PASTORAL MINISTRY
Ministry Place: Immaculate Conception Church (City Church)
We go for ministry at Immaculate Conception Church (City Church) in Quarter Gate, which is about 26 kilometres from De Nobili College. We help the parishioners by singing in the choir for the Marathi Mass at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays. In addition to this, we are also involved in assisting the altar boys and girls, meeting them regularly, and taking them to camps and programs. We occasionally accompany the youth as well (e.g., Christmas Carols). It is a parish with three different linguistic groups—Marathi, Konkani, and English. English Mass and its programs, attract a large crowd. We see people withdrawing themselves from languages like Marathi and Konkani. Even children’s catechism is taught in English. Despite this, it is a parish filled with warmth and love, shown by the church members.
Ministry Place: St. Ann’s Parish, Solapur Bazar
Our ministry is centered at St. Ann’s Parish in Solapur Bazar, a vibrant and faith-filled community. As part of our commitment to fostering spiritual growth and unity, we dedicate our efforts primarily on Saturdays, focusing on building and strengthening Small Christian Communities (SCC). One of our key activities is house visits, where we connect with families on a personal level, offering prayers, encouragement, and spiritual guidance. These visits help deepen faith and foster a sense of belonging within the parish.
We also organize area-wise Masses and prayer services, bringing the Eucharist and moments of communal worship closer to our people. These services provide opportunities for reflection, prayer, and community bonding, ensuring that all members, regardless of location, feel connected to the parish and to one another. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive and prayerful environment where individuals and families can grow in faith and actively participate in parish life. Our ministry is a testament to the love and care we share as members of Christ’s body, living out our mission to serve and uplift one another in faith, hope, and charity.
Ministry Place: Kune, Lonavala
Our ministry work in Kune, Lonavala, is a source of immense blessing and a testament to the power of faith amidst challenging circumstances. Every Saturday evening, we journey to Kune to conduct computer classes for the local children. These classes provide valuable skills and open doors to new opportunities. Following the classes, we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, bringing spiritual nourishment to the community and fostering a sense of unity and shared faith.
Sunday mornings are filled with joyful activity as we engage the children in games, interactive sessions, and educational activities. We supplement their learning with lessons in Mathematics and English, and occasionally show educational videos, making learning fun and engaging. Through this ministry, we have been profoundly touched by the resilience and deep faith of the people of Kune, despite their evident poverty. Witnessing their unwavering devotion has enriched our own spiritual lives and deepened our understanding of God’s grace. The community, especially the children, warmly welcome our presence, and the Holy Mass provides them with vital spiritual sustenance. We are humbled to be a part of their lives and witness the positive impact of our shared faith.