Building strong communities: UGCC Consulting Center team meets with MAPa program participants

The participants included active priests—graduates of the MAPA program (a training course on the Youth Apostolate of the Parish for UGCC priests) from various years and those currently studying. In total, there were about fifty people from different parts of Ukraine.

“This is an ideal environment for the Consulting Centre’s mission: to foster the development of local communities through supporting priests’ initiatives, assisting in resource acquisition, increasing financial stability, and competent project management,” says Maryna Danyliv, Head of the UGCC Consulting Center.

The meeting had a clearly defined practical nature. First, the activities of the UGCC Consulting Center itself were presented. Maryna Danyliv informed those present about implemented projects, sharing achievements, difficulties, and experiences in overcoming them. Next, participants engaged in active case work: discussing examples, finding solutions, and exchanging experiences.

A particularly important stage of this meeting was the group work, facilitated by Father Rostyslav Pendiuk and Father Oleh Zdrenyk. Participants collectively sought answers to pressing questions, specifically:

• What defines a vibrant community?
• What barriers hinder its development?
• What opportunities arise for those striving for change?

“This stage took up a considerable amount of time but yielded profound insights, understanding, and new ideas. We are sincerely grateful to the priests for their deep moderation of the process and active participation in all stages of the meeting,” commented the head of the center on the task.

A valuable part of the program was a panel discussion where priests-practitioners shared their experiences in implementing initiatives in their parishes.

In the evening, all participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring thoughts from Bishop Volodymyr Firman, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ternopil-Zboriv Archeparchy of the UGCC, and Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy, Patriarchal Econome of the UGCC, on the value of unique ideas, transparent management, and the importance of teamwork.

Bishop Volodymyr emphasized the importance of the uniqueness of each idea—the “highlight” that attracts people. As he stated, it’s hard to surprise anyone today without an original approach. He also added: “All initiatives must be for good. If the main goal is solely the financial aspect, then the project is already flawed.”

Father Lyubomyr Yavorskyy also shared his practical experience in project management. He highlighted the necessity of delegating responsibilities and competently drafting project documentation. “Thank you for wanting to do and doing ‘something more’,” said the priest, adding that it is important for him to work with people who strive for more, as it is crucial for our communities to have such support.

Summarizing the organization and conduct of such a meeting, Maryna Danyliv noted: “For our Center, this meeting is not just an event, but a strengthening of a network of leaders who are ready to ‘do something more’ in their communities. Personal acquaintance is key to trust, and we gladly note: many participants approached us with requests for consultations during the event itself.”

At the same time, she expressed gratitude to everyone involved: “We sincerely thank the Commission for Youth Affairs for the partnership, the facilitators for their profound work with the groups, and all participants for their living testimony of service and desire for growth. Together, we create the future of our communities!”