We care. We share. AnneMater. Parish Bulletin of St. Anne Church, Bandra Mar-Apr-May 2014 VOL. XIV # (for private circulation)

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1 We care. We share. AnneMater To build a Community that is United, Caring and Witnessing PARISH VISION STATEMENT From the Parish Priest... Parish Bulletin of St. Anne Church, Bandra Mar-Apr-May 2014 VOL. XIV # (for private circulation) The Senior Citizens Club of our parish had a Lenten Recollection and I joined them. We dwelt on the temptations of Jesus (Gospel of the 1st Sunday in Lent) and drew parallels to our own lives: The temptation to be selfish: the temptation to use the resources that we have been blessed with only for ourselves. The temptation to test God: the desire to make God our bodyguard but by risking our lives, physical, emotional, spiritual, by throwing caution to the winds and by doing things that endanger the divine relationship God shares with us. The temptation to bring worldly values to be the centre of our lives where material things, worldly pleasures and desires begin to take hold of our lives and control us. The need was felt: to draw strength from the Lord by fasting and prayer, to give Him charge of our lives through the Eucharist and through time spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, to receive from Him direction through obedience and docility to the guidance of His Holy Spirit is absolutely essential if we are to emerge blessed during this holy season. May we rise with Him to a newness of life at Easter renewed in His mercy and love. Happy Easter! ~ Fr Clement This year is the 50th anniversary of the 38th International Eucharistic Congress held at the Oval Maidan in Bombay in 1964 and is therefore being celebrated as the Year of the Eucharist. St. Waldetrudis Feast Day: April 9th St. Waldetrudis was born in Belgium around 615 AD. Her mother Bertille, her father and her sister Aldegondes are all saints. She grew up to be a beautiful girl and even when she was enjoying herself, she had a way of enriching the lives of people around her. Her parents got her married to Count Vincent Madelgar. He was a very good and God-fearing man and later on was declared a saint. They had two sons and two daughters. Amazingly, they have all been declared saints. St. Waldetrudis was happy that God had given her such a wonderful family. Some ladies were jealous of her. They were not pure and kind as she was and did not want people to think that she was better than them. They spread terrible stories about her and she suffered much in her lifetime. But St. Waldetrudis did not protect herself from their lies. She thought of how Jesus had suffered on the cross and, like Jesus, she forgave them. When their children were grown, Vincent told his wife that he wanted very much to be a monk and hoped that he could spend the rest of his life in the monastery. St. Waldetrudis understood this and even though they were going to miss each other very much, she would not hold her husband back. She made the sacrifice for God and gave her husband permission to join the monastery. Before going, Vincent provided for his family and made sure that they would be well taken care of. Two years later, St. Waldetrudis joined the convent and became a nun. She lived a very self-sacrificing life and was very generous with the poor. People came to her for advice and for healing. St. Waldetrudis died in 688. After her death, many people who prayed at her tomb were miraculously healed. The logo for the Year of the Eucharist incorporates the logo created for the International Eucharistic Congress The colour of the logo is gold - for the 50th anniversary The new man has now been fused into the Eucharist to symbolize oneness with Christ through the Eucharist and has an Indian feel because of the sitting posture The visual brings out various elements: a chalice, host, altar, the faithful in union with Christ (Adapted from the website of the Archdiocese of Bombay)

2 LENT, HOLY WEEK AND EASTERTIDE PROGRAMME Way of the Cross - Fridays in Lent at 7 p.m. March 28 - by the Scheme Community April 4 - by the Sherly Community April 11 - by the Sisters of Auxilium Convent April 13 - PALM SUNDAY Masses at 6.30 a.m., 8 a.m., 9.15 a.m. & 6 p.m a.m. Blessing of Palms near the School Evening: The Journey Home - Concert by OPEN SECRET Christian Rock and Worship Band Monday, April 14 - Wednesday, April 16 Confessions from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 17 - MAUNDY THURSDAY Morning - Distribution of Holy Communion to the housebound 5 p.m. - Mass for the sick/aged and for children 7 p.m. - Mass of the Lord s Supper 10 p.m. - Holy Hour before the Altar of Repose April 18 - GOOD FRIDAY 7:15 a.m. - Walking Way of the Cross starting from the Church Grotto 10 a.m. - Way of the Cross conducted by the Good News Club 3 p.m. - The Divine Mercy Novena begins 6 p.m. - Celebration of the Lord s Passion April 19 - HOLY SATURDAY 3 p.m. - The Divine Mercy Novena 8 p.m. - Easter Vigil Service April 20 - EASTER SUNDAY Masses at 6.30 a.m., 8 a.m. and 9.15 a.m. No evening Mass 3 p.m. - The Divine Mercy Novena Monday, April 21 - Saturday, April 26 The Divine Mercy Novena will be at 6.30 p.m. April 22 - EASTER TUESDAY 8 p.m. - Community Masses at Pali Hill & Scheme April 23 - EASTER WEDNESDAY 8 p.m. - Community Masses at Pali Pathar/Ambedkar Road & Sherly April 24 - EASTER THURSDAY 8 p.m. - Community Masses at Malla & Rajan The Fathers of the parish wish you all a meaningful and grace filled Season of Lent & the joy and peace of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord 2

3 Discovering Treasure in St. Anne s It was a Sunday with a difference! On March 2nd our parishioners came together to Discover Treasure strewn all over the parish. The key objective of Discover Treasure in St Anne s was to bring the Parish Family together. It was an exercise in building community. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including lunch and prize distribution) the five teams in colorful attire with mascots, cheerleaders and supporters discovered interesting facts and people in our parish. The community teams were - The Malla Seekers, Sherly Hunters, Rajan Rangers, Scheme Schemers, and Treasure Hunters from Pali Pathar & Ambedkar Road (PALAM). All the participants were ably supported by their respective base camps with whom they were in constant contact thanks to cellular technology. As they moved from one clue to the other on foot, on motor cycle, on bicycle road safety was taken care of by the senior members of each community and the event was concluded with no incident whatsoever! By 1:30 p.m. the teams had to report to the Control Center located in the parish parlour. Here the photographers and videographers of each team had to download their pictures and videos onto computers, and Team Leaders hand over trivia and other related material. The counting of points was then done. The first prize went to the Rajan Community, second prize to the Malla Community and third prize went to the Sherly Community. Two consolation prizes were awarded to Scheme and PALAM. The prize money has to be used for any community building activity that may be decided by the Community. At the end of the day it did not matter who came first or second, rather that in this coming together of brothers and sisters we are all winners! We can truly sing We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord And they ll know we are Christians by our love by our love! To Fr Clement de Lima, a big thank you for your style of management and leadership that brings out the best in people. Congratulations, St Anne s Parish the only Parish on the Hill! Truly you are loaded with treasure! For the full write-up and photographs of the event log on to the parish website and Facebook page ~ Joe Cordo Argentina D Souza, our parishioner, passed away on the 7th of March at the venerable age of 104 years. May her soul rest in peace. A Tribute ~ Contributed by Dora Lobo of the Hope & Life Movement A simple, saintly soul has gone home to her Creator Really she was a woman of noble character. Gentle, gracious, good-natured - reaching out to others was her special feature, Every day at Mass she was present, as long as she was able, Nonetheless later, she watched EWTN and followed the priest at the Eucharistic table. To the Hope and Life Movement she was a tremendous blessing!! In her own silent way serving and inviting other widows to the meetings, Not many humans have the privelege of 104 years of life!! Entry to Heaven for her is assured, without any strife!! Dear God, Argentine now enjoys the beatific vision! Sanctify her, glorify her and keep her safe in Your mansion, O Heavenly Father, bless her children and family who cared for her with devotion. Undoubtedly we now have an intercessor in your Kingdom Zealously she sang your praises into freedom!! Alas!! We shall miss her here below, but we know that with her presence heaven is aglow! Congratulations! God Bless! On your Ordination Anniversaries ~ Fr Leon - 24th March Fr Clement - 9th April Fr Roque - 12th April Nathan Colaco, the son of Sacha and Nicky residing at Allied Apartments, St. John s Road, recently won the Golden Art Merit Award at the national level for colouring and handwriting in a competition conducted by the Rangotsav Sanstha. Congratulations, Nathan! Keep it up! God bless you! 3

4 Our Lenten Journey A few suggestions for a meaningful Season of Lent & a worthy celebration of Easter Increased Fasting - Fast on Fridays - Fast from TV - Fast from snacks or candy - Fast a day from your mobile phone - Fast from Facebook, Youtube, the internet - Fast from alcohol - Fast from smoking - Fast from speeding - Fast from sarcasm or gossip - Fast from pornography - Fast from laziness - Fast from not studying or working hard - Fast from complaining - Fast from lying or other destructive habits Increased Prayer - Wake up 20 minutes early and start the day with prayer and end the day with prayer - Daily Mass - An hour of adoration a week - Go to confession - Read Scripture daily - Go to a Lenten Bible study - Read a spiritual book - Pray the Rosary daily - Pray the Liturgy of the Hours - Pray for migrant workers - Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet - Stations of the Cross on Fridays - Pray for enemies - Watch the Passion of the Christ and meditate on Christ s life - Read about the life of a saint - Do an extra spiritual activity in church - Get involved in your community if you aren t - Memorize Scripture verses - Pray for the Pope, Clergy and Religious (Sourced from the Internet) Increased Almsgiving - When you fast from a meal, give the money you would spend to the poor - Use a coin box to put change into it for the poor - Volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul association or other charitable organization - Spend more time with your parents or grandparents - Visit a nursing home - Start tithing - Donate to a worthy charity - Forgive an old grudge - Share your faith with someone - Exercise patience and love - Speak in a pleasant tone to everyone - Look for ways to help others - Reach out to someone who is shy or difficult - Offer to help an elderly neighbor - Drive with love and patience - Write a letter/call a relative you haven t met for a while This March, Pope Francis has completed one year as the Spiritual Head of the Catholic Church. From being a humble yet firm pastor; relating to young people at the World Youth Day in Brazil; reaching out to the less fortunate and discriminated in society; working to bring about change within the Church; clearly stating the Church s position on important international issues and becoming the Time Magazine person of the year 2013, Pope Francis has been able to touch many lives. Given below are a few of his quotes regarding the importance of the family....the family, the foundation of co-existence and a remedy against social fragmentation. How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith!...it is very important to reaffirm the family, which remains the essential cell of society and the Church. They say that it is not worth making a life-long commitment, making a definitive decision, for ever, because we do not know what tomorrow will bring. I ask you, instead, to be revolutionaries, I ask you to swim against the tide; yes, I am asking you to rebel against this culture that sees everything as temporary... Source: AnneMater 4 Mar-Apr-May 2014

5 Parish 22 children received Jesus for the first time on the 12th of January. We wish them all the best in this journey of knowing Jesus, making Him their best friend and becoming more like Him. Congratulations, dear children! May you grow in the peace & love of Jesus. ~ Sunita D Souza Catechist The children of the Good News Club went for a picnic to Farry s Resort, Gorai on the 19th of January accompanied by a few of their teachers. It was an opportunity to make new friends, soak in the sun and enjoy a refreshing day by the seaside! After months of intense preparation, 26 young people of our parish were administered the Sacrament of Confirmation by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes on the 16th of February at a solemn and meaningful Mass. Our prayers are with them as they strive to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Ladies Sodality hosted their 2nd Breakfast Mela on Sunday 23rd February after the 8 a.m. Mass.The Meet & Greet area, outside the church, was lined with stalls, selling all kinds of delicious, home-made snacks and cookies, all at reasonable rates. Although the sale was meant to be after the 9.15 a.m. Mass as well, everything was sold out after the 8.00 a.m. Mass itself. The draw for the Raffle of the beautifully iced home-baked cake & the large hamper of goodies was held after the 9.15 a.m. Mass with Fr.Clement, our Spiritual Director, drawing lots for the lucky winners. Little Lisa Reynolds was the lucky winner of the cake & Jerry & Felicity Rodrigues the fortunate winners of the hamper. ~ Elaine Charles (Prefect) To see photographs & details about these and other parish events log on to stannebandra.org or check out the Facebook page 5

6 Begining from June 2013, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. a dedicated band of student parishioners from various age groups attended the classes on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Youth Catechism (YOUCAT), with its easy to understand question-answer format was used as a text book. The classes concluded on the 6th of March It was surely an eye-opener and a learning experience for all those who attended. There was time for serious discussion and sharing among the participants as well as time for snacks and a little fellowship. All in all a wonderful and meaningful way to deepen ones understanding of the Christian faith during the Year of Faith. I am so happy that I joined the classes on the Cathechism of the Catholic Church during the Year of Faith. It was a refresher course for me because as a child I had learned most of the input but then I was a child and understood it like a child. Now it all made sense. The good thing was that we were all from different backgrounds and lifestyles and so the questions asked were interesting and enlightening. Oh, it was so enjoyable! Thank you Frs. Clement and Leon for your time and understanding. ~ Olive Ferdinand Deanery Conference for Small Christian Community Animators - a learning experience The SCC Conference was held in the Mt. Mary Convent hall on the 19th of January 2014 and began with a first session by Mr. Conrad Saldanha which was made interesting through meaningful examples and a PowerPoint presentation. He spoke about the characteristics of Small Christian Communities and how our faith and time spent together in prayer - family Rosary, Bible sharing sessions among families, etc. must motivate us to live in collaboration and co-operation. He said that love is a choice and building community requires an investment of time, effort and respectful communication. SCC animators are called to be role models. Fr. Michael Goveas, the Dean of Bandra Deanery and Fr. Anthony Fernandes stressed on the aim of animators and SCC coordinators to build Eucharistic Communities. Our attitude should be like that of Jesus - to bring peace in our communities through the power of God s word. Mr. Ivan D Souza spoke on the basic principles of event management and how to apply these skills as SCC animators. Bishop Agnelo Gracias spoke on the importance of community and of having a sense of belonging. He said that the SCC s must foster the community spirit through their various activities. ~ Ida Ferreira (Malla Community) Seven parishes from Bandra took part in the Conference and eighteen animators from our parish attended it. All the speakers in their own way, touched upon the main aim of the SCC's, which is like one body composed of many parts, making it work as a composite unit. The SCC is asked to collaborate, co-operate and reach out to the community at large,which was the purpose for which it was started. Bishop Bosco Penha stressed the importance of wishing our non-catholic brethren on their festival days and helping in their need. He listed some helps we have, in our quest for being better animators - reading Scripture, teachings of the church, the liturgy and prayer. Fr. Magi spoke about his formation of SONSHINE groups for the youth in his parish and gave a booklet he had put together for them to each parish leader attending the conference. Bishop Agnelo Gracious celebrated a meaningful Mass to close the conference. May the tips we received make us better animators in our parish. ~ Crystal D Souza (Scheme Community) During the Conference, the inputs given by the speakers were all focussed on the role of animators and the skills required to build an effective community. What really inspired me during the sessions was the call to collaborate with each other, to work to encourage youth and children to take part in the SCC s, to keep in touch and care for our neighbours and to deepen our knowledge of God s word. The sessions as well as the Eucharist that was celebrated helped me to understand that the SCC s should not just be activity oriented but must flow from the Eucharist since it is the Eucharist that really forms us into the one body of Christ. The sessions also helped me to learn some basic skills in getting the community together like planning, organizing, reporting, having a positive attitude, etc. I m sure that this conference will help me to commit myself to build a spirit filled community. ~ Sr. Madhuri Kerketta (Rajan Community) Articles, anecdotes, poems, etc. for publication in the next issue of AnneMater for the months of June-July-August (feast days and special occasions during these months to be kept in mind) may be sent by to annematerbulletin@yahoo.com latest by the 15th of May The Editorial Team reserves the right to choose what is published and to edit the matter that is chosen for publication. 6

7 Our Wonderful Doctors I This article is a tribute to our doctors, those professionals who put us back on our feet after we fall sick. They do a pretty good job, considering that they use few tools to check us - a stethoscope, flashlight, tongue-depressor, sphyg. (short form for that thingummy that measures our pressure) and best of all, their hands.with them they thump our chests to determine between bronchitis and double pneumonia, check our hearts to find out if we have a genuine problem of have just fallen in/out of love, and palpate our abdomens to see if we have a plumbing problem. They inject humour into their examinations, coming up with some gems like - "Mr. T, your liver says it is time to hit the gym instead of the bottle" or "You will not bleed to death Miss R. Two band-aids will take care of that cut" and "That was not a heart attack, Mrs. D. You are just producing more gas than an oil well." They diagnose and prescribe for our ailments, organize admissions at hospitals, operate if needed, prepare families for the impending loss of a family member and also arrange for seriously ill patients to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. They generally use the best 'antibiotic' for sickness, an ability to listen to and sympathize with our problems while examining us. Often they do not charge poor patients, but give them free medicines from their stock of sample tablets. We often become so attached to a particular doctor, we resent it if circumstances compel them to close their clinics even for a couple of days. Their family members grow used to conducting conversations with patients that go thus: "Where is Dr. L?" "Well, he is sick and the clinic will be closed for two days." Incredulous patient - "But how could he fall sick? He is a doctor." Second furious patient - "What do you mean she has gone to Europe for a holiday? Call her back. Why? Because she is my doctor, and I'm dying here." Oh yes, some of us are so attached to our family doctor, we risk our health deteriorating to the extent where Cheyne-Stoke breathing (that is the kind of breathing we get twenty minutes before the death rattle comes) has to set in before we reluctantly consult another doctor. They put us first always, often forcing themselves back into their clinics before fully recovering from illness. They have learned to handle all patients, from the excitable ones who refuse to acknowledge they are seriously ill, skip their medication and diets and think exercise is only for psychiatric cases, to those who are certified quacks! These are the ones who bounce into their clinics having already diagnosed their illness - they just need a prescription. To this dedicated band of doctors, I raise my hat and pen in thanks. Now all that is left for me is to try and mange to get a grave next to a doctor. It would be great to be able to knock on his/her grave and demand a prescription! WHEN THE BELLS BEGIN TO CHIME ~ Crystal D Souza have always felt that love springs from awareness.when two people decide to pledge themselves as husband and wife on their wedding day there is always an anticipation of great joy. They say, a wedding is a day but a marriage is a life time. The bells seem to chime to a tune of love and companionship to the newly weds who have made their choice to be together for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. They promise to let their love not be measured but be shared at every moment of their married life in order to make their marriage not just an event but a wonderful reality. How wonderful it is to be present at wedding nuptials, when relatives and friends gather together to extend their heartiest felicitations by thanking God for the union of the couple in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. But, strange are the ways of man and woman when there is a storm. Love takes another route, the glorious days are forgotten, plans broken, happiness destroyed and the couple then seek a divorce. However it is not a pleasant task to judge situations or be on a tribunal bench to hold one or the other responsible for deeds that may have been the cause of the present situation. A small illustration however, may perhaps leave us to deep thought. A loving wife left for a long holiday. When the husband opened the sugar pot, the next day, he found a note saying I love you. In the coffee pot a note saying I am going to miss you. The man was very happy to find little endearing notes all over until on Saturday evening, when he put on his new shirt he found a note that read and where do you think you are going!? Psychological immaturity in one or both partners is the common reason for marital failure. Today, marriages are breaking up at an alarming rate. It is the modern trend, that has disturbed many a mind. Over time, a combination of different factors leads to complicated issues. More marriages might survive if the partners realize that sometimes the better comes after the worse. In marriage It is only after the first misunderstanding has been survived that people begin to discover the beautiful joy of being together said Bishop Fulton Sheen. It is helpful to keep the truth before us, the false behind and learn to start on a clear slate. For any development should be aimed ultimately for the good of each other, bringing to mind the real fact that what God has joined let man not divide. Dear married couples, turn therefore to Him for His grace and blessings and make Him the center of your lives so that you can pledge yourself once again and reflect upon your blessings of which every man has many but not your misfortune of which all men have some said Charles Dickens. So let the bells begin to chime once again as the saying goes - A bell is not a bell if it is not rung. A song is not a song if it is not sung. ~ Russel Pereira 7

8 Parish Records - November 2013 to March 2014 MARRIAGES 23rd November - Kevin Colaco and Amanda Mendonza 8th December - Garfield Soares and Aanchal Saini 8th December - Wency Rodrigues and Samantha Francis 13th December - Bosco Maumkell and Amanda Fernandes 14th December - Aaron Cardoz and Rosel Crasto 15th December - Rohan Vaz and Raynah Farias 15th December - Rhys Pereira and Michelle Chico 22nd December - Denzil Rodrigues and Serena Ribeiro 23rd December - Sean Ahmed and Giselle Vakil 27th December - Jude D Souza and Christine D Sa 28th December - Duane D Silva and Aarti Walve 28th December - Troy Menezes and Nadia Nunes 2nd January - Randell Rodrigues and Renee Pereira 4th January - Roger Baptist and Larissa Fernandez 5th January - Sheldron Pereira and Crystal D Souza 6th January - Anthony Xavier and Camilla Fernandes 7th January - Kiran Solanki and Babita Parmar 11th January - Zane D Abreo and Nikita Sharma 12th January - Nichel D Souza and Petrina Mascarenhas 18th January - Kynan Sequeira and Neriza Moraes 15th February - Mikhail D Souza and Nisha Mendonca 22nd February - Nikhil Gonsalves and Naina Meattle 22nd February - Sebastian Cardoz and Rachel Beresford Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) BAPTISMS 23rd November - Myra D Silva, daughter of Ian and Mudita 14th December - Jaden D Aguiar, son of Kirk and Linnet 21st December - Sarah Rodrigues, daughter of Ricky and Valentina 4th January - Rashid Battiwala, son of Khushroo and Karishma 4th January - Aldan Rodrigues, son of Agnelo and Candida 19th January - Aleka Mascarenhas, daughter of Arun and Binaifer 25th January - Daniella Noronha, daughter of Linus and Vanessa 9th February - Fiona Fernandes, daughter of Joseph and Karen FUNERALS 26th November - Merlyn Pereira of Rajan, aged 55 4th December - Aldred De Mellow of Pali Market, aged 38 16th April - Tenor Fernandes of rajan, aged 63 3rd January - Ripon D Abreo of Rajan, aged 61 6th January - Meg George of Malad, aged 70 25th January - Joseph Needhiappan of Ambedkar Road, aged 83 30th January - Peter Fernandes of Carter Road, aged 72 5th February - Theresa Pereira of Rajan, aged 98 7th February - Nelson D Silva of Sherly, aged 50 14th February - Violet Lopez of Rajan, aged 74 15th February - Mabel D Silva of Sherly, aged 95 16th February - Ransom D Souza of Sherly, aged 77 18th February - Maude D Penha of Scheme, aged nd February - Lena D Souza of Rajan, aged 75 7th March - Argentina D Souza of Rajan, aged th March - Myrtle Murray of Rajan, aged 80 Come, join "THE WALKING WAY OF THE CROSS" on GOOD FRIDAY, 18th APRIL, commencing at 7.15 a.m. from the Church grotto.the traditional 14 stations have been condensed to 6 Stations (combining similar stations together) and this year will be located in the MALLA, SHERLY & RAJAN COMMUNITY areas. There will be a float and at each Station there will be a brief ENACTMENT of the scene, a REFLECTION, a COMMUNITY PRAYER & the SINGING of an appropriate hymn. We hope many of our parishoners will join in this enriching SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE on GOOD FRIDAY. MASS SCHEDULE Weekdays : 6.00 a.m., 6.45 a.m p.m. Sundays : 6.30 a.m., 8.00 a.m a.m., 6.00 p.m. OTHER TIMINGS Confessions : Every Saturday at 6.30 p.m. or on request Baptisms : 2nd & 4th Saturday at 5.30 p.m. Good News Club : After the 8.00 a.m. Mass (Sunday School) Church Office : 9.00 a.m noon & 5.00 p.m p.m. Tel: stannechurch1950@gmail.com Web: stannechurchbandra.org PUBLISHED BY: Fr. Clement de Lima EDITORIAL TEAM: Fr. Leon Mascarenhas, Felicity Rodrigues & Anusuya John annematerbulletin@yahoo.com