Evaluation of SCCs 2025

The SCC Evaluation of 2018 threw up several ideas and suggestions – many of which have been implemented from February 2019 e.g. monthly Reflection Papers, cluster formation, parish and deanery SCC Rallies, online quarterly reporting, etc. We are now embarking on a survey of the state of SCCs in the Archdiocese of Bombay circa 2025.

A discussion has taken place in the PPC meeting of December 2025. 

A Google form has been shared with all Parish SCC Coordinators for getting responses from their Community Core Group animators. Sisters involved in SCCs have also been invited to respond. Others who would like to respond may click on the attached link https://forms.gle/jdJbUyiMaYb6aVBR9  by December 30, 2025.

Archdiocesan SCC Office

St Anthony's Church, Dharavi celebrates Silver Jubilee 

In 1939, a shed containing six rooms was obtained from the Bombay Municipality through the influence of Dr Donald, a doctor at the Doctor Donald Dispensary. Archbishop Roberts had a special love for the people of Dharavi, and appointed catechists to teach catechism to the local community.

The Feast of St Anthony was celebrated for the first time in 1940 in a small chapel. In those days, the Holy Mass was celebrated only once a year—on the feast day itself.

In 1962, the Sisters of the Helpers of Mary arrived to serve the poor in Dharavi. Their presence proved to be deeply beneficial to the lives of the people. In 1969, the 30th Annual Feast of St Anthony was celebrated, and a souvenir was published to mark the occasion.

From 1971 onwards, Fr Roque Aroz took charge of St Anthony Church, which was then a sub-centre under the parish of St Michael, Mahim, along with the school. He worked tirelessly for the development of both the church and the school, and he secured the surrounding land for their expansion. He remained in charge until 1975. The church continued under St Michael, Mahim until the formation of the new Dharavi-Sion parish.

In 1975, the OCD Fathers of Shalini Bhavan began taking care of St Anthony Church, Dharavi, which had become part of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sion West. This was canonically established on June 13, 1976, with Fr Linus Puthenveettil OCD appointed as the first Parish Priest. The first floor of the church building was constructed in 1984 by Fr Augustine Pooppadi, and completed in 1986 by Fr Cletus Maliekal. A beautiful Eucharistic chapel was built on the left side of the main altar and was blessed and inaugurated by Bishop Bosco Penha on July 1, 1989.

The Golden Jubilee of the Feast of St Anthony was celebrated in 1990, accompanied by the publication of a special souvenir. Saint Mother Teresa visited Dharavi in 1995.

On June 1, 2000, St Anthony Church, Dharavi became a separate parish under the Archdiocese of Bombay. Emeritus Bishop (then Fr) Allwyn D'Silva was appointed as its first Parish Priest.

Since then, five parish priests—including myself—have served the parish, along with eighteen assistant priests over these twenty-five years. To commemorate the milestone of completing 25 years as a parish, the entire community joyfully celebrated the Silver Jubilee on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The celebration began with a solemn concelebrated Thanksgiving Eucharist at the 5:30 p.m. English Mass, with Archbishop John Rodrigues as the main celebrant. Many priests and nuns were present for the Eucharist, and later joined the cultural programme in the hall, followed by a delicious dinner for the guests and dinner parcels for the parishioners.

To mark the Silver Jubilee, a commemorative Souvenir was prepared. Most importantly, we built a new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel as a lasting remembrance of our parish's Silver Jubilee. 

BMC Elections

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)—Asia's largest civic body—is organised for effective governance through a systematic administrative and electoral structure. The city is divided into 24 administrative wards (A to T), which are further sub-divided into 227 electoral wards or constituencies, each represented by a Corporator responsible for the development of that ward. These 24 administrative wards are grouped into seven zones for streamlined functioning.

Forms for Voter Registration and Electoral Roll Updates

In India's electoral system, Forms 6, 7 and 8 play a crucial role in maintaining accurate voter records and facilitating updates to the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

•Form 6 – Application for inclusion of name in the electoral rolls.

For new voters (18+ or turning 18) and those shifting to a new assembly constituency.

Form 6A is meant for overseas (NRI) electors.

•Form 7 – Application to object to the inclusion of a name or to delete a name from the electoral roll due to death, permanent relocation, being underage, or lack of Indian citizenship.

•Form 8 – Application for updating or correcting information, shifting residence, replacing a lost/damaged EPIC, or marking Person with Disability (PwD) status.

These forms can be filled online through the Election Commission of India's Voters' Service Portal.

Additional Voter Services

1. Checking your name in the electoral roll:

Visit the ECI website (eci.gov.in) or the National Voters' Service Portal (nvsp.in).

2. Obtaining the electoral roll:

Download from the ECI website or collect a physical copy from your local Electoral Registration Office.

3. Updating or correcting personal details:

Apply online via NVSP or visit your Electoral Registration Office.

Church in the City has been actively involved in the election process and remains committed to serving all brethren and citizens. Through this publication, we will continue to provide updates and guidance on electoral developments. Let us participate together in this democratic franchise as we contribute to good governance in the administration of our city's great civic body.

Willie Shirsat, President, Church in the City

Hope and Life: An Evening of Fellowship

On November 17, 2025, the Hope and Life members of Infant Jesus Parish, Jogeshwari (East), gathered for an evening of communion and fellowship. The programme began with Mass, celebrating the feast of St Elizabeth of Hungary, whose life reminds us to keep our hearts open to those in need and our hands ready to serve with love, compassion, generosity, and joy. 

After Mass, our Parish Priest, Fr Melroy, shared a few words on the inception of the Hope and Life Cell in our parish, initiated a couple of years ago by Fr Daniel Fernandes, and faithfully carried forward by Sr Martha with unwavering dedication. A lively, fun-filled evening followed, anchored by Ms Loretta from I.C. Church, Borivli. Members wholeheartedly took part in a series of games.

A highlight of the gathering was the community meal, lovingly prepared by the members themselves. The group sought God's blessings, offering gratitude for the effort and love poured into the meal. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by our Coordinator, Mrs Monica Carneiro. 

Fatima A. Lobo

Cancer Screening Camp at Borivli 

A Free Cancer Screening Camp was organised at St John Bosco Church, Borivli, on November 16, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by the Indian Cancer Society with the aim of promoting early detection, raising awareness, and providing accessible preventive healthcare to the surrounding community. The Camp witnessed an encouraging response, with 70 participants from the neighbourhood and parish.

The screening services were conducted by a medical team of four doctors, supported by six trained assistants. The range of tests offered focused on early identification of common cancers. An oral examination was carried out by a dental surgeon to identify precancerous lesions, tobacco-related changes, and other abnormalities of the oral cavity. A gynaecological evaluation, including VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) for cervical cancer screening and clinical breast examination, was conducted by a gynaecologist. Additionally, a general physical examination that included BP, pulse, and Random Blood Sugar was performed by a physician to assess overall health indicators and identify potential warning signs requiring further medical attention.

Participants received individual counselling on lifestyle, early symptoms, and the importance of periodic screening. Those requiring follow-up care were appropriately guided to seek further diagnostics and treatment at nearby medical centres.

Juliet Miranda

Blaisian Youth Camp                

The three-day Blaisian Youth Camp, organised by the PYAT members of St Blaise Parish, Amboli, on Oct. 20-22, 2025 was a spiritually enriching and joy-filled experience that deepened our relationship with God and strengthened our fellowship as a parish youth community.

The Camp began at 6:00 a.m. with a gathering in the church quadrangle, where Parish Priest, Fr Peter D'Cunha, led a prayer and blessed the participants with Holy water. A nourishing breakfast provided the energy needed for the journey. Upon arriving at RC Church, Khandala, Spiritual Director, Fr Cajetan Mendes, prayed over the group and the premises. Daily Mass anchored each day, setting a reflective and faith-filled tone.

Afternoon sessions focused on community building, beginning with icebreakers and the formation of four groups, each creating its own name and slogan. Competitive games such as bucketball and dodgeball brought laughter and camaraderie. At 3:00 p.m., the youth gathered for the Divine Mercy Chaplet led by Animator Coretta, followed by evening Adoration conducted by Fr Cajetan, and dinner.

Day Two opened with an invigorating morning trek led by Animators Tonia and Boris. The scenic trail offered moments of awe and gratitude for God's creation. After breakfast and a short rest, the groups were assigned parables to dramatise as skits. Rainy weather set the perfect stage for lively water games that rekindled childlike joy. The evening featured Adoration and the Cenacle Rosary, a powerful time of unity and intercession, followed by dinner.

As the bonfire preparations began, Styrén led spirited group activities that encouraged laughter, dance, and bonding. The night concluded with a delicious chicken barbecue, roasted marshmallows, music, Biblical housie, and cherished memories.

Throughout the Camp, formative sessions by Animators Anoushka, Jovin, Tonia, and Fr Cajetan provided the spiritual backbone of the experience. Anoushka spoke on practical ways to reach out to God, emphasising His constant presence. Jovin explored the influence of music and media on our spiritual lives. Tonia delivered an insightful session on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Halloween, encouraging self-reflection and awareness of God in everyday choices. Complementing these, Fr Cajetan offered a profound session on Discernment and Vocation, teaching us to listen to the inner voice that guides us towards what is right. Animator Ancilla ensured the smooth flow of activities throughout.

The final morning included Mass, breakfast, prize distribution, and the presentation of specially designed black caps bearing the words FAITH OVER FEAR. Before departure, participants were anointed with holy oil as a blessing for their journey home.

This Camp beautifully blended spirituality, fun, reflection, and fellowship, fostering personal growth and a renewed sense of belonging. Special thanks are extended to Dn Ivan Fernandes and Blaise Dias for arranging the venue at RC Church, Khandala.

We returned not only refreshed, but transformed—reminded that faith is lived in joy, service, fellowship, and the simple, grace-filled moments we often overlook.

Ruth Fernandes

WCCM Advent Programme

The Mumbai Christian Meditation Community sought to understand the deeper implications of the Season of Advent in the context of their meditation practice. About 40 participants came together at the Retreat House, Bandra on November 29, 2025 for this programme with Fr Gavin Lopes as the resource person. 

Beginning with a 25-minute meditation, we were led gently by Fr Gavin to discover what the Season of Advent means for us today. In the world torn by conflict and hatred, uncertainty and exploitation, he cited the example of the mendicant community that lived in Edessa at the time of the Crusades. Their simple 'acceptance of the situation' without the need to either respond with violence, or seek the intervention of the powers that be, or even give up in despair, but simply to live in the present moment in a surrender and belief that LIFE is bigger than the sum total of its parts. Our lives are not our own. We are most like God when we accept His gift of 'forgetfulness'. Choosing not to remember and recall the past opens the door to forgiveness. Of poignant interest was the suggestion that 'nothing is absolutely necessary'. Understanding this helps bring inner peace. 

The chanting of the Advent Litany was followed by another discourse. The Incarnation needs to be understood in the context of Creation. It is not an afterthought on the part of God, but rather an unfolding in history and time of Christ, who in becoming one of us unites the whole of Creation in Himself. Irenaeus of Lyons points out that the Incarnation is expressed as a great succession of covenants. While humanity tested its freedom, an ever-diminishing remnant meditated on and refined its expectations, until a woman, Mary, by giving her indispensable assent made possible the perfect union between God and humanity. 

The Lucenarium (Service of Light) with the chanting of the O antiphons in procession allowed the celebration of the Eucharist to unfold with the Liturgy of the Word. The Eucharist was a contemplative celebration, with periods of silence after the Readings and after Communion. We went away refreshed with the realisation that in the celebration of Advent in 'Time,' we are invited to enter into 'God's Timelessness' through Silence which holds all things together, reconciles opposites, and is the harbinger of the peace and joy that Christmas signifies. 

Christopher Mendonca

Second Phase of Bible Quiz series at Worli

Marking the onset of the Advent season, the Bible Cell of Sacred Heart Church, Worli, conducted the second phase of its ongoing Bible Quiz series on Sunday, November 30. Designed to deepen Biblical literacy among parishioners, this phase shifted from the general overview of the first round to a focused, descriptive assessment of the Pentateuch — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

A total of 100 questions was prepared by the Organising Committee, challenging participants to navigate the first five books of Scripture. Twelve communities, represented by 36 parishioners across age groups—from Sunday School children to senior citizens—took part in the competition. 

Although contestants were permitted to use physical Bibles, the 60-minute quiz required quick recall and careful page-turning. The atmosphere remained one of intense concentration, yet also of fellowship, as team members from each community supported one another. One first-time contestant shared, "It was very heartening to see people of all ages consulting their Bibles. I hope it inculcates in us a love for Bible reading too."

The Bible Cell described the event as a "massive success," highlighting its positive impact on promoting Biblical knowledge and strengthening the sense of community within the parish.

Shaun Pascal Pereira