Christmas and New year in Siddhpur parish

Christmas, New Year and Baptism in Siddhpur ParishThe preparation for Christmas began in Siddhpur Parish with the lighting of Advent wreath and getting Advent-Christmas friend for everyone in the parish. All the catholic homes were decorated with star and crib to bring the Good News of our Lord’s birth to the neighbourhood. The santa brought more gladness when the parishioners went around for carol singing in the parish with our beloved Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes. People of other faith enjoyed the most when santa went around the town. Many parishioners came together to decorate the Church, prepare crib and put up stars as it was the first Christmas at Umru. Two seminarians from Pethapur and Archbishop Thomas Macwan’s visit added joy to the joyful season of Christmas. Many parishioners participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Holy Eucharist. The midnight Mass began at 11.45 pm at Umru and it was presided over by His Grace Stanislaus Fernandes, Archbishop Emeritus of Gandhinagar. After the Eucharist, all joined in wishing each other and the three birthday babies who share their birthday with Jesus. After cake and coffee, the secret Christmas friends exchanged their gifts. At noon, the parishioners again gathered at Umru for games and festive lunch. In the evening, the people and children from Umru village and Siddhpur town joined for carols, prayer and blessings from Archbishop.  Receiving gifts from Santa brought greater joy to them. Cake was then served along with tea and snacks. It was a memorable event at Siddhpur parish.On the eve of New Year, parishioners once again gathered together to welcome 2016 with the Holy Eucharist at 12.00 am presided over by Fr. Xavier James on the solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Thereafter, Eucharistic Adoration was held to dedicate the New Year at the Merciful face of God in the Holy Eucharist. All shared cake and left for their homes.  On the feast of Baptism of our Lord on 10^th January 2016, new born child of Philip and Krupa Fernandes named Xavier Fernandes was baptized in the presence of many guests from Bombay and Palanpur including Siddhpur parishioners. The Sacrament of Baptism was celebrated during the mass and was presided over by Fr. Xavier James. After that everyone joined the Agape provided by Philip Fernandes.