Archdiocese of Tuguegarao seeks unified pastoral structure

The Archdiocese of Tuguegarao is working to align pastoral structures across its 50 parishes to increase lay participation and shared responsibility. This effort comes during the second year of the Missionary Conversion Path, a five-year renewal program for the archdiocese.

During a pastoral conference in Aparri on October 5-6, 2026, Archbishop Ricardo Baccay presented a framework to coordinate responsibilities at the archdiocesan, vicariate, and parish levels. Baccay said parish orientations and household surveys conducted during the program's first year showed that Catholic families want to participate more actively in the Church's mission. He noted the need for mechanisms that allow clergy and laypeople to work together so that mission work is not carried out by Church leaders alone.

The proposed structure brings together parish priests, finance and pastoral councils, barangay pastoral councils, ministry leaders, and Basic Ecclesial Communities to improve coordination in community service and evangelization. The plan also introduces Parish Missionary Companions to assist communities with listening, discerning needs, planning activities, and carrying out their mission.