QUIZ ON THE LIFE OF JESUS

ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE

The Youth and Children, numbering 45 gathered on 11th Sunday 2011 for a Special English Eucharistic Celebration in order to prepare for the coming of Jesus (Christmas) and for the Quiz on the life of Jesus.

Fr. Lawrence made the children aware of the meaning of Christmas. Incarnation - God taking on human flesh. He became like us so that we can become like Him. Every time we do the will of God...God once again takes on human flesh..becomes man in us. Just as Mary accepted the invitation of God and gave the Lord a human body so also like Mary we called to be "Christ-bearers". This of course needs cleansing and purification. This is best done through sincere confession and firm resolution to keep in grace and go about doing good.

After the Eucharistic Celebration the youth and children gathered in their respective teams - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John for the Quiz on the Life of Jesus according to the Gospel of St. Luke. The children were asked to read the Gospel of Luke and come prepared for the Quiz.

The children were all excited and gave themselves fully. There were various rounds of questions, puzzles, dumb charade, body word formation, fill in the blanks, decode the message, acting out the message, news paper sentence formation, etc. The children were really well prepared. They enjoyed the evening and were full of joy and enthusiasm. 

At the end of the day prizes were given to the winners of the Prayers Competition. The children had to prepare 26 common prayers by-heart. Most of the children had learnt their prayers. Among the rest a few children had learnt extra prayers too and those children gained more points. So they received a special prize.

The day ended with snacks and cold drinks served to all.

The children thanked Fr. Robert (Parish Priest), Fr. Lawrence and Sr. Christine (Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception) for organizing the event.

The children sang the hymn "O give thanks to the Lord" and went home.

YOUTH GATHERING

AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH, NAVSARI

20 youngsters of the parish gathered together for a meeting at Holy Cross Church, Navsari. Fedrick from Don Bosco Parish, Makarpura, Baroda animated the whole meet. The meeting began after Holy Eucharist at 9.30 am with an action song. After a short prayer Fedrick gave a short talk on the necessity of prayer in the life of ever youngster. He then asked them to share their views on the importance of prayer. The youngsters came out with very inspiring responses. In this modern media age when we think that prayer especially for youngsters is 'outdated' it was encouraging to see that most of them felt the need to pray and they did express that they prayed daily.

After that the youth decided to meet once every month on Sunday at 6.00 pm. for 45 minutes to pray. The Spiritual Director would be Fr. Robert Machado and the animater would be Fr. Lawrence Rodrigues. It was also decided to have Youth Mass and Adoration on every second Sunday of the Month. It would be fully animated by the Youth themselves. Clarence Hood and Liji Abraham were chosen as the leaders of the group.

The other decisions taken were: The youngsters were divided into 4 groups and these groups would be changed every three months. Every third Sunday would be day of activities. The youngsters would also teach catechism to the younger ones.

Fr. Lawrence then conducted a brain storming session as to what activities the youngsters could do during the whole year. The suggestions given were:

* Retreat

* Blood Donation Camp

* Quiz on religious and secular topics.

* Debates on current issues.

* Training in leadership, etc.

* Picnic

* Competitions according to the occasions.

* Best out of waste campaing.

* Visit to the hospital, prison.

* Growing Trees.

* Take steps to stop pollution and corruption.

* Games.

* Melo

* Talent day.

* Samu Bhojan.

* Mission Experience.

* Sharing problems.

* Testimony day.

* Confessions.

* Help in Parish Activities.

The activity chosen for the month of October was "Marian Quiz". It would be held on 3rd Sunday of October (16th October). The youth Mass would be on second Sunday (9th October).

At the end of the meeting good works paper was given to every youngster. In this paper each one is supposed to do a good work, offer to Jesus and Mary and write it down in the paper and the paper would be offfered to the Lord on the First Sunday of every month.

The gathering ended with a prayer. Tea and Snacks were served. It was indeed an enriching experience for all. Thanks to Fedrick for his support and ever helping hand.

for SOCOM.BARODA

Fr. Lawrence Louis Rodrigues

DIOCESAN PRIESTS Retreat 

at Saputara

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” (Lk. 4:18) 

 

It was the 23^rd of October, when 14 priests of the Baroda diocese gathered at Saputara to have a mountain experience like Moses at the burning bush. The main thrust of the retreat was “Holistic health for becoming whole”. Rev. Fr. Joel D’ Cunha, the preacher, a person of wide knowledge and vast experience, was very impressive in his talks and expressive in ideas. Some of the topics he dealt with at depth were: The Abba Father, Vision, Mission and Hidden Life of Jesus, Sin, Discernment, Priesthood, Spirituality, The Holy Eucharist, Commitment and Vocation. The themes chosen were very relevant for mission dioceses like ours. The spirit of the Lord touched and inspired everyone during the retreat. May this same spirit invigorate all the priests to carry out the mission of our Lord who says “Go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” (Mk. 16:15).

 

Fr. Brijendra Kumar

(Jhagadia Parish)

 

 

CHILDREN’S DAY

HOLY CROSS CHURCH, NAVSARI

On the 14^th of November, 2011 around 70 children and youth gathered together to celebrate children’s day.

The celebration began with a well-animated Eucharistic Celebration. It had a special introduction in which the children were asked to thank God for all the blessings God had given to them and to pray for those who are unfortunate. A special Prayer of the Faithful cum Offertory procession containing Candle, Incense Sticks, Musical Instruments and Games Articles were presented to the Lord with a small prayer. At the end, one of the children holding a lit candle said a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord and prayed on behalf of the children to make them all ‘Light of the World’.

After the Eucharistic Celebration the children gathered in the hall for some games, entertainment and snacks. The children participated in the games with full zeal and joy. Many won wonderful prizes too. There was joy on the faces of all. The parents too joined in the fun.

 

The prizes were distributed by various persons namely, Fr. Robert, Mr. Bhaborbhai (PSI, Navsari), Mrs. Sumanben (Cook), Mr. David Macwan (Parish Council Member) and Mr. Cecil Elango (Collector Office).

The day ended with lovely snacks and a word of thanks to Fr. Robert (Parish Priest) and his team.

 

 

 

 

 

FOR SOCOM

FR, LAWRENCE LOUIS RODRIGUES