In this final edition for the year: Laudato Si’ Movement – Raising Hope Conference in Italy, and COP30; The Cross and the Jubilee: A meeting place of Mercy and Freedom; Buckets of Love; Jubilee for Youth in Rome; Catholic Men’s Ministry weekend; Prayer and Life Workshops; Holy Childhood Masses for Schools and Parishes – Children Helping Children; Feast Day celebrations at Table View; Kolping International World Day of Prayer; Vocations: Timeline of Priestly Formation; ‘Old School’ Dating; Pontifical Mission Societies; Parish Leaders’ Meeting; The Hands that Serve; A Christmas Miracle made possible by Compassion; St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care celebrate 90 years of mercy and healing; CPLO: the 2026 Municipal Elections and the State of Local Government.

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As I sit down to write this article, I do so with deep gratitude, not only as a seminarian preparing for the priesthood, but also as a faithful reader of this newspaper, which now celebrates 30 years of service to our Archdiocese. For thirty years in the Archdiocese of Cape Town, this publication has been a source of inspiration, formation, and encouragement for countless Catholics, myself included. And it is precisely through these small seeds of faith planted in families, parishes, and yes, even in the pages of this newspaper – that vocations are born.

My own journey to the seminary did not begin with a clear voice from the heavens. It began quietly. It was the faithful witness of my parish priest, the silence of Adoration, the smile of a religious sister, and the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit that gradually led me to ask the question: Could God be calling me to be a priest?

Saying “yes” to this call has not always been easy. Like many others, I wrestled with doubts, fears, and questions about whether I was truly worthy or capable. But through prayer, the support of others, and the peace that comes from being in God’s will, I discovered that the call to the priesthood is not about being perfect it’s about being willing.

As a seminarian, I have come to see that the priesthood is a beautiful mystery: to be a bridge between heaven and earth, to speak words that bring Christ into the Eucharist, to accompany people in their joys and sorrows, to offer hope when it is needed most. It is a vocation that demands everything, and yet it gives back even more.

In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be difficult to hear the still, small voice of God. But I want to say to any young person reading this: if you feel even the smallest tug in your heart, take it seriously. Speak to a priest. Pray deeply. Be open. God’s plans are always greater than our own.

I also want to thank the readers and supporters of this newspaper. Your prayers, your encouragement, and your fidelity to the Church create the soil in which vocations can grow. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a youth leader, or simply a faithful parishioner, know that you play an irreplaceable role in helping young people hear and respond to God’s call.

As we celebrate 30 years of the Archdiocesan News, may we also renew our commitment to fostering a culture of vocation. May this newspaper continue to be a light in the darkness and a reminder that Christ is still calling, and people are still answering.

And to all those discerning: do not be afraid. The Lord is faithful. Say yes, and you will never walk alone.

Siyavuya Zangana
Seminarian (1st Year Philosophy)

Read more articles like this in our 30 year anniversary edition of the Archdiocesan News

Should you wish to read this article in the Archdiocesan News, please click here: https://adct.org.za/wp-content/uploads/ad-news-2-3-of-2025.pdf

Across the Archdiocese of Cape Town and in the coming months (August – October), we will be having Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Elections. Each PPC is elected to serve a term of three years, so this is an important process that affects every parish, and indeed every parishioner.

The parish is a home, a family, a community of communities.

In the Great Commission (Matt 28: 19-20 ) Jesus says “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and know that I am with until the close of the age.” This is the Church’s missionary mandate, and it follows that this is the core mission of every parish – our purpose.
“The Parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration.” Evangelii Gaudium #28

The parish is the place where people encounter Jesus and live their shared faith as believed and celebrated through a community. It is a place where people feel they belong and where they give of their time, talents and expertise, for the benefit of others and for the glory of God. It is a place of sanctuary, where the thirsty rest on their journey of life, and it acts as a ‘field hospital’ where the hurt and wounded go for healing. The parish focusses on encouraging and forming members so that they reach out to others, even beyond the parish, with the Good News to achieve its core missionary mandate.

The Parish Pastoral Council
The parish priest (with the assistant priest and deacon(s)), vicar of and appointed by the Archbishop, leads the parish, and the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is there to assist, support and offer counsel to the parish priest. The PPC’s purpose is therefore to provide effective participation of clergy and laity in all the parish’s pastoral life to achieve the Missionary Mandate of the church.

The PPC is governed by the Archdiocese Statutes 2022 which describe how PPC’s should operate and organise in order to achieve this mission. These statutes in turn conform with the SACBC Pastoral Plan.

The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is made up of people who have been elected to represent the members of the parish. The priest can also appoint members for their particular expertise and knowledge of the parish. In addition, there are ex-officio members (eg Child Safeguarding, PFC representative), and representatives from religious orders and secular institutes present in the parish. Each parish is unique and the exact details and number for each parish may vary depending on its needs.

All pastoral parish life is expressed through seven portfolios that are represented on the PPC:

Liturgy (all our worship), Faith Formation (adult and catechism), Evangelization (how we reach out beyond the parish), Parish Community Building (forming communities within communities and loving, caring relationships); Youth and young adults (supporting the younger generations – the future of the Church), Marriage and Family (nurturing the domestic church), and Community Engagement (caring for our world and environment and those outside our parish with outreach and acts of charity in justice & peace).

The Elections
The PPC Elections will be held in each of the parishes and some guidelines have been provided to assist and guide this process. Also, some resources have been prepared and are available to parishes that can be accessed via the Parish Alive website at https://parishalive.com/ppc-elections-2025/

The Election is a broad process, and each parish may decide its precise process.

Awareness and Planning: This is a time for the priest and PPC’s to plan their elections. It is a time to communicate to parishioners what a PPC is and explain the election procedure. This is also a time for people to discern their role in the parish, where God is calling them and what gifts they have to share with the Church.

Nominations: During this time, people are nominated for the PPC.It may be easy to think of the portfolios and where people can serve best. When the nominations are in, they are published so that everyone in the parish can get to know more about the nominees.
Elections: Over a specified weekend the actual voting will take place. Ballot papers will be issued and anyone who is a registered parishioner and who has been confirmed may vote.

After the voting has taken place, the votes are counted and the final PPC structure is decided and announced.

Handover and Transition: The new PPC will elect the Executive (PPC chair, vice chair and secretary). This is also an important time for the outgoing PPC to give a quality handover to the new PPC to ensure that they are equipped to carry the baton of leadership into the coming years.

Thanks
As we go through the process of Elections and look to the future, we also express our deep appreciation to those who have served on the PPC in the past years. Many people on the outgoing PPC’s have served two terms and therefore given 6 years of service to the church. We also recall that many of these outgoing members of the PPC served through the difficult time of COVID. It is a time we barely remember but it was a dark time for the church and the world, and we are forever grateful to the Lord for carrying us through these times.
White Smoke – First and foremost a prayerful election

As we enter these Elections, let us remember and follow the remarkable example that we witnessed of the conclave earlier this year in which Pope Leo XIV was elected as the successor to St Peter. Our own Cardinal Stephen Brislin, who was in the Sistine Chapel, described the process as being immensely calm with the strong presence of the Holy Spirit. He described the unity of all the cardinals in the process. The whole Catholic church watched with bated breath and rejoiced when on the second day, white smoke billowed from the famous chimney in St Peters square. We are not electing a Pope, but we are electing servant leaders who will lead our parishes for the next three years. Above all else, let us do this prayerfully. Let us put aside politics and follow the example set for us a few months. Let us pray hard and make room for the Holy Spirit to work in us and in our parishes.

Archdiocesan News Marks a Milestone in the Jubilee Year

Bishop Sylvester David OMI reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Archdiocesan News,

In a year imbued with grace and reflection, as the global Church celebrates the Jubilee Year 2025 under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Archdiocesan News marks an extraordinary milestone: thirty years of continuous publication in service of the Church in Cape Town. This anniversary is more than a commemoration of years; it is a testimony to perseverance, prophetic witness, and the shared faith journey of our local Catholic community.

A Voice for the Archdiocese
Founded in 1995, in the wake of South Africa’s democratic transition, Archdiocesan News emerged as a much-needed platform for the Church to speak, teach, and listen; both within and beyond the pews. Over three decades, it has chronicled the life of the local Church: from the voices of young catechumens and jubilarians, to synodal listening sessions, vocations, pastoral outreach, and stories of hope from our parishes, schools, and missions.The publication has grown from a modest quarterly newsletter into a vital communication tool, reaching Catholics across the Archdiocese and beyond. Through the work of dedicated editors, contributors, clergy, and laity, it has borne consistent witness to the Gospel amid changing social, political, and technological landscapes.

Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
This year, the Church has been invited into a sacred time of pilgrimage and renewal, a Jubilee. With its roots in the biblical tradition of liberation, rest, and restoration, the Jubilee Year calls the faithful to reconciliation with God, neighbour, and creation.

Locally, Archdiocesan News has embraced this invitation by highlighting pilgrimages, parish missions, the reopening of Holy Doors, and testimonies of spiritual renewal. The themes of mercy, healing, and ecological conversion echoing Laudato Si’, and the recent Laudate Deum have found their way into the pages of each issue.

In a time when the world is marked by conflict, climate crises, and a hunger for meaning, the Church’s mission to be a beacon of hope is more vital than ever. The publication has remained committed to amplifying stories that reflect the resilience and solidarity of the faithful, from social justice ministries to the tireless work of Catholic healthcare, Caritas, and education professionals.

Walking Together: A Synodal Church
In alignment with the spirit of the ongoing Synod on Synodality, Archdiocesan News has championed the Church’s call to journey together. Through special features, interviews, and community voices, the paper has fostered a deeper awareness of synodality as a lived reality and not just a concept. It has provided space for dialogue, lament, gratitude, and dreaming; a true accompaniment of the people of God.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we celebrate thirty years, we also give thanks for all who have contributed: from founding editors and publishers, layout designers to parish correspondents, photographers, and readers. Their commitment has shaped Archdiocesan News into more than just a publication. It has become a ministry.

Looking ahead, the mission continues. In the words of St. Paul, “We do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor 4:5). As the Archdiocese embraces the Jubilee invitation to hope and mission, Archdiocesan News renews its commitment to proclaiming Christ, and to journeying with the people of Cape Town in faith, justice, and love.

Ad multos annos. Here’s to many more years as pilgrims of hope, walking together.

+ Sylvester David OMI
Auxiliary Bishop of Cape Town

HOT OFF THE DIGITAL PRESS: This edition celebrates a 30 year collaboration of the Archdiocesan News with its regular contributors: Thirty Years of Faithful Witness by Bishop Sylvester David OMI; Parish Pastoral Council Elections 2025; Youth Battle of the Bands and Jubilee for Young People pilgrimage to Rome; Two new Deacons for Cape Town; Pope Leo receives Kiko Arguello; Jubilee Prayer Series; St Kizito’s celebrate Compassion and Community (and the 30 year anniversary of the AD News); Salesian Youth Projects celebrate milestones; Jubilee Choir Festival at the City Hall; Nurturing Hope in Welcome Estate; Kolping South Africa in photos; A Seminarian’s reflection on Vocation and Gratitude; What’s Up Stella Maris?; A Laudato Si’ Journey from 2015; Hitting the High Notes at the Catholic Choral Festival; Justice + Peace take a walk down memory lane; Operation New Broom and other interesting articles from the CPLO

AD NEWS 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION DOWNLOAD

“Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” John 21: 6

It was like a gathering of the clans on Saturday, 15 February. From across the whole of the Archdiocese of Cape Town PPC members came to the third annual Summit of Parish Alive. Nearly 500 people from 73 churches/parishes represented their parishes in a morning of praise and worship, keynote talks, group discussions and sharing. People came from far and wide, representing the beautiful and rich diversity of our archdiocese but with unbreakable bonds of unity, understanding and love for one another. The Holy Spirit was certainly moving in this space, and words cannot describe that feeling of joy which is not of this world.

Parish Alive was launched in November 2022, soon after Covid. It has been a programme of hope and renewal embraced by parishes across the Archdiocese. Each parish has adopted Parish Alive at its own pace to bring renewed vigour and vitality into parish life. As witnessed at the 2025 Summit this year, the Catholic church and the parishes in the Archdiocese of Cape Town are alive with the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis has said on countless occasions that the parish is at the heart of the Church and where the Church lives – the home of the Church. Parishes are communities within communities of faith, of action, and of hope. They are where the Gospel is proclaimed and celebrated, where believers are formed and sent out to renew the earth.

The Summit agenda was full. It started with a beautiful opening liturgy with readings and praise, and we thank Alison Dunn for preparing it with such care.

Fr Zane Godwin, Episcopal Vicar of Pastoral Development opened and welcomed all to the Summit which was then followed by our first Keynote Talk by Fr Nkululeko Qokolo, Director of the isiXhosa and Sesotho Apostolate. Fr Nkululeko gave an impassioned talk entitled “Vision for creativity, renewal and restoration”. His stories impressed upon us that the church community is a home where people should feel a sense of belonging. People are there because they want to be there – we are, after all, brothers and sisters. He spoke about creativity, and gave the example given in John 21:3-18, where after a night of catching no fish, Jesus advised the apostles to cast their nets on the other side of the boat – and their nets filled to bursting. Creativity is exactly that – to fish in a different direction. He suggested we do that by going out to tell people where we are, by evangelizing and going out from our comfort zones.
He spoke about renewal that starts with a personal journey and then develops into relational renewal with others. He also made some challenging and inspiring comments about what indeed community is, or could be. He then went on to talk about restoration. People are seeking connections and people who are hurt or wounded need healing – we all do at some stage in our lives. In our parishes we are called to be beacons of hope and renewal in the modern secular world. St Paul said we are all made new in Christ. It is in Christ that we are restored. In him we find the truth and in him tranquility and peace that cannot be found elsewhere. The world cannot give us this.

Following Fr Nkululeko, there was the opportunity for everyone to meet up in groups and discuss two questions: 1. Identify other creative ways of building your parish community, and 2. How can we embrace diversity in our parish communities. The buzz in the hall was a testimony to great discussions, sharing, learning, commitment and engagement.

Dominque Yon’s topic was “Engaging youth and young adults in parishes as a strategy for parish renewal and transformation” and she spoke powerfully as she always does, campaigning for the youth. Pope Francis has said “Young people are the window through which the future enters the world” and if we believe this, we will recognize that the youth does not only represent the present but also the future of our church. If we do not involve and empower the youth in the church today, what will become of our church in the future? This question should haunt every PPC member. The responsibility lies heavily with us all today to think beyond ourselves and our time. We need to do today whatever we can to ensure the future of our church. It may not be an easy task – indeed often in life the important and noble things are not easy.

But let us not falter with this vital task. Let us embrace the youth and listen to them in a truly synodal way. We may be surprised and delighted and charmed at what they have to say and tell us! We may be invigorated by their ideas. And if we stumble and make mistakes, then rather we would have done that and learnt, than never have tried. Change is never comfortable – but when the future of our church is at stake, then surely, we can bravely cast our nets on the other side of the boat. Jesus was radical. God loves us extravagantly. We were forgiven all our sins. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. Our faith is not a bland, faded watercolour – it is a vibrant colourful textured and dynamic faith with an infinite store of treasures. It is alive.

In his closing remarks, Fr Zane thanked everyone – the speakers, the organizing team, Our Lady Help of Christians, our unfailing host venue, and all who were there. He challenged everyone returning to parishes to think beyond themselves. Today we are leaders of the local church. In this moment of time, we are charged with an important responsibility to lead as servant leaders. We would not be doing our job if we did not look to the future and look beyond ourselves – and if we need to fish from the other side of the boat we should listen to, and trust, the Holy Spirit, because in those waters we will surely find an abundance and a bright way to the future. We are today’s stewards, let us do our part today to assure a better future. This is LEADING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE JUBILEE.
You can watch the videos from the Parish Alive Summit on the Parish Alive YouTube channel at this link https://www.youtube.com/@ParishAlive
Karen Parkin
Parish Alive Team

For further images of the Parish Alive Summit 2025 and other interesting articles in the Archdiocesan News, visit: https://adct.org.za/wp-content/uploads/ad-news-1-of-2025.pdf

CARDINAL BRISLIN INSTALLED AS ARCHBISHOP OF JOHANNESBURG: Cardinal Stephen Brislin was installed as Archbishop of Johannesburg at St Benedict’s College, Bedfordview on 25 January 2025. ABOVE LEFT: Papal Nuncio to South Africa, Archbishop Henryk Jagodzinski, presents the papal bull to the people.
TAKING POSSESSION OF CATHEDRAL: ABOVE RIGHT: Cardinal Brislin kneels in prayer at the entrance to Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg at the beginning of the Mass in which he takes possession of his Cathedral.
Further pictures of his installation can be found HERE and of the taking possession of his Cathedral HERE and HERE.
Images by Sheldon Reddiar of Sacred Photos, Johannesburg.

For further interesting articles and pics about our archdiocese, please see Archdiocesan News 1 of 2025

HOT OFF THE DIGITAL PRESS: Our first edition of 2025 features the following: Jubilee Inauguration Mass for the Archdiocese of Cape Town; Cardinal Brislin’s installation as Archbishop of Johannesburg and the Taking Possession of his Cathedral of Christ the King; Youth Leaders’ Empower Conference; Parish Alive Summit 2025; Farewell Mass for Cardinal Stephen Brislin; A reflection on Lent by Bishop Sylvester David OMI; Merely a Servant – a focus on Vocations; Rite of Election; The Role of Psycho-Social Support at Salesian Institute Youth Projects; Buckets of Love 2024; Musings on Unity in Marriage on St Valentine’s Day; Cathedral Tours; The Little Carpenter – a story by Fr Ralph de Hahn; How the CPLO influences Legislation (and other interesting articles).

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS 1 OF 2025 DOWNLOAD

IN THIS BUMPER EDITION: All about celebrating Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope; Youth XLT and Hike & Retreat; More visitors to the Red Carpet; Benemerenti Medal for 60 years loyal service; Cardinal Brislin’s last ‘From the Heart’; Christmas wishes from Kolping SA; Farewell Cardinal Stephen Brislin; How Youth Ministry shaped my Vocation; AIDS Day Thanksgiving Celebration; Catechetical Thanksgiving; Salesian Youth Projects opens doors to the Maritime Industry; Daswa Shrine Pilgrimage; Dear Married Couples…; World Day for the Elderly – in Action; Cardinal’s presentation at the Eco-Bishops’ Conference; How to make a child’s Christmas wish come true; Babe in a Cave; The Township Economy: More than meets the eye and other interesting articles from the CPLO; CPD Training Dates for 2025.

Download the Archdiocesan News here: https://adct.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad-news-4-of-2024.pdf

IN THIS BUMPER EDITION: Feedback on the Parish Culture Survey 2024; Diaconate Ordination; Together for Creation Youth Night & Youth Hike; Latest visitors to ‘the Red Carpet’; Little Sisters say fond farewell to Cape Town; Consecration of Fransalian Associates; The Vocational River and noises of discernment; Catering for Youth and Confirmation Groups at CBC Stellenbosch; 2024 Catechetical Festival; Mandela Day; Parish Jubilees; Season of Creation – how you can get involved; Kolping News; Extending the spirit of giving at St Josephs Home; Retrouvaille – healing hurting marriages; Preparing for Jubilee 2025 with Bishop Sylvester; Preparing for Marriage – a fulfilling and vital ministry; Choir Festivals, Sports Tournament and more with the Catholic Schools Office; The Two Pot System, and a feast of interesting reading with CPLO publications; Making a difference at Caritas; Brush Strokes and Blessings at St Kizito; Cultivating Sustainability with the Salesian Hydroponics Eco Ubuntu Project.

DOWNLOAD HERE: https://adct.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ad-news-3-of-2024.pdf