Event Management Team

This is perhaps the first for a Parish and the Parish in question is our very own St. Peter’s. What we are talking about is the Event Management Team - a group of dedicated and hard working Parishioners who have selflessly given of their time and expertise to organize different events in the Parish.

In the short span of just seven months, this team with the encouragement of Fr. Gerard Rodricks and ably supported by Fr. Lawrie Ferrao was able to produce a hat trick – three outstanding events which helped to bring the community at St. Peter’s in a spirit of togetherness with the youth competing with the elderly; the clergy sportingly mingling with the laity and hundreds who just stood at the sidelines cheering their fellow parishioners.

Right at the outset it was decided to have a parish get-together to celebrate the feast of our patron saint, St. Peter. The event management team put their heads together and voila, “SPARKLES 2005” was born. It was a seven day extravaganza which began on the 7th November and ended on the 13th November. Sparkles spelt entertainment for all age groups.

The event witnessed a dazzling display of prowess and ingenuity on the sports field with eight teams competing against each other in a spirit of friendliness. No efforts were spared by Ashley Burroughs and his team to make this event a "Sporting Encounter" of a different kind. Every evening from 7th – 11th November, the basketball court was packed with frenzied crowds delirious with excitement. What gave a twist to the teams was its composition – all age groups had to be represented in the team.

Sparkles 2005 - Sporting Encounter

The highlight of this event was the fun-filled weekend which was an extravaganza of a different kind. 12th and 13th mornings were devoted to Competitions in the field of Story Telling, Hair Braiding, Rangoli, Face Painting, Graffiti and many more which showcased the hidden talents of our youngsters. The kids Fancy Dress was a complete sellout while the Bonny Babies were indeed Cho-chweet. The older age group also had something for them like the Flower Arrangement Contest and Aunties Especiale.

Sparkles 2005 - A few of the competitions

But the Mini Fete in the evenings was the talk of the town. The crowds were unprecedented. With a small entrance fee of Rs 2/- people of all age groups brushed shoulders with each other vying for the appetizing food items, the stage shows and the exciting games. Special mention must be made that the stage shows showcased items that were put up solely by the zones and by any standards they would give other stage performers a run for their money. The zones captivated the attention of the audience with their innovative presentation style and costumes. The Almeida Park zone was even invited by the “Celebrate Bandra” committee to perform for them.

Sparkles 2005 - Mini Fete

Undoubtedly this event remains unparalleled and three cheers to the event management team for infusing life into St. Peter’s.

A few months later the event management team got together for another event. In April 2006, being the season of Lent, they decided to stage the Stations of the Cross - but with a difference. After much brainstorming and research, they came up with the idea of presenting the Stations of the Cross in a very innovative and soul searching way. Under the very talented Fr. Lawrie, the team was led to a deeper understanding of the way of the Cross. “No Condolences Please” – the way of the Cross through the eyes of Mary.

No Condolences Please – now tell me what kind of a title is that for the enactment of the sufferings of Christ? This itself created a sense of curiosity among the parishioners. But the event management team went that extra mile to make it a spectacular display of audio-video presentation, live enactment interspersed with animated scenes. They spared no effort to put across their message and the congregation got it. It was a 90 minute presentation of reflection and prayer. The grounds were packed to capacity – our only regret was that we had only one presentation. But we were able to capture it on VCD for posterity. The VCD’s are available at the Parish Office.

It was indeed a beautiful prelude to the Holy Week that followed. The parishioners realized that Mary does not need or want our sympathy. Instead she wants us to follow her son’s footsteps and carry our cross willingly.

Another feather in the event management teams cap – an effort that paid rich dividends.

This brings us now to the third event – “SPLASH 2006”. This event was meant to target the youth in particular. Fr. Gerard Rodricks was keen to have something for the youth in the month of May – perhaps a May Ball or simply a get-together of all the youth of our Parish. Again it was Clyde Curry, Ashley Burroughs and Genny Martins who took up the challenge and made Splash 2006 a reality.

From a one day event, it snowballed into five days of clean fun and games. The first day i.e. 16th May, witnessed a very wholesome and interactive sporting encounter of the different parishes in Bandra. What with their mascots and cheerleading teams, the grounds were turned into a kaleidoscope of colour and vibrancy. The remaining four days were devoted to the parish youth – four teams sportingly participated in the crazy games and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Splash 2006

Splash 2006 culminated in the rain dance which was a complete sell out, in fact it left them asking for more. The heavens may not have opened but Clyde and Ashley with their special ingenuity were able to create ‘rain’ - and the youth had a real “SPLASH”.

There was also a food court with seating arrangements and a children’s corner which helped to enhance the community experience.

The inter-parish tournament was won by St. Andrew’s with St. Peter’s as the Runners-up and on our home turf; it was the “Martinis” who emerged the winners.

Congratulations to all and thanks to our parish priest Fr. Gerard and Fr. Lawrie for their support and the event management team. Special thanks to all our sponsors who made these events possible.