To all the Parish SCC Coordinators, Archdiocese of Bombay
My dear Collaborators,
We will soon bid farewell to 2020, a year filled with anxieties and apprehensions, unusual happenings and upheavals, tough times and terrible situations. We ushered in the year with the anti-CAA protests, which was followed by the arrests of many Human Rights’ activists, who were, unfairly, labelled ‘Maoists’, the farmer’s protests seeking withdrawal of the three controversial farm laws, and the universally devastating COVID-19 pandemic. I am sure these and many other happenings will have left us stressed, wondering when we will experience peace, joy and happiness in our lives. In the words of Pope Francis, when will the “dark clouds” disappear and give way to a bright sunshine filled with positive vibes and energy?
Having just celebrated Christmas: the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel – God with us, the Incarnation reminds us that Jesus came to destroy death and divisive forces, sin and suffering and ultimately, we will experience liberation and joy. As believers of Jesus, we cannot but be a people of hope, knowing full well that HE alone will fulfil all His promises and bless us with peace, peace the world cannot give. There is just one thing we need to keep in mind – the promises will be fulfilled to and through us!
As we usher in the New Year 2021, I pray that it will be for us a year of bountiful blessings, graces and filled with wonders! And may it be for us a realisation of this beautiful benison:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord let His face shine upon you; the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.” (Numbers 6: 22)
As we begin the month of January 2021, may I remind you of our Archdiocesan SCC Vision – No One In Want. Fr Felix D’Souza, Parish Priest, St Anthony Church, Vakola and a priest fully involved in the functioning and growth of the SCCs in our Archdiocese, has prepared the attached Paper entitled, GOD-WITH-US for our Communities with an emphasis on ‘No One In Want’. May I request you to ensure that the Paper is circulated among all the SCC Animators and Coordinators so that each and every family in the clusters discuss the same in their respective homes.
May I also remind you to see that the SCC Reports for the 2nd quarter (October 2020 to December 2020) reach the SCC Office through email (bombayscc@gmail.com) immediately, but not later than January 15, 2021.
Keep well. Stay safe. God bless you and the members of your families.
Yours in Christ,
✠Barthol Barretto
Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay &
Bishop in-charge of SCCs, Archdiocese of Bombay
December 30, 2020