Setúbal Diocese approves 2026‑27 pastoral plan emphasizing service and proximity
The Diocesan Pastoral Council of Setúbal met on 25‑26 July 2026, with Cardinal Américo Aguiar presiding, to approve the Diocese's pastoral plan for 2026‑2027. The plan, titled “Discernir para Servir com Esperança”, is organised around four strategic axes: (1) synodality and co‑responsibility, (2) pastoral proximity addressing loneliness, illness, psychological suffering, aging and social exclusion, (3) charity, solidarity and social commitment grounded in Catholic social teaching, and (4) youth, vocations and ministries, urging young people to become active protagonists of evangelisation.
Implementation will rely on the work of various secretariates and commissions, which also examined proposals for diocesan economic statutes, heritage management, migrant reception, family pastoral care and other technical matters. A new team for the Diocesan Socio‑Charitable Secretariat was appointed to carry forward the outlined directives.