Archdiocesan Spoken English Course at Pethapur, Fr. Xavier James of Siddhpur Parish was the Director of the course.

The Report of Spoken English Course at Pethapur

April 1^st to 19^th, 2013

Spoken English Course was organized by Gandhinagar Archdiocese from 1^st April to 19^th April, 2013 for the students who have just completed their 10^th and 12^th Standard.  There were 48 students, 32 boys and 16 girls from 12 different Parishes.  The Course was inaugurated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by His Grace Stanislaus Fernandes. Entrance test was conducted to check their English.  The students were divided into three classes according to their entrance test performance.  The three groups were named after the three Popes in their life time i.e. John Paul, Benedict and Francis.   There were seven staff members, 5 Brothers and 2 Sisters under the inspiring leadership of Fr. James, the co-ordinator of the programme.  Each class was taken care by 2 or 3 staff members who helped the students to gain more and more inputs in creative ways.

Everyday students had morning prayer and the Holy Eucharist in the morning, singing practice and the recitation of the holy Rosary in the evening where they took active part in praising and thanking the Lord. They had 5 classes per day for learning basic English Grammar.   Apart from learning English, much importance was given to the spiritual life and Christian values.  Every day one class was assigned to for the faith formation, where in they gained some knowledge about the Holy Bible, Sacraments, Eucharist etc…which would help them in the long run to live their Christian values. The Seven Steps of praying the Word of God also introduced by Fr. Xavier James.  The students took active part in praying the Word of God.

After the lunch, everyday they had creative classes during which, they practiced in a creative way in the form of skit and song, what they had learnt in the class.  Whatever they did in a creative class, it was performed in the cultural programme which was held every alternative day of the course.  Cultural programme was a good opportunity for each and every student to express himself or herself on the stage without fear.  Cultural programme was a motivating force to develop their confidence in learning English.

To create interest for the language some appropriate English movies and to instill Christian values some biblical movies were shown to them.  Every Sunday, weekend test was taken to check the progress of the students.  The evening time was allotted for sports and games.  On 14^th April they had an outing to where students relaxed and enjoyed togetherness with each other’s company.  Atmosphere was created in the course for the students to speak only in English.  The medium of language for prayers, Holy Eucharist and cultural programme was English.  The students were encouraged by the Fathers, Brothers and Sisters to communicate only in English.  The course was fruitful.  It was seen in students who really worked hard and made a lot of effort to speak in English.  The course came into the conclusion with a colourful cultural evening which was witnessed by the Archbishop, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and the students themselves.  The programme was well prepared with the help of Brothers and Sisters.  Everyone who was present there enjoyed the programme and appreciated the children for their wonderful performance. Thereafter the Eucharist was celebrated to conclude the course and most of them left the place in tears because they had a very good bond with each other.  

Sr. Joysline Mary C.C.V

Fr. Xavier James, Director of Archdiocesan Spoken English Course organized it in Pethapur from 1st April to 19th April. Fr. Xavier James is grateful to His Grace Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, Frs. Rocky, Jeba, Salu, Brs. Prabhu, Julian, Kingslyn, Royden, Sandeep, Srs. Joycelyn, Urmila for their help rendered to the students. There were 48 students from 12 parishes of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar. I thank God for the wonderful programme for the young Church in Gandhinagar. Brs. Prabhu & Kingslyn visited the people of Siddhpur and also the land in Umru, Siddhpur.

First Passover celebration in Siddhpur Mission Parish By Xavier James

First Passover - from nothing to something in Siddhpur

It was because of the graciousness the Archbishop, Siddhpur parishioners have something from nothing i.e. their Parish and liturgical celebrations in their town. It was the first Passover celebration in Siddhpur. To prepare our hearts for this great feast we organised a retreat followed by the sacrament of reconciliation which was participated by all parishioners of Siddhpur. The Palm Sunday procession made its way from one room to the hall. We thank Alex & Jeci of Palanpur for providing palms for us. The Sacred Triduum began with full participation and after explaining the importance of Holy Eucharist, Priesthood and Love commandment in practice, the celebrant washed the feet of the singles and kissed them/ and the married couples likewise washed each other’s feet and they were given the special bread. After the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament was taken to the room where the decorated altar of the repose stood. Adoration took place in various languages like Konkani, Malayalam, Gujarati and also in English. Thereafter the Pasch Appam was cut and given to all present. On Good Friday at 3.00 p.m. a moment of silence observed and service of the passion began. The passion narrative was sung by the celebrant and sisters. Adoration of the Holy Cross and reception of Holy Communion was with much devotion and reverence. In his homily the celebrant emphasized that one should not be afraid or ashamed to profess that we are the followers of Christ. After the way of the cross everyone dispersed in silence. 

For the Easter vigil, the place was decorated by the Srs. Neeta & Jerusa and Martin & Philip. The service which was well attended by all was followed by the Easter cake being cut and shared with coffee. On Easter Sunday Parish Priest was all set for the annual blessing of homes which culminated with the Easter dinner together with all the parishioners at Shaji’s house. We were fortunate to have the Archbishop with us to share the Easter joy. He had a red carpet welcome with flowers spread on his way. Shaji shared his faith experience in honour of year of the faith. We were glad to have Fr. Arasakumar, Professor of Sacred Scriptures from Baroda and Sr. Indra the counselor of LD sisters. A short report on Easter celebration appeared in the local news paper called ‘Rakhewal’.