By Ms Pearl Fernandes and Mr Victor Zuzarte for BISMumbai

Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, organised Mission Sunday on a grand scale on 22 October 2023, under the able guidance and meticulous planning of the Parish Priest, Fr Michael Fernandes. The goal of the Mission Sunday celebration was to raise awareness among parishioners about missionaries and provide a  day to remember and thank all the missionaries, priests, and nuns who work around the world to spread the Gospel.

At 7:30 a.m., Fr Fernandes said the inaugural prayer, blessed the stalls and declared Mission Sunday officially open.  Major attractions of the day included a variety of spot games, a saree auction, a bumper house game, a cake weight judgement game, and a musical dhamaka. About 2000 parishioners came together for the grand fete.

The planning for this occasion started well in advance, taking into account the participants' preferences and age range.  All of the day's masses were directed to pray for missions worldwide. After the children's Mass, the Sunday school children enthusiastically participated in the Mission Sunday drawing competition, in which all students were divided into age groups and themes were assigned for drawing. 

This year, parish associations, zones, and convents set up 22 stalls. Various food options were available at these stalls, ranging from chat food and pastries to biryani and meat preparations. There were also several fete games to keep both children and adults entertained. 

To make Mission Sunday possible, parishioners and other associations of the parish donated generously, as well as volunteered by spending their time and energy for a worthy cause. The activity strengthened the bonds of togetherness among the parishioners.

The celebration came to a joyful conclusion at 1:30 p.m., with the winners receiving eye-catching prizes.

"I loved being part of this Mission Sunday celebration and felt satisfied that I could contribute my bit to strengthening the mission of our community as one family," exclaimed Roshini Mantri, a lively young member of the parish.’