Stronger Together - Appreciation & Fellowship Day at STCJ, Airoli

1 John 1:7 says "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." & the parishioners (especially the leaders of the Church) were invited by our vibrant Parish Priest Fr. Samuel Ribeiro with a similar thought process to appreciate everything that they do for the parish and to also celebrate the end of a successful term for many leaders. Around 70 parishioners attended this precious gathering which began with the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer, reminding us of the importance of prayer and the importance of being grateful for all that we have as a parish community. Fr. Samuel then took over and welcomed everyone in a very special way and also thanked them for their contribution throughout the year and also throughout the term. Plans for the Jubilee year were discussed creating a lot of excitement and hype amongst parishioners. Leaders of all cells & associations were invited which included Senior Citizens, Women Cell, Pre-Baptism, BCS, Tamil Group, Konkani Group, Prayer Group, Sports Cell and there was a special invite for all the active members from Sunday School, Altar Servers, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir and of course the PPC which included many community coordinators who are about to end a successful 3 year term. The event was short and sweet with multiple group games being organized for everyone attending. The groups were mixed randomly based on numbers and they were asked to think of a name for themselves. After a few minutes of creative thinking, these were the group names : Divine Mercy Tiny Group Divine Tigers STCJ Warriors Grace Warriors Winner of Winners The games had a mix of bible elements and fun elements with everyone enjoying to the core as a team. Fr. Samuel made sure to click a group photo with members of all cells and associations before clicking a photo with everyone who were present & the day ended with a special fellowship meal which was enjoyed by one by all. Overall, this day was an important reminder that a little appreciation goes a long way & that all leaders of our Church are valued for everything that they have done and for everything that they will continue doing even without the title of a leader.