The Bombay Catholic Sabha(BCS) established in 1989 under the patronage of then Cardinal Simon Pimenta, is registered with the Charity Commissioner under the Mumbai Public Trust Act, 1950. It represents the interests and concerns of the Catholic Community of Mumbai in particular and all Christians in general. It operates from an office at Mahim and has a membership of more than 90,000 Catholics of Mumbai from a Community strength of about 5 lakhs! It is the largest laypersons group and operates under the direct patronage of the Archbishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias. The BCS liaises with the Government and makes representations to the Government on various issues on behalf of the Community. Many activities are undertaken and pursued with gusto to their logical conclusion. With special focus on encouraging the youth into Public Service and to contribute to national integration and welfare, three seminars on career opportunities in Civil Services were held lately in the city of Mumbai for the youth / students to lead our country.
The Good Shepherd Church Unit of the BCS under the leadership of Dora Martis – Chairperson, Jasmine Nair- Hon. Secretary, Terecne Gonsalves- Hon Jt. Secretary, David Chandy – Hon. Treasurer, Walter Pereira – Jt. Treasurer, along with our dedicated committee members and parishioners has completed 27 years of service to the community and has a membership of around 1,126 parishioners. Our Executive team volunteers at the Help Desk on Sundays, set-up to assist the Good Shepherd Flock in matters concerning their Sr. Citizen cards, Electoral Rolls Updation, Govt. Minority Scholarship Schemes, Govt. Schemes for poor students to get financial help in their career, Career Counselling and at the same time enrolling new members. The need of the hour calls for more parishioners to enrol themselves. Our parish unit has 12 Committee Members and they are tasked with serving more than 5,000 parishioners of our Church. The Sabha stands committed to its mandate of leading the laity in civic, social, political and environmental activities.
The Sabha unit of the parish conducts activities like organising Independence Day celebrations with distribution of India Flags and sweets, drawing competition for children aged 5 to 15 years, various signature campaigns against attacks on Christians, particpating in seminars, workshops held by the BCS centre. Students achieving exemplary results were felicitated with cash awards and a Certificate of Excellence. Cash awards and certificates were given to the winners in various categories.
The parish has received Star awards for the last 3 years for the activities undertaken by the parish unit.
Under the guidance and support from our Spiritual Director – Fr. Anil Rego, our Parish Unit meets every month to discuss monthly and quarterly plans, moulding and fitting them into the Centre’s plans and acting as a cohesive and vibrant force in the community and local civic bodies.
We call upon all Catholics of our Parish to enrol themselves as members. Forms are available with committee members.
Priest in charge- Fr. Anil Rego
Chairperson- Dora Martis
Committee Members- Wilfred Pinto ( Vice President), Sheila Fernandes ( Vice Chairperson), Grace Pinto, Dennis Soni, Sandra Soni, Terence Gonsalves (Jt. Secretary), Anthony Almeida, Walter Pereira, David Chandy, Joan DSouza and Jasmine Nair(Secretary)
