To all the Parish SCC Coordinators, Archdiocese of Bombay
My dear Collaborators,
We have already entered into the New Year 2022. Amidst the increase in the COVID-19 cases in our city, including the Omicron variant surge, the threat of a possible “third wave”, fear and insecurity looming large, I pray that we remain steadfast in faith, with our heads held high, knowing and believing that the Lord Jesus is in full charge of the situation, and that HE alone will bless us with peace and joy in our lives.
I take this opportunity to thank you immensely for all the wonderful work you did right through 2021. Together with you, your Animators and Coordinators have assisted you in the outreach programmes undertaken during the pandemic months. You have indeed walked that extra mile to ensure that no one is in want in the SCCs of your parish community. GOD BLESS YOU for this act of selfless service.
I wish you and the members of your family, and all our SCC Coordinators and Animators, A Happy New Year 2022. May this year shower God’s continuous graces on us, so that we are strengthened to do HIS will, and continue to minister to those entrusted to our care, ensuring no one is in want in our SCCs.
As mentioned to you in a previous circular, all the (Arch)dioceses are busy with the Synodal process. The theme of the Synod 2021-2023 is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. Our Archdiocese convened a special meeting of the Synod Coordination Committee regarding the way forward on December 06, 2021, and we will soon be kept informed about the process to be followed. As part of our ongoing monthly reflection, I have prepared a paper that is enclosed herewith (click here to download). The reflection paper has been translated by Fr Ajit Tellis ofm cap Parish Priest, Our Lady of Bethlehem Church, Dongri. May I request you to disseminate it to all the SCC Animators and Coordinators, so that they, in turn, may circulate it among the cluster families. Please ensure that the enclosed paper is reflected upon. May I request you to remind all the people in your Communities and Clusters to pray the enclosed Prayer for the success of the Synod
May I remind you of the following points:
Formation of clusters: At the meeting of the Parish SCC Coordinators held in November 2021, I requested you to prepare the clusters in your respective parishes. The deadline to complete this exercise was December 31, 2021. Could you please send me an email (bombayscc@gmail.com) and inform me if the cluster formation in your parish has been completed or not, immediately but not later than January 15, 2022.
Quarterly Reports: The SCC Quarterly Reports for the period of October to December 2021 must be sent via email to bombayscc@gmail.com by January 15, 2022.
The term of the Parish SCC Coordinators: All the Parish SCC Coordinators who will complete their 6-year term on May 31, 2022 should have already identified their possible successors. Please ensure that you (as the outgoing Parish SCC Coordinator) accompany them and guide them, so that they are in a position to continue the good work which you have begun in the parish.
Meetings: All the Steering Committee meetings, Core Group meetings and cluster meetings should be held on a regular basis. Please ensure that all COVID-19 protocols are followed during such meetings.
Strengthening the system: As you receive the Quarterly reports from the SCC Coordinators, please identify those SCCs that need help – either in terms of increasing core group members (Animators), in organizing regular events for their SCCs/clusters, or even in terms of understanding the functioning of the SCCs. This training is best done at the Steering Committee meeting at the parish level, rather than at deanery and diocesan level. Additional help (if required) may be requested from the Archdiocesan SCC Office; email details with the subject line ‘Support required’ to bombayscc@gmail.com
God bless you and the members of your family.
Yours in Christ,
✠Barthol Barretto Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay & Bishop in-charge of SCCs, Archdiocese of Bombay
January 1, 2022