Ibadan Archdiocesan Board of Church Wardens, holds the Board’s Annual Lenten Retreat and talk; titled “Church Wardens, the Call to Make God's House Decent for Worship.”

The retreat started with the Stations of the Cross led by the Retreat Facilitator, Rev. Fr. Darlington Chima Agubosim, followed immediately by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Confession, Benediction and Mass. The Retreat was well attended by Board’s members from various Parishes within the Archdiocese.

Rev. Fr. Darlington Agubosim enlightened the mind of Members on how to be better at their vocation as he drives home points on the topic ‘Church Wardens, the Call to Make God's House Decent for Worship.’

In his words on the topic, he said the Church is just like a human body. Everyone has a role to play in the Church so are the Church Wardens. He described Church Wardens as  Lay Ministers. Therefore, without the Church Wardens, the Ministry of the Church is not complete. He stated the Board’s origin can be traced back to the Biblical time of Moses in Exodus 18:13-27.

He further stated that every ministry in the Church is called. Church Wardens are among those saddled with the sacred responsibility of worship in the Church. These days, people don't want to worship God the right way anymore but they want to worship God in the way convenient for them which is not supposed to be as the Church's way of worship remains the same from inception, thought with few changes which are supported by the laws of the Church.

It is obvious that we all are called in one way or another. What matters most is a sincere question we need to ask ourselves everyday which is "Am I living to the expectations of my call?" As a Church Warden, we must learn to take insults knowing we don't do what we do for any human but for God, we must also be observant and know how to approach people.

There are things that need to be considered to make God's house decent for worship. These are not meant only for Church Wardens though Church Wardens are to lead by example.

Orderliness. It is important that things are done in an orderly manner and at the right time. In a situation where someone is corrected and doesn't want to yield, let such person be, instead of creating distraction.

Silent Atmosphere. God's house of worship isn't a place where another business can be done, there are time to be silent and that isn't a time to do any other thing, the atmosphere must maintain utmost decorum so that objective and purpose should be attained and achieved.

Indecent Dressing. Dress the way you want to be addressed. Our life should be a testament to others as we can be the only Bible someone reads. There should be no difference from our service in the Church and our service outside the Church.

Reading Paper and Using Phones. Sometimes we distract ourselves from our own blessings. As Church Wardens, we should not be in a rush to do our work and not attend Mass. Don't be the sign showing others the way to heaven and you miss the road or way and ends up not getting there. Sometimes we are the cause of our problems, we do not say Mass is ended at announcement, as there is no particular place God speaks to us, He can speak to us even during proccession or recession.

Questions were asked and he gave a convincing replies to the questions. It was no doubt a good and insightful retreat spiritually filled and educative.