PPC Minutes Books

The Office of Parish Councils still has a few copies of the Minutes Book for Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) meetings. Please contact Melwyn Sequeira during office hours on 98195 85747.

ECO Advent: A Season of Care for Creation

Eco ambassadors across the archdiocese marked the Advent Season 2025 with a series of Recollections, Holy Hours and creative initiatives that wove together spiritual preparation for Christmas with a deepened commitment to care for Creation. These gatherings reflected a growing ecological consciousness within Church communities, rooted firmly in Scripture, prayer and communal action.

In the Borivli Deanery, an Eco-Advent Recollection held at Our Lady of the Forsaken Church invited over 60 participants to reflect on the theme "Preparing the Way of the Lord by Healing Creation." Through Scripture, silent prayer, examination of conscience and Eucharistic Adoration, participants were encouraged to recognise ecological sin, embrace simple living, and make concrete Advent commitments towards sustainable lifestyles. The Recollection concluded with intercessory prayers, a collective pledge to care for our common home, and the symbolic sharing of seed bombs as a sign of hope and renewal.

Similarly, the Eco Cell of St John the Baptist Church, Thane, conducted an Advent Holy Half Hour that highlighted Advent as a time of active and hope-filled waiting. Drawing from the Letter to the Colossians and the spirituality of St Francis of Assisi, the service emphasised Christ's presence in all Creation, and called for ecological conversion as a moral and spiritual responsibility. Communal prayers focused on gratitude, justice and care for those affected by environmental degradation. They also prepared an Advent Calendar which was shared widely on the AOE Instagram page and other platforms.

At St Peter's Church, Bandra, 'THRIFTMAS' in preparation for Christmas was a super hit; parishioners were invited to bring used clothes and other stuff, promoting re-use, instead of creating waste. 

At Salvation Church, Dadar, the Salvation Green Cell reflected on "A New Seed of Faith and Hope." Rooted in prophetic and Gospel texts, the Recollection highlighted new life emerging from desolation and the call to justice, harmony and care for the vulnerable. Symbolic gestures, such as watering a plant, reinforced the power of small acts of love in sustaining both the Earth and the poor, while vision-sharing strengthened the group's ecological mission. 

Other parish initiatives included First Friday Adoration at Holy Family Church, Chakala, focused on Creation. An Advent Recollection organised by the Navi Mumbai deanery, combined with birdwatching at Taloja Hills, enabled participants to encounter God not only in Scripture and Sacrament, but also in Nature. 

The aoe_bombay Insta page featured posts in preparation for Christmas and Christmas wishes to all. 

Sr Joeyanna D'Souza FSP (Secretary – AOE)

St Blaise Youth, Amboli lead Holy Hour on New Year's Eve

As we gathered on December 31 for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, marking the close of 2025, we came before the Lord with hearts overflowing with gratitude and a profound longing to be renewed in Christ, ready to embrace the newness that 2026 would bring. In quiet reverence, our spirits bowed in thanksgiving for a year shaped by God's grace, His unfailing protection, and the countless unseen miracles woven through both our joys and our trials. In the sacred presence of the Eucharistic Lord, we reflected on His mercy, His gentle guidance, and His abiding love that sustains us in every season of life.

With grateful hearts, we embraced the theme "Thankful in Spirit, Reborn in Christ," rooted in the Gospel of John (3:1-8). We meditated on the intimate encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus—a moment of searching, questioning, and yearning for deeper faith. Like Nicodemus, we approached the Lord with our doubts, our hopes, and our deepest desires, praying to be renewed by the Holy Spirit, and to be truly "born of water and the Spirit."

Bathed in the gentle radiance of the Blessed Sacrament, we laid down the burdens of the passing year, and entrusted our families, our parish, and the work of our hands into God's loving care. Through hymns of praise and adoration, we lifted our voices in thanksgiving, keeping Mama Mary close to our hearts, as we celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. We sought the tender intercession of Mama Mary—the first disciple and the perfect model of faith—to lead us into the new year with hearts that are humble, obedient, and rich in grace.

As we step into 2026, may we continue to walk in His peace—strengthened, healed, and reborn through His boundless love. May the Holy Spirit deepen our faith, renew our spirits, and empower us to live each day of this new year with compassion, courage, and unwavering trust in God's divine plan.

Aurelia Rodrigues

Family Day at Sacred Heart Church, Worli

Sacred Heart Church, Worli, welcomed the New Year 2026 with its annual Family Day celebration on January 4, held as part of the Christmas Season festivities. From 6:30 p.m., parishioners arrived with their families, and were organised into ten groups, identified by coloured ribbons at the entrance, to promote interaction among the parish community. Every element of the evening centred on family life and togetherness.

The programme opened with a vibrant prayer dance by the Shivaji Nagar Community, representing Hindi-speaking migrant families being integrated into the parish. Dressed in coordinated sarees, they danced to "Chalo, chalo, Yesu ke saath chalo re," setting a joyful and prayerful tone. The Parish Priest, Fr Vincent D'Mello, then formally welcomed the gathering.

Three meaningful skits followed. The parish youth presented "Family First," portraying a nuclear family's struggles with mobile-addicted and pub-hopping children, ultimately highlighting the importance of putting family before all else. Adarsh Nagar Community's "The Empty Bench" reflected the worrying decline of youth participation in church and catechism classes, while suggesting ways to revive involvement. Prabhadevi Community staged "Magat Ani Tumkam Meltolem" (Ask and you shall receive), where a mother from a modest family taught her children the joy of giving and trusting in God's providence. Each skit delivered a clear message on unity, faith and family values.

The Sisters of Charity of Sts Gerosa & Capitanio from Yuvathi Sharan, Prabhadevi beautifully reinforced the theme with their song, "When God is in the family, love is always there," echoing the message that a praying family remains united.

Family-oriented spot prizes created great excitement. The dance performances by Confirmation children, school students and toddlers delighted the audience, but the parish youth truly set the stage alight with energetic action songs like "It's I who build community," "Roll over the ocean," "Fa Fa Faith," and "Nachunga gaunga," drawing the crowd into spirited participation.

A major highlight was the felicitation of youth achievers. Shaun Pereira (BMS, 9.86 CGPA) and Joshua Rodrigues (BAMMC, 9.50 CGPA) were honoured, along with Valentine Melkudi, who represented India at a global Internet Governance conference. Veronica and Donald D'Souza were also felicitated on their Silver Wedding Anniversary.

Organised jointly by the PPC and parish Youth, and compered by Neha Kanchara and Antra Hodawdekar, the evening conclude d with a prayer by Fr Alton Extros, followed by a buffet dinner and joyful dancing — a fitting end to a truly memorable Family Day.

Julius D'Souza

Hope and Life Retreat for Widows

The English-language Retreat held at Atma Darshan was a deeply enriching and empowering experience for 36 widows from the Archdiocese of Bombay. We were warmly welcomed by the priests, staff, and resource persons, creating an atmosphere of care and belonging.

Fr Gregory's talk on Empowerment reminded us that, despite loss and emptiness, we are called to anchor our lives in God's Word, rediscover purpose, and transform our pain into compassion for others.

Our resource persons, Lorna D'Souza and Maryanne D'Mello, led us in reflection and self-discovery. Lorna guided us to see ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope, and spoke on "Relationships – How to Be Human," highlighting compassion and understanding. Maryanne reminded us that life is God's gift, and taught us the importance of health, self-care, gratitude, and taking meaningful "me-time."

A powerful chat show led by Fr Tony featured Lorna, Maryanne, and Rosie Barretto, who shared their journey through widowhood, inspiring us with their courage and renewed purpose. Fr Jose's session on Meditation and Forgiveness showed us how letting go brings peace and healing, while Fr Tony urged us to reflect the joy of the Gospel in our lives.

The highlight of the Retreat was the empowerment session, where participants were encouraged to speak freely—in English, Konkani, Marathi, or Hindi—fostering confidence and mutual support. We discovered that true empowerment begins when every voice is heard.

We are deeply grateful to Atma Darshan, Frs Tony, Gregory, and Jose, and Lorna and Maryanne for helping us rediscover our inner strength. The prayerful atmosphere, warm hospitality, and lovingly prepared meals made this Retreat truly memorable.

Alice Miranda