Our Parish Vision:WITNESSING CHRIST TOWARDS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY

Bulletin of Sacred Heart Parish, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Vol. XXXI - No.- 4, August - September 2012

Life is poetry in rhythm. Let us sample it. : Rain, Rain go to Spain, come back tomorrow again.” Heard this before? This year it appears that

poetical predictions have left us dry, adding to our human miseries. This year no monsoon madness with water, only an imminent drought of dryness, but certainly not a drought of ideas.

Come July and we make a case, undyingly for our parents. Our Christian liturgical calendar elevates the parents of Mary our Mother, Saints Joaquim & Anne as models, paragons of virtuous parental living. Say a prayer for parents, for their unstinting, enduring and eternal love.

Come August and two events capture our

imagination, hardly dissimilar. It is the celebration of the flight and ethereal nature of the human spirit. Mary our Mother is liberated from the limitations of human life, pain, sickness, suffering, worries, troubles, and tensions and uplifted into the bliss of eternal fellowship with God. Secondly, we Indians have been liberated from the chains of British Political, economic and cultural thought. Both express the freedom of the human Spirit which soars above human pettiness and smallness.

In this issue, we give you a garland of Sacred Heart beads, of parish news, youth happenings, children's corner and an assortment of valuable spiritual inputs... May the two freedoms we celebrate lead us to making mature spiritual choices.

A DROUGHT? BUT NOT OF IDEAS & THOUGHT

Editorial...........

- Fr GERRY FERNANDES, Parish Priest

For Private Circulation Only

INDEPENDENCE DAYINDEPENDENCE DAYASSUMPTION OFMOTHER MARY

ASSUMPTION OFMOTHER MARY

ST JOHN MARIEVIANNEY

ST JOHN MARIEVIANNEY

What comes to my mind

when I think of a priest is the image of another person

who has left his family to serve Christ and the people; someone who

inspires us to draw closer to Christ by his thoughts, words and deeds. I thank the Lord for all our priests;

may he bless them with good health.

- Winnie Severes

To me a priest is like a

doctor, who nourishes me (through the Eucharist) and

cures me from the sickness of sin (through Reconciliation) and brings me back to full health (through Holy Anointing)….

Thank you Father!- Desmond Rowe

A Priest is a guide, master

and philosopher who has dedicated his life for spiritual wellbeing of the followers of

Christ in particular and mankind in general. THEY GIVE US THEIR BEST, SO THAT WE STRIVE

TO BE THE BEST - Mani Nadar

A priest is a

representative of Christ living after the

heart of Jesus showing love and compassion to

all.- Rita D' Souza

To Our Priests—Our Bouquet of Thoughts about You

Fr GerryFernandes

Vianney SundayGreetings to.....

To me a Priest is more like

a friend, with whom you can interact, without having to

worry of being judged, standing by you in difficult moments. Helping you make the right decisions and

guiding you spiritually on the right path when there is a possibility of

straying. - Collin Correa

To me, a priest has always

been a symbol of goodwill. Ever since I was a kid, I marvelled at the generosity of priests when I

watched people line up for 'communion'--they stuck their tongues out at him and the priest rewarded them with something to eat!!! Even though I now understand what that meant, the image of goodwill

still persists, perhaps for different reasons.

-Rollin Fernandes.

Every Priest is Jesus'

vicar. We should credit our priests for the multifarious

tasks they are required to perform; their life of courage and

sacrifice bear witness to their fidelity to the crucified and risen

Lord.- Margaret Fernandes

Fr JohnsonLawrence

Fr RaphaelMordom

A priest is a holy man.

He is a messenger of God, selected to spread

the good news of Christ to people. He is also a friend

and guide. - Jaden Furtado

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Its Independence Day again! 65 years ago our selfless freedom fighters packed off the British. It is unthinkable to say the least that our Country was a sitting duck for foreigners to invade us, rule us, plunder us and treat us as second class citizens. The freedom fighters, with no means of communication as it is today, created awareness across the Country, garnered support of all to banish the British. Though this is history, our Leaders definitely had a vision for free India, where justice and peace would co-exist, where the weak would be supported by the strong. Today, can we truly say that this has happened? What are the ground realities? Are we really free? Are we different from the British? There is no change even after 65 years; it is no more the British who are the oppressors but our own countrymen, the unscrupulous and mighty oppressing the meek and the weak.

Let us evaluate and take corrective steps beginning with ourselves to make a change in our lives and in the lives of people around us. Firstly, do we respect the freedom of others? Each one is out to scuttle the freedom of the other. Freedom is a commitment to let go of others and not bind them in our mould of thinking. We have done everything to abuse freedom.

There is threat to ones freedom from the womb to the tomb. Many lives do not see the light of day and are snuffed out at conception, thus depriving the innocent life the freedom to enter the world. Next as a child grows, he is deprived of the freedom to indulge in games of his liking but pursue the games and activities planned and scheduled by his parents. The reality shows on television is evidence of parents driving their children to any extent for the coveted prize money and popularity. Most of our children lose out on the carefree and exciting childhood meant for indulging. We have missed the trees for the woods. The freedom to choose a career for the young adult is also exercised by the parents. All this is done with the best of intention to mean well for the child but without ever making efforts to know what the child desires or without assessing his capability.

Courtship and marriage is next on the cards once the career has been established. Ironically quite a few parents permit the son or daughter to exercise the freedom of choice for an important decision such as choosing a p a r t n e r f o r m a r r i a g e . I t i s disheartening to note that every 3rd marriage on an average solemnized in the Church is a mixed marriage because priorities have changed.

Introspection would help us find the reason - maybe parents are caught up with the academics and career orientation, rather than enabling the child to be catechized. As parents, have we fiercely attempted to influence our children on the ill effects of a marriage to an unbeliever? All this is easier said than done. How then can we arrest such situation? As sons and daughters of God, we need to humbly call on God in prayer to help our children discern correctly. It is an ongoing process not an instant quick fix. “...a humble contrite heart O Lord, you will not spurn” Psalm 51:17. I do not mean that parents of children who have had mixed marriages have failed to pray. Having done our part sincerely, we permit God to take over and submit to his plan for us. There are also innumerable cases where God's presence in mixed marriage couples can be tangibly seen in their lives.

There is one more observation. Many of us settled in Mumbai for a number of years feel tongue tied when it comes to conversing in the local Marathi language with people in the neighborhood. Can we free ourselves and make efforts to at least learn to speak the language? Though it may sound a tall order, through experience I can claim that it has helped me relate to more people, especially with the Government Officials and Authorities. Think about it.

Freedom is a God given gift to us. God honors our freedom to the extent that humankind is the only living creature with the ability to think, act and react according to his freewill. We could turn left or right, do right or wrong, live in sin or sanctity. We are challenged by circumstances each day to make choices. Are we exercising our freedom judiciously to utilize the talents and gifts bestowed by God? Are we good stewards of the natural resources, such as air, water, vegetation, etc? Do we take our freedom for granted? Just because I am able to effortlessly and comfortably pay my bills for water, electricity, gas, petrol, telephone and other

amenities, can I say that I can be careless and avoid unnecessary and excessive usage and wastage.

I wish to conclude with the words spoken by Jesus when he was handed over the scroll to be read aloud in the synagogue – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18)

- GEORGE THOMAS

VALUING FREEDOM

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- HARRY D'SILVA – Sector 29

July 1947 – I traveled out of Mangalore, my home-town, for the first time to join the Engineering college in Guindy, Madras; Guindy and Pona Engineering Colleges are the oldest in India, established during the

British Raj. Mangalore was then part of Madras Presidency. India was preparing for its freedom from British rule and August 15th was fixed as the first day of our Independence. Mr. Clement Atlee of the Labour party had become England's Prime Minister, defeating Sir Winston Churchill of the Conservative party. It was a surprise defeat for Churchill in the General elections held, following the victory of the Allies, in World War II. I mention this because if Churchill were to be Prime Minister again India's independence would have been delayed by a few years; Churchill had declared that India was not ready for self-governance!

We students were quite excited about the coming event and waited for August14th midnight, to listen to our first Prime Minister Pandit Nehru's famous 'India's tryst with destiny' speech over the Radio. August 15th dawned, when crowds thronged the streets of Madras to celebrate the historic event. One could hardly walk along and public transport was practically made immobile. Nehru had an impressive Cabinet with Sardar Vallabhai Patel as Home Minister, later to be called the Iron man of India. Sir Shanmukam Chetty was for Finance, Abul Kalam Azad – Education, Dr. John Mathai – Transport. C H Bhabha - Industry and others. Baldev Singh was Defence Minister; poor man, he became the butt of many jokes and probably sardarji jokes began with him! As a good will gesture by India, Lord Mountbatten, who was the Viceroy during the

handing over of power, became the first Governor General of Independent India, as it was still a British Dominion like Australia today. However, Pakistan named Mohammed Ali Jinnah was its Governor General and Liaquat Aki Khan its Prime Minister. Mountbatten relinquished office about a year or so later and C Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) took over from him.

Where was Gandhiji during all these celebrations? Firstly, he was against the division of India but Jinnah was adamant to have Pakistan; hence the Congress party decided to accept the division lest the issue become a excuse for delaying Independence. Gandhiji was at Noakali on the border of West Bengal and East Bengal (now Bangladesh) pacifying people, as Hindu-Muslim clashes had started. Though India got independence without bloodshed the post Independence history is a sad chapter of our History. In less than 6 months- January 30, 1948 Gandhiji was assassinated by Nathuram Godse of the Hindu Mahasabha – a wing of the RSS. The first year of our Independence was therefore both a celebration followed by the killing of the Father of the Nation.

On the occasion of our 65th Independence Day, we have a firsthand account of the1st Independence Day celebrated

by our Country shared by one of our senior most parishioners.

THE FIRST INDEPENDENCE DAY

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"If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look "little" or “big."

- Elisabeth Elliot

“When one door closes, another opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.”

-Alexander Graham Bell

"It is possible to be happy without having perfect health . . . Thank goodness my happiness doesn't come from my joints, but from my heart."

-Beverly LaHaye“Quote H

anger”

- MICHAEL DESOUZA, Sec-8

An athlete trains not only the body but mind as well. As the Olympic motto goes: “Faster, Higher, Stronger”- to win either a Gold, Silver or Bronze.

Do you know that in the 428 gms of Gold only 6 gms is pure Gold? So why struggle for only 6 gms. But it's not the medal that counts – it's the mental and physical ability and the belief that you can achieve it. The same kind of empowerment has no limits in the mental, spiritual and emotional journey within ourselves, undertaken with great enthusiasm and driven by the goal that Christ our 'Coach' has given us that we are able to rise in our spiritual and physical well-being. It encompasses our whole and influences us in delivering a more holistic approach to life.

Christ taught us that if he could, why can't we. But first our thoughts have to be clean which then reflect through our body. What then is the magic quotient that creates the favoured alchemy within us? Christ said, “Be perfect as your heavenly father is.” So let us cultivate the art of focusing on the talents God has given us in whatever field we take part. Be it

s tudies, cooking, teaching, manual work, housekeeping, let's focus our minds with persistent practice and guidance till there is excellence. This comes from our closeness to Christ, thus getting you close to the magic quotient. The more we see ourselves through the Eucharist each moment of our lives becomes a chance both for the present and the future. The past is forgiven and forgotten and the 'now' comes in focus. The hand of God is no longer a signature of divine intervention. Self consciousness lights up our spiritual connect. If we merge ourselves with the Christ energy, a holistic centered sense of self provides balance to the body, calmness of minds and helps our spirits to soar higher for all good things that come our way.

So how can we stay calm and focused in today's world in the face of threatening stimuli? With Prayer, Passion and Perseverance. Say a prayer not for things you need but rather to lead a good life and aim for the

ultimate goal of being united and one with God. Passion is zeal and enthusiasm to reach and achieve it. And finally perseverance - daily hard grinding in whatever field we are and striving for it, we will surely find God – the Gold on our Mind.

“GOD” – THE GOLD ON OUR MINDS

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree.. As he went further, he saw a large wild 'Tom' turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.

A voice spoke to him and said, 'Pray first, aim high and stay focused.'

However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.

Still, the voice said again to him, 'I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused.'

So, the man decided to listen to God's voice.He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree

and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun

and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to eat for his family. The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.

Moral of the story:Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot

high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past is exactly that, 'the past.'

Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can endure.

Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to the doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor.....

Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.

Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there!

Contributed via Email forwards by - COLLEEN RODRIGUES, Vashi Gaon

AIM HIGH!

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- P. RUFUS (Sector 10A)

Recently, physicists at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), near Geneva, were excited. After many years of intensive effort, they believed to have evidence of having finally captured the Higgs boson in their Large Hadron Collider.

The boson is believed to be a fundamental sub-atomic particle that lends mass to all matter. The particle decays instantly leaving only traces of its former presence. (It was images of these traces that marked the celebrations at CERN.) The physicists expect that the boson's elusive nature and sub-atomic omnipresence can finally explain Creation. Although accidentally knick-named as the 'God particle', the physicists do not claim to have captured Divinity.

Nevertheless, the boson is stuck with its knick-name, as its mass-lending is expected to explain the Origin of all things. But then, there is an interesting dimension emerging from all these theories. That is, the fading distinction between Creator and Creation. (Somewhat like between the Dance and the Dancer.) For instance, Stephen Hawking, the famed British theoretical physicist, has postulated that by the phenomenon of gravity, the universe could create itself—from nothing.

Long before the boson capture and far away from the Collider, Rev Fr. Robert Spitzer SJ, postulated that Divinity must pervade the simplest form of matter that constitutes all Creation small and big. In this form, observes Fr. Robert, lies Divinity's elusiveness and eternal expansiveness, which make it all so inexplicable, especially when it transcends the cause-effect boundary. The atom is, after all, the smallest form of matter, and the simplest boson could be what holds an atom together. Fr. Robert is an eminent Jesuit scholar, who holds many degrees including a doctorate in philosophy. He is famed for his scholarly dissertations especially proofs of the existence of God.

Fr. Robert cites the fact of the carbon atom, without which there can

be no life form. He explains that at the sub-atomic level, it is a very delicate force or phenomenon that keeps the electrons, protons and neutrons from flying off their positions and orbits. In other words, it is this inexplicable phenomenon (although it may be mathematically expressed) that holds together what makes a carbon atom and keeps the universe going. And now, the Higgs boson is expected to reveal how it provides mass to carbon, whereby all living beings get their bodies (matter).

The Christian point of view encourages scientific enquiry and recognizes experimental discovery, with the sole objective of understanding Creation. Christian belief has also revered the transubstantiation (conversion) of matter into Divinity – bread transformed into the Eucharist. The special faculty of Faith is required to look beyond the bread in the Eucharist. Interestingly, matter such as water and oil not only find formal place in the sacraments, but have also been agents of miracles. In Biblical time, the phenomenon of Divinity was clearly in action in the conversion of water into wine at Cana, multiplication of loaves, several cures, and even transition of the human body (carbon atoms) from death to life. But the transformed wedding wine, multiplied loaves and every resurrected body were never held sacred as Divine. There is a clear distinction between such transformed matter and the Divine. The phenomenon of Divinity has even continued to our present time in bodily cures and other wonders that science cannot explain.

The boson, or particle physics for that matter, cannot explain this phenomenon, even if it completes the puzzle of Creation (the Standard Model of matter) for the physicists. It may at best provide a logical piece to their grand puzzle. Beyond, there is a very real and mysterious realm wherein Faith and Love interplay to cause incredible things to happen in matter. It's something that neither the Collider can capture, nor Reason (particle physics) can ever explain. In that realm lies the real matter of God!

THE HIGGS BOSON AND GOD

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Do you know that the BIBLE is the world's largest selling book with consistent annual sales of around 25 million copies? The paper used for printing Bibles is high strength yet super – thin, opaque and high – quality. It is thinner than even newsprint. This is the only book printed on this super – thin paper since it allows the voluminous text of the Bible to be printed into a small book to be durable as well as easy to carry.

(Courtesy – The Economic Times dated 4th August 2012)

Bible Truth

- VEVERLY D'COSTA, Sector-3

THOMAS THE APOSTLE was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is best known for questioning Jesus' resurrection when first told of it, then proclaiming "My Lord and my God" on seeing Jesus in John

20:28. He was perhaps the only Apostle who went outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel.

He is also believed to have crossed the largest area, which includes the Parthian Empire and India. Tradition says that at the dispersal of the Apostles after Pentecost this saint was sent to evangelize the Parthians, Medes, and Persians; he ultimately reached India, carrying the Faith to the Malabar Coast, which still boasts a large native popula t ion ca l l ing themse lves "Christians of St. Thomas."

His feast day is July 3rd and he is the patron of architects.

The community members of sector 2 & 3 celebrated the feast of St Thomas on 8th July 2012. It was a joyous celebration having every member, old and young, coming together and getting to know other fellow community

members. The new parishioners in our community were welcomed warmly by our dear animators. Fr. Johnson and Fr Raphael's presence was really appreciated by each and every member present.

Our community animators with the help of Fr Johnson planned and scheduled to begin with the rosary to be said in certain clusters. This idea was encouraged by all.

Thanks to the lovely dinner and snacks that followed, the event became more enjoyable and members became more energetic. The get together helped in many ways to help the members to know one another and enjoy their time off from their busy

schedule of work and daily chores.The youth participated and helped

the elderly too to take part in all the games organised. In a special way our community would also like to thank Fr Gerry for helping us out in the choir and readings during the mass celebrated on 8th. Hope our community not only grows spiritually but also grows in mutually helping each other out as it always has done and may St Thomas bless our every family with loads of good health, prosperity and knowledge to lead our lives fruitfully. It's really a joy to be one of this blessed community.

ST. THOMAS Feast celebrations

- Rita D'Souza

July 7th, 2012, spelt a Red Letter Day for our very own Simon Fernandes, when the community of St. Jude came together and gifted him a memento to honour him for his splendid result of scoring 93% marks in the recently announced SSC Board Exams. Three Cheers to Simon!!! Who has not merely done his parents proud but it was as proud

moment for all of us in the community as it is a tremendous achievement by Simon.While Simon is soft spoken and quiet natured, he has made himself heard loud

and clear by coming out with flying colours. We wish Simon all the best while he strives to go from strength to strength both in his studies and career.

Dr. Sebestina Anita D'souza, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University was awarded Ph.D in February 2012 for her thesis titled” Effectiveness of Postural Control Training Under Dual Task Conditions with Graded Sensory Context in Older Adults At Risk for Fall.”

An ex- student of Sacred Heart High School, she is the daughter of Mr. Augustine & Mrs. Rosy Borges, Sector -6, Vashi. Congratulations and All Best Wishes!!!

Simon Fernandes Felicitated by St Jude’s Community

Dr. Sebestina Anita D'souza, Awarded Ph.D

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- DESMOND ROWE, Sector-16

Hi! Have you seen the ROCK! I mean have you seen St. Peter (the community). Every year we celebrate the feast of our patron saint on the 29th of June. And this year was no exception. Except that as usual

we kept the celebrations for the following Sunday, 1st July 2012.

Many of our members attended the 5.30 p.m. Eucharist in the Church and prayed that our community may truly reflect the spirit of Christ and that we too (like St. Peter) may be the Rock on which Jesus will build his kingdom.

After this followed a get together in the Conference room above the church. The program kicked off at seven and Lucy Gaikwad said a prayer for all the members of the community. This was followed by a game. You may have heard of “Dirty Dancing” and now there is “Dirty Khabar” but this game was called “Dirty Bingo”. It was a kind of housie in which names of the people present there were pulled out of a bag. Only thing was that this game reflected the Biblical saying that “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” because the last names pulled out of the bag were the winners. Then there was a felicitation of all the students in the community who had passed their exams and they

were presented with a token of the community's love and affection for them. Of course, we could not forget our senior citizens and about twelve of these apostles were presented with a flower while Desmond sang “You will never grow old” for them.

We were happy to have Fr Gerry (Parish Priest) and Fr Raphael (our priest in charge) with us and Desmond thanked Fr Johnson (in absentia) for being with the community during the past one year and for having had a 100 % attendance at the sector meetings. Fr. Gerry emphasised that every family should join hands in the SCC community work because the harvest was great but the labourers were few.

There followed more games and music and dancing and camaraderie and a service of snacks and soup and all to soon it was time to wind up. All had a rocking time but the “rock among the block” had come to an end.

ST. PETER'S COMMUNITY ROCKS!!!

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Knowing that the minister was very fond of cherry brandy, one of the church elders offered to present him with a bottle on one consideration that the pastor acknowledge receipt of the gift in the church paper.

"Gladly," responded the good man.When the church magazine came out a few days later, the elder turned at once to the "appreciation"

column. There he read: "The minister extends his thanks to Elder Brown for his gift of fruit and for the spirit in which it was given."

Thank You for the gift

-SILIKA PINTO, Sector-1

The trek to Lohagad fort organized by the sacred youth on 22nd July 2012 was indeed a memorable one. The lucky 30 of us started off by a road journey @ 7.00 from Vashi and reached the base village of

Malawli in about 2 hours .The climate was quite pleasant with mild showers at

regular intervals and it was consistent throughout the journey .There is a small waterfall near the foothills of Lohagad welcoming us to an adventurous trek.

We started our way up the fort, the adventurous walk to the foot of the fort was around 1 hour while on the hike we admired the fog which covered up the whole view of the fort and adjacent tall mountains, the view of the fog up there was captivating and persuading us to complete the walk sooner.

The rainy season is the best time I could recommend to visit Lohagad fort. The rains have changed the surroundings considerably , the lush green carpets were quite soothing to the eyes.

After around an hour or so, with few intervals in between we reached the Lohgad village.

This is the point from where we had to climb the steps to reach the fort. Walking on the huge steps where once walked the Mughal and Maratha era helped us recall the winds of the gone by glorious past. The original fort was built in the 12th Century by Raja Bhoj. Later on it was brought into Swaraj by Shivaji Maharaj. The location of the fort had strategic significance for travel and trade purpose .The fort has multiple levels of fortification. Interestingly most of the fortification is still intact and in good shape .One can come across huge entrance doors and old rusted cannons lying around strongly signifying the existence of history.

On reaching half way up the fort, we were able to

see the Pawana Lake behind the fort. As the climb continues with its zig zag route towards the top one is welcomed with a small Dargah just in front of the entrance constructed by one of the Mughal rulers. On reaching top we all heaved a sigh of relief and just let ourselves loose in the arms of nature. The cooling misty wind, the light showers and peaceful silence brought us a feeling of being in paradise, in a realm that one could never want to let go of.

After roaming for some more time, we reached a huge well. This well, it is said, does not dry up even in the summer season. – “historical myth “We started our lunch as we were really tired and hungry. We clicked panoramic views of the fort. Fr Raphael organized a very interesting game that got all of us engaging in it.

Our busy lives are packed with tension and pollution. We are always on the run with no rest and to experience this blissful feeling and enjoy the picturesque views from up above is completely mesmerizing, It makes you feel it's worth the climb.

Since the Lohagad fort is more accessible now there were reasonable numbers of trekkers that day. A road recently built allows more number of people to visit these historic places of immense importance.

I truly recommend each and every parishioner to join our adventurous trek and derive great experiences from it

After a couple of hours we started our way back down, bidding goodbye to this heavenly place.

I'm sure there was a sense of achievement on everyone's face. We were a bit tired no doubt, but along with came a refreshing feeling and a sense of fulfillment.” Mission Lohagad accomplished”

Mesmerized By the Magnificence of History— TREK TO LOHAGAD FORT —

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For more photos visit album at:www.facebook.com/sacredheartchurch.vashi

- SLYVIA MENEZES, Sector-28

“There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child”. Our Archdiocese celebrates “Parents Day” on 26th July every year. Take time to:

VOpen your heart and express all your feelings for your parents.

VThank them for all their sacrifices, affection, love, and care.

VPray for our parents and grandparents – appreciate how they understand our needs without us expressing them.

The date was set - Sunday, 29th July 2012. To appreciate and reciprocate the love and affection to our parents in a small way, few animators of St. Paul community (Sectors 11, 12, 28 & 29) decided to take some time off and visit parents, both young and old, including senior citizens and/or bed ridden parents and

present them with hand-made greeting cards, a piece of cake and a rose – all signifying love and concern!

Special thanks to Karen and Savita who made beautiful cards for the parents. There were quite a few animators of St. Paul's community who eagerly volunteered to help out in this initiative along with a few children of our community. We divided ourselves into 4 groups each representing sectors 11, 12, 28 & 29 and identified the homes they had to visit. It was decided that 4 families in each sector would be covered and we covered 16 families in about four hours.

The response was overwhelming. The families were moved as they welcomed the animators and children to their homes and appreciated the kind gesture.

Overall, it was a very satisfying and heartfelt experience to be one with the “young” and “not so young” members of our community. Last but not the least, special thanks to everybody who contributed in any small way and helped this day to be happening one.

Yet another successful event was over and I am sure the parishioners of St. Paul's community will look forward to the next sector event.

Love in small gestures - PARENT'S DAY CELEBRATIONS

St. Paul’s SCC of Sectors - 11, 12, 28 & 29

Frs Gerry, Johnson and Raphael cutting a cake

presented to them as they were felicitated

by the Parish Pastoral Council on the occasion of thVianney Sunday on 5 August 2012

Parish Team Felicitated by PPCon Vianney Sunday

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- LAWRENCE TAWARES, Sector-29

A grand celebration for Parents Day was enjoyed by all Parents on 29th July at Sacred Heart School Hall. Parents Day 2012 was well organized by the youth of Sacred Heart with a 'Bollywood' theme, since Indian

cinema had completed 100 years. It was a fun filled evening cherished by all.

To begin with the Parents were greeted with a warm red carpet welcome to the celebration. Each couple was given a pair of ribbon either colored white, red, green, light purple or dark purple. Cedric and Monica teamed up to be the Compere for the evening. The Sunday School catechism children sang a welcome song well taught by Rita Dsouza. The song had a certain sweetness and innocence appreciated by one and all. The youth sang a group song and a special song each dedicated to mom and dad respectively. The Konkani love song was like the icing on the cake!! The prize for guessing the film name from the dialogues delivered by the Compere was won by Pressy and Edward Menezes.

Our parish youth skillfully enacted a skit. It was an entertaining and meaningful skit encouraging all to follow the 10 commandments given to us. The most amusing thing was to see parishioners balance a dice on candy sticks while trying to reach out to their partners. We parishioners were sporting and enthusiastic about every event. It was surprising to note that the Parishioners were well informed and knowledgeable about Indian cinema and could guess the names correctly of some portion of the picture of each actor beamed on the Screen. The Parents day celebration concluded with a jam session and hot snacks.

It was a memorable event and we will always cherish it. We hope that our parish continues to organize such fun filled events. We would also take this opportunity to thank each and every youth who organized this event, took so much effort to deck up the hall, put everything in place and make the event a success. May God bless each one of them and fulfill all their wishes. May they grow in God's love and blessings?

PARENTS DAY CELEBRATION By the Sacred Heart Youth

For more photos of the event visit album at:www.facebook.com/sacredheartchurch.vashi

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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)- email your views & articles and photographs & advertisements to vashivision@yahoo.co.in

- For Advertising in Vashi Vision kindly contact the Church office.

Contribute your Articles and Suggestions

Natasha Crasta

001, Nav Varun CHS, Plot No. 310, Sector 21, Nerul East – 400 706

Ph: 77 380 440 60www.facebook.com/Brand.Eviva

natashacrasta@gmail.com

Bridal Gowns & AccessoriesCommunion & Christening Gowns

Evening GownsCocktail DressesBridal Bouquet

Flower Girl Baskets & WreathFamily Flowers

Hair Sprays & Corsages

Do you have a mediclaim policy which will take care of the hospital expenses in case you

or your family members need to be hospitalized? If you do not have one

please contact

George ThomasCell : 9820897178

Telephone : 27665787, 27542005All age groups including Senior Citizens can be

included in a mediclaim policy. Persons with existing illnesses can also be covered

All the Year RoundDiwali, Christmas and Summer Vacation

Package 3 nights 4 days per person A/C Rs. 4500 Non A/C Rs. 4000

Package includes Pickup from railway station, bus stand

Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerNorth & South Goa Sight Seeing 2 days

Boat Cruising on River MandoviContact: Edve Tours

Mumbai: 9819109761 - 022-27821998Goa: 9404468979 - 0832-2776310

Goa Holiday Cottage

-------: 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.

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FThe Official Undertakers & Funeral Directors for all faiths. FWe 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.

FDispatch of mortal remains within the country and abroad. FWe also supply Portable Refrigerator Coffins, a very compact

piece, which can be kept at home using regular power-supply.

FWe 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.

FWe are just a call away. FAll arrangements will be made through that one call.

FWe have a very professional and considerate team to assist you in all your requirements.

Mr. Bellar Britto 9867064000, Mr. Ludgar Britto 9870483583, Mrs. Anita Britto 9867164000, Mr. Kailash Gutale 9867641470Email brittoundertakers@gmail.com

K.A.S. Homes, Survey No. 0495, Shop No.3,

Juhu Village, Sector 11, Besides C.I.S.F. Quarters

Vashi, Navi Mumbai

WE TAKE NO ADVANCE

5, Safal Pride, Sector 25, Seawoods (E), Navi Mumbai.Cell. 9820603007,

Email. vincyclickersphotostudio007@gmail.com

Photo Studio

To capture your everlasting memories for all occasions

Wedding, Birthday, Modelling,Industrial & Product Photos & also on Coffee Mugs.

Designer album, Video coverage.Everything related to photography

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VASHI VISION Parish Bulletin of Sacred Heart Church

Vashi, Navi Mumbai Vol. XXXI, No. 4, August - September 2012

EDITORIAL TEAM Fr. Raphael Mordom, George Thomas,

Maureen Lobo, Bertha Fernandes, Aruna Rathod, Silika Pinto

DESIGN & LAYOUTFelix Rodrigues

EMAIL ID FOR VASHI VISION ARTICLESvashivision@yahoo.co.in

PUBLISHED BYFr. Gerry Fernandes,Sacred Heart Church, Plot No. 67, Sector - 9A, Vashi,Navi Mumbai - 400 703. Tel.: 2765 0343 - 1392Church email: sacredheartchurchvashi@gmail.com

FB Page: www.facebook.com/sacredheartchurch.vashi

PRINTED ATMermier Printing Institute,Mermier Bal Ashram,18A, Bonkode Road, Sector - 11,Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai - 400709.Tel.: 2754 3335

Web-page: www.sacredheartchurchvashi.wordpress.com

Come on children, wanna join us on a trip to Bible Land. Well all you need is a Bible-in-hand, so here we go. Let us start with the Man named Jesus. Have you ever heard of him. Great guy, Miracle Worker, Wonderful Counsellor, led a Simple Life but Died a Horrible Death for our sake………. So lets go….

1. Man does not live by bread alone2. Let no fruit grow on thee hence forward forever3. Wistye not that I must be about my Father's business?4. Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father5. That thou doest, do quickly6. My Kingdom is not of the world7. Get thee behind me, Satan8. I am the way, the truth, and the life9. Sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor10. Today shalt thou be with me in paradise11. The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost12. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?13. Love thy neighbour as thyself14. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God15. He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father16. I am the resurrection, and the life17. Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me18. Niether do I condemn thee, go, and sin no more19. Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole20. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in

the truth

Sunday School Children, RUSH in your entries with your Name, age, class, and contact address and phone number…….. latest by 16th September, 2012

Prizes will be given to the first three all correct entries chosen. Please hand over your entries written on a sheet of paper to: The Parish Office, Sacred Heart Church, Vashi

TEST YOUR BIBLE POWERTo Whom did Jesus Speak these famous words?

LITTLE HEARTS of The SACRED HEART

a. Peterb. Judas Iscariotc. Adulterous Womand. Pilatee. The devilf. A fig treeg. Mary and Josephh. Thomasi. Marthaj. Mary MagdaleneK. Samaritan womanl. Nicodemusm. Rich young rulern. Philipo. Zacchaeusp. Cleophas and friend q. Thief on the Crossr. A Pharisees. John the Baptist's disciplest. Bartimaeus

- Compiled by - MICHAEL DESOUZA, Catechist

Baptism - Born in Christ

Marriage - United in Christ

Burial - Resting in Christ

Parish Schedule

15/7/2012 - Chrizilda Nadar - Child of - Belson Joseph & Geeta

No Marriages Registered During Preceding Period

17-07-2012 - Sushila Joseph - age 55 years - Sector - 6, Vashi

Confessions: - Every Saturday at 6.15 pm or on requestBaptisms: - 1st and 3rd Sunday at the 9.00 am MassSunday Good News Club: - 8.00 am Mass in the Church followed by Cathechism for children.Mass Schedule: - Weekday: 6.30 am, 7.15 am and 7.00 pm

- Sundays: 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 9.00 am and 5.30 pm (Please Note: evening mass time changed to: 6.00 pm with effect from 2nd September 2012)Language Masses: - Konkani: 3rd Sunday - 7.00 am

- Tamil: 1st & 3rd Sunday - 10.00 am - Malayalam: 2nd & 4th Sunday - 10.00 am

Prayer Group: - Tuesdays & Thursdays after the Evening MassChurch Office: - 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Sunday Closed

We are publishing the photograph of our dear Parishioners who were united with Christ in the preceding/current month.For the future issues, 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)

"A request to all parishioners - Help Save trees, Save environment”Parishioners having email ID are urged to refrain from taking a printed copy of the Vashi Vision, which

could be used by others who do not have email or computer facility. We earnestly recommend that you give your name, sector, cell number and email ID to enable us to email all forthcoming issues of the Vashi Vision.

You may send a mail with the following: Subject line: Subscribe to Vashi Vision ----- To email id: vashivision@gmail.com