South Mumbai Deanery SCC Fellowship Program

The South Mumbai Deanery SCC Fellowship Program was successfully conducted on Sunday, 31st August 2025 at the premises of St. Teresa’s High School, Girgaum. The event saw the active participation of over a hundred SCC coordinators and animators from across the deanery. Thanks to Fr. Antonio Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Teresa’s Church, for graciously hosting the event and ensuring that all logistical needs were seamlessly managed.

The highlight of the Fellowship program was the keynote address by Fr. Gerard Rodricks (SJ), who delivered a thought-provoking session on the theme "Synodality and Spiritual Conversation to Discern God’s Will". Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis and Church teachings, Fr. Gerard elaborated on the three foundational pillars of a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.

He described Communion as a celebration of unity in diversity, Participation as the active engagement of every baptized member, and Mission as a call to lose oneself in service to God. Quoting 1 Corinthians 12:13 and 12:27-30, Fr. Gerard emphasized the Biblical basis for synodality, reminding participants that all are part of the one Body of Christ, each with unique charisms and responsibilities.

Delving deeper, Fr. Gerard introduced the concept of Spiritual Conversation, as advocated by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. This method, he explained, is a means to listen to the Holy Spirit – the true protagonist of discernment. He cited Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, and Pope Francis to reinforce the idea that “God is constantly communicating with us,” and urged participants to cultivate the right disposition through regular prayer, inner freedom, humility, and a deep desire for unity.

Two vital skills were introduced during this session:

• Intentional Speaking – speaking freely and sincerely from the heart without attempting to convince or dominate;

• Active Listening, summarized with the acronym G.I.F.T:

  God is speaking

  I don’t know (humility)

  Full attention

  Time – giving others time to speak and be heard

Fr. Gerard cautioned against turning spiritual conversations into debates or business-style meetings, and instead encouraged a spirit of openness, reflection, and prayerful listening.

Participants were then divided into smaller groups for a structured reflection on the question:“How do we model a servant leadership that empowers community members to serve and grow spiritually?”

This group exercise unfolded in three phases:

1. Silent prayer and personal reflection, guided by the Holy Spirit;

2. Sharing and listening to one another in an open, non-judgmental space;

3. Consensus and commitment, where groups converged on actionable steps forward.

The session ended on a high note with shared fellowship and a communal meal, embodying the very spirit of Communion the training had spoken about. The event served not only as a training opportunity but also as a moment of grace, connection, and renewed commitment to the mission of SCCs in the Church. Special thanks also to Fr. Lawrence Dsouza, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Dabul, for generously sponsoring the refreshments and lunch that fostered a spirit of fellowship among the attendees.

May we continue to walk together in faith and discernment, listening attentively to the Holy Spirit as we journey forward in unity.

Contributed by Nathaline Fernandes (Dabul) and Randolph Alexander Rodricks (Girgaum)