The Filipino chaplaincy has held the “Christian Leadership Seminar in a Synodal Church”, a two-year programme for the Filipino community. Gathering community members at the Annunciation Church on June 19, the spiritual formation and practical leadership training emphasised the deeply interconnected nature of faith, active listening, and community service.
Father Jay Flandez SVD, Filipino chaplain and a member of the Diocesan Ad Hoc Committee for Synodal Development, started the seminar hat day by exploring the nature of the Church through its four essential marks: one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic. He reminded attendees that the Church founded by Christ is inherently missionary, finding its vibrant strength in prayer and active outreach, challenging participants to realise that baptism is incomplete without a commitment to mission.
To aid this journey, Father Flandez introduced to those present “Conversation in the Spirit,” a communal discernment method designed to let the Holy Spirit guide community decision-making through deep listening. He recalled that participants like the methodology of the conversation on the spirit because it connects the minds and hearts.
The focus then shifted to the practical qualities of effective leadership, led by Brother Ian Bautista and Sister Therese Bautista from the Missionary Families of Christ. The duo outlined the core traits of a Christian leader, which include being prayerful, honest, patient, morally grounded, and sensitive to others. They emphasised that true leadership requires being an excellent listener and reconciler, firmly steering away from personal interests to focus entirely on the vision, mission, and collective good of the community.
Providing essential tools for organisational success, Father Ronillo Ordenes, SVD, delivered the final session on how to conduct structured, impactful meetings. He taught the “SMART” framework—ensuring meetings remain specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Father Ordenes advised that meetings should focus on community direction rather than personal emotional expressions, requiring a prepared agenda, a designated secretary, and maintained order to ensure harmony and efficiency.
The seminar concluded with a Mass celebrated by Father Flandez. SE
