The Church in Indonesia

The Diocese of Atambua published a reflection by Father Yudel Neno regarding a journey through Pematangsiantar on September 18, 2026. The text describes how visits to various locations highlighted themes of service, brotherhood, education, and nature.

The journey included a visit to the FCJM Novisiat on Jalan Gotong Royong, Sinaksak. This complex contains a community house and the Panti Asuhan Santo Pius, where children receive education and care from the community. Father Neno noted that the site serves as a space where vocations are formed and people are welcomed as brothers.

The trip also included a visit to the Pusat Rehabilitasi Disabilitas Harapan Jaya on Jalan Asahan. This center houses a community and a care clinic for children.

The Yayasan Karakter Anak Papua (YKAP) and the Timika Diocese Commission on Biblical Apostolate held a coordination meeting on September 18, 2026, to prepare for the Pekan Cahaya II 2027 event. Held at the YKAP hall in Timika, the meeting aimed to align visions for competitions planned for the 2027 program. This effort follows the Pekan Cahaya I event held in 2025 by SMAK St. Ignatius Timika.

As part of the preparations, a preliminary program titled "Sehari Bersama Teman Seiman" took place from September 18 to 20, 2026. During these sessions, children received lessons on the theme "The Face of Jesus in Me" followed by practice competitions to prepare for the upcoming 2027 contests. YKAP is organizing these activities alongside the Timika Diocese Commission on Biblical Apostolate and various Catholic communities in Timika to help develop the talents of Catholic children.

The Holy Family Apouwo Parish celebrated its 15th anniversary with a Liturgy of the Word at the parish church on Friday, September 18, 2026. Deacon Theodorus B. Iyai, the leader of the parish pastoral team, led the service alongside catechist Herman Magai.

The celebration included members of the parish pastoral council, the parish finance council, teachers, students, and parishioners from the parish's service area.

During his sermon, Deacon Iyai described the 15-year history of the parish as a period of growth. He encouraged the community to build the parish not just through physical construction, but by fostering peaceful lives, supporting one another, and participating in service. He urged the faithful to follow the example of the women in the Gospel who served Jesus faithfully.

Father Joseph Susanto told bishops and priests at the XV Unindo National Conference in Pematangsiantar that digital ministry must move beyond screens to include real actions of compassion. Speaking at the Catholic Center in the Archdiocese of Medan on September 15, 2026, the priest, who uses YouTube for ministry, argued that being known in digital spaces does not automatically make someone an evangelist.

Father Joseph stated that spirituality must serve as the root of digital ministry and that teaching provides content and direction. He noted that these elements are incomplete without concrete actions for others, as the digital world should not be viewed as separate from real life.

Paroki Keluarga Kudus Apouwo parishioners held a community cleaning day on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to prepare for the parish's 15th anniversary. The event is part of the Parish Feast Day celebrations that began on September 9.

The cleaning work included tidying the rectory, the church grounds, and the interior of the church. Participants used tools such as shovels, machetes, brooms, and mops to pull weeds, clean windows, and sweep the area. They also cleaned the chairs and benches used for services to ensure the worship space is comfortable and ready for use.

The activity brought together children, Catholic Youth, adults, and elderly parishioners. Deacon Theodorus B. Iyai, the person in charge of Paroki Keluarga Kudus Apouwo, participated in the work. The parish will celebrate its 15th anniversary on September 18, 2026.

Stasi St. Fransiskus Asisi Hawadi Toubaikebo in the West Mapia District launched a fundraising campaign to build the Aula St. Fransiskus Asisi on September 14, 2026. The opening included a prayer service and a ceremonial first kick-off led by the parish priest and the West Mapia District Head.

The hall is intended to serve as a center for spiritual activities, meetings, and training for OMK throughout the area. Yohanes Tebai is leading the fundraising committee.

The parish priest blessed the committee, participants, and the soccer and volleyball fields with holy water. West Mapia District Head Fransiskus Tebai attended the event and encouraged residents of the district to participate in the fundraising efforts.