BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #3117
PLANTING FAITH
Melissa Mascarenhas
NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2012: September 07, 2012 marked a special day for the parishioners of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in the 
Northern Arabian Vicariate. It was the first day of Catechism for the year 2012-2013.
The church was filled to capacity with children, parents and teachers. The Catechetical Director of the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, Fr. Francisco Pereira was the main celebrant while Fr. Blany Pinto concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. An apt homily for teachers and students on the opening day was on the theme of "Ephphatha”, meaning ‘open’. The main celebrant explained how each of us must be open to the word of God. After the homily, all the catechists congregated near the altar. In one voice, they professed the Creed and then took a solemn pledge of commitment as catechists. Since the number of teachers was huge, one teacher representing each class was invited and the main celebrant presented the catechism text. The children’s choir sang harmoniously in one voice.
Our parish is growing day by day. At present, the strength of the catechism section is more than one thousand six hundred 
children. The parish also expresses concern for the challenged children by organizing a ‘special needs’ class. This class is assisted by five teachers who provide guidance and assistance to these special children. We have eighty four teachers who are committed in teaching the Faith. These teachers have to attend a course organized by Fr. Franco to qualify as catechists. We are blessed to have volunteers who braved the summer heat and the winter cold just to ensure the smooth flow of traffic before and after the catechism class.
The Management and Coordinators have lined up some exciting programs to enrich the young minds. The parish holds annually, a bible based quiz and Christmas celebrations. The teachers too enjoy faith building talks and seminars which include an annual retreat.
We are grateful to God for calling us to be sharers of Faith and to the children who are helping us to grow in our own faith.
BOSCO BIS INFORMATION SERVICE (BIS) MUMBAI
Don Bosco Provincial House,
Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019. INDIA
Email: bis@donboscomumbai.org
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