CONFIRMATION:- Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from Baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. In Good Shepherd Church, the preparation for the sacrament starts in June or July of the year. We classify the preparation into three sections: Cult, Creed and Code. Most of these preparatory classes are conducted by our internal teachers. Confirmation is usually concluded in January or February the following year with the Bishop administering the sacrament at a regular church service. For the year 2025- 26 we have 10 youth who will receive the Sacrament early next year.
Spiritual Director:- Fr. Joseph Mathew. Lay co-ordinator:- Belinda Rodrigues.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:- The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is considered one of the most important occasions in the life of a Catholic. Therefore a spiritual preparation is paramount in this sacred journey of hope, faith and belief. Admissions to the Good Shepherd Church are now welcome to children who are in class 3, 8 years of age. All these classes require compulsory attendance. It is highly requested that parents accompany their children in this spiritual journey of
faith. The current batch preparing for their First Holy Communion will be receiving the First Eucharist in December every year.
Spiritual Director:- Fr. Anil Rego. Lay Co-ordinator:- Zynidia Michael.
SUNDAY SCHOOL:- The Sunday School comprises of a team of 11 teachers. The prime focus is to teach the essentials of Christian faith, to give insights on the Christian faith and to make our children strong individuals and build a strong foundation. It commences immediately after the children mass at 8.30 am. It starts at 9.30 am at St. Louis School Building and ends at 10.30 am. Activities during Sunday School involves interaction with the children at personal level, use of audio visual aid, reading the word of God, knowing how to use the Bible, play acting, group discussion, prayer session, etc. Children from various Standards have to participate during the Liturgy during the Children Mass which includes Introduction, Readings & Prayer of the Faithful. We also have various events during the year for the Children which includes Faith Formation Programs at Deanery level for various Standards, Parents day Programs, Rosary during the Novenas based on themes, Vacation Bible Joy during Vacations, Christmas Carol Competitions, Psalm recitals, Bible quiz.
Spiritual Director:- Fr. Joseph Mathew. Lay co-ordinator:-Joan DSouza.
PRE-BAPTISMAL CATECHESIS:–The Pre-Baptismal Catechesis Program prepares new parents for the sacrament of their child’s Baptism. It is mandatory, because of the high importance placed on building family faith. The Pre-Baptism course not only focuses on the religious significance of the sacrament, but also extends to imparting tools for parents to bring up their children firmly in the Catholic Faith. The course is conducted over 4 sessions on Saturday / Sunday. We advise that both parents attend this course during the early stages of pregnancy to avoid any inconvenience to the mothers-to-be. A certificate is be awarded to the Parents. Parents and God parents are required to attend their part of the course (i.e. last session of the course), either with the parents or some other time before baptism, (either in the same or other parish). A certificate is issued when they do the same. The Church has set the following criteria for the selection of godparents. They should be fully initiated into the faith (i.e. must have received sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation). They should be practicing Catholics, they should not be the child’s parents, they should be above 16 years of age and preferably not very old. Registrations are to be done at the parish office. The marriage certificate is required for registration.
Spiritual Director:- Fr. Reuben Tellis. Lay coordinators:- Cyril and Christabel D’Souza
RIGHT OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) :- If any individual intends to convert from one's religious belief – deeply desires to accept the Catholic faith and be baptized to live a Catholic life, the candidate needs to undergo RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) program conducted by the diocese at various centre’s in the Archdiocese. The RCIA program covers a period of one year. The candidate needs to first talk with any of the priests of the parish and then the priest will guide and direct the candidate accordingly.
Spiritual Director:- Fr. Reuben Tellis.
