BIS # 3660 THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETS AT LONAVLA

by Bis Correspondent 

WADALA-MUMBAI, AUGUST 30, 2013: The Parish Pastoral Council of Our Lady of Dolours Church took time off to do some serious assessment and planning for the year 2013-2014, amidst the beauty and freshness of Lonavla. 29 Council members together with the Parish Team camped at Don Bosco, Lonavla from the morning of the 24th till after lunch the next day.

The camp began with an input session on the need and value of "Self Help Groups" in building up stable and economically viable groups in the communities (SCC). The three sessions were ably animated by Mr. Royal D'Souza from Don Bosco Institute - Kurla. The group unanimously took a decision to begin at least 30 self-help groups in the various areas of the parish. They also came to a conclusion that a core team will study and execute the project.

The next task in hand was to plan to mobilize as many parishioners as possible in 'Community Service", through the "Ten is Mine Project", a brainchild of Fr. Godfrey, the Parish Priest and the inspiration of Bishop Bosco Penha. An impassioned plea was made to encourage each family in the parish to devote at least ten hours a month to help build up the Community (SCC) and the Parish community through this Community Service Project. A brainstorming brought forth many valued suggestions and endeavours that could be worked out for the betterment of the parish. A committee was to be formed to take this project forward which would be inaugurated on September 15, 2013 the parish feast. Other issues like the Sunday collections, Church support, data collection with regards to details of the members of families in the Parish was also taken up.

The Bombay Catholic Sabha enlightened the group on the various Government schemes available for the Minorities, Senior Citizens, Widows and the Rajiv Gandhi health scheme for those holding the yellow and orange ration cards. The PPC then held their monthly meeting to review the programs of the previous month and plan for the coming months.

The cultural wing of the Council prepared a few party games that got the group on their feet for the get-together after dinner. The evening adoration and a festive mass took care of the spiritual part of the program.