The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged the world into a prolonged crisis with no apparent end in sight. Many faith communities are facing challenges in their ministries and liturgical life. Yet the church is called to be a light in this present darkness and help rebuild, in the words of Pope Francis, “a civilisation of love.” Indeed, the pandemic can be seen as an opportunity and invitation from God to the world for its transformation. During these times, it is all the more urgent for pastoral workers to re-engage in learning and renewal.

To help its alumni reflect on and develop capacities for carrying out the church’s mission in our new reality, the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) has started its first ever online course, “The church in times of Covid: Discerning pastoral responses for a new world”, facilitated by Francisco Machado and Dr Christina Kheng.

The four-week course, which started on 20 October and will end on 10 November, aims to equip participants with the orientations and skills needed to read the signs of the times and respond to the new world that is emerging.

The first day witnessed a reunion filled with enthusiasm among the EAPI staff and participants from all over Asia Pacific. Seeing each other brought a wave of nostalgia. At the breakout groups, everyone shared how they are dealing with the pandemic and expressed profound gratitude for the graces they have received during this time. Listening to one another’s stories peeled off layers of fear and doubt that have piled up and raised awareness to the invitation of God to find Him in the storm.

The input from Francisco about discernment and Christina’s points on how to read the signs of the times by recognising the pastoral issues raised by the pandemic encouraged everyone to shift perspectives from a “telling” church to a “listening” church. In Pope Francis’ words, “A synodal church is a listening church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which each one has something to learn.”