Baptism is the Sacrament of Spiritual rebirth and initiation into the Christian Faith. Through the symbolic action of washing with water and the use of appropriate ritualistic formula, the baptized person is cleansed of all sins and incorporated into Christ. He/ she become a member of the Church and receive the graces of supernatural life.

Baptism is known as ‘Gateway to the Sacraments’. Hence only a validly baptized person can receive all the other sacraments in the church. Therefore it is important that every child that is born of Catholic parents must be baptized as soon as possible.

Guidelines:

1. To baptize your child in our church the parents must complete the pre-baptismal catechesis during the early months of pregnancy.
2. Pre Baptism sessions are held every three months on 2^nd and 3^rd Sundays of the month after the 8.15 am Mass at St. Xavier’s School.
3. The Sacrament of Baptism is held on Saturday at 5.30pm in the Church.
4. For the Baptism of the child parents must inform the parish well in advance and fill in the Baptism form and submit along with the photocopy of Marriage Certificate of the parents, pre Baptism Course certificate and Doctors certificate. An envelope marked “Our Contribution” should be handed to the office.
5. The parents/god parents prepare for the baptism of their children/god children as the priest makes them aware of their serious responsibility to educate them in the love of the Lord and about bringing them up in the practice of the faith.
6. The parents are requested to bring their child dressed in white garment. Ensure that a candle is brought for the service.
7. Both God parents should be Catholics and must be present for the service.
8. A duly completed pre Baptismal Form with the correct spelling of the Child’s name should be submitted in the Parish Office. Kindly note that once the details are entered in the Baptism register no changes are allowed. To make any changes in the Baptism register the legal procedure has to be followed and permission from the Bishops’ House has to be obtained.

 

Adult Baptism:

Adults preparing for the sacraments of Christian initiation should follow the Adult Catechumenate programme as indicated in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Only after the completion of the RCIA course the adult baptism will take place at the Easter Vigil Service. RCIA course starts every year in June.

The Spiritual Director: Fr. Michael Pinto

Communion Catechists: Sr. Jyothi, Sr. Matilda, Ms. Shital Sequeira and Ms. Juliet

Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Jesus which becomes present for us when the priest consecrates the bread and wine at Mass. Jesus gives Himself to us in Communion as a sign of God’s presence and to deepen our relationship with Him and His disciples.

Guidelines:

1. This year the First Holy Communion will be in on 4^th February.
2. Students must be at least in the 4th std. for attending First Holy Communion classes.
3. The Rite of Acceptance(admitting children for this course) in the beginning of July , Presentation of Lord’s Prayer beginning of October and the Apostles Creed beginning of February during the 9.30 a.m. Mass at St. Xavier’s High School. The parents also have to attend the 9.30 a.m. mass on those days.
4. Parents are expected to be responsible and send these children regularly for the class on time. The child should carry a notebook, a workbook & the Bible for all the classes. It’s compulsory for your child to attend the 8.15 a.m. Mass followed by Sunday Class.
5. Avoid UNNECESSARY ABSENTISM since the child’s presence is important during the lessons being taught. If your child does not attend the classes regularly, then strict action will be taken.
6. Please attach a photocopy of your Child’s Baptism Certificate and yours (parent’s) Church Marriage Certificate along with the form (no originals required). An amount of Rs. 500/- should be paid along with the form for the whole year expenses. Kindly submit the forms on time so that we have the proper data of your child.
7. It is your moral responsibility to prepare your child with all the prayers well at home.
8. Dress code for the Communion Day:
   Girls – No sleeveless dresses (white colour);
   Boys – No jeans, only formals (white or off white).

9. Students’ workbooks will be provided by the Sunday Catechism.
10. The Communion Candles will be provided by the parish.
11. The official photographer will be Mr. Joseph D’Cruz. Mobile No. 9820065307. No other photographers are allowed.
12. As a part of the syllabus, your child will be taken on a field trip. It is compulsory. The place and the date will be announced later.
13. Kindly do not take any decisions on your own of keeping your child back from receiving communion without informing or discussing with Fr. Michael and the Catechists concerned.

Preparing your child for the First Holy Communion

1. Send your child REGULARLY for Sunday school, mass timings at 8.15am mass followed by class at 9.15am and also later on for the special sessions. This will be held in immediate preparation for the First Holy Communion.

2. Take special interest in your child’s progress by carefully following up the workbook. Help your child to fill in the blanks and in colouring the pictures in the workbook. If your child finds English difficult, teach them the basic prayers in your own mother tongue. Invite the godparents/neighbours to help.

3. The preparation for the First Holy Communion is not learning some prayers by heart. Tell your children the stories of Jesus from the Bible, and the stories of well-known Saints. It would be nice if you get a pictorial children’s Bible and a book on the lives of Saints.

4. Create the right atmosphere or mood at home: a mood of love, joy, forgiveness and prayer. Avoid bad language, insults, getting drunk, quarreling. Let us renew our family life and make our houses, homes of love, like the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

5. Teach your child to PRAY DAILY in the morning on getting up, before going to school, before and after meals, and at night, before going to bed. Help your child to pray in his/her own words, from the heart, in a simple way – instead of using memorized prayers. What is more important is to help your child to become a friend of Jesus who comes as a friend. Real prayer is a relationship of friendship and love, rather than “saying/reciting” some prayers mechanically. It is a constant awareness of being with and walking with Jesus. However, never neglect your family prayers. Encourage your child to read the Bible & pray the Rosary

6. The Sacraments are actions of the Risen Lord and so, of late, most of the parishes of Archdiocese of Bombay have been having the First Holy Communion celebrations in their parishes after the Feast of Easter. It also helps the children to prepare themselves better.

7. Let there be lots of love on the Communion Day. The focus should be on the child. Avoid any behaviour that may shock the child and make the child sad. Let the celebrations be simple. Jesus was simple. Our parish is made of simple people. Do not overspend. No competition. Save the money to buy a useful gift, e.g. a colourful Children’s Bible or a book on the lives of Saints.

8. After the First Holy Communion, help your child to GROW IN FAITH, by encouraging to personal prayer, by your family prayer, by regular Mass, by sending for confession, by attending the Sunday Catechism.

Spiritual Director: Fr. Michael Pinto

Co coordinator : Sherly Raj     (Mob. No.9820494677)

Catechists: Sr. Selma Fernandes, Mr. Nelson Mendonca, Mrs. Iona Pereira, Ms. Shradha Mendonca and Mr. Lancy Jivani

The purpose is to initiate our catholic youth in building their faith stronger in Jesus Christ and awakening their faith to serve His Church through a curriculum drafted by the Archdiocese. As the Catholic youth matures and becomes a candidate for Confirmation the preparations assist the child to encounter the grace of God through outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Confirmation is a compulsory Sacrament to be administered in order to be eligible for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Every child and family who desires to receive the Sacrament is expected to attend and participate in the Rite of Enrolment. This ceremony allows the student, parent and parish to engage mutually in a covenant, a promise that each will do its part to lead the student to confirmation.

Enrolment Procedure:

1. Application should be attached with a photocopy of Candidate’s Baptism certificate& Parents’ Church Marriage Certificate and submitted on the first day, of the confirmation class.
2. The program is an intensive one with no holidays.
3. Begins from last week of June. Students should be regular for the Sunday mass at 8.15a.m. followed by the class from 9.15 a.m. to 10.30a.m. in the AV room at St Xavier’s High school. It is compulsory.
4. The Bible & the hand book should be carried for all the classes.
5. During the course of the Confirmation Classes, candidate will have to enrol himself/herself in one of the Associations/cells of the Church & also be actively involved in S.C.C. Information about the same will be given in one of the classes.
6. Your contribution is Rs. 1000/- towards the expenditure of the year.
7. Eligibility any baptized Roman Catholic preferably 11^th Standard or above the age of 16.

Guidelines:

1. Attendance – Every Sunday 8.15 am Mass at St. Xavier’s school for candidates is mandatory. Requesting you to actively participate in the Eucharist, readings, altar service, choir, ushering etc. After mass proceed to the AV room in silence from the main entrance staircase. Absentees have to produce a leave note or medical certificate and in case of two consecutive absenteeism, both parents and child need to meet Fr. Micahel Pinto.
2. Adjust your tuition class timings after 11.00a.m.
3. Things to carry – Bible, notebook & handbook. Wearing the badge/id card is compulsory.
4. Dress code – Decent and modest, no shabby or sleeveless or shorts.
5. Role of Parents – Interact with your child and walk with him/ her in their spiritual journey to make him/ her a better Christian and accept this precious sacrament with his/ her heart – Regular feedback, family prayers, Word of God, participating in Church and SCC activities (50hours of service). They must enroll themselves in some association or cell. Check their service log in their books.
6. Children will be taken for two mission visits.
7. Compulsory Retreat in order to receive confirmation. Retreat will be conducted during Ganesh Chaturthi holidays/Diwali holidays. Dates will be intimated through a notice or message. A letter of consent also needs to be signed by the parents with the contact number (Not Students).
8. There will be three tests.
9. Parents will have an orientation programme conducted by the Family Cell. There will also be a debate cum discussion between parents and children. Dates will be informed later. Attending such programmes is compulsory.
10. Children will have a recollection, adoration and confession before receiving the confirmation.
11. During the year animators and Fathers will visit your homes.
12. Father Michael, our spiritual director will interview both parent and child.
13. Confirmation will be in January. (availability of our Bishops)
14. Parents will be called for practices at least twice along with confirmands.
15. A common photographer will be arranged by the Parish.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church States (CCC): “the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament, called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation.” (CCC 1486)

“Those who approach the Sacrament of penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are at the same time, reconciled with the church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer, labours for their conversion.” (LG 11.2)

“The movement of return to God entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed, and the firm purpose of sinning no more in the future. Conversion touches the past and the future, and is nourished by hope in God’s mercy.” (CCC 1489-90)

Structure of Confession

The normal practice for administration of the Sacrament of penance is in private with only the penitent and the priest present.

To begin, the penitent kneels and, by custom, says: “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned” , and may add, “It has been (Time) since my last confession” and begins his/her confession.

After hearing the confession, the priest assigns a penance, and the penitent accepts the penance with the prayer.

At the end say “Lord have mercy on me a sinners”.

Confession Timings: On request/At any time.

The Sacrament in which the sick are anointed with holy oil is called Holy Anointing. Only a priest can administer the anointing of the sick. If a person is to be operated family, friends and those who care for the sick, have the responsibility to inform the priest early, and help prepare the sick person for the reception of the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick.

By the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick the Church strengthens those who are ill to the suffering of the glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. The Sacrament is a personal encounter of the sick person with our loving, healing God, but it is also a Sacrament of the Community.

Like all Sacrament, the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or in a church for a single person or a whole group of the sick persons. God offers the anointed person the grace to be healed and comforted, to overcome anxiety and despair and to be made whole. It is an affirmation for Christians that they are supported in their suffering, and that there are others who care about them in their time of need.

Guidelines:

The Sacrament of Anointing is for ‘Healing’ and not for persons who are at the point of ‘Dying’.

Sick Call can be given at any time but Please send a person to call a priest. No sick call on telephone will be entertained.

Inform the priest if the sick person is able to receive communion or not.

Do not force the sick person to make his/her confession.

If in hospital, call the priest from the church closest to the hospital or nursing home.

The following guidelines are being used in order to ensure that the sanctity and reverence of the church is preserved and the Eucharistic celebration with the Rite of Marriage is conducted with devotion, dignity and decorum. Some of these guidelines are also applicable for the celebration of any anniversary of marriage.

1. PREPPARATION

The person to marry has to personally come and meet any of the priests in the parish at least three months in advance.

If the marriage is to be celebrated at this church, the date and the time of the marriage should be fixed in consultation with a priest of this church. This should be done prior to the booking of the hall or making any other arrangements.

In the Archdiocese of Bombay as prescribed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), the marriage procedure is initiated in the Parish of the bride, irrespective of where the marriage is to be celebrated.

It is obligatory to do the marriage preparation course early.

A new Baptism certificate i.e. dated within 6 months from the date of the intended marriage should be produced at the time of filling the Pre Nuptial Form.

Marriage preparation course certificate should be produced at the time of filling the Pre Nuptial Enquiry Form.

For a marriage with a person who is not a Christian, a dispensation from the Archbishop of Bombay is necessary. No banns are read.

The dispensation may be granted if certain conditions are fulfilled. For such a marriage it is necessary to contact one of the priests of the parish as early as possible. In case of marriage taking place in a native place or any other place outside the Archdiocese of Bombay, the marriage procedure according to the Archdiocese of Bombay has to be followed. The no Objection Certificate (NOC) will be issued only when proper marriage procedure has been completed. Results of the banns from the boys parish to be send to the girls parish…

An envelop marked “Our Contribution” should be handed to the priest as an offering to the church. And a receipt is given.

1. LITURGY

Marriage is a communitarian celebration and hence need to be celebrated during the parish masses. However for pastoral reasons, marriages in our church may take place outside the scheduled mass with the prior permission of the Parish Priest.

If the marriage is held on a Sunday during a scheduled mass, the liturgy of the day will take precedence.

The scripture readings are in the Lectionary and the prayers for the celebrant are in the missal. For the readings at mass consult the priest concerned. It is not necessary to have a booklet with these readings and prayers. The readings at mass must be done from the Lectionary.

Please prepare yourselves also spiritually for this great event one or two days before your wedding day. Have at least 30 minutes of spiritual preparation with your whole family, could have Bible reading, rosary, sharing your ideas of marriage. Please make a good confession as well.

For prayer of the faithful contact the main celebrant. Altar servers are to be contacted. Fresh flowers to be arranged before the mass. Keep your rings and 2 witnesses ready before the mass. The witnesses must know they are undertaking. (not parents – only adults)

LECTIONARY

Those who can read effectively and are accustomed to read at mass should be entrusted with the readings and prayer of the faithful. Persons should not be selected just because they are relatives or because they have to be honored with a role.

The rite of Marriage commences after the homily. The witnesses, only Catholics, should be selected earlier, have to come forward for the rite. The rings should b available. There should be no confusion at this stage. The rite of the marriage cannot be changed or re – formulated.

The introduction, prayers of the faithful and hymns sung during the liturgical celebration should be approved by the priest concerned. The liturgy must be prepared at least two weeks before the date of the marriage with the help of the priest. An approved list of hymns with the choir leaders. (Singing of a nuptial song after the rite of marriage and lighting of the candle is not liturgical and hence not allowed in our church.)

2. DRESS

THE Church is a house of prayer and worship. Hence all should come to church dressed in an appropriate manner especially the bride and the bridesmaids.

All those who play an active part in the liturgy should be respectfully and appropriately dressed.

3. DECORATIONS

No artificial flowers and leaves should be used. Only fresh flowers near the altar. confetti and crackers are not permitted in the church premises.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

Video shooting though discouraged in the church, is permitted only during the

1. Entrance Procession
2. The rite of marriage
3. The sign of peace
4. Distribution of Holy Communion
5. Signing of the register.

The photographers and the video crew should be informed that they should move about in a respectful manner as benefitting an place of worship. They should not stand in the sanctuary or on the steps leading to the sanctuary, but in one place only.

The photographer should not convert the sanctuary into a studio by taking too many group photographs. Please co – operate to make your day of Marriage a Memorable Day to Remember.

Holy Order is the Sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be exercised in the church until the end of time. Thus it is the Sacrament of Apostolic ministry (Vat II).

To be a priest or deacon a male person has to undergone training in the seminary or religious house for a few years (6-10 years). The Training includes One year orientation and (Novitiate for religious) Philosophy/theology and 1 year Diaconate ministry. A religious is trained and lives in a community as per rules laid down in their constitution.

Canon 529 lays down that a priest is to strive to serve the people entrusted to his care with diligence and humility and be the presence of Christ among God’s people.

Spiritual Director : Fr. Michael Pinto

Co-ordinator: Mrs. Juliet Almeida   (Mob. No.9769722072)

• Sunday Catechism is meant for all school going children up to Std X and is held every Sunday at St. Xavier’s High school. Catechism from 08.00 am to 09.00 am followed by Mass. All parents have the responsibility to send their school going children to learn more about the life of Jesus and live better Spiritual life.
• We have around 18 Catechists to teach in Sunday Catechism out of which 5 are trained Certified Catechists
• We have our Catechists meeting every 2^nd Sunday of the month after the 09.30 am Mass.
• Sunday Catechism takes part in activities like Parents Day celebration, Nativity of our Lady, Christmas Party, liturgy during the Eucharist, Choir etc.

A small write-up on what Sunday Catechism is all about

Jesus Christ, the greatest teacher of all, loved children dearly. In Matthew Chapter 18 verse 6, Jesus said for "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

In this world, Sunday Catechism acts as a safe place where children can create strong ties and friendships, with their peers, and with Jesus Christ.

The first and simplest task of Sunday Catechism is to teach the Bible to our children. We learn about God's love as we hear its stories and parables. In Sunday Catechism, children develop a Christian understanding of the purposes of Scripture. Through these experiences with the Bible in Sunday Catechism, they learn to recognize God's call to them.

The second task of Sunday Catechism is to help us accept God's grace. It is the acceptance of God's saving grace offered through Jesus Christ that enables one to become the person God created him or her to be.

Thirdly, Sunday Catechism helps us grow in Christian faith. Christian faith becomes a reality when the lessons of the Bible and our personal experiences of God's love inspire us to love God and to trust

The fourth responsibility that Sunday Catechism holds is to guide our children to become mature members of a Christian community. Sunday Catechism teaches us that the ability to grow in relationship so that they are able to carry their experience of God's presence and love into the activities of their everyday lives.

Last and certainly not least, the ultimate task that Sunday Catechism strives to meet is to help its students answer God's Call to Christian living which comes through study, worship, and learning together.

Ultimately, fostering and nourishing our Sunday Catechism is a sacred responsibility. To give our religious education less than our best would be unfaithful to the life God has called us to live and to the world God has called us to serve. This opportunity to appreciate just how important Sunday Catechism is for the future of our congregation.

Catechist List 2017 - 18

Jr, Sr Kg & 1st Std	Sr. Smitha Dsouza  Dorothy Dsouza
2nd Std	Shital Sequeira  Venessa Kini
3rd Std	Rosy Pinto  Princey Jayaraj
4th Std	Sr. Laila Monteiro  Shyna Dcruz  Councel Fernandes
5th Std	Mercia Cordeiro  Jenifer Gomes
6th Std	Juliet Almeida  Alice Baretto
7th Std	John Rayan
8th Std	Yogita Prabhu  Emilian Dsouza
9th & 10th Std	Regina Almeida

Guidelines:

Upon the death of a loved one only a family member must contact the priest in the parish before fixing the date and the time of the funeral. Do not ask the undertaker to do the same.

Kindly get a photocopy of the Municipal death certificate and Doctors certificate for our parish record.

The funeral Mass is held at Holy Trinity Church. The burial depends whether the family has submitted the dully filled Parish Census form. If the name of the deceased person is verified in the Parish Census the burial rite will take place in the Church cemetery.

If a family would like to invite a priest or a deacon from another Parish to preside at any of the funeral rites, they are most welcome. However, the family must inform the priests in the parish about the same. The guest priests should strictly follow the guidelines formulated by the Parish.

A prior permission should be obtained from the Parish Priest before any work is undertaken in the cemetery.

The funeral Mass timings are as follows: 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.

One of the important precepts of the Church is to hear Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. There are 52 Sundays and 2 days of obligation (15^th August and 25^th December). To fulfill the days of obligation every Christian is expected to attend Mass either on Saturday evening after 5.00pm or on Sundays.

One is expected to be on time for the Mass, receive Holy Communion for a better participation of the Eucharist. To receive Holy Communion one should fast at least one hour before receiving communion.