Dear Parishioners,
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. - Saint Jerome.
I am glad to announce that on 29th November 2020, we have inaugurated the Bible Cell of our Parish, which will provide an opportunity to our Parishioners to study the Bible.
A Catholic needs to study the Bible for the following five reasons:
1) Get to know God - The Bible is not really a book, its a library. Its 73 books were composed over many centuries by various authors. Each book explores God and we discover new truths about God in every turn. Some of these will resonate with us and strike us more profoundly at various times during our lives. More important as we study the scripture we are given the opportunity to spend time with God and , in doing so, become his friend.
2) Get to know yourself - St Gregory wrote that the scripture "is set before the eyes of the mind like a mirror, that we may see our inward person in it, for therein we learn the deformities, therein we learn the beauties that we possess."
3) Improve your relationships - The Bible reveals both God and humanity, it is a precious tool in our lives as we navigate relationships both human and divine. Relationships are foundation of human life giving purpose, meaning and anchor in a world that is constantly changing. We learn sacrifice, forgiveness and love which are so critical to any relationships.
4) Be comforted - Over centuries that comfort the scripture brings to believers has never changed. The proclamation of the psalmist that God is near, the promise that every hair of our heads has been counted, the assurance that God will never forsake us and that every tear will be wiped and there will be no death, depression, disease and plagues, brings comfort as we study the scriptures.
5) Be Challenged - In both His Word and our conscience, God prods us forward. He asks more of us that we thought possible. He loves us just as we are, but at the same time, he challenges us to be more.
In this season of Advent, the time of preparation to receive Jesus, the Bible Cell of our Parish invites all the parishioners to join the inaugural session on "Infancy Narratives".
The session on "Infancy Narratives" will start from Sunday, 6th December 2020. The sessions will be held between 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., in the Parish Hall.
For registration you may call on mobile number 98216 20135 , or send an email at biblecell.olrc@gmail.com
Even if you do not register in advance you are invited to join at the first session held on Sunday, 6th December 2020 and we will register you for the sessions.
Please carry your Bible when you attend the sessions
Deacon Tony Francis and his team are putting in their best to provide an opportunity to all parishioners to study the Bible, and come closer to the Lord this Advent. I personally encourage you to join and take advantage of this opportunity and encourage others to join and know more about Jesus.
Looking forward to see you on Sunday, 6th December 2020 at 7.30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
May God Bless You!
Father Francis Carvalho
Parish Priest
OLRC, Goregaon West.