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Our Parish Vision:WITNESSING CHRIST TOWARDS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY

Bulletin of Sacred Heart Parish, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Vol. XXXV - No.- 5, October - November 2015

Editorial...........

For Private Circulation Only

BETTERING OTHERS OR OURSELVES

community building activities be it spiritual, social and cultural. Many of our parishioners are involved in offering their time, talent and treasure generously. There is scope for more to join in and vacancies still do exist. Go through this issue and you will see a kaleidoscope of activities involving the tiny tots, children, young adults and elders. There are dispute and differences while we work but all these are momentary and a means to reunite with the love of the Lord.

Coming to the vacancies referred above, St Paul in 1 Corinthians 12: 7 reads: “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit”. The gifts may be different for different persons but each one is gifted. There is no service in the Church which needs supernatural power or gift. All we need is to offer ourselves.

The Archdiocese of Bombay has through the Laity Training Centre begun 10 se s s ions on Ho l i s t i c Empowerment of Lay People at Sacred Heart School, Vashi from 26th September being held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Apart from the neighboring parishes 46 of our parishioners have been attending. It is encouraging to see so many of our parishioners who are keen to sharpen their skills

- GEORGE THOMAS

Free advice is the order of the day, parents to their teenaged and grown up children, well meaning friends offer advice sometimes conflicting in nature. Spouses' also indulge in bettering the other to make him or her perfect until there is a spark. It is mainly out of concern that we do this and overdo to the extent of breakdown in communication. The reality is that human experience is irrelevant as compared to trusted Google and Wikipedia. I choose to give you a break while desiring to begin by thanking you dear readers for your support. Thanks to our SCC Animators for ensuring that each family receives a copy of the Vashi Vision. It is also couriered to several parishes of the Archdiocese, while many of our parishioners receive it by email.

At the 2015 Ordinary Synod of Bishops which began on 4th October, the Holy Father said “the Church must convert and become more alive, more p e r s o n a l a n d m o r e community based, at the levels of the Parish and the small community.”

We the parishioners of Sacred Heart need a pat on our backs. Throughout the year we have a lot of

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VOLUNTEERVOLUNTEERTRAIN & GROWTRAIN & GROW

but disheartening that less than 1% of our parishioners have availed of this. These sessions help build ourselves to give back to the Community.

We celebrated Mission Sunday on 18th October and generously contributed towards the missions and prayed for the missionaries working under trying conditions in hostile places. We can also share in this

mission by doing our bit of service to our neighbors and thus spread the love and compassion of Christ. Jesus says emphatically without giving us a choice in Mathew 28:19 “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit?” Can we say Yes to Jesus?

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VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi

VASHI VISION Parish Bulletin of Sacred Heart Church

Vashi, Navi Mumbai

EDITORIAL TEAM Fr. Gerald Fernandes, George Thomas,

Dr Maureen Lobo, Kimberly Rowe, Rita Pinto

DESIGN & LAYOUTFelix Rodrigues

SEND ARTICLES FOR VASHI VISION TO [email protected]

PUBLISHED BYParish Priest,Sacred Heart Church, Plot No. 67, Sector - 9A, Vashi,Navi Mumbai - 400 703. Tel.: 2765 0343 - 1392Church email: [email protected]

FB Page: www.facebook.com/sacredheartchurch.vashi

PRINTED ATMermier Printing Institute,Mermier Bal Ashram,18A, Bonkode Road, Sector - 11,Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai - 400709.Tel.: 2754 3335

Web-page: www.sacredheartchurchvashi.wordpress.com

Parish ScheduleConfessions: - Every Saturday at 6.15 pm or on requestBaptisms: - 1st and 3rd Sunday at the 9.00 am MassSunday Good News Club: - 8.00 am Mass in the Church followed by Cathechism for children.Mass Schedule: - Weekday: 7.00 am and 7.00 pm

- Sundays: 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 9.15 am and 6.00 pm Language Masses: - Konkani: 3rd Sunday - 7.00 am

- Tamil: 1st & 3rd Sunday - 10.30 am- Malayalam: 2nd & 4th Sunday - 10.30 am

Charismatic Prayer: - Tuesdays & Thursdays after the Evening MassChurch Office: - 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Sunday Closed

Baptism - Born in Christ

Marriage - United in Christ

Burial - Resting in Christ

29-08-2015 - Reo Nadar -child of- Pradeep & Michael12-09-2015 - Eli Mikael D’Souza -child of- Anil & Caroline26-09-2015 - Chrisel Pinto -child of- Derryk & Beatrice

08-09-2015 - Arvind B Goswami -with- Nadia Agnes Souza

1) 08-09-2015 - Rani Balan - age 66 years- Sector 7, Vashi2) 17-09-2015 - Juliet Fernandes - age 80 years- Sector 1, Vashi3) 20-09-2015 - Vincent S Monis - age 76 years- Sector 10, Vashi

2 3

We are publishing the photograph of our dear Parishioners who are res t ing wi th Chr is t in the preceding/current month.

In case of death of our parishioner the family may handover the photo of the departed family member along with the name, age & sector to the Vashi Vision Team or in the Parish Office, in case they desire so. (deadline announced in Church Notices)

October - November 20152

BETTERING OTHERS...

MERCY- A BEAUTIFUL VIRTUE- MICHAEL D'SOUZA, SECTOR-8

Gifts are fine dressings of human culture which bring warmth, love, affection and a gesture of unending love. The giver of this gift is the message and love.

As I look back at my life, I am unable to forgive the people who have wronged me. I

was asked to forgive and forget though I was not at fault. But wait, I was also not holy as I appeared to be. I was rude, angry, arrogant, abusive, etc. I was no better to the extent that I felt, can anything good come out of me. It was important for me to forgive myself and thus easier to forgive others.

Then suddenly Michelangelo's statue, THE PIETA, came to my mind, where the Virgin Mary holds the body of her son. Will Mary pick up a wretched person like me? I pray to the Lady of mercy to lift me up, show mercy and intercede for me. Can I offer the persons who hurt me to the Lord at the Eucharist and to be a loving compassionate and merciful person? Matthew 5 says happy are the merciful for God will show mercy. The divine mercy prayers gave me the strength courage and conviction to change, heal and show mercy to all. Yes! I have forgiven myself and everyone.

Pope Pius VII showed mercy to Napoleon who had

imprisoned him. Pope John Paul II forgave Mehmet Ali Agca who shot him. Bangladeshi Rais Bhuiyan forgave Stroman who shot him and even asked for his release from prison. Our Lord showed the highest form of mercy and forgiveness despite being nailed to the cross like a criminal

Pope Francis had declared the Holy year of Mercy beginning from the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on 8th December 2015 to the feast of Christ the King on 20th November 2016

This is the time of mercy, a time to heal wounds and to turn back to God, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all. So let us together nourish ourselves with the body and blood of Christ at the Eucharist and imitate Jesus in our thoughts and behavior. People must feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, our fraternity. Please is a word to enter the life of another. Thanks is gratitude and sorry acknowledging wrong and willing to restore back.

We truly can be angels witnessing God's mercy and faith in Christ beginning with the family in our homes which is the first school and the best home for the elderly. So join my hands and be united and rejoice in the name of Lord, forgiving each other and enjoying life - Life to the fullest.


PRAYER AND TECHNIQUE- P. Rufus Sector 10A

Jesus was an ardent advocate of prayer. No wonder that his disciples asked Him how to pray. As simple as the Lord's Prayer is, it sensibly reaches as much up to heaven as down to earth. But what about Jesus's own prayer? Being God incarnate, on a mission to earth, His priorities must have been different than daily bread and trespasses. And so must have been His level of communion with the Father dwelling within. We get a rare glimpse of His prayer (John 17:1-11a, 11b-19, 20-26) which dwells solely on the fulfillment of His mission on earth.

Our experience of prayer is a common feeling that prayer is unfruitful. Some people don't even feel very different before and after prayer. “When you pray, go into your room, close the door...” (Mathew 6:6)

And precisely behind closed doors is clearing one's mind of distractions and 'talking to the Father who is in heaven' and keeping it all private, are perfectly in line with what Jesus taught.

However, clearing our minds from distractions is not that easy. That's where the New Age proponents come in with a 'prayer-technique' that's quite different from the approach and disposition enshrined in the Lord 's Prayer. Devised by a set of Christian monks, the 'technique' is admittedly an amalgamation of Eastern meditative practices. It is propagated as contemplative

or centering prayer. It involves sitting upright in a chair in a closed room, palms on knees, eyes closed, breath regulated, and chanting a non-descript sound, for a prescribed duration, until the mind is lulled into a still void of complete thoughtlessness.

One wonders whether authentic Christian mystics as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila resorted to these prayer-technique to connect with God. Or, did they supplicate in faith and yearning?

From a layperson's view, one cannot but imagine that if there were so simple a technique of prayer, wouldn't Jesus have taught it to His disciples and asked them to propagate it? The technique would have been apt for illiterate fishermen and their naive, preoccupied minds. Why take the approach of so many parables, so much travell ing, teaching and suffering? Understandably, popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II had disapproved of the 'thoughtlessness technique' as genuine Christian prayer.

By the way, proponents of this mind-control prayer strongly advise initiation under trained guidance, to pre-empt possible psychological mishaps. Such an alert should itself make the point. By contrast, how free and safe the Lord's simple prayer has always been! Because, it's a matter of heart, not technique. And that's the heart of the matter!

3 October - November 2015


HOME ENTHRONEMENT OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS- -VIOLET D'ALMEIDA, SECTOR -16.

June - August are the traditional months dedicated to the Sacred Heart and the church celebrates the solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday following the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost. This year it was on 12th June.

As per our Legion Apostolate this year we legionaries recruited four homes of our parish for the home enthronement of Sacred Heart, taking the total enthronement to 22 for the Parish.

Fr Gerry presided & blessed at enthronement held at the residence of Mr. K K John, sector 16, Mr. Nayan Thakker, sector 6, Ms. Marlene Pereira, sector 4, Mr. Oscar Gomes, sector 6, accompanied by the Legionaries.

The tabernacle of our parish church to our home, inviting our Lord to be our constant and most intimate companion and it is a way of life ,means that Christ is king of our hearts and we desire him to be present with us always were the thoughts of these families. They said our families had always been close to the faith, but the Enthronement helped our families' faith to grow.

The Enthronement of Sacred heart is a solemn act of a family giving formal recognition of the kingship of Christ over their family and home and the official , ceremonial beginning of a families commitment to live out the effects of their recognition of Christ's kingship. The Enthronement creates an intimate relationship between the church and the home.

We invite and encourage the parishioners to enthrone their homes to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.


MAN AND GOD- OSCAR GOMES, Sector-6

Remember, our intelligence has greater knowledge than all the doctors in the world put together, for doctors can only treat, whereas healing is from within.

The greatest creation and the greatest gift of all, is this human body and the

immense intelligence that is reposed within it. It is God's most wonderful work of art. Our heat beats about 1,00,000 times a day and about 35 million times a year. It pumps six litres of blood through 120,000 kms. of blood vessels in a day. In one second we are producing 1.2 million red blood cells to replace an equal number that die.

Out digestive and metabolic systems have the remarkable ability to transform the food we eat into blood, bone and body structure. The air which we

breathe, but cannot see contains oxygen which is exchanged for the excess carbon dioxide inside and then thrown out without us even knowing about it. Everytime we cut ourselves within seconds there is a tremendous amount of activity in and around the wound to seal and heal it.

The defence system inside us is greater than the defence system of any country. The wisdom necessary to fertilise an egg and turn it into a fully grown man is beyond our intelligence. At the helm of the pinnacle of perfection is a God overseeing all these miraculous activities.

All this clearly demonstrates beyond doubt that there are two sides to ourselves. Let us call them the body and spirit or man and God and give homage to the Author of Life.

- KIMBERLY ROWENavi Mumbai's Deanery Youth Day was

held on Sunday, 13th September 2015 at Carmel Convent High School, Kalamboli. The event was attended by more than 300 youth of the 12 parishes that comprise the Navi Mumbai Deanery.

The day began with a refreshing breakfast served to the participants. This was followed by a Eucharistic mass celebration by Fr. Walter. A message of creating a magical reality by developing more meaning relationships with our family, friends and environment, touched the hearts of all.

After mass, there was a session by Mr. Emmanuel who shared his real-life success story with the youth. It was an enlightening talk as the youth benefitted valuable information about how to build a positive social, professional and spiritual life.

Next in store was an ice-breaker game wherein participants received a chance to introduce and familiarize themselves with other youth members by way of a fun sound recording game. It set the youth abuzz with activity as they participated wholeheartedly in the game.

It was a pleasant surprise for many to meet the Diocesan Youth Representatives Charnelle Dias, Nickien Godinho and Karan Ravindran who graced Navi Mumbai's Deanery Youth Day with their presence, and encouraged and motivated the youth to participate actively in events and competitions. The Navi Mumbai Deanery Youth Representatives were introduced and acknowledged for their time and effort.

Pre and post lunch, it was time for the most awaited part of the day, the cultural program in which parishes performed and represented the morals and values of Disney themes. The hall echoed with claps and cheers and was filled with excitement and liveliness. The lunch was buffet-style with a number of food items on the menu, and was appreciated by all.

The claps and cheers resounded in the jam session where everyone danced to the beats of popular English and Hindi songs. Even nature celebrated the occasion with us by showering its blessings and contributing to our rain dance! Indeed, the atmosphere was full of enthusiasm, energy and vibrancy. Everyone was filled with a feeling of happiness of having experienced a fulfilling day.

A big thank you to Fr. Baptist Viegas – Navi Mumbai Deanery Youth Director, Fr. Gonsalo Pereira – Holy Spirit Kalamboli Parish Priest, the organizing team and volunteers, and all the youth participants for being a part of the event and making it a grand success!

DEANERY YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION

VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 5 October - November 2015

SPORTS DAY REPORT ST. PETER'S SCC- EVELYN MENEZES

On 16th August 2015 Parish Sports Day was held at Sacred Heart School Quadrangle, with all the SCC communities competing against each other for a fun filled entertainment. Unlike all the other teams ours was one consisting players ranging

from 5 to 80s. Kids to Elders, we had it all. To top that, we were an all-women team with the exception of one man. It was our unified team spirit and enthusiasm that really made us young at heart.

Against all odds, we managed to participate in each game and to further boost our team spirit, we decided to color code ourselves and wear white. Though we didn't have too many expectations we decided to give it our all, participate as much as we could and have fun as they say the journey is more important than reaching the destination. We participated in all the games and those who were unable to play gathered on the ground to

cheer our team.All the games were well organized and the other

teams also played with good sportsmanship spirit. After the games we sat down to have a hearty evening breakfast and just enjoy the rest of our time together and watch the other teams compete with others. It was indeed a Sunday well spent. We hope to have more sports events like these in the future and more participation from our sector so as to have a lot more fun, as well.


FREEDOM CUP 2015- Amy Macwan

B R E AT H E L I F E , B R E AT H E FREEDOM, and yes we could experience both at the FREEDOM CUP 2015 which was played at Sacred Heart High School quadrangle on the 15th of August. It is that time of the year where you will find all our

youth coming together and playing the game which is loved by almost all age groups from the young lads to the old ones. Being Independence Day, the day of our freedom where we come together and celebrate our Independence, we had the tournament inaugurated by Mr. Vaibhav and Mrs. Divya Gaikwad with a short speech which ended with the singing of our National Anthem by all the team members and everyone present.

We had eight teams with their eight owners respectively. The most amazing thing about all the teams were their catchy names which were Grey Wolves (Grey team), 8 Redeemers (Black team), Brave

Hearts (Blue team), The Apostles (Orange team), The Crusaders (White team), Green Moppets (Green team), Invincible Stars (Red team) and Royal Oak (Yellow team).

I wouldn't say it was a sunny day as rains had their calling. But they couldn't stop the players to show their skills at playing. All the teams played at their best for the Cup to reach the finals from morning to evening, but only the Green Moppets and the 8 Redeemers could make it to the finale. And finally, the 8 Redeemers won the Freedom Cup 2015. The team players and the owner Mr. Mani were felicitated with the Cup by Fr. Baptist marking a remarkable end to the tournament.

I am sure those who were not a part of this tournament will want to make it next year and those who were a part of this memorable day will be surely back with more energy and enthusiasm. Also most importantly thanking the youth group who organized this tournament and made this event a successful one.

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- SAMHIT DABRALOn 23rd August, our youth trek to Prabalgad was an

awesome and fun filled experience. We left at about 8:30 am from the church compound and had a fun and entertaining bus journey till the trek point. Before we left, a special prayer was made by Fr. Baptist for our safe journey. We all were singing songs, enjoying ourselves and laughing on the journey.

When we reached there, beautiful mountains, big rocks and wild plants were there. There was also a pleasant fragrance of nature which was very calm and relaxing. When we started to climb all of us were excited and full of energy. On the way up to the mountain there were little waterfalls and wet big rocks. While climbing, we were cracking jokes and sitting here and there when tired and even clicking selfies. When we reached at a height we could get a beautiful

view of the tall buildings, houses and also a beautiful view of the neighboring mountains. As we were getting closer to the fort of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj there was a beautiful river with clean and fresh water in it. When we reached up, we had an option of climbing further till the fort or sitting with others who didn't want to climb further. Some people of the group went on to the peak while some were sitting, resting and eating their lunch. We also enjoyed ourselves by playing Kabaddi and Dog and the Bone. It was the best and also an amazing trek for all of us. When we returned all of us were tired and exhausted after having so much of fun.

The trek was key to team building, new friendships and learning many other values. Thank you to the organizers, guides and all our trekkers who made this trek a memorable one!

PRABALGAD YOUTH TREK


Nativity of Our Lady by Sunday School Students of STD VIIThe nativity of our lady is celebrated every year in

the month of September. 8th of September is celebrated as the birth day of our Mother Mary. This day is also celebrated as the day of The Girl Child. Nine days before her feast is the novena. During these days we make various offerings, such as- rice, tea powder, sugar etc. which is donated to different orphanages. We also offer prayers asking Mummy Mary to help and bless the poor orphans. - Anna Augustine

The nine days of the novena brought me closer to

Mother Mary. If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart, it still would not equal the love Mama Mary has for her children. Never be afraid of loving our Blessed Mother too much. You can never love her more than Jesus.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us -Svetlana Solomon

Mama Mary is a mediatrix of humanity to God,

refuge of sinners, protector from all dangers and most

powerful intercession with her Son, Jesus."Her heart is open for all her children and she invites each of us to take shelter in her immaculate heart".Love You Mama!! - Ryan Viegas

A Poem by St. BernardWhen you follow her; you will not go astray; When you pray to her, You will not despair; When you think of her, You will not err; When she holds you up, You will not fail; When she protects you, You will not fear; When she leads you, You will not be fatigued; When she favours you, You will arrive safely.She keeps her Son from striking us; She keeps the devil from hurting us; She keeps our virtues from escaping us; She keeps our merits from being destroyed; She keeps our graces from being lost.Happy Birthday Mother Mary!!!

- Amanda D'Souza


SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATES MAMA MARY'S BIRTHDAY.-ESTHER ROBERTS, Catechist

Mother Mary's journey with God was of deep faith & trust. As Christians we turn to Mary as our Mother. The nine days Novena starting from the end of August till Mother Mary's Birthday is the most exciting part of

the year for all ages, children, youth & adults. Everyone make it a point to attend the nine days faithfully. During these days the children are overwhelmed & participate wholeheartedly in the Eucharistic Celebration, all excited about the Feast & party.

With the guidance of the Priest -in-charge {Fr. Baptist Viegas} the catechists planned the liturgy, choir, skits, offerings & the party.

On the 20th of September after the 8 am children's mass catechists had to accompany the children to the

Sacred Heart School hall. . They were all dressed up for the party. Oh! It was a rainy morn & it would have been difficult. Thanks to the parents who offered to help with their vehicles & dropped all our primary children at the school.

Well this year we had something different - each class had to come dressed in a particular color. We were a total number of 142 students & teachers. The get-together began with a hymn to Mother Mary followed by the Happy Birthday song. Each class came out with a beautiful slogan on Mother Mary. The catechists conducted games in four groups i.e. 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 4th & 5th, 6th & 7th, 8th & 9th. Children enjoyed playing games & winning prizes. There were spot prizes too. Snacks were served with a soft drink.

Mama Mary's Birthday was indeed a Joyful celebration & the children enjoyed to the fullest.


SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAMME IN TALOJA- ROWENA SEQUEIRA, Catechist

Every year the Sunday School Teachers along with our Spiritual Director Fr.Baptist organized an outreach programme after Mama Mary's birthday, where the children also come along and experience the other side of life, out of their comfort zone. This

year we visited Swarga Dwar (Gate of Heaven) Ashram in Taloja. Swarga Dwar was founded in 1983 by Rev. Fr. Carlo Torriani, PIME, whom we were fortunate to meet and who gave us a briefing about the Ashram. Fr.Carlos said that in this Ashram they shared everything, their food, time and lives. Leprosy patients are treated and rehabilitated here, orphan boys and HIV infected widows too are housed, on a huge farmland all separately. They are taken care of by Fr. Balaswamy, Director, Sr. Nakshatram and Sr.Lucy.

Through the eyes, ears and experiences of some children who visited the Ashram are given below.

Conrad, Std. VI: As one walks down the Ashram, you are filled with a certain kind of peace as you come across many inspiring Biblical quotes in English and Hindi. The thing I liked best was that the inmates were independent as they cultivated their own crops.

Aaron, Std. VII: I liked the little Prayer Room, where all religions are respected. The Pillar in that room with multiple religious symbols of Christians, Hindus,

Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, etc was a Man's Quest for God.

Angeline, Std. VIII: I was fascinated with the Prayer Room. After visiting the Chapel, Silika Teacher along with the other teachers organized an activity for us. Six groups were formed which also included the orphan boys from the Ashram. We had to name our group and find the lines/verses around the Ashram that touched us the most and then explain why. I enjoyed interacting with these children and was astounded by their simplicity. We liked these lines, “My house shall be called the House of prayer for all peoples”. I explained that there are two types of houses, The Church, where we pray in unity. The second is our very own homes where we love, share, pray and live in unity.

Joshua, Std. VIII: I was inspired how the children prayed together with other inmates of different religions. Each religion had an allotted day of the week. The verse that touched me was “What shall we do Lord in your memory? We will share our bread, our time, our life, till You come to share Your Glory.”

Mallita, Std.VIII: One thing that touched me the most was the dedication of the Italian priest Fr. Carlos, who did not return to his homeland, but stayed back for 35 years to take care of the Leprosy patients. All the verses I read meant one thing to me that there is unity in diversity.


A DAY OF FUN & FROLIC AT B.A.S.C.A.

ELDERS DAY CELEBRATION IN ST. PETER'S S.C.C.

- OSCAR GOMES – E.T.C.

1st. October was celebrated as Elder's Day, on 2nd. Oct. The ELDERS TOGETHERNESS COMMITTEE (ETC), of the BOMBAY ARCHDIOCESE SENIOR CITIZEN'S ASSOCIATION

arranged a get-together or 'Meet & Greet' at the Church of Our Lady of Salvation, Dadar. Members of All the Deaneries of Mumbai were invited to attend. From our Parish three of us were deputed, nine representatives of Navi Mumbai were present.

Believe it or not, about 350 senior citizens were in attendance, dressed in their Sunday best, looking trim & fit, even though it was a Friday.

The day started with Mass at 9.30AM. With an appropriate Homily, exhorting the Elders to remain 'Youthful' by being 'Useful'.

After Mass we gathered in a hall on the 2nd. Floor, Refreshments then followed. The Compere was a youngster, and was drawn to help because he witnessed the enthusiasm of his Mother in the ETC.

The Chairman began the proceeding by welcoming all and expressing happiness at the high response. The Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Ancito, spoke about the ideals of ETC., lauding the efforts of the Steering Committee to bring such large numbers to Dadar.

The opening item was a Power Point presentation by the Youth. They were showing the audience how to use the internet, like Google etc., The Ladies were most interested in Online Shopping and asked plenty of questions on the same. Many however were Computer

- EVELYN MENEZES

“Treasure the wisdom of old age.Learn from elder people and be wise”

World Elders' day is celebrated on the 1st of October to be thankful for the significant

difference that elders make to society. This day is held to honour the elders, to talk and spend quality time with them.

We celebrated Elders Day in our community on 2nd of October being a public holiday. We, four youth and two children accompanied by two adults visited a total of 30 elders from our community.

Unaware of our visit to their home, all the elders were surprised and happy to see us. We presented them with a bamboo sapling and a prayer card. We also recited a special prayer for them and took many pictures with them. They were so happy to see us that they

Savvy.The next item took everyone's breath away. Nine

quaint elder ladies dressed prim & proper, in Red Tops and Black Slacks and Heels, performed Live dancing to frisky old tunes… The Compere cautioned the Gents to refrain from whistling…but all the Gents ignored him and went on a whistling spree….and towards the end some of the Gents (on invitation) joined the Ladies on the Stage and brought the house down .

Spot prizes followed and then a new one that made everyone get acquainted with their fellow members from the deanery. When called upon the leader of the group was to stand and rattle off the names of their group members in the shortest time. Then a brain twisting game of numbers, which tested the mental agility of the Elder, gentry and they came out with flying colors.

It was nearing lunch time; many were popping in pills needed to build up appetite. Dutifully Senior Citizen's Prayer and Grace before Meals were recited and everyone attacked the buffet tables for a sumptuous Lunch. Sadly all good things come to an end...we said our goodbyes to the new found friends and departed on our ways.

You have gone through this article and probably feel amazed at how the Elderly on the other side of the creek are enjoying themselves with gay camaraderie and togetherness. Can we members of SACRED HEART CHURCH, VASHI, parish follow them and enjoy life in our halcyon days…..

BY BEING YOUTHFUL AND USEFUL

offered us juice, cake, and chocolates. It was really a nice experience meeting and talking

to them. Most of our elders in our sector are more active than the youngster which keeps them healthy and happy. We youngsters could only hope that we can be as active as them at their age. Happy Elders Day!!!!!


ELDERS DAY IN VASHI - Dr MAUREEN LOBO

Elders Day was celebrated in our Parish on the 18 th of Oct. It was a pleasure to see about 70 elders mingling together over a wholesome breakfast.

We were privileged to have with us the President and Vice President of Bombay

Archdiocese Senior Citizens Association BASCA, Capt.Macanon Dsilva (popularly known as Mac) and Ms Maxima Serrao. They addressed the gathering warmly.

The team game followed by the ever in demand, Housie got everyone enthused.

The nightingale of Vashi, the youthful Mrs Martis' sang a melodious Konkani song. We also celebrated

Philo's birthday.All too soon lunch was announced.A big hand to the evergreen Diago for being a lively

compere, Remizia for efficiently handling the show, Bryan for providing lilting music, Joel and Bunny for leading the Housie. We were happy to have the company of Frs Gerry,Baptist and Bro.Robinson.

A morning well spent indeed!We wish to thank the out going Office bearers for

graciously holding the Fort till now. All good wishes to the newly elected committee

Elias Carvalho---PresidentOscar Gomes---Vice PresidentBryan Fernandez---SecretaryEric Furtado------Treasurer


PARENTS DAY & COMMUNITY FEAST - St. ANNE'S SCC- JUANITA D'SOUZA

One of the greatest titles in the world is parent and one of the biggest blessings in the world is to have parents called mom and dad.

26th July 2015, feast of St. Anne and Joaquim is also celebrated as Parents Day. We the people of St. Anne's Community,

Sector 31A celebrated this auspicious day with great dignity. Parents Day was celebrated along with the community feast.

There was a small get together of all the families of our sector in the evening. The get together started with a small prayer service where all the families were seated in their respective clusters praying together which was followed by the cutting of the cake and singing for all the parents present there. Each cluster was provided with the cake.

It then continued with the small entertainment program where the children and the youth showed their

loving gesture to their parents with an entertaining dance. The youth had organized various games to make the program more interesting. The games were very well played by everyone. Each person was active and contributed something.

All the winners of the game were felicitated with small gifts. It was a memorial evening. We thank all the children and youth for helping us out in the program.


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F The Official Undertakers & Funeral Directors for all faiths. FWe supply all types of coffins (regular, polished and polished

floral coffins), brand new hearse, ambulance, imported lowering device, church truck (coffin stand), wooden cross, gloves and socks, floral tributes, rosary beads, etc.

FDispatch of mortal remains within the country and abroad. FWe also supply Portable Refrigerator Coffins, a very compact

piece, which can be kept at home using regular power-supply.

FWe understand your need to spend as much time with your loved one in these last moments and hence ther is no need to visit the shop.

FWe are just a call away. FAll arrangements will be made through that one call.

FWe have a very professional and considerate team to assist you in all your requirements.

Mr. Bellar Britto 9867064000, Mr. Ludgar Britto 9870483583, Mrs. Anita Britto 9867164000, Mr. Kailash Gutale 9867641470Email [email protected]

K.A.S. Homes, Survey No. 0495, Shop No.3,

Juhu Village, Sector 11, Besides C.I.S.F. Quarters

Vashi, Navi Mumbai

WE TAKE NO ADVANCE

PARISH SPORTS DAY 2015- ANUSHA PRABHU

People spend their weekends with family and friends, in different ways by going out for movies, hanging out with friends or colleagues, shopping, watching television or reading a book. Sundays have become quite monotonous too. Don't we all

long for some excitement? How better to rejuvenate oneself than go out with one's community and indulge in some sports activities?

On the 13th of August, 'The Parish Sports Day' was organised by the youth group under the leadership of youth president Kimberly Rowe and guidance of Fr Baptist. Events like these are organised with a view to bring people together and strengthen the bond within the community. For this event, the parish was split into 15 teams which participated under the leadership of their captains who made sure that they left no stone unturned in their efforts to win the cup. This undying spirit and enthusiasm could be felt in the air and simply illustrated the fact that 'winning isn't everything but wanting to win is'.

The different games part of this event were chess, carom, dodge ball, seven stones and a traditional sport

viz. atya patya. The event began at 2 pm in the afternoon. There was an overwhelming participation of parishioners of ages ranging from of 7 to 70. A huge turnout of spectators also came in to cheer their teams. The games were played by the sector groups with a lot of enthusiasm and sportsmanship. While the senior team members were seen indulging in the indoor activities, the others made sure that they enjoyed every minute running around the field in order to lead their team to victory. The 5s of sports = speed, stamina, skill, spirit and strength, the greatest of these being spirit.

Eventually the teams heralded the best were - Winner: Sector 61st runner up: Sectors 11, 12, 28, 292nd runner up: Sector 1 Sporting success at this level is more about getting a

team out, having a great time and playing in the right spirit. After all, 'A trophy accumulates dust, but memories last forever'.


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