by Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

"Go and invite everyone to the banquet"

The Mission Sunday celebration at Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada was held on October 20, 2024. The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Vivian D’Souza, the Administrator of Don Bosco Lonavala. In his homily, Fr Vivian shared his insights on the remarkable work being done by missionaries around the world, highlighting the dedication and impact of their mission. The central theme of the Mass focused on supporting the Church’s mission efforts.

Following the Mass, the parking lot was transformed into a lively gathering place with various food and game stalls. The faithful were encouraged to visit the stalls and contribute towards the mission cause. The religious sisters were actively involved in managing and contributing to the success of the stalls.

A special feature of this year’s Mission Sunday was a focus on discovering talents within the parish, particularly among the youth and children. Parishioners were encouraged to showcase their musical abilities, such as playing different instruments and singing. This initiative aimed to identify individuals who could later support the church through their talents, becoming a part of different church associations.

There was also a communication stall, with a unique counter dedicated to church communications. Parishioners were invited to take creative pictures, tag them with Sacred Heart Parish Pune’s Instagram page, and compete to get as many likes as possible—a creative and interactive feature. In addition, the faithful were engaged in a Rapid Fire quiz, sharing their views on the importance of Mission Sunday and answering questions related to the Bible, Don Bosco, and missionary work, with prizes awarded to the winners.

At the game stalls, exciting competitions were held with prizes for the winners. Austin Fernandes served as the host for the day, keeping the atmosphere lively and entertaining.

The food stalls were particularly popular, offering a variety of homemade delicacies that were thoroughly enjoyed by the parishioners. The wide range of food items provided something for everyone, adding to the festive and communal atmosphere.

Different counters were set up for the sale of coupons, and everything was well-organized by the volunteers. The event, which began at 8 am continued until 1:30 pm giving everyone plenty of time to gather as a community and contribute to the mission of the Church.

In conclusion, the celebration of Mission Sunday was a resounding success, bringing together the faithful in a spirit of generosity and solidarity. The proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Church's missionary work, furthering the mission to reach and serve those in need around the world.