From the middle ages right upto the meeting of the second Vatican Council in the 1960’s ministry in the church was seen as something that those ordained did on behalf of the community. The responsibilities of the parishioners was simply to pray, pay and obey. In the light of Vatican II a new understanding of the church surfaced as the ‘People of God’. The revised code of Canon law 1983, urged that pastoral council’s be established in every parish. The parish council is presided over by the parish priest together with the elected members. They are engaged in the pastoral care of the parish and help to foster pastoral action.
I joined the St. Sebastian Parish Pastoral Council in 2012 and was a member till 2019 under Fr. Ligorinho Da Costa, Fr. Joao Coelho, Fr. Andrew Pereira, and Fr. Gregorio Cruz. Indeed, I am grateful and thankful to them for all the support, encouragement and guidance given to me to help carry out my responsibilities efficiently. When I joined the PPC in 2012 it was a new venture for me, not knowing what I was heading for. With total conviction, I can say that the Lord’s hand was there guiding me in every situation.
I must thank all the families of Sector 4 zone 3 for their support and the warm welcome extended to me every month when I visited their homes. Each one of them was a part of me, and I a part to them. Their concerns became my concerns too. Being a member of the PPC, gave me a chance to take an active role in the Eucharistic celebration. I felt, the church was a big family where we worked together unitedly to achieve the goals of all the activities of the church. I must say that all the members of the PPC were very friendly, helpful and the spirit of oneness prevailed. It was amazing to see that every activity of the church was well organised. This speaks well of the co-ordination and co-operation that we received.
Fr. Ligorinho, Fr. Joao, Fr. Andrew, and Fr. Gregorio were pillars and extended all the help and support they could give us when approached. Their presence was fatherly, their love and concern beyond compare.
The memories of being a PPC member is something I will cherish forever. They are like footprints in my heart.
I wish the newly elected PPC members God’s abundant blessings and guidance in all their endeavours. I wish them well as they continue to make our Church vibrant.
Carol Mascarenhas