VATICAN CITY: FIVE TIPS FOR PARISHES FROM POPE FRANCIS
One such treasure is the words that Pope
Francis has given us on parish life. He has real, applicable advice and it is
based on his inspiring vision of a Church that goes out of itself, a Church
that is missionary, a Church that is merciful and a Church that evangelizes,
even in its everyday activities.
Don’t
Be like a Custom’s Office
Pope Francis is pretty clear in this,
Jesus “instituted seven sacraments” it is not the place of the parish office to
institute an eighth sacrament – “the sacrament of the pastoral customs office.”
In other words, the parish office should not close doors for people.
And yet most of us can think of times
when we have felt more like we are at the DMV(Motor Vehicle Dept) rather than
our parish office because of the way we were treated or the business-like
approach that was used. Attitudes like this attempt to “control faith rather
than facilitating it.” Instead, Pope Francis prays that “all who approach the
Church find doors open to encounter Jesus’ love”.
Don’t Be tarantulas
Pope Francis says that when people go to
their parish, they should feel like they are entering their mother’s home. He
says, “Being parish secretary means opening the front door of the mother’s
home, not closing it! And one can close the door in many ways.
In Buenos Aires there was a famous
parish secretary: they called her the “tarantula”… I’ll say no more! To know
how to open the door in the moment: welcome and tenderness.”
Do put those who are “Distant” First
I have often heard grumbling about
families who only come to their parish for baptisms, weddings and funerals.
These people are often treated like a last priority, but Pope Francis urges us
to put those distant from the Church first. Why? Because we want these people
to become regulars.
Pope Francis says, “It is about assuming
missionary dynamism in order to reach everyone, putting first those who feel
distant and the most vulnerable and forgotten people. It means opening the
doors and letting Jesus go forth. Many times we keep Jesus closed inside the
parishes with us, and we do not go out and we do not let Him leave! Open the
doors so He can go out, at least Him! It is about a Church which “goes forth”:
a Church which always goes forth.”
Do
get the laity involved
Pope Francis is pretty clear on this,
the laity need to be involved in their parishes. Parishes do not belong to
priests or to the parish office, they belong to everyone. This is why parishes
need laity on councils, advising and helping in the running of everyday
matters.
In fact, Pope Francis very sternly has said
that “a parish that does not have a pastoral Council and a Finance Council, is
not a good parish: it lacks life.”
Don’t
Gossip or Cause Division
If only our parishes were exempt from
ordinary, sinful human behavior. Alas, they are not. But we can examine our
part in making a parish a place of unity and communion or creating division.
Pope Francis urges us, “Let each one ask
him- or herself today ‘do I increase harmony in my family, in my parish, in my
community or am I a gossip. Am I a cause of division or embarrassment? . . .
Gossip does harm! Gossip wounds. Before Christians open their mouths to gossip,
they should bite their tongue! To bite one’s tongue: this does us good because
the tongue swells and can no longer speak, cannot gossip. Am I humble enough to
patiently stitch up, through sacrifice, the open wounds in communion?’”
Be Ready for Action
Heavenly Father, You have chosen the
parish as the vehicle by which You encounter us in our daily lives. The parish
is the assembly in which your Word is proclaimed, your Eucharist is celebrated,
your people are united in a local community and subdivided into smaller groups
so that they may become the agent of change for the betterment of the whole
Church. Make our parishioners aware of the many opportunities and
responsibilities that are theirs as witnesses of You to our age. Keep us open
to our need of your love and fellowship. Let both religious and laity work
together to serve You in others. Amen.
PARIVARTAN- A TRAFFIC MOVEMENT
TO TRANSFORM PEOPLE’S MINDSET
The traffic revolution
extended for 9 days. During this period all the schools, colleges,
organizations helped Jamshedpurians to know the traffic rules through placards,
Nukkad Nataks, slogans etc. It
reached to its culmination on 19th September, 2014 when a big number
of people from every corner of Jamshedpur gathered at JRD TATA complex and took
the collective pledge to keep up the traffic rules to protect the life and make
Jamshedpur a safe and disciplined place.
Focus of Parivartan:
Disciplined Driving and
Road Safety
Helmet for Driver and
Pinion Rider
Seat Belts a Must while
driving cars
No driving for those
below 18 years
No Using of mobile
phones while Driving
No Three riders on tow
wheelers
No over speeding and
rash driving
No using of pressure
horns
No drunken driving
Using of proper number
plates as prescribed by law
Carry all relevant
documents while driving
Applicable Spot fine for Traffic Rule Violators:
Without license – Rs.500
Without helmet – Rs.270
Parking at no parking
zones – Rs.500
3 riders on two
wheelers – Rs.250
Pressure horn – Rs.1000
Breaking traffic signal
– Rs.1000
Driving under influence
of alcohol – Rs.2000
Rash driving – Rs.1000
Don’t use your mobile
phone while driving
Belt up in the back
Don’t drink and drive
Always adhere to speed
limits
Take special care about
children, senior citizens and pedestrians
Don’t drive if tired
Pedestrians should walk
cautiously
Keep your distances
Always wear helments
and seat belts
Documents on should always carry while driving on the road:
Driving license
Certificate of
registration
Certificate of Taxation
Certificate of
insurance
Permit and fitness
certificate (in case of commercial vehicles)
Pollution under control
certificate
(A traffic movement to transform people’s mindset, Jharkhand
police)
INAUGURATION
OF ST. JOHN PAUL WELFARE CENTRE, CHILGU, CHANDIL
FEAST
OF ST. VINCENT DI PAUL,
Daughters of Charity and Sisters of Charity of Nazareth celebrated the feast
of their patron Saint, Vincent De Paul on 27th September, 2014.
Indeed the day was filled with joy and happiness which was clearly seen on the
cheerful faces of Sisters as well as all those who joined them in their feast. Thanksgiving
Masses were offered at Gyan Deep School and Cheshire Home in honour of St.
Vincent De Paul, the Founder and Patron saint of their congregation.
DEANARY
MAHILA SANGH RALLY FOR 2014
The Chaibasa Deanary Mahila Sangh Rally
for 2014 took place on 20-21st September at Dibya Bharati Chaibasa.
A total number of 158 Mahila Sangh members of Kholhan-Porhat Deanary parishes
took part in it along with their Religious Sister guides. The Rally was
inaugurated by Fr. Halan Bodra, the Dean of Kolhan-Porhat Deanery. Fr. Niranjan S.J.
and Sr. Ruby OSU, conducted the sessions on the theme of “Family”, the topic of
the Synod of Bishop in Rome. After the input session, the participants were
first divided into groups to indentify the external forces that are
responsible for the break up of
families. Then the pariticipants were divided in parish wise groups to draw up
concrete action plan to strengthen family bonds in the parishes.
At the end of the day a broad smile on
the faces of participats was the indication that the Rally was a great success.
(Sr. Sunita, F.C.)
INAUGURATION
DAY OF DIAMOND JUBILEE
A well prepared cultural program staged by
the students could really cheer up the heart of the invited guests. The chief
guest and all other speakers of the occasion appreciated and thanked the
Principal and her staff for taking care and giving the value-based education
to the poor children. Sharing his student life in St. Mary’s Hindi School he encouraged
the students and staff to strive together in taking St. Mary’s School to greater heights.
Thanks to the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel for their cooperation in managing the school from its inception.
LORD
MAY YOUR MOTHER PRAY FOR US
We began the month of September by
invoking the blessing of Our Blessed Mother. On the occasion of Teachers’ day
the students made us feel really special by organizing an entertainment program
me and felicitated the teachers with flowers and cards. They made the day
memorable one for us. An inter house competition was held on 5th September. The
house in charge along with the help of the students planned every details and
organized different activities for the houses. Several competitions pertaining
to analytical skills, writing skills and entertainment was organized. It was
heartening to see the team spirit, unity, innovation, enthusiasm and high
energy levels that prevailed on the campus.
Thanks to Fr. David Vincent our Principal for encouraging the students
and the teachers to work together, as expected all the hard work paid rich
dividends and the Competitions were a Grand success. On the 6th of September in
honour of Our Blessed Mother we had the Eucharistic celebration with parents,
students and the staff. The hall was full and over flowing with parents. Recalling
many Divine blessings on this institution Fr. Edwin suggested that we have
every good reason to appreciate the goodness of God and give thanks for all the
innumerable blessings on all of us. All the parents thanked Fr. David Vincent
for organizing such a beautiful programme. After all the hectic activities and
programme we started our first terminal examination. (St. Mary’s English school,
Bistupur)
ST.
XAVIER’S ENGLISH SCHOOL, CKP
The month of September is eagerly
awaited by all as it marks the end of the rainy season and winter rolls in with
a little chill at night. In our school inter class football competition was
held on 30th August for boys and girls from Std. VI to X. the
weather was favourable though we had a little rain in the night, the ground was
just perfect for a football match. The children were exuberant with their
shouts of joy, enjoying every minute of the game. The winners were Std. IX Boys
and Std. VIII Girls who walked away with the trophies.
Soon after this came the preparations
for Teachers’ Day. On 5th September all the students were gathered
in the campus which was spacious and full of colourful decoration, excitement
was clearly seen on everyone’s face. The function started with the welcoming of
the Chief Guest who was none other than our school Secretary Fr. Richard
Miranda followed by our Principal Fr. Vernon D’Souza and the teaching staff.
The ceremony started with the lighting of the lamp and prayers. The students
presented dances & skits and the whole campus was resounding with shouts of
joy. Fr. Richard Miranda delivered a memorable speech for the teachers while
Fr. Vernon D’Souza presented a token of love to the teachers.
On 6th September there was a
parent teachers meeting which is a day of importance to discuss the children’s
progress and their studies.
Classes resumed again with great
confidence as the 2nd Terminal Examination was scheduled from 20th
to 29th September. Revisions
and class tests were under way.
The school will be closed from 1st
to 6th October for Durga Puja a time for joy and celebration. (Sneh
Lata)
HEALTH BULLETIN
Fr. Norbert Kindo was admitted in the
Mercy Hospital Jamshedpur with a serious complain of multiple cyst in his
liver. Prior to that he was admitted in the Town Hopital, Dhanbad then he was
shifted to Mercy Hospital. After his thorough check up and treatment he is back
to Dhanbad.
Fr.
C.R. Prabhu
had an operation of his external growth on his upper back on 27th
September, 2014, at Mercy Hospital. After the operation he is at ease. After a
good rest and healing he returned to his kingdom.
Fr.
Halan Bodra
is admitted at Ursuline Hospital, Chandmari with the complain of high pressure
and fever. He is safe in the hands of doctors and nurses at CKP.
R
I P NEWS
We express our heartfelt condolences to
Fr. Pascal Toppo., who lost his father Mr. Edward Toppo on 9th
September, 2014 at Tongo. May the good Lord grant strength to all who
experience the pain of separation and loss. May his Soul Rest in Peace!
The Call to the priesthood… Can you hear it?
The Diocese of Jamshedpur and Society of
Jesus, Jamshedpur province has programs such as vocation seminar and camps for
prospective candidates for priesthood. Contact to the Vocation Offices for more
information at:
The Vocation
Promoter
Bishop’s House
P.O. Golmuri
Jamshedpur-831003
Jharkhand
Phone No.:
(0657) 2318130/09572752429
HAPPY BIRTHDAY- OCTOBER
04
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Fr.
Edwin Coelho
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06
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Fr.
Michael Deogam
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07
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Fr.
George Manna
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14
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Bipin
Pani
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23
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Puthumai
Raj
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23
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Pradeep
Marandi
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