'THEOLOGY FOR THE LAITY' COURSE TO START IN CALCUTTA ARCHDIOCESE COURSE-II / 2024 – 25

Hosea 4: 6 "My people will perish because of lack of knowledge."

On 25th May 2024 His Holiness Pope Francis addressing the general assembly of the pontifical mission societies insisted on a renewed commitment to the Second Vatican Council Constitutions on Sacred Liturgy, Light of the Nations, Word of God, and the Church in the Modern World. The purpose and mission of the Church is “making everyone know and live the 'new' communion that the Son of God made man has introduced into the history of the world” (Praedicate Evangelium, I, 4).

Following up on the success of 2023-24 Theology course Most Rev. Thomas D'Souza (Archbishop of Calcutta) and Father Dominic GomesVG (Director of Bible Commission) met with Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose MSFS (Dean of Morning Star Regional Seminary) and the fruit of this meeting was the decision to structure the 'Theology for the Laity 2024-2025' course in line with the Holy Father Pope Francis's exhortation on the Constitutions of the II Vatican Council.

Theology for the Laity 2023-2024 course conducted by the Morning Star Regional Seminary faculty under the aegis of the Bible Commission concluded successfully on 24 April 2024. 58 lay members from our parishes completed the course with distinction and received their certificates at the hands of Archbishop Rev. Thomas D'Souza. This year-long course covered subjects such as Christology, Mariology, the Doctrine of the Trinity, sanctification through the Sacraments, Social Teachings of the Church, the fundamental principles of Catholic Liturgy, Lay Spirituality deals with the role of the Laity both in the Church and the society at large and much more.

From June this year the Bible Commission of Calcutta Archdiocese has started the process of training animators (from amongst the 2023-24 Course graduates) and forming Bible Cells in every parish with the aim of maintaining a continuity in theological teaching-learning process to ensure a spread in theological knowledge at the parish grassroots level.

To maintain the continuity of teaching-learning at the Diocesan level, the Bible Commission in association with Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore will commence the second year of “Theology for the Laity 2024-2025” course with an inauguration ceremony on Saturday 13 July 2024 at the Archbishop's House.

It is a reality that the Church in today's modern times is faced with a variety of challenges, both from within and without, that are temporal, spiritual, cultural and intellectual in nature. Besides, this our Holy Father Pope Francis has, through the Synodal process, exhorting the Church to live a Christian life in mission mode of service and hope in the world. The Church is the united body of Christ comprising the clergy, religious and lay faithful.

Today we have a large number of lay people, young and old, actively involved in the service of the Church and the communities at large through the Pastoral Commissions and various ministries of the parish action groups who also proclaiming the Word of God. Moreover, it is the laity who are truly immersed in the world of families, communities, work, and public life. In order to face these challenges, we need more and more lay Catholics who have sound theological knowledge of so as to the various aspects of the Faith be able to practice it meaningfully and fruitfully while engaging actively in the pastoral endeavors of the Church.

The lesson content for 2024 – 2025 course to be covered over a period of 32 days (classes) will provide an opportunity for the Laity to be well-informed on following subjects:

Besides an email letter to all Parish Priests from the Head of the Bible Commission, Father Dominic Gomes, the newly appointed Animators and other members of the Commission will be visiting the Parishes in the Calcutta Archdiocese to encourage the laity to register for the course. During the month of June, the Commission will also publicise this Course through posters, banners and flyers giving the subjects to be covered and other details of the course will be handed out for further information.

Archbishop Thomas D'Souza has announced that a course on 'Theology for the Laity' will be conducted by Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore in collaboration with Calcutta Archdiocese's Bible Commission headed by Father Dominic Gomes. From Morning Star, the course will be conducted and coordinated by Rector Revd. Fr. Dr. George Panthanmackel, MSFS; Dean of Theology Revd. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose, MSFS; and Dean of Philosophy Revd. Fr. Dr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy, MSFS.

Triduum Celebration at Our Lady of Happy Voyage Church, Howrah

 

Our Lady of Happy Voyage Church, Howrah did not only celebrate 77 years of Independence but two more great events that is The Feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary and The Feast of the church on 15th August, 2023. The day began with hoisting the Indian Tricolour flag, while little children waved the miniature version in pride. 

The day cannot be complete without the Word of God. The main celebrant for the bilingual mass was His Grace Thomas D’ Souza and the co-celebrants were Rev. Fr. Sunil Kujur the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Devraj Fernandes the Principal of St. Aloysius School and co pastor of the parish and Rev. Fr. Anjeet Ekka. At the end of the mass His Grace was felicitated as he is celebrating 25 glorious years of his Episcopal Ordination. 

After mass there was a cultural programme organised by the various groups of the church. The congregation gather in the school auditorium and enjoyed skits, songs and dances based on Mother Mary and the nation. During the programme around 30 plus children from Sunday school (English and Hindi section) was awarded for regularity by the Archbishop and 20 plus were felicitated as they accomplished success in various educational fields.

There was a scrumptious lunch served for all who joined in the celebration. The day ended with a football tournament organised by the parish youth. The youth of the church of OLHV had organized a intra parish futsal tournament for the youth of the parish. There were 6 teams and each team consisted of 6 players and after a day of great enthusiasm, dedication from the players the winner was Howrah Fc United , and the team who secured 2nd position was Jerusalem United and the team secured 3rd position was San Antonio Commanders. Among the players Anil Sebastian was the Best Goal keeper and Daniel Govia was the highest goal Scorer.

Kolkata WeCare & Seva Kendra combined to work with KMC

On 22nd July, 2023, Saturday, the Director of Seva Kendra Calcutta, Fr. Anthony Rodrick together with Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General organized a gathering for the staff of Seva Kendra Calcutta, distinguished personalities from different fields of work and Principals of prestigious schools of Kolkata at the premises of Seva Kendra Calcutta. 

At the gathering the core committee of Kolkata WeCare got an opportunity to learn about the genesis of Seva Kendra Calcutta, it’s Vision and Mission, the thematic areas it covers, namely- Environment, Health Care, Education, Social Justice, Livelihood, Food Security and Campaigns & Events, its areas of operation within the Districts of West Bengal, namely – Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, 24 Parganas (N) and part of Bankura . 

The presentation touched several facets of work and involvement of Seva Kendra Calcutta within its area of operation. Rapport building and networking with the stakeholders of Khanaberia, Junior Balaka Sangha, Boinchtala, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, NRS Hospital D.N.DE. Homeopathy College&Hospital to name a few. 

Over the years and through many projects, Seva Kendra Calcutta worked in collaboration with Kolkata Municipal Corporation to create awareness on various subjects, life threatening diseases (such as Dengue, Malaria, HIV AIDS) would be one of them through rallies, auto campaigns, to reach out to a large mass of people within several wards of Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Over the years through various projects, Seva Kendra Calcutta has been successful in empowering the CBOs or Community Based Organizations or the beneficiaries – the children, the youth, the women, the men and the elderly through various workshops on Group Building, Community Led Development & Group Management for the Social Act ion Group and Community Action Group members, Situation, Problem and Stakeholders Analysis, 74th Amendment & Social Legislation, just to name a few, which subsequently resulted in the incontestable and incredible initiatives taken by the community members to improve their neighborhood, the environment, the social environment etc. 

Some of the incredible initiatives worth mentioning are – dropout re-enrollment in schools, pond cleaning in Motijheel, construction and repair of toilets in Motijheel and Vaishali, transforming Barua Maidan in Motijheel from a dumping g round into a playground for the community children and the youth of Motijheel, installation of compactor machine opposite Loreto Convent to improve conditions of sanitation, plantation drives within the community and at schools. 

Seva Kendra Calcutta has conducted several activities at schools such as health camps, plantation drives, awareness generation programs etc. in a bid to create awareness of environment, health & hygiene and social environment. 

SKC is privileged to run a project on Prevention of Substance Abuse and Tuberculosis wherein, it deals with drug addicts and links the latter with rehabilitation centers for recovery. SKC is currently, producing cotton bags to replace the use of plastic in a bid to save the environment. Thus, the involvement of Seva Kendra Calcutta in various activities was discussed in a nut shell. 

Next, we had the core members of the Kolkata WeCare, graciously took the time to present their commitment and sense of mission for the society by working with Seva Kendra Calcutta and other Non-Governmental Organizations in Kolkata,The City of Joy. They were delighted to learn that their mission aligned perfectly well with the mission and the activities implemented over the years by Seva Kendra Calcutta. They stressed on plantation drives, recycling of wastes, adoption of the practice of collecting wet and dry wastes separately at schools and institutions, conduct plastic free campaigns to promote the usage of eco-friendly products, cotton and jute bags at schools and introduce environment literacy to students at schools. 

Towards the end of the discussion, one of the dignitaries professed his desire and earnest intention to revive the heritage of Kolkata and bring back its glorious past. Prior concluding the meeting, the main pointers were revisited for more clarity. Finally, the discussion ended on a very positive note.

Dumka plans for Synod- BEC Convention

A group of priests and Religious from Jharkhand region decided to hold a Convention from October 12 to 15, 2023 in Dumka . 80 priests and religious present for the orientation on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) July 10 to 12 in Dumka social service center unanimously decided to animate people for the convention. The theme for the convention is “to enlarge the Tent in our neighbourhood for all people”, said Bishop Julius Marandi of Dumka and chairman of Jharkhand BEC Commission.

This is also an occasion to thank God for 150 years of blessings on Jharkhand, said Sr. Christin Joseph, HC from Calcutta. The Gospel message have reached all corners of the state during these years.

Sr. Christin facilitated the sessions on synod, BEC and the role of Priests and religious in the BEC. Fr. I.P. Sarto, Regional Coordinator of BEC in Bengal took a session on Ministries in Basic Ecclesial communities and in the parishes.

The Diocesan Service Team (DST) members of Dumka diocese conducted meaningful Bible veneration everyday. Bishop Julius Marandi of Dumka inaugurated the orientation and encouraged the priests and religious to be prophets in the present world. Fr. Solomon, SJ of Dumka Province spoke to the participants about the need of unity among all people of good will and to work jointly for the welfare of the marginalized tribals in Jharkhand.

The Synod-BEC Convention will gather people form nearly 20 dioceses, said Fr. Sonaton Kisku,Vicar General of Dumka. This convention will empower people to know the constitutional rights of all and to work for the dignity of all without any discrimination, said Sr. Christin, one of the main organisers of the convention.

Representatives of youth, Lay animators, pastoral sisters, priests and bishops will attend the convention. Different committees are formed to plan for the convention. Sharing of faith experience, role of laity, social analysis of the present situation, enlarging our tents for all people of good will to experience the love of Christ, Exposure to villages, Gospel sharing and a mega Bible procession are some of the events planned for the convention. We expect more laity for the convention, said Fr. Louis Maria Joseph, Parish Priest of Maharo in Dumka I have sent personal invitation to all the Bishops of Jharkhand, Bengal and Bihar and hope all would attend this convention, said Bishop Julius Marandi, the host for the convention. We plan to accommodate the participants in the families of our faithful, said Fr. Pius Marandi, Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dumka.

Bible Commission on track to Launch Theology Course for the Laity

On Saturday 24th June 2023 members of the Bible Commission gathered for a special meeting chaired by the Commissions’ Head Fr. Dominic Gomes. The agenda was finalization of the inaugural program to launch the ‘Theology for the Laity’ course that is slated to start shortly on 8th July 2023 at the Archbishop House.

At the start, Bible Commission members who had been visiting different parishes to announce the course and motivate people to join the course reported their largely positive and encouraging response from Parish Priests and parishioners. The total number of persons enrolled for the course was 56 and rising with a few more days to go the Commission expect s the numbers to cross 65. It was also agreed that one-time payment of the nominal registration and course fees (total of Rs 1,200) should not be an impediment to enrol for the course and people may pay a sis convenient for them. 

A WhatsApp group is being setup to keep all course students informed about classes and other relevant information. All those who have enrolled should already have seen their numbers included on this ‘Theology Course Group’, if not then should please contact the person they enrolled through or Fr. Dominic directly.

Another important matter of maintaining continuity of the course and it was suggested that students taking this course who are not already members of the Bible Commission Cells in their Parishes join the Cells and if there is yet no Bible Cell in the Parish then they should start such a Cell with the help and encouragement of the Parish Priest. Also, the students will be provided with short encapsulated modules on each of the themes covered during the duration of the course and they should take this back for sharing sessions in their own parishes through the Bible Cells and or other types of special sessions organized in consultation with Parish Priests. This will ensure an opportunity for the joy of sharing and spreading the learnings related to the Word of God and Catechism of the Catholic Church with others. The inaugural program for 8th July would start with a solemn Bible procession and enthronement with opening hymns and prayer followed by felicitation of the dignitaries. A welcome message will be delivered by Archbishop, His Grace Thomas Dsouza and a message by Rector of Morning Star Seminary Rev Fr. Dr. George Panthanmackel MSFS. Fr. Dominic Gomes will speak on the genesis, continuation and purpose of the Bible courses held so far in the Archdiocese followed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose’s talk on the dynamics and salient features of the course. Closing hymn, Bible blessings, vote of thanks will close the inaugural program. Following a fellowship tea-snack break the first class of the course will start after a self-introduction by all the students.

Based on his earlier discussions with Rev Fr. Dr. Henry Jose MSFS (Dean of Theology), Most Rev Archbishop Thomas D’Souza imparted encouraging message through his announcement at the recently held Priests’ Recollection regarding the importance and vitality of this Course. It is also recorded in Archbishop’s Circular RCAC/Cir-10/2023 to the Clergy, Consec rated Persons and Lay Faithful. My Sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the Bible Commission members for their generous help and support for mobilising all the parishes for the Theology Course of the Laity.

Come Let Us Pray…. Urged by the Catholic Association of Bengal.

 

“Where two or three our gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Mathew 18:20)

Sunday 11th June 2023: The Catholic Association of Bengal organised an ‘All Faith Prayer Service’ at Don Bosco School Park Circus to specially remember and pray for the situation in Manipur and the families of the victims of the recent train accident in Orissa.

There were more than hundred people attending the service of quiet reflection and intercessory prayers by various religious sections. The program began at 4 p.m. Different religious and political leaders flocked to pray as one big community.

There were prayers for different intentions: For peace in the country, for leaders of our country, for inter-religious harmony, for the well-being of the leaders and the people of West Bengal, etc.We had religious leaders from various faiths who were invited to pray. Among them were representations from the Catholic Church, Armenian Church, Orthodox Church, Methodist Church, Assembly of God Church, Church of North India, FGS Kolkata Temple, Parsi Fire Temple, Sikh Community, Sindhi Community , Shia Community, the Muslim Community and Rama Krishna Mission. There were also Religious Sisters from QMS and Missionaries of Charity. Indeed, it was a wonderful and large representation of so many leaders of different faiths coming together under one roof praying for the same cause.

One cannot deny the presence of political leaders who left their busy schedule to pray together. We at CAB were honoured and privileged to have them in our midst. Among them we had the honourable MP Smt. Mala Roy, MP Janab Nadim- Ul -Haque, Honourable Minister of Disaster Management - Janab Javed Ahmad Khan, Vice-President of the TMC Jay Prakash Ma zumdar, former MP Imran Hasan and Dr. Qasim and honourable MLA Vivek Gupta. We also had the presence of Mr Shibuprasanum - the Chairman of the Heritage Committee and an artist by profession.

The Prayer Service was held to pray and to stir a deep devotion in this difficult time to beseech the mercy of God on our Mother Earth and specially our Beloved country India in general and West Bengal in particular.

The success of this prayer service goes to the President, Mrs Angelina Mantosh Jasnani and the Treasurer Mr. Colin Fitzgerald who took this initiative and worked tirelessly and selflessly, along with their EC members. We at CAB feel so blessed and thank God for uniting us as one big family irrespective of caste and religion, praying together for peace, harmony and brotherhood

Calcutta Archdiocese Speaks from the Heart

Kolkata 27 May 2023 - The Archdiocesan Social Communication Commission (ASCC) organised a Panel Discussion, "Speaking with the Heart," on the theme of World Communications Day, which was marked the previous Sunday.

The panellists for the discussion came from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Sandra Singh, a retired teacher and Lay Missionary of Charity, has been actively involved in volunteering at the Emmaus Retreat Centre and teaching street children in Kolkata.

Father P.J. Joseph SJ, the Director of Chitrabani and former head of the Vatican Radio's English Service for South Asia, brought his expertise in media and communication to the panel. Mario Martin Louis, of St. Xavier’s University, who has also held senior positions in leading hospitals in Kolkata, and is also active in philanthropy.

Andrilla Mary Peterson, an MA in English and B.Ed. student , had previous leadership roles within the Church and is currently involved in the Parish Council and Synodal Team. Sister Monica Suchiang IBVM, a Loreto nun, currently the Director of Kolkata Mary Ward SocialCentre (KMWSC) and a strong advocate for women's rights.

The moderator for the panel discussion was the Reverend V. Gnana Peppin, a diocesan priest known for speaking from the heart. Father Peppin worked with youth for much of the 2 decades of priesthood and directs the family apostolate in the Archdiocese of Calcutta.

During the panel discussion, the participants spoke openly and shared their personal experiences , emphasising the role of love in communication. They expressed that love is essential in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection. When communication is grounded in love , individuals listen attentively, speak with kindness, and seek to understand others' emotions and perspectives. Love creates a safe and nurturing environment where communication flourishes, leading to deeper relationships and mutual respect.

The panel discussion was live-streamed for those who could not attend in person, and is also available for viewing on the Archdiocese YouTube channel. Mr. Farrell Shah, Archdiocesan Director for Social Communications, expressed gratitude to all the panellists for their active participation; and the Vicar General , V. Reverend Dominic Gomes, offered concluding remarks and blessed the event.

World Social Communications Day is an annual event observed by the Catholic Church to highlight the importance of effective and meaningful communication in fostering understanding, respect, and unity among individuals. By tradition Pope Francis delivers a powerful message setting the theme of the year on the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales – this time on 24 January 2023. "Speaking with the Heart," is this year’s theme and emphasises the need for authentic communication rooted in compassion, empathy, and love.