Youth Exchange Program with St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim
By Keane Dias
On 19th January, 2020, the Chicalim Parish organised a first-ever Youth Exchange Program in association with the youth of St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim. The entire program was hosted by the Chicalim Parish Youth under the able guidance of our dynamic Parish Priest, Fr. Bolmax Pereira.
The day started off in a slightly ambiguous manner for some of our members, who were still rolling in bed. The thought playing in the mind was whether to attend this program or take the easy way out and sleep the Sunday out. Ultimately, most of us turned up for the program especially as we had to keep our flag flying.
Don't be STAGNANT rather be like the FLOWING WATER!
Fr. Bolmax
The day started off with a small introductory game wherein youth from both the parishes were mixed up in pairs. The purpose behind this game was to help facilitate the participants to get to know each other. After the game ended, there was an interactive session on several topics including CAA, NRC amongst others. The youth took a keen interest in understanding both the issues and its likely consequences in the years ahead. Our Parish Priest also gave a small talk and a few words stayed with me…..“Don't be STAGNANT rather be like the FLOWING WATER!”.
Making new friends
Introduction and talks
A special Eucharistic Celebration was held where Fr. Anthony Carvalho and Fr. Bolmax Pereira co-celebrated the Mass. During the Mass, we had an opportunity to proclaim the Good News and pray for our own personal intentions in a very vivid way.
The Eucharistic celebration
After the Mass ended, the youth were split up in groups and were allotted an issue faced by them in society and had to perform a skit based on it.
The rumbling stomachs were quietened by a mouth-watering and delicious lunch which was later topped by tea and some fine yummy snacks.
This Exchange program, helped the young people from both the parishes share their experience while working in the parish including coordination with others, fundraising, annually planned activities besides guidance for improving their skills.
Our lives and our parishes
The youth from the Benaulim Parish along with Fr. Anthony Carvalho expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the time spent in our parish. Towards the end, Fr. Bolmax Pereira took a moment to thank the youth from both the parishes for their participation and also those who worked hard and joined hands to make this program successful....uZZo!!🔥
Friends and fellowships