BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3253
VACATION BIBLE JOY 2012
Geeta Menezes Co-ordinator.
BORIVLI-MUMBAI, DECEMBER 05, 2012 : “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me." Jesus said these words to his disciples and instituted 
the Eucharist.
This year, the Vacation Bible Joy Programme for the Sunday School students of St John Bosco Parish, Borivli was from November 19 to 28. The students were divided into three categories – the Sub Juniors comprising of children from Stds I to IV, the Juniors comprising of children from Stds V and VI, and the Seniors comprising of children from Stds VII to Std IX. The programme was conducted by the Salesian Cooperators along with Sisters of St Paul.
The programme revolved around the theme, ‘Jesus – Eucharist and Me’. The children were given an in-depth understanding of the different segments of the Eucharist, the emotions and actions which a Eucharistic celebration evokes – love, thanks, praise, listening to the Word of God, table of the Eucharist, communion with God and others and finally mission.
The students were also engaged in fun activities like coloring pictures, joining the dots, finding ways through the maze, crossword puzzles, jumbled words, choosing the right word, action songs, etc. There was also a concept of memory verse wherein each day the students were taught a verse which they had to memorize.
The efforts of the teachers who taught the children have to be lauded and appreciated. They showed immense dedication in studying the material, preparing the lessons, checking the activities, teaching hymns and songs, etc. Our heartfelt thanks to the teachers (Sr. Sandhya and Mrs Blanche Furtado for the Sub Juniors class, Mrs Anita D’Souza and Mrs Phyllis Lewis for Juniors and Sr.Kabita and Mrs. Sylvia Kelly for the Seniors class).
On November 28, 2012, the last day of the program, the parents of the students were invited to gather in the Audio-visual hall for the closing ceremony. A few minutes before the closing ceremony began, the students were served snacks and cold drinks in their respective classes. The closing ceremony began just after 6 pm in the AV hall with the children in the Junior category singing a welcome song.
Geeta Menezes, the Co-ordinator of the Salesian Cooperators, then explained about the VBJ to the parents aided by a power point presentation. The children of each category then showed their skills coming in the front and performing before the parents. The small children of the Juniors group captivated hearts with their action song, “My life is in you 
Lord”.
The Juniors came next and enthralled all by singing a medley of delightful songs. The Seniors finally took the stage and enacted a skit showcasing one of the parables told by Jesus, ’The Good Samariatan’. Fr. Aloysius Furtado, Parish Priest, then addressed the parents and the children. He encouraged the children and urged them to attend Mass regularly and thus come closer to Jesus. He also thanked the parents for sending their children to attend the VBJ.
Students who performed well in the activities were presented lemon grass saplings by the Rector, Fr William Falcao. We are sincerely grateful to Mrs. Mavis for sponsoring these sapling prizes and also talking to the students, instructing them how to nurture and care for the saplings. Prizes were also given to students who attended the VBJ regularly. The ceremony concluded with vote of thanks and distribution of mementos to the students.
For the Cooperators it was a challenging and delightful experience. We enjoyed the interaction with the students at all levels. The program instilled a renewed sense of vigour and vitality in us. We thank Fr. Ronnie for giving us this opportunity to conduct the program and thereby proclaim the Word of God.
BOSCO
BIS INFORMATION SERVICE (BIS) MUMBAI
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Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019. INDIA
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