Archdiocesan SCC Consultation - 15 March 2026

The parish and Deanery SCC Coordinators of the Archdiocese of Bombay met on March 15, 2026 at Divine Child High School and Junior College, Chakala, Andheri East, to participate in the SCC Consultation 2026. Presiding over the Consultation was Archbishop John Rodrigues.

Beginning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Archbishop John Rodrigues and concelebrated by Bishop Allwyn D’Silva and Frs Gerard Rodricks, Francis Noronha and Anand Patil, the tone was set for a holistic discussion right through the day. Archbishop John likened our SCC journey to that of milestones on a highway, indicating the number of kilometres covered when travelling, and the joy we experience as our destination gets closer.

After a light breakfast, Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, in his welcome address, stated that the purpose of the Consultation was to evaluate the current focus and plan ahead. Fondly remembering Bishop Bosco Penha, the founder and initiator of the SCC Movement in the Archdiocese of Bombay, he lauded his enthusiasm in starting the Movement from scratch and helping it gain momentum. It was time to take the SCCs to a new level rather than lament that members do not come to our meetings and participation is low. Taking a cue from the story of the Magi who were inspired by the angel to return by a different way, we need to adopt a different methodology, and point ourselves in a new direction with a renewed approach.

In his inaugural message, Archbishop John Rodrigues expressed his joy and gratitude to each member for their presence and commitment. Thanking all for their faithful service in their respective parishes, he assured all that the day would be an enriching one as we learn about the “Heart of Synodality” and reflect on how we can respond to the digital environment in which we are already immersed, especially our youth. Though the deliberations of the day were termed as a “consultation,” he said the word is sometimes misunderstood as merely listening to suggestions, rather than contributing. Viewpoints, opinions, experiences and perspectives enrich us for a valuable and meaningful result.

He reminded us that we are not walking this journey alone, and that we are part of the Church in the Archdiocese of Bombay, part of the Church in India, Asia, and the universal Church. Since 2021, the Universal Church has been walking together in the Synodal journey, seeking to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern what God is asking of us.

Fr Gerard Rodricks SJ conducted a session on the topic: “Mission Discipleship – Heart of Synodality.” The session after lunch concentrated on the SCC Survey responses from the parishes; its findings will pave the way for a new wave in the SCC Ministry.

Heart of Synodality.pdf

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Closing the day’s deliberations was Bishop Allwyn’s call on creating a digital environment for greater participation and the plans for the next three years. The Vote of thanks wound up the day’s proceedings.

Candida Mendoza Member of ART for SCCs