BIS # 3514 BPO RETAIL AND MULTI SKILL COURSES FOR BPL YOUTH

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3514

BPO RETAIL AND MULTI SKILL COURSES FOR BPL YOUTH

Bro. Alex Gonsalves

WALVANDA-MAHARASHTA, MAY 20, 2013: A new milestone is fast moving ahead. Don Bosco Technical Institute, Walvanda launched BPO, retail and multi skill courses for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) youth from Thane district by Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), Walvanda. DBTI has added these new courses into the institute with the collaboration of DB-Tech, New Delhi and District Rural Development Authority (DRDA), Thane.

The course was inaugurated on May 06, 2013 and Mr Santhosh Rajput from Panchayat Samiti, Jawhar were the Chief Guest. Fr. George Quadros, Asst. Director DB-Tech and Fr. Anaclete D'mello, Director Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS) inspired the students with their speeches in the inauguration. Bro. Alex Gonsalves, Asst. Director BSVS, Mr Ringu Pillai, National Placement Coordinator DB-Tech, Mr Mahesh, State Coordinator DB-Tech and Skill training instructors were present at the inauguration.

 

DBTI would provide one month free training to eighty four BPL youth in three trades. Board and Lodge are free for the candidates. BSVS team has mobilized the BPL youth from Jawhar, Mokhada, Wada, Palghar and Dhanu Blocks of Thane district. Prior to the commencement of the training, Mr Ringu Pillai, DB-Tech Placement Coordinator has conducted employment opportunities study in nearby industrial areas and prepared a report. After the completion of the course, students would be provided job placements by the institute.

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BIS # 3513 LECTORS TRAINING COURSE ON READING SKILLS

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3513

LECTORS TRAINING COURSE ON READING SKILLS

By: Celine Pereira

 

   NORTH ARABIAN VICARIATE MAY 20, 2013: On Saturday May 18, sixty-five parishioners who desired <![if !vml]><![endif]>to join the Lectors Ministry of the St Therese of the Child Jesus Church in the North Arabian Vicariate participated in "Readers of the Word of God" – a brief training session on reading skills. This training was conducted by Christopher Pereira with support from Rosario Fernandes.

In order to prepare parishioners who feel led to join the Lectors Ministry at the STCJ Church, the Ministry typically conducts the Lectors Training Course in two sessions – a Reading Skills session and a Spiritual Session.

This session was special as it was also attended by the Konkani and the Malayalam Music and Liturgical ministry members apart from the regular English congregation.

The session started with a humble prayer by one of the participants. During the session, our Lectors learned some reading tips including impact of preparing and practicing well, voice clarity, positioning of the microphone, positioning of themselves when reading, usage of eye contact, usage of speed, volume, tone, importance of intonations, emphasis, emotions, importance of correct pronunciation and how to be confident when reading. Great emphasis was placed on "Preparation and Practice".

"What really struck me was Rosario's statement – we are not just merely reading from the Bible, we are proclaiming the word of God. If we keep that in mind, all else will follow" said one participant.

 

After having discussed the technique and process, the Lectors-in-training were put through a practical session. We formed small groups and practiced reading to our mini group. We also received very helpful feedback. Then a representative from each group came forward and practiced reading to the larger group and received feedback too.

"This was a great learning exercise for us as we could observe others and become aware of some of our own shortcomings. It also helped us overcome stage-fright in a smaller group" said another participant.

"It was very inspiring to see the Malayalam readers reading in Malayalam in front of everyone, while the Konkani readers used the English readings for practice."

The session ended with a Thanksgiving prayer by one of the Malayalam community members asking God to shower all of us His Grace to proclaim the word of God well.

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BIS # 3512 BOSCO SUMMER CLUB PICNIC

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3512

BOSCO SUMMER CLUB PICNIC

By: Dn. Shekar Mariadas Sdb

BORIVLI-MUMBAI, MAY 18, 2013:  The wonderful part of summer club is picnic, which was to a Farm Resort on Friday May 17, where the children enjoyed themselves to the full. There were forty five children, twelve volunteers and some parents who accompanied their little ones.

We began the picnic at 07.00am at Gorai across Borivli West, from where we proceeded to our picnic spot. By God's grace and with Fr. Allwyn's help the travelling was wonderful without any problem.

As soon as we reached the resort we had a short prayer and recited the Rosary after which we distributed some snacks to the children. Breakfast was served for all of us at 09.30am, after which they played some games organized by the volunteers.

 

As the pool opened, all jumped into the pool and enjoyed swimming till lunch.

We got out of the pool at 01pm for lunch after which we had housie and some spot prizes. Later we spend another hour in the water enjoying the each other's company.

Over all it was indeed a wonderful day out in the company of children.

Before we packed up to go home, we maintained few moments of silence. We thanked God and prayed for all our benefactors, friends, the parish fathers, well-wishers and volunteers for giving us this happy and fun-filled day.

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OUTREACH PROGRAMME IN CHILDREN'S HOME

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3511

OUTREACH PROGRAMME IN CHILDREN'S HOME

By: BIS Correspondent

ANDHERI-MUMBAI, May 15, 2013: Don Bosco Balprafulta organized a ten days outreach programme for the Care and Protection Of children and <![if !vml]><![endif]>Juveniles in conflict with law of Government run children's Home in Dongri from May 02 – 10, 2013.

The main objective was to train young children in scouting and imbibe Values which would enable them to empower themselves to face problems and build their inner self. This enabled our staff to interact with these children and help them enhance their innate potentialities.

The Programme included input sessions which were conducted in four batches. These sessions were more of a participatory learning activity designed to support a therapeutic process. The boys were shown the value of healing their past and to look positively to the near future.

The Input Sessions conducted by our staff included a lot of drawing and art work. The responses of the children were quite edifying and   they gave vent to their pent up emotions and expressed themselves freely through symbols and drawings.

The children were gradually introduced to scouting through clippings about Baden Powell camp life, scout prayer song, tent pitching, scouting as a worldwide movement and also use of basic knots. For this outreach Don Bosco Youth service (Matunga) lent their scouting tents which the children pitched. Tent pitching was very exciting.

In the activity schedule, an entire day was dedicated for the Juveniles in Conflict with law section too. Wherein the activities like hula hoop accompanied with music and dancing was conducted. They also screened a movie called 'Sahi Disha' (Right Direction) which imparted good values to lead a productive life. Through daily games, songs, yells and claps made the outreach programme an unforgettable experience for all these children.

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Another part of the schedule was Hair cutting session.  The boys who willingly wanted to trim their hair were given an opportunity to do so with the able guidance of Br. Michael one of our staff who was trained to cut the hair of the boys.  In all eighteen boys had the privilege to trim their hair.

The Children faces were lit up with joy and contentment they expressed their gratitude with their warmth and smiles. Children's Home became truly a child friendly Home which made a difference to these innocent lives. Truly this intervention was a fulfilling experience to our team in Don Bosco Balprafulta. The Children expressed their desire and wishes to our staff to conduct such programmes in the near future. This outreach did help our staff of the children's Home   to learn innovation skills on scouting and train the boys in self-discipline through this programme.

This entire outreach gave DBBP staff an insight into the hard realities of our children (boys), how they have landed here and how much they wish to return home. The entire outreach gave DBBP an insight and experience of how to conduct such programmes in the near future.

It was truly a journey that our whole staff collaborated and was fully present to these young children by giving their services and skill in making the Home a child friendly atmosphere.

The outreach was conducted by DBBP staff under the able guidance of Br. Michael Gaikwad sdb.

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BIS # 3510 DON BOSCO VOCATION CAMPS 2013 AT DB LONAVALA

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3510

DON BOSCO VOCATION CAMPS 2013 AT DB LONAVALA

By: CL. AVIL CORREA SDB

MATUNGA-MUMBAI, May 14, 2013: Enthusiastic young Vocation probable had a foretaste of the cradle of Salesian vocations at Don Bosco Lonavala. 'The Seniors' Vocation Camp for Aspirants witnessed forty five youngsters from May 2-6, while 'the Juniors' camp for Apostolic boys registered forty two youngsters from May 8-11, 2012. The peaceful climate itself was the most pleasant welcome that Lonavala could offer to the campers.

'Discover Yourself' was the theme for the first day. The campers were divided into teams which were named after great Salesian Legends: Frs. Casarotti, Jimmu (Cajetan Lobo), Maschio and Br. PM Thomas. These names were given, not just to keep their memories alive, but in order to serve as an inspiration to the young seekers. The exciting ice-breakers facilitated the campers to know each other better. They were invited to make commitments after having explained to them the purpose of the camp.In the evening, Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial of the Mumbai Province, guided them to discover themselves and their God given talents. Each camper was invited to write his talents and their purpose on a paper leaf that was later attached to a barren tree. Fr. Fernandes emphasized on the uniqueness of every person. The evening games allowed the campers to break free within the contours of the rules of Basketball and Football.

 

The theme of the second day was 'Discover Don Bosco'. The day began with an interactive Lectio Divina conducted by Fr. Cletus D'Souza, Rector of Don Bosco – Lonavala, on miracle of the 'Five Loaves and Two Fish.' Fr. D'Souza invited the campers to make an offering to the Lord of the qualities that they had for the sake of others. A short movie on the life of Don Bosco was then screened to enable all to know who Don Bosco really was. Thereafter, a panel discussion followed on various Salesian works that were held in the province. Fr. Xavier Devdas, Br. Savio D'Mello, Cl. Johnson Kshirsagar and Cl. Avil Correa shared their vocation stories and the various stages of formation. These talks were indeed inspiring.In the afternoon, the campers learnt to make badges with the help of string art and they also made pouches out of waste cloth. The singing class helped the campers to participate actively in the daily Eucharist, Praise and Worship and the Taize prayer service. The evening thunder and lightning tournaments kept the campers on their toes. The day ended with the 'Thirty Seconds to Fame' wherein the campers showcased their giftedness.

The third day began with an animated meditation by Fr. Osborn Futardo, Vocation Promoter, wherein the campers acted out various scenes depicting the Good Samaritan in a modern day context. The theme of the day was 'Discovering God within others'. Fr. Glenford Lowe provided an orientation to the campers on the call of the various prophets and the stages of discerning and responding to the call. The Aspirants got an opportunity to go for an outreach to Thakurli village inhabited by the Adivasis of Lonavala. The campers presented skits on social awareness, while the children were entertained with some lively action songs. As a social contribution, the campers cleaned up the village entrance that was littered with non-biodegradable material. An enriching reflection was drawn from the outreach. The day culminated with a rich Taize prayer.

The juniors went home on the fourth day while the seniors had some more enriching sessions. The teachers from the three streams of the Junior College spoke to the aspirants about the subjects and the curriculum of the Junior College. Fr. Lorenzo D'Souza, Principal of Don Bosco Lonavala, explained the annual activities and academics of the Junior College. The last day witnessed the celebration of the feast of St. Dominic Savio. The campers wrote a letter of petition to St. Dominic Savio during the meditation; the same were offered symbolically during the solemn Holy Eucharist. They were exhorted to imbibe the cheerful sanctity of Dominic Savio. A grand 'Savio Nite' organized by the clerics and Pre Novices was a moment to remember. Throughout the course of the two camps, the youngsters were exposed to rich Salesian traditions, practices and customs.

These camps would not have been possible without the meticulous planning of the camp chief Fr. Ajoy Fernandes and his Vocation Team. The young Salesian Clerics and the Pre Novices were of great help in executing the various activities of the camp. The animating team remains indebted to the community of Don Bosco, Lonavala.

May the Lord of the harvest, continue to call many more youngsters to work in His vineyard.

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BIS # 3509 INTRODUCING SCC TO THE KONKANI SPEAKING PARISHIONERS

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3509

 

INTRODUCING SCC TO THE KONKANI SPEAKING PARISHIONERS

 

By:  Rinni D'souza

 

NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE MAY 13, 2013:  On Friday May 10, 2013, five hundred members of the Konkani Community gathered together for a presentation on Small Christian Communities (SCCs). This was the first in a series of faith-related discourses planned by the community in this Year of Faith. With the recent launch of SCCs in our Parish, the community felt the need to empower the community with information on SCCs so that they could join or set-up SCCs in their own neighbourhoods.

 

The presentation began with a reading from the Acts of the Apostles Ch. 2:42 "they were constant in listening to the teaching of the Apostles and in their attendance at the Communion, that is, the Breaking of the Bread, and at prayer". The group were informed that this scripture laid the foundation for Small Christian Communities (SCC); a way for evangelization, a way of life to reach the promised land where Jesus was taken up after his resurrection from the dead.

 

Mr Rudy D'souza, a parishioner, was invited to share his testimony as an active member of SCCs which were started circa 1988 in the Holy Family Church Omzoor, Mangalore. Mr D'souza was an active member of his SCC for sixteen years and had a wealth of information and experiences to share with us. The community is indeed blessed to have Mr D'souza in our midst to guide and mentor us!

 

The community was then introduced to the Lectio Divina – a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. Through a seven step technique of Bible Study, the community was enlightened as to how SCCs can promote communion with God and the church while increasing the knowledge of God's Living Word.

 

The entire community was deeply touched by this meaningful discourse. Great interest and enthusiasm was expressed in getting suitably trained in the Lectio Divina technique of Bible Study so as to build SCCs in our own buildings and neighbourhoods. There was also a request for a Gospel sharing session at least once a month.

 

                

 

 

 

 

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BIS # 3508 IN SEARCH OF SALESIAN WAY OF LIFE

BIS Mumbai                                  

BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3508

 

IN SEARCH OF SALESIAN WAY OF LIFE

 

By: Cl. Kiran

 

KAPADVANJ-GUJARAT, MAY 11, 2013:  Don Bosco Kapadvanj had organized a vocation camp from May 01 to 07, 2013 for the boys who are aspiring to become a priest.

 

The Don Bosco House, Kapadvanj hosted the Vocation camp for the boys from Vernacular medium for the Mumbai Province. Br. Kiran from Nasik co-operated with Br. Shaun in organizing games and various classes. Students from Lonavala, Nilesh, Simon and Julion also rendered a big help. 

 

There were twenty nine boys who attended the camp. There were fifteen from Madhya Pradesh, ten from Gujarat, and three from Maharashtra and one from Rajasthan. This camp was an opportunity for the boys to know and learn more about Salesians and discern their calling to the Salesian religious vocation.

 

The camp began on a very good note as Don Bosco Kapadvanj was blessed with the presence of Bishop Thomas for the inaugural mass. He gave basic orientation to the camp.

 

In the homily, he expressed the need of religious vocation in the church. In a special way he expressed the need of priests in the diocese of Ahmedabad. After supper he made sure that he meets all the Gujarat candidates to have some friendly conversation with them.

 

The Camp actually started on May 02, 2013. During the course of the camp there were many fathers and brothers who came and shared their experiences about the kind of apostolate they are doing.

 

A special thanks to Fr. Pravin, Br. Anthony Manikam, Fr. James Tuscano, Fr. Gregory D'Almeida , Fr. Ashwin Macwan and Fr. Isaac for giving their valuable time and also encouraged the youth to join this kind of apostolate.

 

The focus was not only on youth work or towards priesthood but also towards social work and lay brotherhood which enabled them to think in a bigger perspective. There were other sessions also like knowing oneself and living life of happiness which was more important for their personal growth.

 

This camp gave an opportunity to the candidates to express themselves and know more about themselves. During the camp many activities were conducted which helped them to face an audience, thus building their self-confidence. The timetable was based on the daily house time-table of the year in order to maintain the daily routine of the house.

 

On the last two days, Fr. Mayank, Fr. Ivan, and Fr. Ranald interviewed the boys and got an overview of their experience here. They also made a note of their family background, prayer life and their ambitions.

 

At the end of the camp, candidates expressed their feeling and gratitude towards the fathers and brothers of the camp. For most of them, it was very enriching experience, and also very enjoyable stay. Most of them expressed that after the camp and the inputs given they would like to come to this place and also join the Salesian congregation.

 

                  

 

 

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