THE SAPHALE TREK - A Walk in the Clouds!
Photos

Yes, literally, a trek in the clouds awaited the youth of St. Peter's as they trekked to Tandulwadi Donagar in Saphale on 8th July, 2007. Yet, that wasn't what we expected, as we set out at 5 a.m. by bus from St. Peter's, picking up a few ex-parishioners along the way, including Fr. Joe Alberqueque, on whose initiative this trek was organized. The ride to Saphale was a sleepy one, but the excitement grew as we spotted the hill from a distance. After picking up our guide, Anand, who hospitably offered us some wild berries (the local snack), we set off.

Trekking uphill was easier than expected, with many 'catch your breath' breaks along the way. The cliff proved to be a toughie, though the thrill was worth it. Everyone agreed upon the spectacular view, through the misty clouds with the river Vaitarna snaking across. We had no idea however, what surprises awaited us. For when we set our eyes upon four water-pools carved in rock right there on the cliff, dating back to a bygone era, the glee was evident on everyone's faces. After some splashing around we headed for the plateau where the Mass was celebrated. Post lunch, wasting no time, we headed down the hill, looking forward to a dip in the village pond. Sweating but smiley, we trooped back to our bus. Thus ended not just an invigorating trek, but a day well spent, leaving us with happy memories of this monsoon trek of 2007

- Velanie Fernandes

CONFIRMATION CAMP

A camp would be defined as a place where rest, enjoyment and enthusiastic minds wander in search of new skills, new thoughts and making new friends. The same was in the annual confirmation camp conducted by our parish, St. Peter's Church, Bandra.

Embarking on a fun-filled journey to the Stanislaus villa, we made an early start to board the Indrayani train at Dadar This journey consisted of 28 confirmandees who came from different schools in Bandra and who attended this camp which began the confirmation of 2007-08. During our journey our curious eyes caught Mother Nature at her very best, displaying exotic landscapes, greenery and especially the wonderful climate.

On arrival the sight of the villa pleased the mind as it had been an unexpected and exciting walk to the villa. After being treated to a breakfast, we all had lunch. After each session we had a break of about 2 hours or 15 minutes. In the 2 hours break some confirmandes went to play football while others went for a short walk. Then we had to prepare for mass which was at 7 p.m. After mass we had dinner and after dinner we took part in skits where we had to pick a parable from the Bible. This timetable went on for 2 more days.

Our aim of this camp was to learn new skills, know how to interact with people around, learning more about the Holy Spirit and the Trinity and performing our Baptism rites. This camp was an enjoyable and a memorable experience along with our journey.

- Clinton and Elvina

Parish Youth Camp to Lonavala
Photos

WHO: Parish youth, parish priest.
WHEN: 20th July 2007
WHERE: St.Stanislaus Villa, Lonavla
WHAT: Angelica is purring, Wynela is mooing, John is quacking... And it's all because of Fr.Gerard

No St.Peters hasn't gone into farming; this is just the parish youth looking for their team members at the youth camp held in Lonavla.

On Friday the 20th around 50 youth of St.Peters took of with Fr.Gerard, brothers Turnin and Kendrick and auntie Louella for a camp to Lonavla inaugurate the parish youth group. Over the next few days the peaceful villa wasn't so peaceful as the youth rushed around playing tug-of-war, queen of Sheba and imitating farm yard animals.
The games organized by the animators focused on team work, team spirit and leadership. The girls grasped these lessons quickly and showed it by beating the boys at tug-of-war. Through simple and fun activities the youth were made aware of the issues involved in the working of an active group.

The camp helped the youth to get to know each other better and got the parish youth group off to a good start. The camp also included a meditation and a mass. All in all it was a great experience and it provided just what was needed to set the youth group in motion.

- John Athaide

Lectors Meet

The Lectors and Lector-to-be of our Parish met on 11 July in Our Lady's Room.
Twenty-six Readers were present while a few had informed they could not attend.
Three Hand-outs were given : 1) the Role of the Lector in the Ministry;
2) Guide-lines for Lectors in Proclamation; 3) Norms to be observed by all Lectors.
Bro. Owen suggested ways in which we could proclaim the 'Word' more effectively.
Each time we read, pray and listen to the Word of God, we pray that we may
understand it more fully, accept it more willingly and proclaim it whole-heartedly.

It was decided that the Lectors would meet every three months for a review of
Their functioning and implementation of any changes. The Group will henceforth
function with M/s. Lydia D'Souza as Coordinator and Elsa D'Silva as Assistant.
You may contact any of the above for particulars concerning this Ministry.

A Training Program for those interested in this Ministry of the Word was proposed
and is scheduled for the month of August. The three sessions will comprise
both techniques and skills followed by practice sessions. This Programme is
especially conducted for the Confirmed and to-be Confirmed youth of our parish,
to enable them to witness to their faith through the Proclamation of the Word.

Lectors Training Programme will commence on Wednesday, 15th August 2007.
All those interested, especially the recently confirmed youth of our Parish
are encouraged to undergo this training for the Ministry as Lectors.
The 3-Part Programme to be held on public holidays will span two hours of instruction on skills including practice.
You may register your name at the Parish Office by 10th August.

- Ms Lydia D'Souza

Editorial

Praying with Sacred Images
- Fr. P. Ribes, s.j.

Why do we have to attend Mass every Sunday?

Celebrating St. Ignatius Loyola
- Marie D'Souza

The Assumption Day of Independence
- Tess Mascarenhas

How would you like to be a Parish Priest?

Balloons???