 |
| Most Rev. Luke Thomas Msusa, ECM Chairman Addressing the Staff during the retreat |
By: ECM’s Stella Zulu
Staff members of the Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, ECM, have been advised to demonstrate good stewardship in delivering various social services to the people by being transparent, ensuring team-work and together searching for common solutions to problems that Malawians are facing, guided by the social teachings of the church.
This, the Chairman of the Bishop’s Conference Most Rev Thomas Luke Msusa said during his address to staff members at their retreat at River Mark Lodge in Salima. He also said the retreat was an opportunity for the staff members to reflect back and see how they have conducted themselves during the past year, as they plan activities for the new year.
“Catholic Secretariat staff members are supposed to be people centred and good listeners to people’s concerns, working not only for their benefit but for peace and justice for all in a spirit of compassion for those in the margin of society,” the Archbishop said adding that the retreat should help the staff to recognize and appreciate the good they are doing for vulnerable people in the country through the various projects that the Catholic Secretariat coordinates.
“Through the Secretariat, the Church has made significant and effective input in socio-economic and political engineering of our country. The services we deliver are a result of your creativity and hard work. Through you, we have left indelible marks in the justice and peace, health, education, community development sectors and the general infrastructural development of this country. The Church has made significant contributions towards the reform of the democratic dispensation of this country and we continue to advocate for good services and the common good because people look up to us. Continue the good work you are doing,” said Archbishop Msusa.
 |
| ECM Staff Members with Archbishop Msusa during their retreat at River Mark Lodge in Salima |
The Archbishop has also called for professionalism where discipline, order and creativity should configure and transform social and human development and ensure that the well-being, justice, peace and harmony among the people of God. He also pointed out that It is the desire of Catholic Bishops in Malawi that the plans and goals that the staff members are coming up with should be aligned to the ECM Strategic Framework of 2018-2022.
“I believe you will identify gaps that exist in the work that you do and together search for common solutions. Come up with concrete plans and goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Result-focused and Time-bound (SMART). The Catholic Social Teaching should always be your pillars in all endeavors,” said Archbishop Msusa.
On his part, the Secretary General of ECM Rev Fr. Henry Saindi said he has always believed in team work and collaboration among staff members. “This is due to the realization that no individual can single-handedly solve the Catholic Secretariat’s challenges, and that the success of the Secretariat depends on all staff members working together,” he said as he emphasized the importance of review and planning meetings and also retreats and spiritual recollections for staff members.
∽End∽