Before
the start of the SCC in our parish, around 1985, Bazaar
road functioned as a 'Basic Christian Community' i.e.
the BCC which was started by Bishop Bosco in the yr
1980. Few of the residents of Bazaar road came together
and formed this community to spread the love of Christ
by helping others. They started a number of activities
in order to bring people together and reach out to
others. They had yearly community masses, visits to
the orphanage, pilgrimages to the Mount and also get-togethers.
In fact Bazaar road was responsible for starting a
study class at St. Sebastian's hall where not so well
to do children were offered academic help. In the
1990's the 'Small Christian Community' was started
and our zone was given the name 'Mary help of Christians'
according to the directives of the church. Through
the years the priests of St. Peter's and the nuns
of St. Josephs Convent have helped shape the zone
by giving their guidance and help whenever necessary.
Bazaar road had been one of the most active zones
in the parish.
In 2007 with the help of Fr. Joel,
Bazaar road formed its first youth group. This group
co-ordinates and initiates many of the activities
in the zone with the help of the animators. Some of
their activities are as follows
SENIOR CITIZEN GET-TOGETHERS
The youth have a monthly senior citizen get-together
where they invite the senior citizens for a fun filled
evening of prayer, singing and dancing to some classic
oldies.
CHRISTMAS CHEER
To bring in the Christmas cheer, the children along
with a few of the youth went around different places
in Bazaar road singing Christmas carols a week before
Christmas. They also invited everyone to a zonal Christmas
get-together held on the 26th of December. It was
an evening of fellowship through games, dancing and
scrumptious food.
LENTAL PROGRAM
During the lental season, the Stations of the Cross
were conducted at St. Joseph's chapel in Bazaar Road
After Easter we had our annual zonal mass at St. Sebastian's
hall followed by a get-together. Fr. Joel celebrated
the mass. After the gospel reading everyone present
shared their view of what the reading meant to them
instead of the homely. Everyone then enjoyed snacks
prepared by the youth and a fun bible quiz.
Fr. Ribes who is our zonal priest personally spent
time with each of the families as he went blessing
our houses after Easter.
Recently in July, we had a prayer meeting for those
receiving conformation in our zone where the animators
got to know them and prayed for them and their families.
SPLASH AND SPARKLES
Our creative and enthusiastic children, youth as well
as adults in Bazaar road are ever ready and willing
to participate in the church events. We have been
participating in great nos. for splash and sparkles,
be it putting up plays or playing the crazy games.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
We also conduct other activities such as pilgrimages
to the Mount, parent's day get-togethers and out reach
programs. The youth also went for a picnic.
Keeping the name of our zone in mind we believe in
helping others. We have been to St. Catherine's home
as well as ashray a number of times.
Also keeping up with the tradition, as every year
last year too we got together to make flags for Christ
the king feast.
On 9th of October, around 30 people
from the zone went on a walking pilgrimage to the
Mount. A lovely mass was concelebrated by Fr. Joel.
It was especially nice to see even the senior citizens,
who could not walk come at least for the mass.
We hope in the days to come we are
able to reach out to more people and spread the love
and joy of Christ.
Zonal priest: Fr. Peter Ribes
Zonal sister: Sr. Marina
Zonal co-ordinator: Candida Crasto
Contact no: 98202 53226
