HONG KONG (SE): “Instead of just being a non-profit organisation, Caritas should bring Jesus to our targets and co-workers through our service, helping people become God’s image,” said Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, chief executive of Caritas-Hong Kong, in the concluding message of its annual Insight Union, held from April 26 to 28. He called for the mutual support of all in the organisation as it approaches its 70th anniversary.
Over 30 members of the Caritas Coordinating Committee, comprised of leaders from different services, attended the Insight Union held in the Caritas Hall on Caine Road. Assistant chief executives, Father Peter Lo Pak-wing and Father Dominique Mukonda Kananga, were also among the participants at the annual event that deliberated on the theme, Moving Towards 70th anniversary: Challenges and Changes.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ, the presiding officer of the Caritas Council, observed that it is essential for a Church organisation to work for humanity and ecology to help build a better world instead of focusing on profits
During the three-day reflection camp, there were sessions on information technology, human resources development, risk management, the benefits of continuous learning, and other suggestions for better service.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ, the presiding officer of the Caritas Council, observed that it is essential for a Church organisation to work for humanity and ecology to help build a better world instead of focusing on profits.
He spoke of how the Diocesan Curia began team-building practices by sharing the things they are grateful for at the end of their meetings and having short spiritual conversations. He believes a similar exercise in Caritas would help to promote active listening.
Challenges and changes in an organisation might cause tensions, “But a too harmonious environment can hardly inspire momentum. Tension is good. It depends on how people face it,” he said. He encouraged people to let go of their old habits. “Accept and embrace the tension. Embrace challenges, and together we will bring about changes,” he urged.
by Father Yim, right, to Bishop Chow.
Father Mukonda said staff members should always remind themselves about what Caritas is: a caring community for those in need. He believes formation is vital for staff to improve the spirit of teamwork, productivity, relationship with clients and job satisfaction. Father Lo urged Caritas to become an engineer of human souls, bringing joy and peace to staff and clients.
Leaders of different services were also invited to give short messages at the conclusion of the camp. Many shared the importance of accepting creativity, having faith at work and remaining positive in the face of high staff turnover. At the same time, they believe allegiance to the vision, mission and values [VMV] of Caritas will help staff develop a sense of belonging to the group and be more committed to its services. They are looking forward to the formation of the Caritas Academy, so the VMV will be included in a standard training programme for staff to enhance their commitment.
Gerald Wu Kam-yuen, associate director of education services, shared that the group started planning on setting up a Caritas Academy a year ago to train staff, and he was assigned to do a feasibility study on the project after the Insight Union last year. This includes discerning the scope of the academy programme, including the VMV of Caritas and its spiritual and technical support.
He believes equipping staff is crucial for facing challenges and changes. Once the proposal is accepted, instructors will be selected from the institutes and schools of Caritas.
To celebrate the coming 70th anniversary in 2023, Caritas-Hong Kong will launch a series of activities, including an international conference on social work services, a flag day, a theme-song competition, exhibitions of its work and services, the publishing of a history book, the setting up of a photo gallery about its history and a memorial hall for the late Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, who was a former president of the Caritas Council.
