MUMBAI, MAY 18, 2010: Two parishioners from St John Bosco Church, Borivli namely Mrs. Isabelle Martin and Geeta Menezes were encouraged by the parish priest, Fr. Ronnie Menezes to attend the Training in Family Animation Program conducted by Snehalaya. The resource persons were Fr. Cajetan Menezes, Dr. Yolande Pereira, Dr. Jeevan D’Cunha and Mrs. Genevieve. There were ten participants in all.
The curriculum included an analysis of self (life history, the events and occasions which had a great impact on our lives), family tree, family life, spousal relationship, and parenting skills. The whole training program dealt with how one could enhance the quality of our family life. The program also made the participants aware that they have to be creative and innovative and think of various ways of enhancing family life and thereby avoid the pitfalls of crisis situations that befall many families today. One such tool was the ‘Family Vision Statement’ wherein each family lists a few steps to be taken (some by each individual member of the family, some jointly) on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis, and then make it a mission of diligently following these steps.
The program was truly enriching and empowering. The efforts of the participants were lauded with approval by the resource team and the final crowning was the Certificate awarded to each participant in May in their respective parishes to be formally commissioned into the Family Cell.