1. shopping
2. gifts

CONTENTS
Pope Francis announces
Year of Consecrated Life
Christmas - The Feast of giving
Joy Born at Bethlehem
Joy to the world
Destiny designing
Joy to the world
On making a difference
The Amazing Bible
Home for the holidays
Kids Korner
Christmas Recipes
Cross Word
05
07
09
11
13
14
15
17
19
21
22
23
Advent Wreath
Christmas Programme
Feast of the Holy Cross
Moment captured on memory card
Senior citizen day out
Listening to Jesus by Lake Galilee
Pilgrim to the Mount
We must free ourselves
World news
A trek to Lohagad
Orlem Super Cup
Hope and Life
MASS TIMING
Weekdays: 6:00 am, 6:45 am, 5:30 pm & 7:00 pm.
Saturdays: 5:30 pm, & 7:00 pm.
Sundays: 6:00 am, 7:00 am (Konkani), 8:15 am,
9:15 am (Tamil), 10:30 am (Children),
4:00 pm (Tamil Children), 5:15 pm,
6:30 pm (Youth) & 7:30 pm.
BAPTISMS
Every Sunday at 11:30 am.
Expectant parents are requested too
completed the pre-baptismal course and
produce the certificate while fixing the
date for the baptism.
CONFESSIONS
MARRIAGE
Couples intending to marry in our church have to meet any
priest at least six months in advance, to check the availability
of the church as well as to be briefed on marriage procedures.
Timings for Masses are as follows:
Weekdays: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Mixed marriages: 5:15 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am & 5:15 pm
Mixed marriages at any scheduled Mass.
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33
35
37
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1) Every Saturday at 5:00 pm. &
6:30 pm.
2) Thursday before First Friday from
6:15 pm to 7:00 pm
Dialogue confession is encouraged wit
prior appointment
EDITORIAL TEAM
Fr. Gilbert De Lima
Melville X. D'souza
Michelle Pinto
Francis Rodrigues
Anthoy Coelho
Glenn Concessio
Willrine Vaz
Sabin Antony
Published by the Parish Priest,
Our Lady of Lourdes Church,
Orlem, Malad(W), Mumbai 400 064
[email protected]
Reaching Out - December 2014
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Pope Francis announces
a Year of Consecrated Life in 2015
Pope Francis has announced that 2015 will be a year dedicated to the promotion of consecrated life. His own
words clue us to his intent: that for the Church to grow it needs the “witness associated with attitudes which
are uncommon: generosity, detachment, sacrifice, self-forgetfulness in order to care for others…. This is the
witness, the ‘martyrdom of religious life’. “Religious should be men and women who are able to wake up the
world”. “Wake up the world !. Be witnesses of a different way of doing things of acting, of living ! It is
possible to live differently in this world”
WAKE UP THE WORLD!
2015 Year of Consecrated Life
A WORD FROM THE HOLY FATHER
Just as it is important that life blood flow through
the body in order to live, so must we allow Jesus to
work in us, let His Word guide us, His presence in
the Eucharist feed us, give us life, His love
strengthen our love for our neighbor.
-General Audience, June 19, 2013.
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Christmas: The Feast of Giving
Fr Denzil Correia
There was little Anita whose
father was a businessman. This
man being a businessman was
earning a lot of money but
unfortunately he was not able to
give quality time to his family,
members especially to Anita. But
one thing he did very faithfully.
Every night, Anita would insist
that her father read her a story
before she would go to sleep. This
continued for some time until the
man found a "solution." He
bought Anita a colourful and
expensive tape player and made a
tape of her favourite stories from
the story book. Whenever,
therefore, the child asked him to
read her a story he would simply
push the button and play back the
tape-recorded stories. Anita took
that for a few days and then
revolted and refused to accept the
stories on tape. "Why," asked the
father, "the tape reads the stories
as well as I do!" "Yes," replied the
little girl, "But I can't sit on its
lap." Anita was enjoying sitting
on the lap of her father more than
listening to the recorded stories.
When she missed was the allimportant presence of her father!
One thing that is associated
with the celebration of Christmas
everywhere is giving. Christmas
is the feast of GIVING. Christmas
is the time in the year when
everyone is sure to give and
receive a present, even if it be
only a Christmas card. During
Christmas we also exchange
sweets. When we give Christmas
gifts to others or when we share
Christmas sweets, we share our
joy with one another; we share
our sweetness with one another.
Christmas reminds us God’s
ourselves, our presence, and our
time. We must find time to visit
and be with people, especially the
lonely, the sick, and the
bedridden. This is the greatest gift
because its value cannot be
calculated in terms of money.
giving. We celebrate the mystery
of the Incarnation. "God so loved
the world that he gave his only
Son, so that everyone who
believes in him may not perish but
may have eternal life"(John 3:16).
This is our faith that God loved
the world so much that he gave the
world the perfect gift. Similarly
we too are called to give to others.
If Christmas is the feast of
giving, then the question of what
to give and how to give becomes
very important. How can we
improve the quality of our giving?
How can we improve the quality
of our Christmas celebration? It is
easy to send flowers, it is easy to
send a parcel of sweets, it is easy
to send a Christmas card; but to
give the gift of ourselves, to make
time out to be with somebody, that
is the gift many people long for
but do not receive at Christmas.
Anita's father gave his little girl a
costly tape recorder and made
tapes for her, but he did not give
her himself, his presence, his
time. During this Christmas
season along with flowers and
gifts, let us try to give off
I remember the members of
the Legion of Mary in my exparish, St Thomas, Goregaon.
They visit the sick and the
homebound of the parish on
Christmas day itself! All of us
would prefer to spend time with
our family members, friends,
relatives and guests on Christmas
day but those legionaries sacrifice
some of their time on Christmas
day to be with the sick and the
homebound in order to bring them
some joy. I also appreciate our
Parish Youth Council which has
decided to spend some time this
Christmas with children in an
orphanage. The purpose is to
bring some joy to those children
who long for a loving presence in
their midst. Let us remember that
joy shared is joy doubled. Let us
try to make this Christmas a
beautiful, meaningful and
memorable experience not only
for ourselves but also for others.
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Joy Born at Bethlehem
The birth of a baby generally
radiates joy around the place and
that feeling of joy and excitement
is not limited just to those around
the mother, but it spreads to miles
around them, to the relatives and
friends, maybe grandparents or
great grandparents residing in
another continent. Everybody’s
faces glow with Joy !
More than 2000 years ago,
Jesus was born in that little town
of Bethlehem, in a lonely stable
away from the hustle and bustle of
the city – indeed, Joy was born at
Bethlehem that night. And who
was around there to share that Joy
? Not the relatives or friends of
Mary & Joseph, but it was the
simple farm folk,the shepherds.
They must have been filled with
Joy and excited to find a baby
born in their midst. We are told,
the angels with their heavenly
choirs, sang, "Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace
to men of goodwill.” Today, that
Joy has spread across the whole
world. We celebrate that Joy year
- Melville X. D’Souza
after year, at Christmas time, by
decorating our homes, putting up
the Christmas Star & the
Christmas Tree, setting up cribs in
our homes and in our localities,
wear new clothes, parties, gifting,
etc., etc.
While we continue partaking
of that Joy, born at Bethlehem
more 2000 years ago, we need to
ask ourselves, is that the only way
we should be celebrating that Joy
? Decorating our homes, etc., is
fine, yes, but we need to
understand the true meaning of
Christmas, and that is, LOVE.
In fact, that is a Free Gift God
gave to us. What would be our gift
to Jesus on His birthday ? He
came to give us His Love and
show us what Love is all about.
We need to reciprocate that
Love - in our everyday life, in
our dealings with others in
society, with members of our
own family. If we cannot love
one another, then we shall never
really experience that Joy,we
are not worthy of partaking of
that Joy.
Our celebrations
would be meaningless.
We are living in a troubled
world today. If we have lost our
peace of mind, if we find so much
bitterness, anger, resentment,
jealousy, greed in our relations
with others in society, in our own
families, it is because we have
killed that Joy born at Bethlehem.
Many a time, Love for money and
property takes precedence over
everything else. Jesus comes to
soothe this troubled world; he
invites us to be part of that Joy !
He offers us His Love,not just
atChristmas time but always are we ready to accept it ? Let’s
partake of that Joy born at
Bethlehem in the right manner
and make Christmas truly
meaningful !
Know Your Christ through Parables
Brunita Pinto - Zone 7 - Sector 3
The Parish Bible Cell and invited us to reflect and apply
organized Bible Classes on the the relevance of the parables to
Parables, with six classes over our own lives. It truly was a
three months for the entire Parish. journey of discovery. We were
Our Sector participated actively spiritually nourished and truly
with 20 adults & four children blessed. Being regular for
attending faithfully & regularly. the classes, brought a lot of
Our Word Minister Michelle, bonding with the group which
took great care & attention we expressed through a simple
as she unfolded the meaning fellowship after our last class.
a n d s i g n i f i c a n c e o f t h e All were presented with a
parables through a power point certificate for regular attendance.
presentation explaining in depth May the Parish Bible Cell be
the symbol, the reality and the inspired to offer the Parish more
comparison. She challenged us as such offerings which could
we progressed from class to class delight the soul.
Reaching Out - December 2014
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One pre-Christmas day, little
Jerry was shopping with his mum
at the mall. There were long
queues at almost every counter
and an even longer queue of
children lined up to see Santa.
Jerry, in a loud whisper piped in,
“Where’s the queue to see
Jesus?!” Yes, where?? In all the
frenzy of baubles, tinsel, giftbuying, preparation of sweets,
etc., we have lost Him – the very
Reason for the season!
“Rejoice..” the first word of
the Angel to Mary; “..I bring you
news of great joy..” the words of
the Angel to the shepherds; and
“…the sight of the star filled them
with delight” – the joy of the wise
men. Yes, ‘JOY’ – a Christcentered joy - was the message
on that first Christmas night.
In his book ‘Christmas is not
Your Birthday’, Mike Slaughter
says, every Christmas season
“…advertisements beckon,
children plead and it seems easier
to indulge…overspending,
overeating, materialism rob us of
our peace and joy and rob Jesus of
his rightful place as the center of
our celebration.”
It is sad, that today we have
taken ‘Christ’ out of Christmas.
We have crossed Him out ‘X’mas! – that’s the way we seem
to want it.
God gave us an inestimable
gift that first Christmas, which
when we unwrap, we find
‘Jesus’ – “that my own joy may be
in you and your joy be complete”
Ann Lobo- Zone 3 Sector 2
(Jn.15:11); ‘Others’ - “a joy to be
shared by the whole people.”(Lk.
2:10); ‘Yourself’ – “…testing the
genuineness of your love against
the concern of others” (2 Cor.8:8)
– yes, we find true JOY.
Once again this Christmas,
at midnight the church-bells will
chime and as we ready ourselves
to share in the song of the angels,
let us remember the Center of our
celebration – the One who sought
“the straw of a desolate crib to
make His Bethlehem”…..let us
remember those who will have to
celebrate this Christmas in the
midst of war, violence, abuse,
terminal illness, loneliness and
poverty and let us pray that God
may touch our hearts to enable us
to include them in our Christmas
in whatever way we can.
Come, let us together
unwrap this wonderful gift of
JOY and put ‘Christ’ back into
Christmas.
Reaching Out - December 2014
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Destiny Designing - The Power of Standpoints
Anthony Coelho
Vision without action = Daydream
Action without vision = Nightmare
Vision + Action = Results
Great People didn’t
complicate their lives. They kept
it simple. They aligned their lives
to some timeless principles, made
them the STANDPOINTS of
their lives, and more importantly
stood by their standpoints, no
matter what the test of
circumstances were. Truth and
Non – Violence were two
fundamental standpoints, living
by which the Atma transformed
himself into a Mahatma.
The first thought that comes
to a common man, while talking
about standpoints is, “Won’t it
make us inflexible or adamant?”
of course, Mahatma Gandhi was
absolutely adamant about his
standpoints, and yet he is
celebrated as Ahimsa Murthi(the
sacred form that symbolized non
–violence). Lord Mahavira
wasn’t flexible about his
standpoints, “Live and let Live”
m e a n t “ U n c o n d i t i o n a l l y,
uncompromisingly, with no
negotiations, verbatim, literally,
in word and spirit – Live and Let
Live”. And , he worshipped as the
lord of compassion. So what if he
was called blasphemous and he
was crucified for his standpoints?
Today, almost 32% of the world
population worships Jesus Christ.
That’s the power and potency of
standpoints.
“Is it practical in today’s
world?”, you may ask. First- ofall, even today, the Tatas with
absolute ethical and moral
standpoints are showing that you
can be the best amongst the best.
Sachin Tendulkar, even after
retirement, still earns in crores in
advertising and endorsements
with absolute standpoints that he
will not feature for any tobacco or
alcoholic products. Our own
Reaching Out, without gossips,
without journalism, without
current affairs, without vulgar
pictures, refusing to accept any
advertisement that’s not good for
the society, without any gender
bias, with all standpoints intact,
has been a revolution in its own
right.
Secondly, there is no way to
succeed, with your peace intact,
other than your standpoints. A
life without principles is the
life of a ticketless traveller.
Compromising on principles that
you believe in will amount to
prostituting the soul. If you don’t
have something to stand for, you
will fall for everything.
If you cannot stand on your
point, under all circumstances,
then it is not a standpoint. If you
choose to be flexible, be flexible
on all the inconsequential aspects
of life, but not on matters of
principles. In matter of
relationships, be flexible. In
matters of principles, stand like a
rock, take a standpoint.
S o m e h o w, f r o m t h e
beginning, reputation has been
put above character in most of
your minds. Character is ‘who
you are’ and reputation is ‘what
the world thinks of you’. You
have been time and again, asked
to ensure that you earn a good
name at school, a good name
with your teachers, a good name
in your neighborhood, a good
name with your relatives; a good
name here, a good name there, a
good name everywhere and a
good name every time. Such is the
focus on earning a good name that
the very first thought for most of
you is,‘ What will the world think
of me, if I do this or don’t do it’,
and not ‘What will I become or
not become by doing this or doing
it’. Your life is not lived through
your spectacles, but through the
spectacles of others. ‘How should
the world see me?’ More than
your desire for a good name, it is
the fear of earning a bad name that
drives most of your lives.
Man has been turned against
himself by making him ‘other
people conscious’. Your main
focus is no longer on ‘who you
are’ or ‘who you can be’, but on
earning ‘goodwill points’ by
appearing to be good in the eyes
Reaching Out - December 2014
13
of the world. Rather than being
good, it has become imperative to
appear good. When what you
want to do is one thing and what
you end doing is another thing,
you create an inner conflict. Any
form of inner conflict will result
in an agitated mind. An agitated
mind can only cause confusion
and never clarity. When you
accept a principle but do not live
by it, you land yourself in guilt,
regret, remorse, self –
condemnation and inner
complex. No matter what you
gain, if it comes at the cost of your
inner peace, it is still a loss. There
are many ways to come up in life
but the only way to peacefully
succeed in life is through the
power of standpoints. It is better
to earn a bad name and live a good
life, than to earn a good name and
live a bad life. Interestingly, when
you take this path, you end up
living a good life and also a good
name.
It is not about being a rebel
without a cause. It is not about
being irresponsible with the ‘I
don’t care’ attitude. It is not about
being apathetic to the feeling of
others. It is not about a ‘me, mine
and myself’ selfish life. On all the
inconsequential matters, let us
adapt to the world. On all matters
of principle, let us teach the world
to adapt to us. Standpoints are the
most practical way to succeed,
with your peace intact. If lower
ideals can produce results, then
let us realize, higher ideals can
produce even better results.
Standpoints have been the way of
the legends. So, it must work for
the common man too. After all,
the formula does not care who
applies it; as long as it is applied
p r o p e r l y, i t d o e s w o r k .
Standpoints are a proactive way
to live life. Standpoints are the
framework for decision-making,
independent and irrespective of
circumstances. Instead of
circumstances creating a man, if
man has to create his own
circumstances, standpoints are
the way.
Destiny Designing
Everything about life is
unpredictable. The consequences
of our choices, people’s response,
the social, political, technological
and climatic conditions of life are
all unpredictable. Let your
standpoints be that one
predictable constant, anchored on
which, all the other unpredictable
variables can be managed.
Choose at least 3 standpoints
that will make 2015 - a year of
breakthrough for YOU
Joy to The World
It is in silence that we begin to
go deeper and deeper into that
inner storehouse of joy. It is in
silence that we go to the
place where sound originates.
Silence is stronger than words.
Silence is a powerful environment
for transformation.
Jesus was born on a “Silent
Night, Holy Night.” Silence and
holiness poured out like a fountain
which cradled the infant Jesus. The
four lyrics are a form of confession
of faith, prophecy and praise. The
air is “hallelujah.”
“Glory to God in the highest
and peace to men of goodwill.”
This joyful news was an invitation
for the lowly Shepherds, as they
listened in the stillness of the night.
Abraham Heshel says, “No words
more magnificent have ever been
uttered.” These songs are charged
with Spirit-power and contain the
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Reaching Out - December 2014
Leon Bent
joyful celebration of belief in
the event of salvation, and contain
t h e C h r i s t m a s L i t u rg y i n
embryonic form.
Then follows “The
Magnificat,” (Lk. 1:46-55) Mary’s
bitter-sweet canticle! Mary is “full
of grace” and from this truth spring
joy and exultation. “My spirit
rejoices...:” The joy of divine
work, a joy of pure and gratuitous
praise. Her song is full of fire,
inspired by the Spirit. It is the
Virgin’s hymn of perfect purity.
The latter half of the “The
Magnificat” expresses in sharp
forthrightness, Mary was so
filled with God that, it led to the
greatest rapture and incredible
abandonment.
Thirdly, at Jesus’ Presentation
in the Temple (2: 29-32), Simeon,
moved by the Holy Spirit
expressed delightfully that, Christ
would be “a Light for the Gentiles
and glory to his People, Israel.”
The fourth song, the canticle of
Zechariah (Lk.67-79), is also
known as “Benedictus.” Zechariah
filled with the Spirit, sang a
thanksgiving chant to God because
He had been faithful to His
promises (Jn.3:16), to send His Son
to redeem man from the snares of
sin and death.
To experience Jesus we must take
the “Child” into our arms, and hold
him close to our hearts. Christmas is
not just the festivity of the joy of
humans. It is also the exuberance of
God’s scintillating joy.
On Making a Difference!
Fr Gilbert de Lima
Once upon a time, there was an
old man who used to go to the
ocean to do his writing. He had a
habit of walking on the beach
every morning before he began
his work. Early one morning, he
was walking along the shore after
a big storm had passed and found
the vast beach littered with
starfish as far as the eye could see,
stretching in both directions.
Off in the distance, the old man
noticed a small boy approaching.
As the boy walked, he paused
every so often and as he grew
closer, the man could see that he
was occasionally bending down
to pick up an object and throw it
into the sea. The boy came closer
still and the man called out,
“Good morning! May I ask what
it is that you are doing?”
The young boy paused, looked
up, and replied “Throwing
starfish into the ocean. The tide
has washed them up onto the
beach and they can’t return to the
sea by themselves,” the youth
replied. “When the sun gets high,
they will die, unless I throw them
back into the water.” The old man
replied, “But there must be tens of
thousands of starfish on this
beach. I’m afraid you won’t really
be able to make much of a
difference.”
The boy bent down, picked up
yet another starfish and threw it as
far as he could into the ocean.
Then he turned, smiled and said,
“It made a difference to that one!”
The fact is each one of us can
make a vital difference to society
and the world around!
The Bible speaks of persons
whom God chose to be his
prophets. Time and time again the
persons chosen by God were not
the best according to worldly
standards. And yet, despite their
limitations, with God’s help they
made the difference. Indeed, God
does not act in the manner of the
world. He has his own set of
standards and values. He does not
begin from the top. He does not
concentrate on the centre. He
works from below. He operates on
the periphery. He bypasses the
elite to make a choice for the
marginalised. His elect are not the
flamboyant. Rather, they are the
nondescript.
For instance, the Lord chose
Jeremiah to be his prophet to the
nations. Jeremiah’s spontaneous
response was, `Lord, I do not
know how to speak; I am too
young.’ (cf. Jer 1, 4-10) But the
Lord replied saying, `Do not say
that you are too young, but go to
the people I send you to, and tell
them everything I command you
to say. Do not be afraid, for I will
be with you to protect you. I, The
Lord have spoken.’
In the fullness of time, God did
not choose Rome, the then capital
of the world, to send his son, but a
little know town on the periphery
of the empire. He sent his angel
Gabriel to an insignificant virgin
in Nazareth. And as the Gospels
say, the rhetorical question people
asked of this small town
Nazareth, was, `Can anything
good come out of Nazareth?’
Truly God’s world is the world
of the small; small nations, small
towns and small people. And yet
paradoxically God chooses the
small to confound the great, and
to also realise his great plans.
And so all genuine disciples of
the Lord Jesus and his Gospel as
well, sense in these times of crisis
and challenge, an invitation in
their hearts, and a call from the
Lord, to `make that vital
difference’. The challenge before
us is to proclaim the Lord and the
values he professed and lived by,
not merely through our words but
through our lives. Indeed, as
Blessed Pope Paul VI
pertinently reminds us in his
Apostolic Exhortation,
`Evangelii Nuntiandi’, `Modern
man listens more willingly to
witnesses than teachers!’ May our
actions speak louder than our
words, so that we may strive to
become in some small measure
the leaven in the dough, the salt of
the earth and the light of the
world!
Reaching Out - December 2014
15
The Amazing Bible …
-A participant - Mith Chowki, Zone 6 Sector 3
The Bible is Amazing …… a
Masterpiece ! ..…. as most of us
attending the Bible Classes in the
sectors are discovering !
Members in our Sector
attended 6 sessions delivered by
Word Minister Ms Jane Soares,
on The Book of Proverbs, a Book
that comes under Wisdom
Literature.
The Book is a
collection of moral and religious
teachings which deals with
practical, everyday concerns. It
begins with a reminder that “The
Fear of the LORD is the
beginning of knowledge”.The
Fear of the Lord, is a feeling of
AWE, a Reverence in the
presence of our AWESOME
GOD! The purpose of the Book
of Proverbs is “for gaining
instruction in wise dealings,
righteousness, justice and
equity.”
Distinguishing a Fool from the Wise:
A Fool
A Wise
Has no fear of the Lord
Is in awe of the Lord
A fool's tongue is:
• Boisterous
• Spreads Slander
• slow to hear and quick to speak
• Perverse in his speech
• Self-destructive
The tongue of the Wise:
• Exercises verbal restraint
• Brings healing
Response to Wisdom
• Despises wisdom and instruction
• Neglects and does not accept counsel
• Mocks at sin
Response to Wisdom
• The wise welcomes wisdom, becoming
wiser still hears wisdom and increases
in learning
• Acquires, listens to and receives
counsel
• Stores up, seeks and acquires
• Loves, accepts discipline
Additionally is:
• Quick tempered
• Believes everything he hears
• Lacks foresight
• Quarrelsome / contentious
Additionally is:
• Slow to anger/ does not lose temper
• Possesses foresight
• Maintains good company avoids
bad ones
7 Pillars of Foolishness built on 'fickle
worldly values’
• Lust
• Envy
• Wrath
• Pride
• Sloth
• Greed
• Gluttony
7 Pillars of Wisdom built on foundation of
Faith, Hope and Love
• Humility
• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Discipline
• Courage
• Passion
• Perseverance
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17
Be it a Farm House or a Small
Home, there's no place like home
for the holidays. and it's never too
late to have a Happy Home For the
Holidays!
Make a holiday a holy day
The word holiday means Holy
Day. This was a day so holy and
special that our ancestors set aside
work to celebrate with their
families and communities. It was a
time of singing, of joyful feasting, a
day to honor the sacred and the
creator.
Christians from all over make
their holidays holy by attending
Mass in large numbers every
Christmas Eve. There is something
very sacred about the fragrance of
the burning incense, the soft carols
being sung by the choir and the
people packed into every corner to
worship Jesus birth. Being part of a
ceremony thousands of years old,
there is a special connection to a
larger community. I think everyone
would be happier if they could be
part of a spiritually uplifting
holiday service.
Deck the halls
Create a festive atmosphere with
your family and friends round the
Christmas tree and be in a happy
mood.
Observe a tradition
Remember the reason for the
season
"Maybe Christmas doesn't come
from a store. Maybe
Christmas...perhaps...means a little
bit more!"
"Shopping takes the Christmas
spirit right out of ourselves,
guaranteed. It's not about the
ribbons, tags, packages, sweet
boxes or bags! It's the fact that we
take the time to share in orphanages
and old age homes to make
someone happy and bring a cheer.
Spread the good tidings
To boost your mood, spread
some joy and love around this
season. One of the morals of
Dickens's A Christmas.
Welcome a friend who couldn't
make it home. It brings so much joy
to be able to spread a little
Christmas cheer to someone who
otherwise would have been alone.
Fear not
"And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which
shall be to all people."
There are many ways to create a
happy home for the holidays.
Christmas this year may not be a
perfect holiday, but it can remind us
to be close to our family and pay
attention to the most important
qualities of the season: Love and
Joy.
No matter where you call home,
it is the love you hold in your heart
all year round that is essential. Love
is what people remember and hold
dear.
Love is what will make yours, “A
Happy Home For The Holidays”.
Reaching Out - December 2014
19
Hello kids…As promised to you in the October issue, Christmas is here and there's
loads of fun for each of you. May you experience the warmth of this season by
doing something cool.. Fun with PUZZLES.
Send in your answers by 5th Jan 2015 with your name, age and zone with sector
and if possible your telephone no.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCES
Reaching Out - December 2014
21
Peppermint Creams
Ingredients : Makes: 35 sweets
• 1 egg white
• 340g (12oz) icing sugar
• A few drops peppermint extract
• A few drops food colouring (optional)
Method
Prep:20min › Extra time:1day chilling › Ready
in:1day20min
1 Line a baking sheet with greaseproof
paper and keep ready.
2 Whisk the egg white lightly in a bowl
until frothy but not stiff.
3 Sift the icing sugar into the bowl and stir
it into the egg white with a wooden spoon until the mixture is stiff.
4 Knead in the peppermint essence. And the food colouring if required.
5 Roll the mixture into balls and put on a baking sheet. Use a fork to flatten them. If the fork sticks
to them, then dip the fork in icing sugar before pressing down.
6 Refrigerate for 24 hours.
Other ideas: Instead of peppermint, you can use orange essence, lemon juice or strawberry essence.
Chocolate Tiffin
Ingredients :Serves: 20
• 110g (4 oz) butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 4 teaspoons cocoa
• 225g (8 oz) Rich Tea biscuits, crushed
• 1 handful of raisins
• 225g (8 oz) cooking chocolate - half milk
& half dark
Method
Prep:10min › Cook:5min › Extra time:1hr setting ›
Ready in:1hr15min
1 In a saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, syrup and
cocoa. Add the biscuits and raisins when melted. Stir to combine.
2 Pour mixture into a swiss roll size tin and press down. Melt the cooking chocolate and pour over
the mixture in the tin.
3 Pop the tin into the fridge and leave for about 1 hour to set. To serve, cut into about 20 pieces.
Tip :Melt the chocolate by microwaving at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, till melted.
But be careful not to scorch the chocolate! Otherwise, melt in a double boiler.
22
Reaching Out - December 2014
Joyful Mysteries Cross Word Puzzle
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
10
11
13
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
ACROSS
2 The old woman named in the Fourth Joyful Mystery.
4 Jesus, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem for the
___________ feast.
6 How many beads in a decade?
7 Who ordered the census?
8 Mary's cousin named in the Second Joyous Mystery.
10 Jesus was born in a _____________.
12 Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the ________ when
he was a baby.
14 Who brought the Infant Jesus gold, frankincense
and myrhh?
15 Second Joyous Mystery is called The __________.
17 Mary's song of praise in the Second Joyous Mystery.
20 Where the Infant Jesus was laid to sleep
21 Where Jesus grew up
22 Third Joyous Mystery is called The _________ .
23 Prayer to Mary
24 Elizabeth's husband
25 Who heard angels singing in the Heavens?
26 The city Mary, Joseph and Jesus visited when
Jesus was a boy.
DOWN
1 The Angel who visited Mary in the First
Joyous Mystery.
3 The First Joyous Mystery is called the ________.
4 The Fourth Joyous Mystery is called the ______.
5 How many days was Jesus missing in the Fifth
Joyful Mystery?
9 Jesus was conceived by the power of the
___________.(two words)
10 Who said, "You will have great joy and
great sadness."?
11 How many decades in a rosary?
13 Fifth Joyous Mystery is called the _______ at
the temple.
16 The town where Jesus was born.
17 Why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem.
18 Jesus _____ His parents in the Fifth Joyous Mystery.
19 What was offered at the temple in Jerusalem in
the Fourth Joyous Mystery.
20 The world was waiting for God to send a ________.
Reaching Out - December 2014
23
1st Candle - (Purple)
The Prophecy candle or Candle of Hope
We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us.
Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)
nd
2 Candle (Purple)
The Bethlehem Candle or The candle of Preparation
God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Preparation
means to “get ready”. Help us to be ready to welcome YOU O GOD! (Luke 3:4-6)
3rd Candle (Pink)
The Shepherd candle or The Candle Of Joy
The angles sang a message of Joy! (Luke 2:7-15)
th
4 Candle (Purple)
The Shepherd candle or The Candle Of Love
The angle announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only Son to earth to
save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17)
5th Candle (White)
Christ Candle
The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash
away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! (John 1:29)
24
Reaching Out - December 2014
CONFESSIONS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
Confessions will be as follows:
December 8th & 9th i.e. Monday & Tuesday:
St. Anne’s School: During School hours.
December 10th i.e. Wednesday:
Carmel Convent School: During School hours.
CONFESSIONS FOR GENERAL
December 16 th, 17 th, 18 th i.e.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and: 7:30 p.m. onwards.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S DAY MASSES
December 24th, Wednesday: On the Church Ground
8:00 p.m.
: Carol singing in Tamil
8:30 p.m.
: Mass in Tamil
10:30 p.m.
: Carol singing in English
11:00 p.m.
: Mass in English
December 25th,, Thursday, Christmas Day:
The Masses will be celebrated according to the Sunday Schedule,
except that there will be no Masses in the evening.
December 31st, Wednesday
11:00 p.m. : Thanksgiving Adoration
12:00 midnight: Mass in the Church
On 1st January, 2015 the Masses will be celebrated according
to the Sunday Schedule, including Masses in the evening.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The First Holy Communion will be held on
Saturday, 27th December 2014 &
Saturday, 3rd January, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmations will be held on Monday,
26th January,
2015 at 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Reaching Out - December 2014
25
Feast of the Holy Cross
Zone 1 Sector 4 - By : An animator
On 16th September, 2014, Members of Zone 1 Sector 4
celebrated the feast “Triumph of the Cross”. A Triduum
preceded the celebrations, where we prayerfully recited
the rosary of the five wounds of Our Lord at the inner
cross. On the feast day we had a candlelit procession to
the main cross where we prayed.
Our Sector Priest Fr. O’Neil fittingly based
his homily on the significance of the Cross,
namely the horizontal beam denoting
service to our neighbour, and the vertical
beam denoting our
communion with God.
He encouraged us to carry
our crosses, however
heavy the burden may be.
The highlight of the Mass was our
outreach programme to “Shanti Daan”
at L.T. Road, Gorai Park, wherein our
members donated articles and cash.
After a couple of games and fellowship,
it was time to bid adieu to our members,
happy in the thought of an evening well
spent.
Our Lady of Rosary
Community
Z6 S3
October 1World Elders Day: We visited the
homes of the Elders, sick and housebound and
presented them with a ‘thank you’ card which
said it all.
October 18 : Our Sector celebrated the feast of
Our Lady of Rosary. We attended the
thanksgiving mass in the Church and then met in
the Nihar Hall for prayers and fellowship.
Community members were looking forward to
this celebration which began with the recitation
of the rosary and prayers for the various
intentions. Our word Minister, Ms Jane Soares
gave a Eulogy on Mary, the Mother of God and
our dependence on Mary to intercede for us.
Words of encouragement and appreciation by Fr
Gilbert and Fr Denzil our zonal priest, did much
to further strengthen the bonds of the members
of the community.
October 31 : In keeping with the special request
by our Parish to recite the Rosary as a sector, on
October 31, we gathered together in the home of
a resident and prayed for the intention.
Feast Of St. Vincent De Paul
Carl D’Penha – on behalf of the SVP
The Feast Mass in honour of
St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) was
celebrated on Saturday, 27th
September 2014 at the 6.45 am
Mass, which was well attended.
At all the weekend Masses,
on Saturday evening and Sunday,
the SVP message was read out
to the parishioners, detailing
the activities of the society of
St. Vincent de Paul in our parish,
established in year 1958.
On Sunday the 28th evening,
a Get-to-gether was held for all
members in the Nihar Hall. The
hall was well decorated by our
youth cell which did a good job
with the compering, the games
and prizes.
Our parish priest and
spiritual
advisor, Fr. Gilbert
graced the occasion and
commended the SVP for the
good work being done for our less
fortunate brethren. In his Address,
our president Bro. Sydney Rana
thanked Fr. Gilbert and the
parish team for their help support
and encouragement, he also
appreciated the assistance
received from our panel of
doctors, donors and benefactors.
There was plenty of fun,
games, singing and dancing, it
was nice to see the senior
members and youth interacting,
and having a ball.
The evening concluded with
a Vote of Thanks. The snacks
were delicious and varied
and satisfying, so much so, that
many of us skipped our dinner
that night.
Reaching Out - December 2014
27
Moments Captured on Memory Card
Don Bosco Community - Vanessa Pereira, Co-Ordinator - Zone 7 - Sector 4
Going for aPicnic! What’s
new? Music and games and fun
galore ,serves a base for all
picnics…food and tea and what
more….and then go home.. … So
now,WHAT’sDIFFERENT?
I look at Picnics differently...
there is a certain magic created
through a PICNIC. Moving from
a "hi hello" to knowing each
other, their talents, their strengths
and so much more.
an extended family singing and
dancing to Goan masalas,
Bollywoodmusic and much
more. This bond just grew a notch
stronger and higher and will
continue…. It’s a continuation
of a beginning to a bigger and a
lovelier family.
than living together as different
parts but yet getting connected
to make one united body.
These are collections of
moments to create a larger picture
for the future….PICTURE abhi
baaki hain… look out for more
from Zone 7!
“What more do we want
Keeping this as the focus the
Parish Councillors,Animators
and their families metat St.
Bonaventure, Erangal. The
excitement for older animators
DOUBLED and the newer ones
were made to feel comfortable. It
just created a lovely ambience of
We Honour You!!!
Zone 1, Sector 5 made its
Senior Citizens feel special on
the 30th of September. They
were invited to an evening of fun
to commemorate Elders’ Day.
Thirty Seniors attended the
function at Fairfield
Apartments. The senior most
Lydia & Franklyn D’souzaa
person to attend the function was
80 years young. It was an
evening of entertainment that
began with a fervent recitation of
the Rosary and prayers for
various intentions of the Sector.
The seniors participated in
innovative games and Human
Housie with an enthusiasm that
belied their age “Who said they are
old?”
A sing-along of timehonoured favourites (English,
Goan, East Indian) added a touch of
nostalgia to the evening.
What a great way to honour our
Elders!!!
Teacher’s Day Celebrations
Clara Alvares - Zone 7 - Sector 3
A ‘celebration’ of teachers past & present along with their animators was
held on Sunday 14th Sept’2014 at Ryan School under the able leadership of
Parish Councillors & Animators of our zone.
Games, Snacks and even a “take away”! Every one left with a Happy heart.
having met, talked and laughed with other fine teachers – After all that’s what
teachers really are!
Reaching Out - December 2014
29
SENIOR CITIZEN DAY OUT
Nivedita Community – Zone 4 Sector 8
Senior Citizen day out visit to Mount Mary,
Bandra, in celebration of the Elders’ Day, was
organized on Sunday 28th September, 2014.
All Golden Senior Citizens assembled at 8 am at
Skywalk building and boarded the Mini Bus. A
Special Mass was celebrated by Fr. Terence Murray.
After the mass the group spent the day at the YMCA
Bandra Branch. Interactive games and singing
sessions were organized. All the Senior Citizens
were thrilled and happy with the experience. We
ended the day thanking the Lord for His grace and
abundant love and appreciating efforts of our Parish
Councillor Gregory Pereira and Animators, Francis,
Lawrence, Reegan and Sandra.
Our Lady of Assumption Community
Maria D’Cruz, Zone 4 Sector 2
On Sunday, 28th September
2014, about 40 members named
‘Golden Hearts’ gathered at
“Peace Castle” to celebrate an
evening together. We were
welcomed by the Parish
Councillor and Animators.
Games, spot prizes,
melodious music, prizes and
snacks were organized.
Our Parish Councillor Mrs.
Clarissa Fernandes informed that
Mr. Cyril Alvares and Mr. Dennis
D’silva would be the Sector
Representatives of the Sr Citizen
Group of our sector.
The evening came to an end
Senior Citizens Get-together
On September 20, 2014, our
Parish Councillor, Mr. Jonathan
Fernandes along with his
team of Animators organized a
get together for senior citizens of
our sector.
The evening was planned
beautifully which began with a
march-past. Music, a dance
with each member taking a “Take
Away Gift”. We thank the Parish
C o u n c i l l o r, h e r t e a m o f
Animators, Yvette D’sa and all
who helped in making this
programme a success. We look
forward to the growth of the
Senior Citizen Group.
Zone 7, Sector 2
session, snacks, games and prizes
followed. It was an enjoyable
evening as we got to meet and
greet all our friends after a long
time. The Animators prepared a
mouth-watering dinner.
We would like to thank each
and everyone for making this
evening a grand success.
Reaching Out - December 2014
31
Senior Citizens’ Evening
The Feast Of The Assumption Of Our Lady
Mildred D’Cunha - Zone 4 Sector 5
A Celebration(zone 4 Sector 2) - Nicole Vaz
On the 16th of November, 2014
our Parish Councillor, Winnie, and
Animators, organised an evening for
senior citizens on the ground of
Valentine Bldg. Tank Road .
It all started nine days ago, in preparation for the Feast of the
Assumption of our Lady, when all the sectorites of Zone 4 Sector 2
went from building to building in the sector reciting the Rosary and the
Novena Prayers. Each day concluded with a fellowship, but the real
celebration was the feast day. It was also the 67th Independence Day
and the sectorites gathered at Nihar Hall to commemorate the events.
We began at 5.30 p.m. with a
prayer. Games entertained the
gathering and soon the fun filled
evening came to an end
We now look forward to our
Sector feast on 8th December,
2014. We thank our Parish
Councillor for making this day
enjoyable and special for us.
We began with a prayer followed by our National Anthem and a
welcome address by our Parish Councillor, Ms Clarissa Fernandes in
the presence of Fr. Gibert de Lima who attended the celebrations
Games and spot prizes were organized and winners walked away
with fabulous prizes.
As we said our good-byes to the Councillor and Animators, we
prayed that our Heavenly Mother, who assumed into Heaven that
eventful day, would always guide us as a community, along the path
that leads to her Son JESUS.
Listening To Jesus By Lake Galilee
Philomena Vaz Z4S2
I stand expectantly on the
shores of Lake Galilee , among
the multitudes to hear the
parables, those delightful earthly
stories with a heavenly message.
The three aspects of every
Parable viz Symbol, Reality and
Comparison sets me thinking.
The reality of God jolts me. The
Symbol provokes me to think
beyond - I compare myself to the
people in the parable. Jesus does
not compel me – his stories are
open ended. I have to choose – I
understand – I am glad to be here
and accept his offer of Salvation
in the Crisis Parables where I am
called to Act Now by taking
necessary action ! He also calls
me to remove likely obstacles and
let nothing impede me in my
preparation for Yom Adonai (The
Day of the Lord).
Jesus’
teachings make me confident – I
look to it with joy and hope not
apprehension. I am encouraged
to keep my “lamp oiled and
trimmed”. I take positive steps to
use my “talents” for the building
of the community and like the
Merchant in search of the
Precious Pearl, pray for grace to
be willing to give up all, to invest
in that Pearl.
In His Parable on the
“Workers in the Vineyard” Jesus
lays bare his Father’s abundant
generosity and kindness. I move
to higher ground assured that it
will be supremely worth it in the
long run. I see a Radiantly
Loving Jesus more clearly. I feel
a deep remorse. With uplifted
heart and head I express my deep
gratitude.
ancestral ring, the cloak and staff.
The familiarity brought better
understanding.
In a nutshell, the six sessions
on the Parables spread over 3
months concluded very quickly.
Joining these sessions was for me
the first meaningful step taken
towards my Loving God. The
first time that I really tasted the
Word of God. These sessions
have left me enriched like never
before and I sincerely wish to
continue this journey as I am
thirsting for more of Jesus.
I come out of my trance at
Sunset – I am obsessed by the
stories Jesus tells. I make my way
to a humble Jewish home for the
night. I see their rustic lifestyle.
No wonder the symbols of
shepherds, sowers sheep gate,
sheep and wolves, oil in lamps,
the coin, mustard seed, the narrow
way, the wedding garment, the
Reaching Out - December 2014
33
Pilgrim To The Mount: A Walk To Remember
Alexandra Charlotte Philip - Zone 7 - Sector 3
On September 6th, Saturday,
the night before Our Lady's feast,
we set out on a walking
pilgrimage to Mount Mary,
Bandra. Needless to say the
journey was well organised by
our parish and very well
scheduled. This was the second
time our parish has headed out for
a walking pilgrimage and my
first.
"walking" - Old, young everyone
and the strength we derived was
not from years of stamina
training, it was from the prayers
and songs of praise that never
stopped through the groups of
people walking together. This was
the second part of the walk, the
camaraderie, the support and
finding our strength as a
Community.
The most shaky part of
any process is at the start;
once that falls into place all
other pieces fall in as they're
meant to. We started our walk
at 10.30pm or so on Saturday
night with a prayer in church,
approximately 400 devout
pilgrims made their way
through the streets of Orlem,
Malad inspite of the insurgence of
traffic, in an orderly and prayerful
manner- this was the Beginning.
The walk to Amboli seemed
rather long, halfway through I got
distracted, thinking of the number
of times I'd passed Goregaon and
Jogeshwari by train not giving the
distance a second thought....I'll be
here in 10 minutes I'd say.This,
however was different, we were
There were two tea breaks at
St. Blaise’s Church Amboli and
Sacred Heart Santacruz. The first
tea break made us aware of how
relieving it could be, if we sit and
relax in between any journey in
life. The second tea break had us
charged up enough to carry us
through our journey because that
was what we are meant to do. This
is the third part Realisation and
acting on it.
The walk from Sacred Heart
to Mount Mary was peaceful,
serene, quiet and beautiful, not
just because of the ambiance but
also personally. That is the most
important part of this pilgrimage,
Inner peace. Many of us go to the
Mount to have our prayers
answered, make requests, thank
Our Mother and Glorify her,
but most of us have forgotten
what it is like to live in
serenity. The quiet roads, the
disconnect from gadgets, the
praise & worship & the
prayers allowed everyone to
revel in the journey, It was no
longer about how long before
we got there , it was a pleasure
getting there.
The walk ended with the
celebration of the Eucharist, This
is the final part- The End for
many but it was the beginning of
rejuvenated life with Mama Mary
for even more, she was with us
through the night and watched a
glorified sunrise with us.
It was truly a night to remember.
War & Peace
Don Bosco Community - Vanessa Pereira, Co-Ordinator - Zone 7 - Sector 4
2014 has been a year of turbulence and as a community, our faith has been tested a
million times over. It is in these trying times that we have look into ourselves and seek
the strength and courage to overcome them. The conflict in Iraq and Israel has
hogged headlines and more than its share of news space for the last
couple of months.
On 24th August, our sector, decided to get- together and pray for
peace and harmony. Led by Deacon Bruno, we started the session with
some self introspection and reflection. He then encouraged us to pray and share
the same with everyone, which was followed by a powerful prayer by him. We
prayed for peace in our country, city, community and our homes. It was a beautiful
session attended by around 20-25 of our parishioners and a sense of calm prevailed post the meet. We look
forward to many more sessions in this year of the Eucharist.
Reaching Out - December 2014
35
We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea
will ever rest. We must learn to sail in
high winds'- Aristotle
Evita-Marie Marques
Sometimes I feel like I am
drowning.
The water of my tension is cool
when I fall in, in waves I have
memories jolted against my body
and sometimes rising high above
me and breaking when the
memories transitions to another
one. The water is slowly soaking
every bone in my body, every bone
can feel the anguish, can feel the
guilt, can feel the little glitches of
happiness, pulsate through my
body. My head is bobbing across
the surface of the sea of my worries,
just one tidal wave away to pull me
into its arms.
And it does.
It all happens too quickly, one
minute I am floating on the surface,
oblivious to the future and
oblivious to the past and the very
next second I am drowning, falling,
aimlessly spirally down in a sea of
all those pent up worries. I have
repressed them, taken them all in, I
gave them a life inside of me. Every
hurtful memory, every single drop
of tear is remembered with such
clarity… with such astonishing
clarity. I am drowning, too quickly,
too suddenly… can someone help
me?
I am failing my arms, and
trying to swim up, the anchor of
pain in my life pulls me down.
Every rejection, every snide
remark, every blow to heart they
resonate from within me, they have
a voice of their own. These voices
want to scream, these voices want
to shout, these voices want me to
just open my mouth.
And I do.
I let the life out of me. I let the
oxygen run away from me. I
swallow my guilt, I swallow my
pride. It tastes funny and I begin to
close my eyes. I feel my lungs
racing, I feel my heart crying. I
feel… I feel so much. I feel so much
my head hurts. I think so much that
my brain is far gone… My mind has
run away from me, but it has left
letters. Those letters contain my
memories. The happy, the sad, the
benevolent, the observant, the trials
and tribulations, the despair and
hope. They all flood me, they all
come rushing me… they call for
me, each fragments whispers a
name… each fragment has
something to say: Don’t give up…
No, just don’t, there is a chance….
There is always a chance.
I am paralysed.
I see my life. It’s a long
cinematic reel. I taste the colours,
some taste bitter, some taste funny
but some are parts of a whole, and
those are so delightful to eat. I feel
my hands longing for these
delights, I feel my legs push off the
lassitude. I feel this within me…
there is a changing. I feel this glow,
that power, the brightest one and for
a moment I am completely still until
sudden I burst open from my
bosom. Ribbons and ribbons of the
people who loved me, vibrant long
strands of every memory. Oh I was
like a rainbow, my colours flooding
the darkness in the sea of nothing.
I come alive.
There is a rocket waiting to
launch. The adrenaline of hope
kicks in, the pull of love so strong. I
feel hands grab me, I feel myself,
up… out of the water… this must
mean that I am, free. Freedom is
beautiful. Freedom is a luxury. I
cough and gurgle the negativity
outside of me, the funny taste
slipping out of my mouth. I rise, I’m
cold but oh I am free… the
stars above me, shine so pretty, the
smell of anticipation or legato notes
from a beautiful memories.
Dandelions… I see them there. A
field of simple purity. Bright yellow
with dabs of brown, they are so big,
they may just encompass me. Right
there is a large tree, it’s warm… and
so brotherly. I trust… I trust myself
with these dandelions and you giant
oak tree.
I am not sad anymore.
The sky is blue, but it’s light,
fluffy and heavy with security. They
wait for me… Maybe they always
have. They take care of me and soak
me to the bone with happiness,
sense and logic. This is life. And
this is my family. Life is always
beautiful. It’s us who make the
choice to dive in the sea. Not all of
us can swim, some of us can just
float. So if you are scared then don’t
go alone, learn to swim or stay
afloat. Don’t be alone, for if you
drown, there will be no one but
yourself who can pull you out.
‘Every white rose,
has a dark shadow’
- Sachi
Reaching Out - December 2014
37
WORLD NEWS
Pope-Audience Oct-22-2014 Source : Catholic News Service
All wars begin in a jealous heart; let go of pride, envy, says Pope Francis. Christmas is round the corner and we need to
take a look at our hearts – it’s time to clean up our hearts in order to truly experience the joy of Christmas. Read on ...
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - All wars
begin in the human heart - a heart
that is jealous and bitter and tears
apart communities through
misunderstandings and
marginalization, Pope Francis said.
"How wonderful if we would
remember more often who we are,
what Jesus Christ did with us: We
are his body," members of the
church filled with the Holy Spirit's
gift of new life in Christ and united
in fellowship and love, he said at his
weekly general audience in St.
Peter's Square Oct. 22.
The day also marked the feast
day of St. John Paul II, who "invited
everyone to open the doors to
Christ," said Pope Francis, who had
canonized the Polish pope in April.
As the church celebrated for the
first time the memorial of St. John
Paul, Pope Francis recalled how he
"reminded the whole world of the
mystery of divine mercy. "May his
spiritual legacy not be forgotten,
but drive us to reflect and act
concretely for the good of the
church, the family and society," he
said in a greeting to pilgrims from
Poland.
In his main audience talk, the
pope continued his catechesis on
the nature of the Catholic Church,
focusing on the church as body of
Christ. The pope told everyone that
their homework for the day was to
read Chapter 37 of the Book of
Ezekiel and the "Vision of the Dry
Bones," which, he said, offers a
"striking" yet hope-filled image of
God's power to join together and
breathe new life into a dead and
divided people.
Through baptism, Christians are
made to be one with Christ creating
"a masterpiece of the Spirit who
instills in everyone a new life in the
risen Christ and puts us next to each
other, each one to serve and support
the other, making all of us be one
body edified in communion and
love," he said. This is "the great gift
we receive on the day of our
baptism," he said, to be joined
together, conforming ourselves to
Christ and sharing his love with
each other "as living members of
the same body." However, it is not
always easy for individual
Christians and their communities to
live in loving, respectful unity,
he said. Parishes, groups,
even neighbourhoods can be
marked by "divisions, jealousies,
misunderstandings and
marginalization. All these things
are not good because instead of
edifying and making the church
grow as the body of Christ, they
shatter it into many pieces, they
dismember it," he said.
Jealousy of other people's gifts
and good fortune -- "that one
bought a new car ... that one won the
lottery" -- tears the community
apart and damages the one who is
filled with envy, he said. "The
jealousy builds up, builds and fills
the heart, a jealous heart is acid," as
if it were filled not with blood, but
vinegar, making the person always
be unhappy, he said. "It is the
beginning of war. War does not
begin in the battlefield. Wars begin
in the heart," he said. "So what must
I do?" the pope asked. He said St.
Paul had a lot of good advice in his
letter to the Corinthians, who "were
champions" at the time at infighting
and division. The "concrete advice,
which is still valid for us, too: Do
not be jealous, but appreciate the
gifts and qualities of our brothers
and sisters in our communities," he
said. "When I start to feel jealous,
because it happens to everyone, you
know, we're all sinners, when I start
to feel jealous I say, 'Thank you
Lord that you gave this to that
person."
People must work against
divisions, "be close to each other,
share in the suffering of the least
and neediest and express our
gratitude to everyone," he said. Not
everyone remembers to say,
"Thank you," all the time, he said,
because "envy holds us back." But
"a heart that knows how to say,
'Thank you,' is a good and noble
heart, a heart that is happy."
The other thing people must not
do is think they are better than
others, like the Pharisee who thanks
God he is "not like the rest of
humanity." "This is awful. Never do
this," the pope said. When people
are tempted to feel they are
superior, "remember your sins, the
ones no one knows about, feel
ashamed before God and say, 'Well,
you Lord, you know who is greater;
I'll keep my mouth shut.' And this is
healthy."
At the end of the audience, the
pope offered encouragement to
employees of an Italian airline
company that announced the
layoffs of more than 1,300 workers.
Waving red balloons and wearing
red t-shirts that said, "I am
redundant," the Meridiana
employees were given a special
section below the sacristy during
the audience. The pope told them he
hoped "a fair solution" would be
found that sought to safeguard
people's dignity and the needs of so
many families. "Please, I'm making
an appeal, let there be no family
without a job," he said.
Reaching Out - December 2014
39
A Trek to Lohagad
Recreation. Fun. Everyone
needs it. Sometime or the other. But
we ? We have too much of it. Way
too much than necessary. Way too
much than what's healthy.
Why? Because we have the best
set of catechists and year program
planners ever! And they make sure
that we make memories. All the
time. We have a list of all the
amazing outings we've been on, as
part of the Sunday school and
confirmation programs. And well,
We have one more to add to that
lengthy list. Our trek to Lohagad
fort, Lonavala.
Amazing? Brilliant? Superb?
These words fall short in
describing exactly how much we
enjoyed that trek. Every last part of
it. Getting up early in the
morning..rushing around finding
things like..caps and towels.
Running to the St. Anne's
classroom..feverishly praying that
they haven't left already...and then
Jessica Alphonso
entering the wrong classroom..
Shouting out to your friends from
other classes being ushered back to
your own..
And then finally onto the bus !
Woohoo !Yaay !!Waaaaaaaaaooh !
Yelling ourselves hoarse till we
reach. Driving the catechists and
bus drivers mad along the way. And
then the trek. Climbing, climbing.
Stopping for pictures and a break
every two seconds ! Being told to
keep walking..
Lazing about on steamy hot
rocks..in the afternoon sun.
Random bursts of adrenaline
causing us to race up the mountains.
Singing all the way to the top.
Phew. If you think that was
enough, no ! Reaching the fort
finally.. And then plonking down on
the grass..only to hear that there's a
pool(that's what we'd call it) Of
freezing cold water.
Do we hesitate? No! We run,
jump in,shiver, shake and our teeth
start chattering.
But we swim
till we're nearly
dragged out of
the pool for all
practical
purposes.
Done? No! Still no! Go back down
the mountain.. Take another
route..and end up at a glorious
waterfall !!! Sit under the water.
Have it gushing down your back.
These are somethings. We won't
ever get anywhere else.
Finally. Grumbling about having
to go home. Stopping over at the
food court. Rushing to McDonalds
with the same level of enthusiasm as
a 5 year old. Eating till our heart's
content and then going back to the
bus.. And dancing to music on
speakers. I doubt days get any better
than this.
I love being a part of this
confirmation program. Because it's
simply brilliant. And I'm loving it.
Inter Zonal Footbal
By LSC Member
Lourdes Sports Committee representing the various zones of
organized the Inter-Zonal Football the Parish. The tournament
Tournament which was played on showcased high quality football
the Church ground from 19th to from all the teams. Tank Colony
26th Oct, 2014. The ground was in and Lourdes Colony clashed in the
its majestic beauty with a rich Finals in the open-Category after
cover of green grass made possible defeating Mithchowki(last year's
by the efforts our Spiritual winners)and Evershine Nagar in
Director Fr. Samuel Ribeiro.
their respective semi-final games.
The
finals was watched by a large
For the first time the U-12
category was introduced wherein crowd who were kept on their toes
4 teams participated. In the open by an absorbing final and
category we had 14 teams commentary by Ricky Sebastian
and Martin Mendonca. Tank
Colony successfully regained the
title, winning by a solitary goal. In
the U-12 category we had “School
Boys” and “Super Strikers”, both
from JBC, clashing in the finals
wherein the School Boys won by 6
goals. Clyde Fernandes and Leroy
Miranda were announced the
proud winners of the “Best Player
of the Tournament”award in
t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e c a t e g o r y.
HermanD'souza and
PhillipD'souza, showcased all their
experience in their role as referees
of the tournament ensuring
discipline from all the teams during
the game. Fr. Gilbert and Fr.
Stephen graced the occasion for the
finals as the special guests.
I love being a part of this
confirmation program. Because it's
simply brilliant. And I'm loving it.
Reaching Out - December 2014
41
Orlem Super Cup 2014
(Inter Parish Football Tournament)
The turf was re-laid, the ground
and infrastructure spruced up and
it was lights action and Football
as the 2nd edition of the most
awaited, highly appreciated and
acclaimed ORLEM SUPER CUP,
an Inter-Parish 8-a side Football
Tournament was held from 14th
November 2014 to 22nd
November 2014 on the church
grounds organized by Lourdes
Sports Committee (LSC). 32
teams participated in this
Tournament from all over
Mumbai. The opening ceremony
was a grand affair with a grand
entry by the host (Corny and
Herman), a dance performance
by kids and fireworks
The tournament saw in
attendance dignitaries from the
likes of Shri. Aslam Sheikh
(MLA), Shri. Parminder
Bhamara (elected corporator)
Clifford Miranda. Mr. Peter Petro
and Mr. Arthur Pereira were
felicitated for their contribution
to building talent in football over
the last 3 decades in Orlem.
The opening ceremony had
current India player with 51 caps
and FC Goa midfielder Clifford
Miranda as Chief Guest. For the
finals, we had the talented
Mumbai lad from the Indian
Super League, Keagan Pereira
from Bengaluru FC preside over
as Chief Guest.
The first four days witnessed 5
matches being played with some
of the city’s best football talent.
The home team after making a
promising start, lost in the quarter
finals. Each day, huge crowds
witnessed the heart stopping
action. On 22nd November,
2014 the hardliners and Finals
were held. The Hardliners Match
was won by the toss of a coin by
St. Blaise, Amboli against Our
Lady of Health, Versova as they
were even stevens after full time
and the penalty shootout. Before
the finals, a grand closing
ceremony was held, with the
trophy being unveiled by Keagan,
a dance performance by kids and
fireworks. A minute’s silence was
also held for Mr. Cedric Vesaokar,
popularly known as the
Trumpeter and who was an ardent
supporter of the LSC and its
activities. A record number of
people witnessed the finals, with
strong home support for the Madh
team.
The finals played between Our
Lady of Sea, Madh Island and St.
Joesph’s, Mira Road turned out to
be a fast paced, high energy
match with great display of
footballing skills. The honours
finally went to Our Lady of the
Sea, Madh Island winning the
match 4-1. Prateek Kohli from the
winning team was the player of
the match. Aaron Dcosta from St.
Joseph’s, Mira Road was the
player of the tournament and
Vivek Tiwari was adjudged best
Goalkeeper of the tournament.
LSC spared no effort to make this
tournament a great and grand
success once again with a hope
for a still bigger tournament in the
year 2015. We thank our
sponsors, LSC members, LSC
Spiritual Director and the
parishioners for making it all turn
out so well. Goodbye until next
year…..
Reaching Out - December 2014
43
SUNDAY MISSION CANTEEN
Milestone of 20 Joyous years
of the Hope & Life, Orlem
Maisie Mendes
October 4th was a memorable
day for the Hope & Life
Movement at Our Lady of
Lourdes Church, Orlem., as they
celebrated 20 glorious years in
this Parish.
The celebration began with
the Eucharist followed by a very
vibrant and enjoyable get- together at the Nihar hall. On this
occasion all members who had
completed 80 years of age were
felicitated. Special mention was
made of Mercy D’Silva who has
been in the movement from the
day of its inception. We are also
thankful to our founder member
Winnie Fereira, now 93 years,
who has been our guiding force
all these years.
We urge the widows of our
Parish to join in this movement to
Theme for the February 2015 issue Lourdes
spread Hope and give Life to our
fellow widows.
of love
Lourdes of love: Our parish is celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11. So also
February 14 is Valentine’s Day, a day we remember people in love. We ask the Lord, through Mary, our
Mother, to be experience the joy of loving in our personal lives, in our families, in our Parish
Community and in society, at large.
Please send in your articles, as attachment by email only, to [email protected],
on or before 20th Janurary, 2015. Article sent to any of the members of the Reaching Out team
will not be considered. Please send article as attachments. Please send images separately and
not along with the Word document
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Reaching Out - December 2014