St. Peter's Parish Youth Groups

Youth Group

The Youth Group of St. Peter’s Church came together and was formed in 2003 under the guidance of Fr. Joe Albuquerque s.j. We began as a group that was just out to have fun, but later learned that even through social service and outreaches, one can still have a good time. While helping out in various parish activities, we have also organized programmes outside the parish, like retreats and a mission exposure at Aashagad.

One of the first social service programmes organized by us was a Children’s Day Function in November 2003 for the children of St. Catherine of Sienna’s home, Bandra. We also helped out in clean-up drives at the sea-side cemetery and in St. Peter’s, after the 26/7 deluge. To cheer-up the retired priests at the Clergy Home, Bandra, we tried our hands at carol-singing during Christmas 2004.

Anyone who has attended a camp conducted by Fr. Joe, knows how much fun it is. Yet who would think that every camp was specially planned for, in order to give us a deeper learning experience. Topics discussed at the camps included Relationships, Fellowship and Service and we did the Johari Window and the Ennegram Course, while enjoying ourselves in locales like Khandala and Matheran.

But something that took us to ‘new heights’ (literally!) were the numerous treks we went for. Karnala, Shahapur, Bhimashankar, Yeor Hills, Kalwa… you name it, we’ve trekked it. The most exciting trek could surely have been the one at Kalsubai, which is the tallest peak in Maharashtra at over 5000 ft!. these treks helped us become one with nature, while helping us overcome our fear of heights as well.

Behind-the-scenes work has now become our forte! Members of our Youth Group eagerly volunteered at Chaavi Day 2005, Sparkles 2005, and even decorated the parish crib in December 2003. Youngsters love to play games of course, so we organized a Rink Football Tournament in July 2004.

We recently bid farewell to our mentor and friend Fr. Joe, since his transfer to the mission post at Uplat. We now await guidance under our new youth coordinator Sr. Sylvie F.C.