Jul 2015 - velankannichurchirla.org

Y Reminds U
Y Express reminds the readers that we are open to
contributions from you. You can write to us in whatever
form - short stories, anecdotes, jokes, poems, etc.
mail your entries to [email protected] on /before
15th of every month. We are waiting for U to express
your heart out.
Y Express wants you all to remember these dates:
Mark Your Calendar!
For the Youth: What: Youth Group Meeting
When: First & Last Sunday of Every month at
7:15 pm
For the Children: What: Sunday School
When: Every Sunday 7:45 am Sharp.
To Build A Service Oriented Community Rooted in Faith & Love.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says we must reject all forms of divination, including "recourse to mediums" which
are psychics who channel spirits of the dead in order to get information. "In channeling, you're basically invoking spirits
and allowing them to use your person, your body, your voice, to speak through you," Fr. Gesy said. "Therefore, what you're
going to get may appear to be of God but it isn't." The Pontifical Councils for Culture and Interreligious Dialogue agree in
their document, "Jesus Christ: The Bearer of the Water of Life". They say that people who have witnessed mediums go into
trances and channel spirits "would willingly acknowledge that the manifestation are indeed spiritual but are not from God,
despite the language of love and light which is almost always used."
An even more disconcerting trend among psychics is to bill themselves as Catholic. They pad their advertisements with
just enough Christian-sounding language to convince the faithful that their services are OK.
Many Catholics like us fall for these ploys, mostly because they don't understand Christian prayer. Our Faith is what builds
us. If our faith is frail, we will certainly fall into these traps.
Remember, Satan is an angel of light and he can appear to be of God. You may think it's God, but God is not channeled. He
speaks to us directly whenever we call to him. Try it - Prayers, reading the Bible and attending and partaking of the
Eucharist is the best Healing we can get for our faith. God speaks to us through these and his medium are these.
If a person defies God's will by seeking supernatural knowledge and power in ways the Lord has expressly forbidden in the
First Commandment. We break it instantaneously. But still, He calls us back. He searches for us, like a shepherd who
searches for a lost sheep, and like a father, He is always there to take us back Home.
(This article is a summarized version of the original which appeared in The Catholic Standard and Times, the Philadelphia
archdiocesan newspaper. For more detailed articles on this topic, go to this link:
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=8755)
AUGUST 2015
WEBSITE : VELANKANNICHURCHIRLA.ORG
A WORD WITH YOU
Rev. Fr. Augustine Palett, PIME, Parish Priest
Fr. Vijaya Pratap Damala Asst. Parish Priest
Sisters of St. Ann- Sr. Fatima
Sr. Teresa Elamthuruthyl
Fr. D.V. Pratap
BIBLE QUOTIENT: EXODUS
BIBLE QUOTIENT, which we introduced from July (and not June, sorry for the error), is to check how well you know
the Greatest Best seller among books, our Love letter from God and our guide- The Holy Bible. All you have to do
answer the questions from the correct alternative. At the end of which you have tally the amounts of A's, B's and C's
and find out your Bible Quotient.
1.
Of what tribe was Moses?
a. Levi
b. Benjamin
c. Judah
2.
How did God catch Moses' attention
a. Burning bush
b. Burning rock
c. Burning plant
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who was the brother of Moses?
a. Aaron
b.
Samson
c. James
What does the book of Exodus describe?
a. the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
b. the exodus of the Israelites from Europe
c. the exodus of the Israelites from Jordan
On what were the Ten Commandments written?
a. Papyrus
b. Tablets
c. Leaves
What did the Israelites do when Moses took so
long in coming down from Mount Sinai?
a. Build an idol in shape of a calf and worshipped it
b. Went upon the mountain to search for him
c. Prayed to God to keep him safe
7.
What problem did the Israelites encounter at
Marah?
a. They were attacked by Egyptians
b. They could not bear the heat
c. They could not drink water for it was bitter
8.
How old was Moses when he spoke to Pharaoh?
a. 50
b. 80
c. 60
9.
What bread from God did the Israelite eat during
their exodus from Egypt?
a. Unleavened
b. Matzah
c. Manna
10. Moses was born of Egyptian parents.
a. Yes
b. No
c. Not sure.
Scoring Key :
Mostly A's: You know the Second book of the Pentateuch
as if you witnessed it.
Mostly B's: You have some vague knowledge of the
Israelites.
Mostly C's: You need to open the Bible and start reading.
Don't leave it to have dust settle on it.
Next month: Bible Quotient: Deuteronomy
Editorial Team : Fr. Augustine Palett (Editor), Carol Pereira, Susan D’mello, Vera Sequeira, Macjoyle Barretto and Clarissa Pinto.
Dear brothers and sisters,
On the occasion of the feast of The Assumption of our Blessed
Mother and on the eve of 69th anniversary of Independence
Day of our country on 15th, I extend warm greetings to you all.
The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
reminds us that Mary after her earthly life, was assumed into
heaven body and soul. Mary's assumption is a divine gift to
her as the 'Mother of God' because she completed her life with
total commitment to her vocation as “The Mother”.
Historically our country is known for unity in diversity. Let us
pray that the vested interests of political parties may not
cripple this charism of our country.
HOLY FATHER’S GENERAL INTENTION
Pre-Baptism catechesis is held in the months of February,
July & November. Expectant mothers must register in the
early months’ of pregnancy.
Universal: For Volunteers: That volunteers may give
themselves generously to the service of the needy.
FOR EVANGELIZATION
Outreach to the marginalized: That setting aside our very
selves we may learn to be neighbors to those who find
themselves on the margins of human life and society
ROLE OF PARENTS TODAY THROUGH
THE EYES OF A TEENAGER.
Parents today are looked upon as ATMs and this is not limited
to money but for everything beginning for designer wardrobe
to expensive tuitions to high funda entertainment!!
As children if we ask ourselves what are our parents doing
for us? Often the only vision we see is of our parents correcting
us, complaining, telling us to study and not waste our time!!
But we seriously need to get a reality check. In the hustle and
bustle of life we are so glued to our mobiles and play stations
that we fail to see that our parents are like the crew of a movie
we never see or hear but release of a movie without them is
not possible!! They are the ones that produce us, give
direction to our lives, look at the administrative aspects of
growing up and help us write the script of our life. They also
add song and dance to the mundane routine and distribute
happiness freely. In short, they make us the heroes and
heroines of their lives! Let success not blind us but lets give
credit where it is due.
Mom and Dad, you are our Superheroes!!
– Gayle D’Souza
Please e-mail your articles/news items to the Editorial Team at
[email protected] and hard copy to the Parish Priest, latest by
15th of each month.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2015
Date
Occasion/Feast
Day
2nd August
Sunday
6th August
Thursday
7th August
Friday
First Friday. Adoration by St. John Bosco’s Community (Up-Pakhadi)
9th August
Sunday
Vianney Sunday. Commissioning of the Altar Servers during the
Children’s Mass.
14th August
Friday
15th August
Saturday
.
16th August
Sunday
27th/28th/29th
Prison Ministry Sunday and Friendship Day
Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.
Feast of St. Maxmillian Kolbe
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary and Independence Day.
Day of Obligation. Saturday Novenas will be held as usual. Flag
Hoisting immediately after 6.30 a.m. Mass. Additional mass in
English at 9 am.
Justice Sunday
Prayer for the success of the Nativity Devotions during all masses
29th August
Saturday
30th August
Sunday
Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Flag hoisting will be held after the
6.30 pm Mass. Mother Mary’s Statue will be taken in procession to
the Prayer Hall for Veneration. Saturday Novenas as usual.
48th Annual Novenas. Theme: FAMILY
DAILY THEME FOR NOVENA 2015: THEME: FAMILY
DAY
THEME
30/08/2015
Introduction to Family Life (Sunday Liturgy)
31/08/2015
Transmitting the Faith in the Family.
01/09/2015
Family Prayer.
02/09/2015
Engaged couples and Preparation for Marriage.
03/09/2015
Sacrament of marriage and Procreation.
04/09/2015
Inter-religious Marriages.
05/09/2015
Couples in crises, Separation, Divorce and Annulment.
06/09/2015
Sunday Liturgy.
07/09/2015
Attitude towards Trans-gender relationships.
08/09/2015
Feast – Conclusion on Family.
PREACHERS FOR THE NOVENA: 30TH AUGUST, 2015 TO 8TH SEPTEMBER, 2015
Marathi
Fr. Andrew Jadhav, Fr. Pradeep Dabre, Fr. Henry Pereira
English
Fr. Andrew Jadhav and Fr. Jude Ferreira.
Konkani
Fr. Lawrence D'Souza and Fr. Hubert Goveas.
Tamil
Different TAMIL FATHERS.
Gujarathi
Fr. Roque Gonsalves.
TIPS FROM POPE FRANCIS TO IMPROVE FAMILY LIFE
Pope Francis is not only the 266th Pontiff of the Catholic Church but Jorge Mario Bergoglio is also the oldest of
5 siblings. “Even the Pope has a Family.” We are 5 siblings, and I have 16 nephews and nieces. One of these nephews
had a car accident.”
His personal experience as well as meeting thousands of people have made the Pope an expert on the family. His
advice, simple yet direct, can help in day-to-day life. There is no doubt that his advice to married couples has spread
around the world.
1. “I always give this advice to newlyweds: ‘Argue as much as you want. If the plates fly, let them. But never end the day
without making peace. Never!”
2. “It isn't necessary to call the United Nations to come to one's home to make peace. A small gesture, a caress, a
hello is sufficient! And until tomorrow - and tomorrow one begins again.”
3. To learn about forgiveness, there is nothing better than the Bible, something that the Pope recommends to
improve family life.
“It is not for putting in a shelf, but rather for having it at hand. It is for reading it often, every day, either individually or in
groups, husband and wife, parents and children; maybe at night, especially on Sundays. That way, the family can
move forward with the light and the power of the Word of God!”
4. He speaks to engaged couple on the beauty of marriage but is also very sincere with them. To move forward, they
must strive. “It is a journey full of challenges, difficult at times, and also with its conflicts, but that is life.”
5. A life filled with children. The Pope never tires of denouncing a culture that does not favor the family. For this reason,
he invited couples to throw themselves into the adventure of parenthood.
“This culture of comfort has, in the last 10 years, convinced us that it's better to not have children! It's better! You can
go explore the world, go on vacation, you can have a villa in the countryside, you can be care-free.”
6. And when the children are already here, family life can be complicated at times. Pope Francis has asked to reflect on
the frantic life that families sometimes experience.
“When I confess young couples and they talk to me about their children, I always ask one question: “And do you have
time to play with your children?’ And many times the father tells me: 'But Father, they are sleeping when I go to
work in the morning and when I come back at night they are already asleep in bed.’ This is not life.”
7. He also has advice for children. Misused technology, he said, has become one of the elements that separates
a family.
“Many children and young adults waste so much time on hollow things: Chatting on the internet, playing with the cell
phone, seeing soap operas. High tech products are meant to make life simple and to improve the quality of life. But
often, they distract us from what's really important.”
8. For the Pope, a fundamental pillar of family life are the elderly. They are the future of the people because they are
its memory. For this reason, Pope Francis knows the imprint left by grandparents.
“One of he most beautiful things in the life of a family, of our lives, is to caress a child and to let them be caressed by a
grandfather or grandmother.”
Striving, forgiveness, prayer and dedication are the ingredients that Pope Francis offers to strengthen family life.
Source: Catholic News
DIVINATION & THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: CONSULTING PSYCHICS AND
OTHER MEDIUMS
An opportunity to look into the future is very tempting, especially at certain times in our lives when we're suffering from
financial woes, loneliness or bereavement. This is when the temptation to visit a psychic — or "medium" — can be almost
irresistible. This is probably why consultation with psychics is such a booming business giving rise to psychic megastars
who have raked in millions of dollars for their services, for book sales and television appearances.
So who are these people and where is their power coming from? Most of these 'psychics' we would normally encounter
are either clairvoyant, or serve as mediums who channel spirits through different method or techniques. "A clairvoyant is
someone who can see into the past, present or future. This is different from a psychic who is clairaudient, one who gets
information by hearing, or clairsentient, one who does so by feeling." Psychics who call themselves clairvoyant claim that
their abilities are natural. Mediums claim that their information comes from spirits whom they "channel."
Fr. Lawrence J. Gesy, a cult consultant for the Archdiocese of Baltimore and lead author of "Today's Destructive Cults and
Movements," has encountered people with such 'abilities' for many years in his work and believes everyone has psychic
abilities to some extent. "A mother has psychic ability- she knows when her child is in harm's way," he said. "Haven't you
ever known that something was wrong before it happened? We all have this. It's an instinct” The problem is when people
who have these so called 'abilities' put them to the wrong use, by acting as fortune-tellers or healers.
Scripture has shown God's disdain for such practices: "Let there not be found among you anyone who immolates his son
or daughter in the fire, nor a fortune-teller or soothsayer, charmer, diviner or caster of spells, nor one who consults ghosts
and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead. Anyone who does such things is an abomination to the Lord." (Deut 18:10-12)
(Turn to next page as the article continues to the next page)
NOVENA PROGRAMME 2015
SATURDAY, 29TH AUGUST, 2015 : FLAG HOISTING AT 7.30 p.m.
NOVENA DAYS : SUNDAY, 30TH AUGUST TO 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2015
HOLY MASS AND NOVENA TIMINGS
6.00 a.m.
7.15 a.m.
8.30 a.m.
9.45 a.m.
1.45 p.m.
MARATHI
ENGLISH
TAMIL
MARATHI
MARATHI
3.00 p.m.
4.15 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.45 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
MARATHI
KONKANI
KONKANI
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
BLESSING OF THE SICK AND INVALIDS: SATURDAY, 5TH SEPTEMBER AT 11 a.m.
CONDUCTED BY FR. ANDREW JADHAV.
Please note: The usual 1.45 p.m. Marathi Mass will start at 2.00 p.m. on 5th September, 2015
SOLEMN PROCESSION: Sunday, 6th SEPTEMBER, 2015 at 5.00 p.m.
HOLY MASS AND NOVENA TIMINGS
5.00 a.m.
6.00 a.m.
7.15 a.m.
8.30 a.m.
9.30 a.m.
MARATHI
MARATHI
ENGLISH
TAMIL
MARATHI
10.30 a.m.
KONKANI
11.30 a.m.
GUJARATI
1.45 p.m.
MARATHI
3.30 p.m.
MARATHI
Mass & Novena in English
After the Procession.
BAND IN ATTENDANCE : Our Lady of Velankanni Band, Pond &St.Blaise Band, Vile Parle (West)
FEAST DAY : Tuesday, 8th SEPTEMBER, 2015
HOLY MASS TIMINGS
5.00 a.m.
6.00 a.m.
7.15 a.m.
8.30 a.m.
MARATHI
MARATHI
ENGLISH
TAMIL
10.00 a.m.
2.45 p.m.
4.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
MARATHI
MARATHI
KONKANI
ENGLISH
SOLEMN HIGH MASS IN ENGLISH AT 7.15 p.m.
MAIN CELEBRANT : RT.REV.BISHOP JOHN RODRIGUES AND VERY REV.FR.FERRUCIO
BRAMILLASCA, SUPERIOR GENERAL OF PIME (ROME).
PARISH FEAST DAY : Sunday, 13th SEPTEMBER, 2015
HOLY MASS TIMINGS
6.00 a.m.
MARATHI
7.15 a.m.
English
SOLEMN HIGH IN ENGLISH AT 9.00 a.m.
Main Celebrant : Fr.Anthony D'Souza, Parish Priest of St.Anthony's Church, Vakola
NOTE : The Church and Veneration Hall will be kept open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. to 9.30
p.m. on all Novena days. On procession day from 4.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon and after the Procession in the
evening till 9.30 p.m.
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PARENTS DAY CELEBRATION 2015
Parents Day in the parish was
celebrated with great fervour
and warmth.
The evening
began with Holy Eucharist
celebrated by Fr. Augustine
Pallett. The Liturgy prepared
by Vera Sequeira and the
hymns sung by the Youth Choir
was praiseworthy. This was
followed by a get-together for
parents in Fr. Venturin Hall.
The compere for the evening
was Ms. Blossom Coates, who
kick-started the function by
inviting Fr. Augustine to
welcome all the guests for the
evening. This was on followed
by a singing performance by Fr.
Vijay Pratap, after which we
witnessed some scintillating
performances by the children
of our parish followed by a
surprise act by Blossom and
Pauline who had everyone foot
tapping with their performance
of line and step dancing. They
were later joined in by Jessie
Rego, and the trio did put up
some excellent dances.
Games organised by Blossom,
had everyone in total
participation as each one tried
his/her level best to win some
prize or the other. The highlight
of the game show was the
performance by all the guests
who were divided into four
different groups of Pink, Blue,
Green and Red. Each of the
group was asked to perform a
nursery rhyme which had
everyone in splits as Group
P i n k l e d b y M s . Ve r a
Fernandes performed the Old
Mc Donald Had a Farm to
eventually win the first prize,
The second and third prized
was shared between Group
Green and Group Blue, who
sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
and Here We Go Around The Mulberry Bush. The team
that lost out was Group Red who sang Jack & Jill Went Up
The Hill and they all fell down...
with sound and wonderful music. Our special thanks to
our dear Parish Priest, Fr. Augustine and the Asst. Parish
Priest, Fr. Vijay Pratap for their support. Finally we had our
Sunday School student Aviva Ferreira who gave the Vote
of Thanks to bring a super evening to an end.
Of course the yummy snacks and the delicious dinner
spread prepared by Lawson and his team had everyone
helping themselves to even more of it.There were lots of
prizes to be won, thanks to Mario Ferreira who was the
Santa for the evening. Every Parent was given a Thank
you note artistically designed & printed by Susan D'mello.
A big Thank You to the PPC Parents Day Organizing Team
for sparing their precious time in putting up such a great
event. Our sincere gratitude to Tolchard for providing us
All in all everyone present had a great evening of fun-nfrolic. Cheers.
For more pictures check out the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153537
227773934.1073741936.631998933&type=1&l=56992d
7ea6
– Mario Ferriera (PPC member)
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