Bulletin of Sacred Heart Parish, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Vol. XXXVI - No.-3, July - September Editorial... - Dr. MAUREEN LOBO

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1 Bulletin of Sacred Heart Parish, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Vol. XXXVI - No.-3, Editorial... MARY OUR MOTHER AND TEACHER - Dr. MAUREEN LOBO To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest miracle you can perform" St John Baptist De La Salle An adage goes--"if you can read this, thank your teacher" --I would like to add "and your parents too" In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the duty of parents and educators is described as inseparable, as "parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity and service are the rule." (CCC 2223) Mary was blessed to be a fitting teacher to Jesus because she was filled with the graces from the Holy Spirit.-----Do we allow ourselves to receive the gifts God wants to give us? Do we use these gifts to guide our children? When we are faced with suffering we cry out-- Why me Lord? But even though Mary had to witness the torture and inhuman death of her son, Jesus, she did not ask why but just offered her son her constant, loving presence and believed it was God's will. Mary is our Mother, but what does that mean in our daily lives? A mother does not only give birth to her child but God entrusts her to feed, nurture, guide, protect and teach them values and life skills. Mary is a great educator for us all, she teaches us by her example. Can we be living witnesses by our words and deeds and reach out to all in our homes and communities? Mama Mary make me like you. VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi December January-2015

2 MASS INTENTIONS Pluri-intention masses would be offered only at the Saturday evening Masses. All Masses on Sundays would be on the basis of 1 Mass, 1 intention. Masses for Silver and Golden Jubilee wedding anniversaries, Month's Mind and 1st Death Anniversaries would be celebrated on the day of choice without being subject to the norm of 1 Mass, 1 intention. This will be with effect from October 1, The modification is consistent with the directions of the Archdiocese of Bombay. - Fr. Henry D'Souza VACATION BIBLE JOY Parish will be organizing Vacation Bible Joy during the Diwali vacation from Monday, October 23, 2017 to Saturday, October 28, 2017 with the closing ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 29, The classes would be from 9.00 a.m. to noon in --the Sacred Heart School and would include snacks and refreshments for the children. The theme this is year is The 10 Commandments and how they set us free. There will be 3 age groups 1st 3rd STDs; 4th 7th & 8th -9th. The Communities and Parents are requested to encourage maximum number of children to participate in the programme. - Fr. Baptist VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 2

3 - P RUFUS, Sec-10A I often wonder whether Jesus said different things at different times or the same thing differently. But three evangelists couldn't have been wrong about taking up the Cross and following Jesus as mentioned in Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23 and about the Yoke - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke 'upon you and learn 'from me For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Mathew 11: 28-30) These two quotations had confounded me. Because one seemed 'burden-laying', while the other sounded 'burden-relieving'. Each one of us has a cross to bear in life. Relatively, one may seem heavier than the other. Nonetheless, no one is spared and must bear it till the end. Interestingly, when we yoke our lives with Jesus, the burden of our cross becomes 'light'. More than anyone, He knows what it means to carry a heavy cross. And not just to carry it, but to be mocked, flogged and kicked along the way. What's more, He knows that sinking feeling when human strength THE YOKE AND THE CROSS ebbs to the point of collapse. Even He needed a Simon to 'yoke' the cross with, up to Calvary. I was also struck by the beauty of Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. Our burdens are many financial, career, sickness, bereavement, relationships, and even sin. If we attach our cross (like a plough) to the yoke of Jesus, two things happen. First, there comes strength to bear the cross. As He can take more load, our load gets lighter, and there won't be bruising falls. Second, a unique learning happens on how to manage our cross. While strength is a common necessity across burdens, there isn't one common technique for managing varied crosses. That's where learning comes in. For instance, if 'perseverance' is a learning to bear the cross of unemployment, converting 'pain to prayer' can be an effective learning to bear the cross of terminal illness. Let's yoke our cross with Jesus and lighten our burden in life! After all, what a friend we have in Jesus, for all our sins and griefs to bear; and what a privilege to carry, everything to Him in prayer! Isn't it? LET US OPEN OUR HEARTS - MICHAEL DE SOUZA, Sec-8 The idea of freedom resonates with the idea of release - to be free. Look around, a free person is one who is happy with himself and rejoices in others welfare and happiness. Pressure to live only in our comfort zone and to live by our neighbor's standards is bad and dangerous. Man has the aptitude to rise but when spiritual rot sets in, the divine spark vanishes. The greatest pitfall in spirituality is EGO. We do not see the truth, refuse to open our hearts, listen and learn. Bondage is in our minds due to our likes, dislikes, ego and more so by religious beliefs and identity crises. Jesus offers a solution in the here and now. Everybody has goodness, joy and good cheer. So let us open our hearts as no one is perfect. Jesus said, Call me not perfect, only our Father in Heaven is. Free from everything, the mind is at peace and we move freely with a smile. Galatians 5:13-17: Live the life of freedom that the Lord gained for us, following the commandment of love. Let us pray in the words of Tagore - Into that Heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country AWAKE. MAMMA MARY Mamma Mary is the best I can always in her rest She is always by my side In her can I abide She is always with my Lord Against all wicked and fraud She is the mother of all St. Peter, John and Paul She was loving throughout her life Being faithful to God's word is her strife The mother of Jesus is she The mother of all and Me - CONRAD FERNANDES, St. Blaise community VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 3

4 St NICHOLAS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PICNIC - Frenzina DCunha The St Nicholas Community of Sectors 9A/10A organized a picnic on Sunday, 20th August 17 to Enan Farms, Panvel. The involvement and excitement began a few days before the picnic with messages shared on whatsapp till the day of the picnic. We had over 40 parishioners young and old who made it for the fun filled fellowship day. We sang, played games, danced, cracked jokes, enjoyed the rain dance, swam in the pool, and played housie, got to know each other through an introductory session. The rains were beautiful and poured continuously, which kept us together. Cherishing moments with old friends on one hand and making new friends on the other with more acquaintances on the way made the day memorable and remarkable. With smiles on our faces, we bid farewell to one another, looking forward to many more gatherings that would bring us together as one big happy family. OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS - DEEPAK CORREA The last few months have been an interesting journey for St. Nicholas Community. It began with our Lenten Charity initiative where we collected books and old stationary to donate to the orphan girls of Prem Daan, Kharghar. Being end of school term, it was the perfect time for families to donate for the next academic year. Needless to say, the drive was a huge success with even non-christian families coming forward and donating towards the cause ranging from an encyclopaedia to a computer for the girls. On June 17, all donated items were handed over to the orphanage. The Sisters and girls were overwhelmed, Nisha and Avinash Lobo decided to celebrate their little son Aiden's birthday at Prem Daan. With grandparents, relatives, community members, sisters and the girls, it was a fun-filled party. There were games organized and a sumptuous biryani for lunch besides loads of return gifts for the girls of the orphanage. During Lent, we had a collection drive for old clothes and other items. We managed to collect a van load of generosity by our community members. These items were donated to SEAL Ashram, Panvel on May 6. SEAL is a shelter run by Bro. Phillip and his team from Kerala where the abandoned are picked up from the streets, railway stations etc. and are taken care of. It has over 250 inmates including women and children, and many of them are mentally challenged. A few of our parishioners have been helping SEAL in many ways by offering of their time and talents. God bless the Fathers and helpers who do such an immense service for humanity. In May, we had a chain of Community Rosaries in homes. Our Lady's statue went from home to home and it was heartening to see little children, old folks, and members who are otherwise shy, come forward to welcome our Lady and the community into their homes. We are truly blessed to have such devout Catholics amongst us. In July, we embarked upon an initiative of structured visitation of elders in the community. A time table and roster was made and this included inmates from 'Sharan'. The sparkle in the eyes of our elders was unimaginable when they met us on the expected date and time. Many are active in spite of their age and join us in our meetings, condolence visits, picnics, etc. Indeed, we are grateful and thankful to them. We are truly blessed to have such a vibrant and giving Community. God Bless St. Nicholas Community families. Our Prayers and Good Wishes to all Parishioners who inspire and guide us to do better. As we embark on our journey into the 25th Year of the Church, we ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus to give us love, faith and the strength to transform our Parish by spreading His message of Love and Peace. VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 4

5 PARENTS' DAY CELEBRATION OF SECTORS 4 & 5 Our Parish encouraged us to celebrate Parents/Grandparents Day on the occasion of the Feast of St. Anne and St. Joaquim on 30th July We had decided to form three groups in our Animators team comprising Henry and Mabel, Thomas and Eliza, and, Melwin and Eugene. Each group, along with their cluster families, celebrated Parents Day at the residences of Deacon Lloyd Dias, Peter Rebello and Marlene Pereira respectively. Celebrations began with prayers and hymns with great joy and spirit. We prayed for members who couldn t make it to the celebration, with the hope that they participate in the future celebrations. Children presented roses to their parents and elders with love and POEM ON OUR DEAR PARENTS - ANGELINE M CORREA, Sector 10A A Poem on Parents I don't know where to start; You are always there for us And you love us with all your heart If you could look into my heart, How quickly you would see, The special place you hold there, And how much you mean to me You have always trusted us, You support us and nurture us, You have taught us sharing and caring, You are always there for us May you carry in your hearts These words forever true, No parent anywhere on earth Could be more loved than you I will never take for granted How greatly I have been blessed To my awesome, awesome, parents Mom and Dad, you are the Best!!!! appreciation. Each group played games and distributed prizes to the winners. One group played a quiz game How Much Do I Know My Church and Community. They realized that very few knew about their Church and neighbourhood. Everyone had great fun during the games. Each group cut the cakes which the Church had provided with the intention of Care-To-Share. We also enjoyed some lip-smacking refreshments. Thus, we celebrated Parent s Day with great enthusiasm and togetherness. The Animators thanked the Community members for their participation. God Bless Us All. - Animators of Sector 4&5 VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 5

6 DYC YOUTH LEADERSHIP DAY ALLWIN PETERS, Sector 14 There is a popular saying that "The only source of knowledge is experience" by Albert Einstein. Such was our visit and experience at the Diocesan Youth Centre (DYC) Youth Leadership Day. It's a program all youth should attend to meet and interact with different people from a number of parishes across Mumbai city. It began with Zumba where we were made to dance to funky songs which pumped our adrenaline. Post the energetic session, the Bishop, a dynamic personality, shared with us the qualities to become a great leader. This interactive session was filled with real life examples and everyone putting forth their viewpoints. This was followed by games to ensure we get to know each other better and have fun. We were blessed with the presence of Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, who spoke - TREVOR DANIEL, Sector 17 The Eucharist celebration for the Youth was held on Sunday, 11th June being the Feast of the Holy Trinity, at Sacred Heart School Hall. It was followed by the induction of the Core Committee and Parish Youth Council (PYC) for term , and a get together with fun, games and lunch. In his sermon Fr. Walter included an interactive session to learn more about the Holy Trinity and its importance in our lives. The Mass concluded with the handing over of the flag from the previous officebearers - Trevor Daniel (President), Jessica Alvares (Vice President) and Sagaya D Souza (Secretary) to the new office-bearers - Allwin Peter (President), Sagaya D Souza (Vice President) and Schillaci Solomon EUCHARIST FOR YOUTH about how important the youth are and the role we play in the community. He gave us an opportunity to ask him questions ranging from same sex marriage to political power over minorities. The session concluded with a dance to the DYC anthem: Viva Abba Viva Yuva! To summarize our experience, I would use the quote "Success is where preparation & opportunity meet". Our parish is giving us an opportunity to join the CLAYM program which will prepare us with a recipe for success. A shout out to all the youth to make the most of this opportunity! (Secretary). The get-together began with Trevor Daniel sharing his experience of being involved in the Youth Cell and Allwin Peter s plan for his term. This was followed by a presentation by Kimberly Rowe (PPC Representative) with the schedule and upcoming activities for the year. In addition, our Parish youth had an interaction with Fr. Henry (Parish Priest) who had words of encouragement for everyone. We proceeded to the games session conducted by Kevin Aroza. There were fun activities presenting an opportunity to meet and interact with each other amidst all the laughter. We learnt how to have fun while working as team. The event concluded with a dance session and lunch. We returned with hearts filled with joy! VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 6

7 - WIVANNY VAZ, Sector - 29 On Sunday, 9th July, Sacred Heart High School was packed with students, graduates and a few parents too. The assembly was eager to know more of the future through the following interactive session on Career Guidance. The morning workshop on the bewildering variety of choices for the Gen-Y provided career counselling by the resource person for the session Ms Shailaja Mulay. She is an experienced career counselor with a background in education, counseling and psychology for over 40 years. The session was filled with honest queries by both articulate graduate and inquisitive children. Clarity and direction was given to the concerned students. The speaker highlighted regular and upcoming opportunities in a globalised world for the well aware tech-savvy teenagers. Everyone felt benefitted at the end of the session and the expert offered a list of exciting career choices. CAREER GUIDANCE Indeed, a well-informed person can select a job that is both lucrative and fulfilling! The participants especially the students of standard 8 and above, were also informed that they could avail of the free online Career Aptitude Quiz by logging on to which would guide them to choose a suitable career. This site also has a free write in service to the Career Counsellor to enable further clarity, besides the monthly Newsletter Career Windows which has updates on various career options and career trends. THINK The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. - M. Scott Peck - OSCAR V. GOMES The ETC Group got together to celebrate their Annual Monsoon Dhamaka on Sunday 16th July It was a goodly crowd of oldies and this year we had our Patron Fr. Henry D souza to join in the fun. Father led the singing with songs of yester year and the crowd joined in with gusto. We had a guitarist this year, a senior like the rest to provide the rhythm. THE ETC MONSOON DHAMAKA There were jokes, there were wisecracks to keep the folk convulsed with laughter. A few of them sportingly sang sols surprisingly in Gujrathi, Marathi and Konkani. Talent was unveiled. The compere came up with games that kept all on their feet. A game of Housie is a must to wrap up the proceedings. And then it was lunchtime. A sumptuous feast followed and the folk departed to meet at another function. VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 7

8 - SCHILLACI SOLOMON, Sector - 8 As a long withstanding tradition of the youth group and also one of the most awaited events of the year, this year too over 70 youth joined the trek to Visapur Fort on Sunday, July 16. The journey was filled with immense energy and enthusiasm. Early morning we boarded two mini buses and everyone passed time by playing games like dumb-charades and heads up. But none of us knew what was waiting ahead of us. When we almost reached our destination, due to heavy traffic, we could not take the bus to base camp. Hence, we YOUTH TREK TO VISAPUR FORT decided to walk to base camp. The walk was fun and everyone could keep their pace up. In no time, we reached base camp of Visapur fort and decided it was time to refuel. After having lunch, we went up the Bhaja caves. It was a picturesque trek and the atmosphere was refreshing on top. We then began to return to the buses and were surprisingly on schedule. The trek was not challenging but considering everyone had either work or college to attend the next day, it was absolutely worth it! We reached home with plenty of time to prepare for our busy week ahead but also with the memories that we shared together. to our Sacred Heart Youth Group for winning the 3rd position in the DYC Online Dance Competition 2017 among 29 Parishes! TEACHER S DAY 5th SEPTEMBER 2017 Dear friends let us respect our teachers for their sacrifice in making everyone of us a great personalities for the future. Teachers are the role models to the young generation, they affect the heart of every child and they continue to affect the eternity in the days to come Dear respected teachers our guiding stars and our loving student community budding starts wishing you all a HAPPY TEACHERS DAY We feel it is our great pride and honour on this day to thank all our alma maters who play a great role in making what we are. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all our Teachers who are our second parents who always stand by us guide us, lead us and motivate us, Dear teachers we feel proud and thank you for being our role models VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 8

9 Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others : CAVEAT : The Publisher does not vouch for any claims made by the Advertisers of products or services. The team and the Parish Fathers shall not be held liable for any consequences; in the event such claims are not honoured by the Advertisers. ELECTRICIAN CALL ME FELIX COLACO MOB: / TOTAL HOUSE WIRING FAULT FINDING, SERVICING OF ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES LIKE CEILING FAN, IRON, 220 VOLTS WATER PUMP, ETC. WE TAKE NO ADVANCE F The Official Undertakers & Funeral Directors for all faiths. F We supply all types of coffins (regular, polished and polished floral coffins), brand new hearse, ambulance, imported lowering device, church truck (coffin stand), wooden cross, gloves and socks, floral tributes, rosary beads, etc. F Dispatch of mortal remains within the country and abroad. F We also supply Portable Refrigerator Coffins, a very compact piece, which can be kept at home using regular power-supply. F We understand your need to spend as much time with your loved one in these last moments and hence ther is no need to visit the shop. F We are just a call away. F All arrangements will be made through that one call. K.A.S. Homes, Survey No. 0495, Shop No.3, Juhu Village, Sector 11, Besides C.I.S.F. Quarters Vashi, Navi Mumbai F We have a very professional and considerate team to assist you in all your requirements. Mr. Bellar Britto , Mr. Ludgar Britto , Mrs. Anita Britto , Mr. Kailash Gutale brittoundertakers@gmail.com VASHI VISION Parish Bulletin of Sacred Heart Church Vashi, Navi Mumbai EDITORIAL TEAM Fr Henry D Souza, George Thomas, Dr Maureen Lobo, Rita Pinto, Kimberly Rowe, Peter Quadros, Romila Joseph. DESIGN & LAYOUT Felix Rodrigues SEND ARTICLES FOR VASHI VISION TO vashivision@yahoo.co.in PUBLISHED BY Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Plot No. 67, Sector - 9A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai Tel.: Church sacredheartchurchvashi@gmail.com Web-page: FB Page: PRINTED AT Ryan Enterprises 704 AB, Ram Laxman Tower, Near Mafco Market, Sector-18, Vashi, Navi Mumbai VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 9

10 Baptism - Born in Christ Dec Merril Xavier Corera child of Navin and Charmaine Corera, Sector 9A, Vashi. Marriage - United in Christ July Carlton Savio Edwards with Joyti Carlton, Sector 31, Vashi July James Mondal with Ranjana Sanjay, Sector 26 A, Vashi Aug Claret Fernando with Sharadha Narwade, Sector 9, Vashi. Death - Resting in Christ June Joseph Reuben Murzello - Age 85 - Sector 1, Vashi July Johnson Amalraj Rajan - Age 40 - Sector 6, Vashi July Jeraldine D'souza - Age Sector 7, Vashi August Benna C Rasquinha - Age 89 - Sector 2, Vashi We are publishing the photograph of our dear Parishioners who are resting with Christ in the preceding/current month. In case of death of our parishioner the family may handover the photo of the departed family member along with the name, age & sector to the Vashi Vision Team or in the Parish Office, in case they desire so. (deadline announced in Church Notices) Parish Schedule Confessions: - Every Saturday at 6.15 pm or on request Baptisms: - Saturday at 6.30pm & Sunday at the 9.15 am Mass (by Appointment only) Children s Sunday School: am Mass in the Church followed by Catechism for children. Mass Schedule: - Weekday: 7.00 am and 7.00 pm - Sundays: 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 9.15 am and 6.00 pm Language Masses: - Konkani: 3rd Sunday am - Tamil: 1st & 3rd Sunday am - Malayalam: 2nd & 4th Sunday am Church Office: - Weekdays 8.30 am to pm and 4.30 pm to 7.00 pm Sunday 8.30 am to am Tuesday Closed (In Emergency contact the Parish Priests) Share Your Community News, Articles and Suggestions Do share your news, views, stories, achievements, inspirations and activities in various Church Groups and Associations which can be shared with the larger family of this Sacred Heart Parish through this News Letter Vashi Vision (It will be great if you can provide the articles as soft copy if not hard copy is always welcome). - Articles & Pictures for printing in the future issues of Vashi Vision should reach the editorial team latest by 15th of every preceding month of the issue. (Maximum 400 words per article) - your views & articles and photographs & advertisements to vashivision@yahoo.co.in - For Advertising in Vashi Vision kindly contact the Church office. VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 10

11 Lack of space, environmental concerns have spurred the Archdiocese of Bombay to endorse shrouded burials, as Vasai belt takes the lead Wooden caskets are a drain on the environment and take longer to decompose. If it was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for you. Coffins have been integral to burials in the Christian community. But given the space crunch for burials in the city, the Archdiocese of Bombay began actively encouraging families to opt for burials in shrouds - a more economic and ecological alternative to the traditional wooden caskets. In shroud burials, explains Father Nigel Barrett from the office of the Archdiocese of Bombay, the body is covered with cloth and buried, doing away with the need for a coffin. It is an ancient practice of the Church. In fact, Christ was buried in a shroud. Coffins a Western concept The Catholic Communication Centre of the Archdiocese of Bombay on January 10 released a video explaining the economic and ecological advantages of such a burial. It also demonstrated the use of a metal coffin as compared with wooden ones, procured by chopping trees. The video is being strongly pushed on social media platforms. Being buried in a coffin is a Western concept that has entered India. It has nothing to do with the Indian ethos. Shroud burials have a lot of advantages: they are eco-friendly, provide an alternative option to nond e g r a d a b l e w o o d e n coffins, and take up less space, says Father Barrett. Dubbing coffins an aristocratic approach, he says it is the first time that t h e A r c h d i o c e s e o f B o m b a y i s p u b l i c l y e n c o u r a g i n g s h r o u d burials. A number of priests from, various parishes all over the city have asked us to create awareness on shroud burials. He says the archdiocese only recommends shroud burials; it's not a compulsion. Why its better Shroud burials are not alien to Mumbai Metropolitan Region. According to Father Allwyn D'Silva (68), secretary of climate change, The Federation of Asian Bishops Conference, Thane and adjoining areas warmed up to shroud burials nearly 15 years ago. The parishes of Vasai took the custom up nearly a decade ago. The practice has gained momentum over the last six years. Now, nearly 100 per cent of the SHROUD BURIAL parishioners opt for shroud burials, says Father Rajesh D'Souza (42) of St Joseph's Church, Nalasopara, who has 2,500 parishioners under his wing. Shroud burials are more eco-friendly. It takes around three years for a body to decompose when it is buried in a coffin, whereas it takes around two years with a shroud burial. Also, we don't need to cut down trees for wood to build coffins. Even the bodies - when buried without a coffin - decompose at a faster rate, says Father D'Silva. We are moving away from customs, but not from the faith and the teachings of the church. Terming shroud burials an excellent idea, Dolphy D'Souza, former president and current executive member of The Bombay Catholic Sabha, says it's easier on the pockets as well. Coffins go for anywhere between Rs.4, 000. and Rs 25,000. Teak wood coffins go for over Rs 10,000. Too long a wait People can become very competitive about the type of coffin they use to bury their loved ones in. Families cannot afford proper burials all the time. On the one side you have lost your beloved and on the other, you have to incur this heavy financial expense as well. Today, because of an ongoing burial space crunch, we have to move the deceased to as far as Sewri. Burial rituals should adapt to the prevailing social conditions. Historically, people were buried in shrouds. So, there is no deviation from our roots on that front. There is no problem with a shroud, but a lot of poor people might not go for it out of fear of being looked down upon by others. They think of it (a coffin) as the last thing you can do for a deceased loved one. So, if the rich do i t, t h e p o o r w i l l automatically follow. The price of a coffin varies from Rs 4,000 and Rs 25,000, depending on the type of material used the varnish and the polish in play. There is a package system in place. In some packages, the hearth and flowers come free, whereas others include the cost of lowering the body into the ground, Only plywood is used to make coffins nowadays. Nobody uses teak anymore, unless they are VIPs or for a family grave. Earlier this month, the Archdiocese started advocating this method officially to parishioners - Borrowed from the Internet VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 11

12 SACRED HEART JUNIOR COLLEGE INAUGURATION - Romila Joseph A journey of a million miles begins with a single step At Sacred Heart High School, we began a brand new journey in starting Sacred Heart Junior College in the Arts and Commerce streams on 9th August The meaningful ceremony, comprising the lighting of the diya, readings from the Holy books, dances, songs and skits, was put together by the students and teachers of the school and saw the Junior college students, their parents, ex-teachers and Principal of Sacred Heart High School and other eminent dignitaries in attendance. Fr Almeida who was the chief guest for the event explained how difficult it is for any Institution to secure permissions, raise infrastructure and have the vision of education, holding on to one s beliefs, in today s times, where values and morals are easily compromised. He commended the hard work and the endless rounds of bureaucracy Sister Sharmila and Fr Gerry had to overcome for this dream to be fulfilled. Sister Sharmila (Principal) then addressed the students and parents and stressed on the importance of hard work and honesty in today s times. She focussed on the lineage of the school and its values and how the students had to take that forward as young adults in our society. Mere education won t help in making a difference. Spirituality, humanity and honesty are equally important to be competent and compassionate global citizens of tomorrow. The ceremony ended with a thank you to all who attended, with a verse from the book of Numbers 6:24-26, that aptly summed up the day. The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace VASHI VISION - Sacred Heart Church, Vashi 12