The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has called on its departments and social entities to focus more on the impact of their activities rather than simply reporting completed tasks.

Chairperson of the Archdiocese’s Special Planning Taskforce, Jacob Mapemba, made the remarks after a mid-year review meeting held on Monday 10 August 2026 at Msamba Conference Centre in Lilongwe to assess progress made during the first half of the year.

Mapemba said one of the major resolutions from the meeting was the need for departments to move beyond reporting outputs and begin evaluating outcomes.

According to Mapemba, the ultimate goal of pastoral work is the growth of faith and spiritual transformation among the people.

“It is not enough to say we have done this or we have done that; we must ask what positive impact have taken place.”

He added that participants at the meeting also agreed that departments should begin documenting best practices and success stories, including providing photographs and other evidence of activities carried out.

Mapemba further said the meeting emphasized the importance of making planning and review a continuous process within departments.

He noted that departmental heads should hold regular internal review meetings throughout the year instead of waiting until the annual or mid-year review sessions.

“Between January and June, departments should meet regularly to review how they are progressing with their work plans. Planning and review should not be an event; it should become part of the culture of the archdiocese.”

The Pastoral Coordinator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Fr Frank Phiri, says the Pastoral Department has made remarkable progress during the first half of the year and remains committed to improving its work in the remaining months.

“From our side, we think we have done the best we could, and we believe the results speak for themselves.”

According to Fr Phiri, the Pastoral Department works closely with many other departments within the archdiocese, making collaboration an important part of its ministry.

He attributed the department’s achievements not only to the efforts of its staff but also to God’s guidance throughout the process.

At the meeting, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, Auxiliary of the Archdiocese stressed that bringing all departments together allows members to understand how each office is performing and creates room for better cooperation.

“Close coordination reduces the time and resources spent and increases the impact of our work.”

The mid-year review meeting brought together heads of departments, commissions, and social entities of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe to assess progress made during the first half of 2026 and plan for the remaining months of the year.

Reported by Lester Mhone