JAKARTA (UCAN) -- On the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination, Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja of Jakarta invited archdiocesan pastoral workers to join him in creating an authentic "Good Shepherd ministry."

This means everyone involved, "whether commission members, priests, parish council members, pro-deacons, catechists, heads of Catholic neighborhood communities and interest groups, and I myself need to change or improve the ministry system," the Jesuit cardinal said at the June 29 anniversary Mass.

About 4,000 people participated in the liturgy at Assumption Cathedral in Central Jakarta including Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, and 19 other bishops.

Cardinal Darmaatmadja was ordained archbishop of Semarang on June 29, 1983. He was elevated to cardinal in November 1994 and appointed archbishop of Jakarta in January 1996.

A "Good Shepherd ministry," the prelate explained, means to look for and to accompany "those who cannot be reached by our (usual) pastoral ministry." It requires reaching out spiritually to others and aiding those who need the "basic necessities of life." He pointed out that "a good shepherd prevents his flock from leaving, takes care of the sick and leads the flock to green pasture."

While stressing the aspects of community and cooperation in ensuring that pastoral ministry benefits all, he admitted that such ministry implemented through Basic Christian Communities has not yet reached many people.

Living in Jakarta is not easy, he observed. "One may feel alone in the midst of a crowd. Jobs demand that people work the whole day, with the result that they have no time to be together with their family. Difficult economic situations also create new difficulties for faith and family life. The spirit of secularism and materialism make people feel like they do not need God."

The next day, the cardinal repeated his invitation to about 500 clergy, Religious men and women, and seminarians during another anniversary Mass held at the cathedral.

Afterward, UCA News spoke with priests and laypeople who shared their views on the cardinal's vision of ministry.

Father Alexius Widyanto, who teaches at Wacana Bakti (service to the word) Minor Seminary in Jakarta, welcomed the call and acknowledged he "must educate seminarians in being good shepherds."

Father Gilbert Keirsblick of St. Thomas Apostle Church in Bojong Indah, West Jakarta, said such a ministry "is important to prevent people from leaving the Church." To make it effective, the Immaculate Heart of Mary priest continued, "we need to develop spiritually ourselves."

Stefanus Sudharmanto from St. Anthony of Padua Church in Bidaracina, East Jakarta, also agreed with the cardinal's idea to improve pastoral ministry. "It is good if it meets people's needs."

Prior to the anniversary celebrations, the cardinal issued a pastoral letter that was read out during Masses on June 21 and 22.

In it the jubilarian urged all people in the archdiocese particularly, and in Indonesia generally, to promote solidarity. "The haves should support the have-nots; rich parishes should support poor parishes. And parishes, through their neighborhood communities, should ensure that every Catholic in need is supported."

Realizing the difficult economic situation in the country, Cardinal Darmaatmadja said he wanted his silver anniversary celebrated in a simple way.

"There will be no special party," he insisted. "I invite all of you to give thanks to God together with me and to pray for me -- by praying for me within your own family or holding Holy Mass in your own parish -- and to be ready to share what you have with those in need."

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