By Patrick Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

The Catechism teachers of Don Bosco Parish, Makarpura, organised a special Retreatainment Programme for the Catechism children of the parish on Sunday, September 27. Designed as a day of faith, reflection, learning, fun and fellowship, the programme sought to take faith formation beyond the regular classroom and help the children discover Christian values through movies, discussions and interactive activities.

The day began with a special Eucharistic celebration for the children. Coming together around the altar provided a fitting beginning to the programme, inviting the children to place themselves in God’s presence and participate in the day with openness and joy.

Following the Eucharist, the children were divided into two groups according to their age so that the sessions could be made relevant and meaningful to them.

The juniors, comprising children from Standards 4 to 7, were animated by Sr Quincy Anne through the movie David. The familiar biblical story of David and Goliath became an opportunity for the children to look beyond the giant in the story and recognise the different “Goliaths” they encounter in their own lives. Through reflection and interaction, they explored how challenges, fears and difficulties can be faced with courage, faith, forgiveness and trust in God. David’s confidence in God reminded them that true strength does not always come from physical power but from faith and the courage to do what is right.

The senior group, consisting of students from Standards 8 to 11, was animated by Patrick Sir through the movie The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story. The film opened up deeper reflections on Christian faith, forgiveness, sacrifice, compassion and selfless service. The life and witness portrayed in the movie challenged the young people to think about what it means to live one’s faith not merely in words, but through concrete acts of love and service.

The screening was followed by meaningful discussions and activities that encouraged the children to connect the themes of the movie with situations in their own lives. They were invited to reflect on their relationships, choices and attitudes towards others, particularly when faced with hurt, conflict or difficult circumstances.

Throughout the programme, the emphasis was not merely on watching movies but on discovering the Gospel values contained within the stories and finding practical ways of living them out each day.

The Retreatainment Programme proved to be a beautiful blend of prayer, learning, reflection, fun and fellowship. It offered the children an opportunity to deepen their faith while enjoying time with their friends and Catechism teachers outside the setting of their regular Sunday classes.

The memorable day concluded with a joyful community lunch, where the children and animators shared a meal together in an atmosphere of friendship and celebration. The Retreatainment Programme thus came to a happy close, leaving the children with meaningful lessons, joyful memories and an invitation to face life with greater faith, courage and love.