The Mass was followed by an outreach programme in our Lady's Room. This time the outreach session was conducted by Family Cell members Albert and Jean Lewis. It was a well prepared power point presentation on Communication. The topic was 'How to stay in dialogue when you are angry and hurt.' Interesting video clippings on dialogues between couples were presented with Albert and Jean sharing a few of their personal experiences to corroborate the same.

If you wish to start and remain in dialogue with your partner/family members it is imperative to create an environment for listening. It must be safe to share. Silence v/s Violence. These are the two greatest enemies of dialogue. Both partners must not be loaded with baggage of stories, prejudices and preconceived notions when they come prepared for a dialogue.

Albert and Jean advocated the path of Dialogue which rested on the following pillars:
" Mutual Purpose
" Mutual Respect
" Mutual Meaning

During the session some of those present shared their personal experiences.

The session lasted an hour and a half and concluded with those present agreeing that they flet truly enriched with the experience.

The Family Cell will organize its next outreach session in the first week of December, 2008.

-Veena Crasto

October 1st is "World Elders' Day"
The centre for Social Action convened a 1-day workshop on issues related to Senior Citizens, on 25th September, at Sarvodaya, St. Pius College Campus. It was well attended by representatives from several organizations.

We learned of some surprising statistics.
The percentage of elders has steadily increased over the 20 years. (what happened to the PILL?)

The longevity of elders has steadily increased in the last 20 years, thanks to the advances in medicine (and our acquired immunity to pollution and to the preservatives we swallow everyday.).

The Government has woken up to the need for legislation for this special category of citizens, enacting a new law for "The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens." (Indian Parliament Act, No.56 of 2007). However, with all the procedures involved, to get redress, the benefits may arrive 'too late' for the seniors.

We discussed - Problems of the Aged - Elder Abuse etc., and ways and means of combating these situations.

It is in implementing these solutions that we face hurdles of finance, of space for organizations, of volunteers etc.

So as seniors see it, the most satisfactory solution, of course, would be that children shoulder their responsibility and maintain their aged parents and care for those who sacrificed so much to make them what they are today.

Simple - Hurrah again!

- A Senior Citizen
St. Peter's Senior Citizen Association

For those of you who don't know, the change in the inscription "COME" below the Sacred Heart statue in the Church was made by the late Rev. Fr. Joseph Maciel, s.j. then Rector and Parish Priest. The original read "Venite Ad Me Omnes" (Come Ye All To Me)

Fr. Maciel accepted the suggestion and made the change to read as "COME". This was done on the 19th September, 1981

- Narcissus/Phil Neeff

On August 3, 2008, the animators, Fr. Gerard Rodricks, a few youth and some members of St. Martin's Community went on a Faith Enrichment Programme/Animator's Day Out to the Diocesan Pastoral Centre (DPC). It was a whole day programme from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Fr. Gerard conducted the morning session. The topic was "Christian Vision". Fr. spoke on "Perception" which has a lot to play in our lives. We must always learn to be positive and change our purpose in life.

If we only trust in God, our lives will definitely change. We must give up trying to do everything ourselves, and we must be willing to let God change anything that He wants changed in our lives.

During the afternoon session the youth organized a few games. They did a wonderful job on their own. The games conducted by them were very unusual and enjoyable.

All of us felt it was a day well spent especially with Fr. Gerard's guidance.

St. Martin's Community

7th September, was celebrated as Teachers' Day. The liturgy was prepared by the dedicated parents whose children come regularly to the Jesus Club.

After mass the Jesus Club Teachers invited all other teachers of the Parish – current and ex-teachers for a fellowship at the shed. They were entertained in song and dance, by the children of the Jesus Club.

We were happy to have Fr. Jude with us. The teachers were served snacks and hot chocolate and they left happily with beautiful jute bags as parting gifts.

The Jesus Club teachers were then served brunch by the parents. We teachers just could not stop eating! Finally we parted with a little gift and many warm memories ……

- Jesus Club Teachers

The Manmad Mission Station says thank you for your contribution of Rs.3,68,105/-.

Attention! Cheques for Orissa to be drawn in favour of the “Centre of Social Action”. Please mention that the contribution is for Orissa. Those contributing Rs.10,000/- and above, are requested to furnish their PAN number. You may hand over the cheque at the Parish Office or drop it in the Community Fund boxes at the rear end of the Church.

- Archbishop’s House