided by the speakers are important. The materials are even made in such a way that they are easy to understand and comprehend. Many obstacles and problems that are often faced in the pastoral field and are difficult to solve, can finally be answered in this activity.
The activity attended by the Young Priests and prospective priests of the Amboina Diocese is very helpful in realizing a good and quality pastoral life in the future. For us, by following the tips given by the speakers during the activity process, it will help develop ourselves and the development of the faith of God’s people. The people will feel cared for, embraced and supported, so that the anxieties or problems that often occur in the lives of the people will be easy to resolve.
For us, it is very necessary to create activities like this, because currently with the development of technology, many people are even smarter than prospective priests and imams. So the need for prospective priests and imams who are qualified. This is very clear in terms of public speaking. And this is very apparent in terms of preaching and bringing reflections. Prospective priests and imams are required not to be fixated on the text, not to have stage fright and need to use body language to give their own meaning to the words or sentences conveyed.
Imams and prospective priests must also be able to use technology as a means of good priestly preaching, because the reality of today’s people tends to spend time in cyberspace rather than the real world. That is why, good knowledge of technology is also very important for priests and prospective priests to master. However, it should be noted that it is not only about good mastery of technology, but also requires a short and interesting material concept that can provide deep meaning to the listener.
The tips given during the activity process become very meaningful if they are realized in pastoral life. Because sometimes, concepts only become interesting when delivered in the room, but cannot be realized in everyday life. The On Going Formation activity is very important to be followed by all priests and prospective priests of the Diocese of Amboina, not only young priests but it would be good to be encouraged to be followed by all priests, so that it helps us in terms of preaching and delivering reflections. The leader knows where to start and where to end, the leader can read the situation of the listener: whether they are listening carefully to the sermon or bored. But more than that, the leader can know where he should direct his congregation, about solving the problems that occur in the lives of the faithful. And this really answers the needs of the faithful. Attention and support from the leader greatly helps the growth of the faith of the congregation. Therefore, priests who are qualified in terms of knowledge and life practices are needed.
Based on all of this, it would be good if the diocese held various activities like this, so that the future leaders of the diocese are none other than leaders who have good public speaking qualities, good life practices for the good development of the people’s faith. Thank you to the diocese for holding this On Going Formation activity. Thank you to the resource persons who have been willing to take the time to provide materials and training. This activity really helps us to reflect and look back at ourselves now and learn to improve ourselves, train ourselves to become good and quality future leaders. (Frater Blasius Helyanan: Major I)

For approximately two days participating in the ongoing formation activity for young priests and prospective young priests held at Wisma Gonzalo, there were many things that I personally gained. All the new things that I gained during the training were not stated comprehensively. However, there were several points that were most important and beneficial for me and also my fellow brothers and the young priests who participated in this activity.

First, this is the first experience of directly participating in ongoing formation activities. I would like to express my gratitude to the diocese, in this case the chairman of Unio, who has given me the opportunity to be involved in it. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mr. Frans who has introduced, explained and shared many materials and practices for communicating digitally which are very beneficial for us as prospective leaders and leaders of the congregation.
Second, this communication training in the digital era provides a very valuable and inspiring experience. There is no useless material. Everything is very important and has relevance that fits my life as a prospective imam and later becomes an imam among the people. I feel inspired by the many materials, information and new skills obtained from the speakers. For me, this training opened my eyes to the importance of effective communication in reaching the people, especially the younger generation who are more familiar with technology. The provision of materials, interactive discussions and practical exercises in communicating digitally allowed me to practice how to prepare myself as a public figure and young imam in the future. Third, communicating in front of the public and the masses are two different contexts. As leaders and servants of the people, imams and prospective imams are required to master the right methods and techniques. During college and even now, I realized that the methods and techniques used to deliver sermons or speeches are still very far apart. In fact, often not using the right method. However, in this training, I was touched and paid great attention and was determined to learn to use the right method to deliver sermons for every level of audience. There are 5 types of methods that are most suitable for priests and prospective priests in delivering sermons or speeches, namely: the use of the cause-effect method, the problem solving method, the chronology method, the story/narration method and the profit and loss method. These five methods, after being practiced in training, are very helpful for every priest in preparing any material before being presented or preached.
Fourth, communication in the digital era is an important part of our ministry both as prospective priests and young priests. The use of technology as a medium of preaching is very suitable for today’s young generation. As young priests and prospective young priests, this is a relevant opportunity to utilize technology to spread messages of love and hope, as well as to build closer relationships with the congregation. Don’t hesitate to continue learning and adapting to the changing times. With the right skills, we can be a bridge between the church and society. Remember that good communication is not just about conveying information, but also about listening and understanding the needs of the congregation.
Fifth, one of the most striking things about this training is how we use words to build bridges, not walls. In an interactive session, participants were invited to practice writing and presenting content that is not only informative but also interesting. The use of appropriate language, appropriate tone, and clear delivery are the keys to attracting the attention of an audience that is often busy with various distractions in cyberspace.
Sixth, the digital era not only brings convenience, but also new challenges in communication. As prospective imams and imams who have served among the people and society, there is a lot of information that can spread quickly, but so is misinformation. This training teaches us to be responsible communicators, filter information carefully, and disseminate accurate content. With this approach, we not only contribute to healthy discussions, but also build a good reputation in the eyes of the audience.
In closing, one of my recommendations for this training is that I want to invite young imams and prospective young imams to continue to explore the potential of communication in the digital era with. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. Be a young imam who is able to use the media to listen with empathy, speak wisely, and deliver the message with love. In every message we share with the audience, remember that there is a soul that we need to touch and guide. We are called to be a bridge between the church and society, and with the right communication skills, we can bring hope and revival to many people. May this experience be the beginning of our more meaningful journey in ministry. Never hesitate and be afraid to start something new. (Benny Fasak – Major II STFX Poka)

Ambon, 18-19 October 2024 – Young priests of the Diocese of Amboina, deacons, and brothers from the Major Seminary of Saint Francis Xaverius Poka-Rumah Tiga participated in the On Going Formation activity with the theme “Effective Communication Training in the Digital Era” which took place at Wisma Samadi Gonzalo Veloso. This activity is part of the On Going Formation program initiated by Unio Indonesia, and implemented specifically in the Diocese of Amboina.

The event which lasted for two days presented Mr. Frans Budi Santika as a speaker. The materials presented by him were considered very interesting, relevant, and useful for the participants, especially in facing the challenges of communication in the digital era. With his expertise and experience, Mr. Frans was able to provide insights and effective communication techniques, which can be applied by priests and prospective priests in their pastoral ministry.

RD. Amandus Oratmangun, Chairman of the Amboina Diocese Union, in his speech said that this activity aims to equip young priests and prospective priests with communication skills that are in accordance with the development of the times. “Through this training, we hope that young priests can be more effective in communicating, both in the real world and digitally, to support the mission of the church and the ministry of the people,” said RD. Amandus.

This activity is expected to have a positive impact and be an important step in building more effective pastoral communication that is relevant to the needs of the times. (Fr. YB)

Five years have passed with various stories during my studies at the Pineleng Manado Seminary Philosophy College. Now I and eight other brothers have returned to my homeland in Maluku to embark on a journey of vocation at a higher level, by undergoing the “Pastoral Orientation Year” or widely known as the TOP period, in the Diocese of Amboina. Developing ourselves at this level is a sign that half of the steps of the journey of the vocation to the peak of the holy priesthood have been passed, and the great hopes of everyone (Family, Congregation, Friends and Acquaintances) who are in line with my great hopes also want to be achieved soon.

“Kapal su stom 3x, itu tanda mo lepas tali“, that’s a little of the lyrics of a song by Tonny Pareira that represents my experience with eight brothers when standing on the pier of Bitung city under the dusk on February 3, 2023. After that the sailing mission began, crossing the waters of the Maluku sea with a route that was so pleasant to enjoy and immortalize. Entering Ternate Island and then continuing the journey by enjoying a warm cup of coffee and a game of dominoes, adding to the beautiful view of Mount Maitara, as depicted on the Thousand Rupiah currency which displays its image accompanied by the patriotic Captain Pattimura.

Two days later, we set foot in Ambon City to write the story of the mission trip later at the TOP stage. During the 3-week period of staying in the beloved diocesan house, while learning about the lives of the Priests with the Bishop, we were provided with certain preparations to enter the pastoral field. Ora Et Labora was inseparable from daily life while in the diocesan house. Sharing and recreation with the pastors added to the warmth of the atmosphere by tying the brotherhood of love with the other collegium presbyteriums. Finally, from that 3-week period, the title of our batch was labeled as “FISH NINE” by the beloved Father Father Thomas Ratuanak, when he observed our footsteps that always went there and there in groups, like nine fish in the waters of the Maluku sea.

Approaching the Lenten period, the nine fish personnel also scattered because of the demands of the Maluku sea which required them to sail and dive independently. On February 20th became part of a historical flash, the day when we were given places for pastoral, both in the formation institution and in the parish. From there, there were two personnel who would go to enjoy the beautiful fine sand in the Kei Kecil Islands, at the SYT Langgur Seminary formation institution. Another had to fight the strong currents of Tanjung Burang-Kei Besar, at the Katlarat Minor Seminary institution. The other two (the Tobelo brothers) felt brilliant because they were flocking with pearls in the waters of the Aru-Dobo Islands, one at the formation institution and one at the parish.

It is also not forgotten that the two fish brothers, Wain and Disuk had to get acquainted with the waters of Halmahera, at the TOR Sivas Seminary and Parish. Finally, two other personnel had to be divided again, one became friendly with the sea area surrounding Yamdema Island, at the SYV Saumlaki Seminary. While the last personnel, I myself had to get acquainted with Seram Land, while fighting the strong currents of Tanjung Koako, at the St. Andreas Masohi Seminary.

From the comfort of being in the Land of Minahasa, then returning with such thin personnel to continue the formation in the Pastoral Orientation Year. I found that the world does not always offer what is delicious as imagined, there must be a struggle-sacrifice-time and energy that pays dearly in order to achieve the holy priesthood. Togetherness becomes a great strength that encourages us to continue to survive and work together to answer the grace of a truly noble and mysterious calling. Sharing experiences in sharing, both in the recreation room, during meals together really helped us and I personally saw again the harmony and togetherness of God’s love that was evident in the lives of his priests, which were also colored by their respective duties and responsibilities.

Finally, I and they (nine fish personnel) had to face the pastoral reality, which was very helpful in growing and developing the seeds of this calling with various designs and creativity that had to be sprinkled in each pastoral place later. On February 21, 2023, departing from Tulehu seaport by speedboat to Amahai port accompanied by cloudy weather, I began my pastoral mission in Bumi Pahamanunusa, Central Maluku, Masohi City at the St. Andreas Masohi Seminary development institution. Welcome and mission in Masohi.