Fr Victor Louis

9004090436

To be an Altar Server is a special honour and a great privilege in the Catholic Church. As an Altar Server, you can trace your roots to the order of acolyte, a ministry that once was reserved only for those who were going to be ordained priests! You can look upon your child being an Altar Server as a special and unique ministry by which they can begin their Christian vocation to spread the word and the love of Christ through actions and words. The primary role of the Altar Server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass as well as other liturgies including Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Stations of the Cross, and Eucharistic Adoration. They perform specific actions and set an example to the assembly by their active participation in the liturgy. Pope Francis says to Altar servers, "The closer you are to the altar, the more you will remember to speak with Jesus in daily prayer; the more you will be nourished by the word and the body of the Lord, the better able you will be to go out to others, bringing them the gift that you have received, giving in turn with enthusiasm the joy you have received”. You can become an Altar server after receiving First Holy Communion till you pass your 10th Std. Meetings are held every Saturday at 4pm in the St. Paul VI Hall.

Elvis Braganza

9819440911

This cell comprises, trained ministers of the Word who are commissioned to teach the Word of God. They conduct Online / Offline Bible Study classes in every sector. The classes not only help in increasing one’s knowledge of the Word of God but also encourages one to believe in the power of God's Word and experience the joy and peace of applying it in one's life. The Bible Cell organizes Conventions and Bible Quiz at the Deanery & Sector level. It also organizes Recollection and Bible Quiz for all those who attend Bible classes. Another initiative is the Outreach Program where they visit the homebound and pray with them and comfort them with the Word of God.

Leny Celestine Fernandes

9819000707

BCS promotes civic, social, economic, political, cultural, economic, educational awareness programs for the general welfare of the people. Activities include providing employment, involvement in social issues like campaign against service tax levied on societies, RTI camps, collection drive for cancer patients, and giving merit awards to students for academic excellence.

Catechists Sunday School - Lynette Castelino

9820562197

Confirmation Co-ordinator - Renita D'Souza

9773659893

Through the Sunday School and Confirmation classes, catechists/animators and administration personnel help over 1500 children to grow in faith, deal with real life situations through healthy competition, communication, relationships, etc. It helps them gain confidence by taking part in the liturgy and become sensitive to the poor and marginalized when they visit orphanages, aged homes, etc.

Joaquim Gomes

9892128545

The Centre for Community Organisation (CCO) of our Parish aims at organising programs for all sections of the community, especially the marginalized, to become aware of their dignity and help them improve the quality of their life. The Centre initiates and organizes the efforts of the less fortunate and empowers them to become responsible for their future. Also known as Parivartan Kendra, the CCO has initiated the following programmes for empowerment and skill development. Project Anmol aims at the holistic development of mother and child which includes individual and family counselling and capacity building; Project Sui Daga runs embroidery and tailoring classes that aim at manufacturing and supplementing income; Project Udaan conducts adult literacy classes which includes awareness on nutrition and hygiene; Samajik Vikas is community organization and awareness program on health and related issues; Project Guddi lays special emphasis on the Girl Child; Health Care Clinics; Veronica’s Volunteers give employment for nursing and health Care; Legal Aid and Documentation and Library.

English - Felix Menezes

7718924300

Konkani - Irene Coutinho

9221004200

Hindi - Biju Thampy

9820805212

These groups are engaged in praise and worship and conduct intercessory prayer services every week. They also arrange for teachings on Bible themes and encourage members to read the Word of God. The members also visit the sick and pray for them and organize retreats and seminars.

Fr Melvyn Colaco

9004090436

The aim is to communicate “happenings” to the parishioners. This Cell is divided into three teams.

COMMUNIQUE - The Quarterly Parish bulletin communicates the happenings of the Parish and articles covering a wide range of topics like social issues, faith formation, quizzes, etc. to cater to people of all ages. It is also a forum for budding writers to present articles on various themes that deal with faith and life.

I C CHURCH APP – I C Church has an APP created for a participative community. This simplistic app is available on the go and helps our parishioners to stay up to date. The app features Bible diary, prayers for daily living, prayer requests, church contacts. It also gives information pertaining to the parish, portfolios of our priest's, information on cells, associations and groups, mass services, announcements, frequently asked questions, parish news, youth updates, etc. On your mobile go to app.icchurchborivali.org to download the latest version.

MEDIA - We have a team that captures all events through photography and videos and shares it on to all the social media of the Parish; namely; Church Website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp etc. They are also responsible to Design Poster etc. to communicate all Church related communications, so that every home gets the required information.

Ien Pereira

9920303411

It is a group consisting of East Indians, the original local inhabitants, who have been at the service of IC Church for decades. They help in various programmes of the Parish – Marathi Liturgy, collection at Masses on Saturdays, Sundays, feast days and special occasions, Parish Feast and Holy Week Services.

Isidorio Fernandes

9820277032

These lay ministers perform a vital role of taking Holy Communion to people who are sick and homebound and who cannot make it for regular Sunday Mass. Most of them also render assistance in distributing Communion to the crowds that attend our Masses, as well as imposing ashes on Ash Wednesday and blessing throats on the Feast of St Blaise.

Maria Fernandes

9769734671

The Family Cell is dedicated to Reaching out to the spiritual and emotional needs of families of the Parish, inspiring them to live in Solidarity and make each family, a vibrant domestic church.

The Family Cell networks and collaborates with other Parish organizations/Cells & Associations, making families aware of their mission (educational role), development of healthy family life (preventive role) and reaching out to families in distress (therapeutic role). Family Cell organizes various Couple enrichment programs, including talks by eminent speakers and counsellors, touching upon various aspects of family life.

KID’S ALIVE: A unique Faith formation initiative by the Family Cell is conducted for children aged 3 to 5 years, every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm at St. Paul VI Hall. Children are imparted rich Christian values through Bible stories using cartoons, skits, action songs and dance, games, puppet shows, etc., and children are also encouraged to memorize the Bible verses. Sessions for Parents (permitted for parents with children up to 10 years of age) are also held from time to time, by professional Counsellors on ‘Coping with Early Childhood issues like hyperactivity, learning difficulties, negative behaviours in kids, healthy eating habits, spirituality, etc.

‘EVENTUALLY YOURS’ MARRIAGE BUREAU: The Family Cell runs a full- fledged Marriage Bureau, which is open every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, in St. Paul VI Hall, for Eligible Bachelors/Spinsters/Annulled/Widow/Widowers, from all over Mumbai / outside Mumbai/ Abroad. Interested persons need to first register online via a shared link and then contact and visit the Family Cell.

‘SOUL SEARCH’, our in-house ‘Meet, Greet & Connect’ sessions are held quarterly, to enable face to face meetings of those eligible.

Santosh Jois

9820827333

Green Cell aims to localize initiatives inspired by the Encyclical written by the late Pope Francis. We intend to work across four levels:

1. Individual – fostering personal responsibility and mindful action
2. Family – nurturing sustainable values and practices at home
3. Community – building collective awareness and local engagement
4. Society – driving broader systemic and cultural change

Our vision: Care for the Environment.

Muriel Pereira

9920768530

It is a support group for widows to help them accept widowhood as a vocation, gain emotional stability and help them become prayerful, joyful and helpful. The members meet regularly to pray and spend time in fellowship. They organize retreats, recollections, visits to shrines, aged homes or orphanages, a Christmas party and an annual picnic.

Adrienne Carvalho

9819850197

IC ACTS deals with measures to build and strengthen one’s faith. Monthly sessions are conducted on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and on matters of faith/Catholic doctrine (Apologetics). The one-hour CCC session is generally conducted on the third Monday and the 1½ hour monthly session on Apologetics on the fourth Sunday of every month. These two programmes are open to all parishioners, and each session is an independent unit by itself. The missionary mandate of Jesus Christ to spread the Good News is handled by participation in ‘Evangelisation’ programmes of the Church.

Joseph D’sa

9821104976

IC Care (ICCCCF) is the Community Welfare Fund established by our Parish to aid those in need. The Fund is sustained through consistent contributions from Parishioners and is allocated to various areas of support as outlined below:

50%: Monthly provisions for essential needs, including rations, educational support, and medical aid.

15%: Funding for sector-specific activities aimed at empowering and uplifting the community.

35%: Financial support directed towards the maintenance and development of the church, ensuring its continued ability to serve the community.

Through IC Care, our Parish aims to extend a helping hand to those requiring immediate assistance while also investing in long-term community growth and the preservation of our spiritual home.

Nancy Hycinth

9987040004

Trained Professional Counsellors / Mental Health Counsellors, who are parishioners of our church, have come forward to give of their Service to those in need. You can contact the Parish office directly for appointments. Appointments are given on a first cum first served basis as the Counsellors meet limited patients on a single day. Cancellations should be avoided as it could affect the prospect of the other needy person.

Clara Aranha

9820815705

Catering to the healthcare needs of its parishioners and its neighbourhood, Our Parish clergy initiated and started the IC Healthcare Centre that has a panel of renowned Doctors voluntarily serving parishioners who are marginalized. IC Healthcare Centre has collaborated with quality healthcare institutions like Karuna Hospital, Gloria Hospitals and Healthcare, Excel Imaging amongst others to make healthcare more affordable, available and accessible to its parishioners. This service is also available to people of other faith demonstrating inclusiveness and openness to embracing people and parishioners irrespective of caste, creed religion or economic status

Nita Torcato

9769681859

ICSY reaches out to less fortunate Catholic families in our Parish, who supplement their income by selling home-made snacks in the canteen every Sunday morning and catering for functions. Ration to the old, scholarships to poor deserving students, loans for house repairs are some of the ways ICSY helps the beneficiaries. A get-together for the families is organized annually. Catholic families in need of help can meet the ICSY members on Sunday morning in St Paul VI Hall.

Royce Mendonca

9167323494

The Legal cell of IC Parish has been set up to create awareness and ensure legal literacy among parishioners who are unaware of their basic rights and legal entitlements. The legal services offered at IC Church through a panel of well renowned lawyers have voluntarily offered their services to provide basic advice to the beneficiaries so that beneficiaries are able to understand and act on legal matters affecting them. This service is available to all parishioners. Prior appointment is necessary to avail of these services. Please contact the Parish office for appointment.

Sandra Rose

9167857585

The objective is self-sanctification of its members and those whom they come in contact with through prayer and active apostolic works. The members reach out to people of all faiths by family visits, encouraging prayer and participation in Parish and SCC activities, directing people needing help, visiting institutions, hospitals, casual conversations with people on the streets, etc. They also work with SCC units in organizing certain programmes like parent-youth interaction. The Legion of Mary has a 5 Senior, 2 Junior and 1 Tamil praesidia having meetings on different days of the week.

The NYGs comprise of youth from the age of 16 years to 25 years (unmarried). These groups have a threefold purpose of fellowship, formation and service. The Parish Youth Council (PYC) co-ordinates all the activities of the NYGs along with the PYAT. To join the NYG you may contact your Parish Councillor or PYAT representative.

Liturgy English - Maxim Dcruz

9819183369

Liturgy Konkani - Clara D’souza

9819912210

Liturgy Marathi - Priti Miranda

9867900340

Choir English - Dominic D'Souza

9833592498

Choir Konkani - Charles D'Cunha

9867853986

Choir Marathi - Albert Patil

9819676347

The Parish Liturgical Team (PLT) has representatives of all Liturgical ministries on it including Lectors, Cantors and Choirs. It is the apex body of all Liturgical ministries. The PLT holds quarterly meetings to plan and execute the liturgical activities of the parish. A set of members prepare the Sunday Liturgies and other important liturgies. The PLT organizes and monitors the activities of all liturgical and para-liturgical ministries. It organizes formation sessions for various liturgical ministries like, Lectors, Cantors and Choirs. It sets up policies and guidelines for the smooth functioning of all Liturgical ministries.

Carrick Pinto

7208326886

The PYAT comprises of representatives from every Sector who are above 28 years of age and are willing to serve in the Youth Ministry. They are the ones who are responsible in animating and mentoring the youth in the Neighbourhood Youth Groups (NYGs)

Viraj Almeida

9820598206

In 1980 the Priest Synod identified the top priority was to form Small Christian Communities in the Archdiocese of Bombay for implementing the directions given by the Second Vatican Council of the “New Way of Being Church”. In our Parish thus, the Small Christian Communities or SCCs started to function. The Parish was organized into Sectors & Communities. Today we have 42 sectors and 162 communities. Each sector has a Parish Councillor, Community Coordinators and Animators and ALL Parishioners are part of the SCCs.

PAT team act as a THINK TANK to strategize, coordinate, train and implement the smooth function of the community activities in the parish

SCC Mission: NO ONE IN Want

OUR GOAL: Build A Christ-centric Community by Strengthening Small Christian Communities.

Responsibilities:
1. Provide clarity in SCC Roles and Structures
2. Works in close interaction with Priests, PPCs and the Steering Committee members to coordinate and drive the community activities.
3. Equip animators to be effective in their roles
4. Ensure a systematic approach for training (Need analysis, action plan and follow ups)
5. Educate and support parish communities in Cluster formation
6. Represent parish at the Archdiocese Level in training, rallies, deanery activities and quarterly SCC reports

Sarina Crasto

9619848768

It is conducted for couples expecting a child in the immediate future to help prepare them for parenthood. It aims at giving them a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, insights into the development of the child from the pre-natal to the nurturing years and also on the spiritual, physical and psychological aspects of the family. Both the responsibility and the accountability to God of the parents and Godparents are stressed upon in the course.

Rajeshwar Banerji

9821180066

The Adult Catechumenate is a programme for adults of other faiths who want to know more about Jesus. A systematic presentation of the person and teachings of Jesus enable them to know him better. The type of catechesis given is informal, interactive, community oriented and enculturated, spread over a period of 18 months. If they freely choose to follow Christ, they are baptized at Easter.

The ‘TO KNOW JESUS’ program is especially designed for Inter-faith - ‘mixed’ married couples or couples married under ‘disparity of cult’ to know the faith of their Catholic spouse and be blessed. This is a 5-month, weekly program which generally begins in the second week of January every year and ends in a 2-day retreat. We invite such couples also to ‘Come and See’.

Fr Melvyn Colaco

9004090436

SALT: 'Serving And Leading Together' modelled on Matthew 5:13 is a dynamic collective of our Young Adults of IC Parish. Aged 26-40, Single (not relationship status, rather not married yet), looking to engage with one another, contribute to parish life and grow into being current & future leaders of the Church.

Olivia Rodrigues

9820652162

It focuses into all aspects of the life of seniors and seeks to create an environment to provide them comfort, convenience, security and care which would contribute to a happy, contented and productive life.

Sandeep Lobo

9757238524

The society of St. Vincent De Paul is an international organization present in parishes across the world. The members of the conference who are called Vincentians of Our Lady of Conception Church meet every Thursday from 7:30 pm onwards in the St. Pope Paul VI Hall to pray, deliberate and discuss the welfare of our adoptive families. The Vincentians serve the poorest of the Poor through Corporal Works of mercy (ration aid, medical aid and educational aid) by reaching out to the marginalized in society irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Making those in need self- reliant is one of the main aims of the mission. Vincentian works also includes regular visits to the homes of adoptive families, visits to hospitals and institutions.

Lynette Gonsalves

9819801375

A group of trained parishioners and some with a passion and love for the Special children have come together to conduct Faith formation classes for the special children. A unique venture started in 2014, with a Mission to transmit love and accompany our Special Angels and their parents in experiencing God's vibrant love. This year we have renamed our venture as “Special Angels”. We meet every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm at St. Paul VI Hall. Our activities include Singing Hymns, Action Songs, Craft Activities based on Parables, Games, Picnic, etc. We also celebrate Birthdays, Parents' Day, Children's Day and organise a Christmas party.

Cajetan Coutinho

9773086500

Ushers are a group of volunteers dedicated to serving on Saturdays, Sundays, special occasions, Holy Week events, assisting in liturgical services and supporting other associations. Their contributions ensure the orderly and smooth flow of services. In addition to their commitment to serving on specific days and occasions, Church Ushers play a crucial role in welcoming congregants, assisting with seating, distributing materials, and addressing any needs or inquiries during services. They embody hospitality and create a warm, inviting atmospheres for all attendees, contributing to the overall sense of community and reverence within the Church.

Chryselle Rodrigues

9167027784

The Women's cell objective is to build solidarity among and with women across the spectrum on various issues related to gender, gender-based violence, abusive behaviour at home, financial insecurity and empowerment. Being seen and heard in personal, professional, community and Church spaces is the intention held dearly which is visible through the various programs that are created, planned and executed. In an event of distress feel free to reach out to the women's cell. "Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all of us."