SENIOR CITIZENS GROUP

The Ninth monthly Meeting of the S C Group was held on Monday, in the Parish Hall at 7 p.m. Main Topics discussed were the Accounts and the Feedback of the Christmas Fiesta function held on 18^th December 2008.

A total of 136 members/guests and 5 invitees were present. The feedback received was that the function was a huge success. The Accounts showed a small surplus of Rs.3000/- specially from the donation received.

The tenth monthly meeting of the S C Group was held on Monday, 9^th February on the first floor of the Seva Kendra in the Conference Room. The main topics discussed were the fees to be collected for the year 2009 and finalization of the date and plan for the picnic to the Pinewood Resorts, Karjat.

The date was fixed for Sunday, 8^th March 2009 and the amount charged was Rs.350/- per head. No guests were permitted, as there was a waiting list of 6 to 8 members. Ultimately, 56 members including Fr Benny boarded the bus at 7.30 a.m. outside the church. Although, it was a 2 hrs. drive each way, everybody enjoyed themselves and actively participated in the games, singing and swimming at the poolside and also the rain dance.

The Eleventh Monthly Meeting of the S C Group was held on 10^th March 2009. It also happened to be Fr. Benny’s 82^nd Birthday. He was felicitated by all the members of the Managing Committee.

At this Meeting it was proposed to hold the AGM on Sunday, 26^th April 2009. Also discussed at this Meeting was a letter received from Fr. Cajetan Menezes on behalf of the Diocessan Human Life Committee which invited our Group to participate in the celebration of Pro Life Day i.e. Thursday, 26^th March 2009 at the Carmel Convent, Bandra. This year’s theme was the “Gift of the Elderly”.

This programme commenced at 4.30 p.m. with the celebration of the Eucharist by Bishop Agnelo Gracias, assisted by Fr. Cajetan and Fr. Mervin. This was followed by refreshments, an input session and a short entertainment programme by different parishes like St. Anne’s Pali, St. Michael’s and Victoria Church, Mahim OLPS – Chembur and Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar.

This variety entertainment by Senior Citizens put up by the different parishes was of a high standard. Our Group put up a short skit of about 10 minutes which included song and dance by about 18 members. They sang and waltzed to the age old favourites. The audience also sang and clapped in accompaniment. We are highly indebted to Myrtle Lobo for training the Group at such a short notice.

SENIOR CITIZENS CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

The Oldies and the Goldies of Dadar celebrated the Christmas Fiesta 2009 with much gusto at the Seva Kendra Hall on 17^th December. The President Leonard Rodrigues welcomed the gathering of nearly 125 members and guests. He spoke briefly about the Senior Citizens activities in the Parish and in the Archdiocese. Elizabeth Rodrigues compered the show with élan.

The highlights of the function were as follows: - The portly appearance of an N.R.I. Santa specially flown in with his bag full of gifts and goodies for one and all present.

Gifts / Chocolates were literally strewn and showered on individuals and groups provided they participated in the games and events planned for them for the evening. The skit entitled the ABCs of Life directed by Jossie and his team was well enacted. The Housie numbers called by Ernest Harrison was a typical numerological tongue-in-the-cheek humour.

The duets sung by Frs. Bonny and Benny were very lively and foot-tapping. This was followed by Christmas Carols sung by Manoel and Vera. The function ended with a sumptuous dinner followed by a Vote of Thanks by the Vice President Olga D’Penha. It is great to see that with each passing year, the Senior Citizens have a great zest for life, keep it up.

- Sujeeta Ferrao