HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CORDEL

PASTORAL COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT

Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics
Title of the Activity: Catechism Teachers’ First Meeting and Election of the
Coordinator
Date of Activity: 25th May 2025
The Commission for Bible and Catechetics of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, convened the
first official meeting for the Catechism teachers of the academic year 2025 on the
25th of May, 2025. This meeting marked the formal commencement of catechetical
activities for the year and served as a foundational gathering aimed at setting the
tone for the upcoming catechetical sessions.
Held in the church premises, the session witnessed active participation from all
catechism teachers, totaling 35 members. The meeting was convened under the
leadership and direction of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, and the
Assistant Director for Sunday Catechism, Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro. Their presence and
guidance were integral in providing clarity and direction to the teaching fraternity as
they embarked on a new academic year.
The meeting began with a short introductory session, which included a brief but
meaningful evaluation of the previous year’s catechetical activities (2024–2025).
Teachers were encouraged to reflect upon the methodologies, challenges, and
successes of the previous year. Constructive feedback was shared among the
participants, allowing for collaborative learning and identification of areas for
improvement.
A key highlight of the meeting was the election of the new Catechism Coordinator for
the year 2025. Following a transparent and consensual process, Mr. Pradeep Misquith
was elected as the new coordinator. He accepted the responsibility with humility and
a commitment to enhancing the catechetical experience for both teachers and
students.
Subsequently, essential instructions and guidelines for the new academic year were
imparted by Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro and Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes. Emphasis was laid
on enhancing the quality and effectiveness of catechism classes. Teachers were
instructed to:
 Prepare detailed and structured lesson plans in advance.
 Ensure greater involvement and enthusiasm in the preparation and delivery of
lessons.
 Be vigilant and disciplined with regard to class attendance and punctuality.
 Incorporate engaging methods to make catechism more interesting and
relatable to students.
The duties and responsibilities among the teachers were also discussed and
distributed, ensuring a collective and accountable approach to catechetical
instruction.
This meeting was exclusively organized by the Commission for Bible and Catechetics,
with no external collaborations from other commissions or associations. The
commission efficiently took charge of planning, organizing, and executing the session.
Every necessary arrangement for the smooth conduct of the meeting was
meticulously handled by the commission members.
The outcome of the activity was highly encouraging. With a new coordinator in place,
renewed energy among the teaching faculty, and clear directives for the academic
year, the meeting successfully laid a strong foundation for the catechism programme
of 2025. The collective enthusiasm and commitment of the teachers reaffirmed the
church’s mission to foster a faith-filled and well-formed young generation.

Prepared by: Approved by:

Mr. Pradeep Misquith Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes
Coordinator, Catechism Teachers' Association Parish Priest, Holy
Cross Church, Cordel
 HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CORDEL
PASTORAL COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT
Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics
Title of the Activity: Catechism Teachers’ First Meeting and Election of the
Coordinator
Date of Activity: 25th May 2025
The Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, organized a
Liturgy Training and Lectors’ Formation Programme on 12th November 2023
at the parish premises. This initiative was undertaken as part of the Commission’s
pastoral mandate to enhance the quality of liturgical celebrations and to ensure the
effective proclamation of the Word of God during the Holy Mass and other liturgical
services.
Recognizing the sacred responsibility entrusted to lectors in conveying the Scriptures
with clarity, reverence, and devotion, the Commission designed this programme to
provide both theological understanding and practical guidance. The training was
specifically intended for parishioners who regularly serve as readers during liturgical
celebrations, as well as for those aspiring to undertake this ministry in the future.
The Commission undertook full responsibility for the planning, organization, and
execution of the event, including all logistical arrangements. The session was
conducted by Rev. Fr. Vijay Machado, Director of Mangala Jyothi, whose
expertise in liturgical formation and communication greatly enriched the training.
A total of 250 participants attended the programme, demonstrating the parish
community’s keen interest in deepening their liturgical knowledge and skill. Through a
series of interactive inputs, demonstrations, and guided practice sessions, the
participants were instructed on the proper techniques of voice modulation, clarity of
speech, pronunciation, and the spiritual disposition required for proclaiming the Word
of God.
The outcome of the training was notably positive. Participants expressed greater
confidence in their ability to read and proclaim the Scriptures distinctly, reverently,
and effectively, thereby fostering a more prayerful and participatory atmosphere
during parish liturgies.
This event stands as a significant step in the ongoing liturgical renewal efforts of the
parish, ensuring that the ministry of the Word is carried out with the dignity and
devotion it deserves. The Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics remains committed
to continuing such formative programmes for the enrichment of the faith and liturgical
life of the parish community.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Mr. Pradeep Misquith Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes
Parish Priest
 HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CORDEL
PASTORAL COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT
Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics

Commission: Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics

Date of the Activity: 12th November 2023

The Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, organized a Liturgy Training
and Lectors’ Formation Programme on 12th November 2023 at the parish premises. This initiative was
undertaken as part of the Commission’s pastoral mandate to enhance the quality of liturgical celebrations
and to ensure the effective proclamation of the Word of God during the Holy Mass and other liturgical
services.

Recognizing the sacred responsibility entrusted to lectors in conveying the Scriptures with clarity, reverence,
and devotion, the Commission designed this programme to provide both theological understanding and
practical guidance. The training was specifically intended for parishioners who regularly serve as readers
during liturgical celebrations, as well as for those aspiring to undertake this ministry in the future.

The Commission undertook full responsibility for the planning, organization, and execution of the event,
including all logistical arrangements. The session was conducted by Rev. Fr. Vijay Machado, Director of
Mangala Jyothi, whose expertise in liturgical formation and communication greatly enriched the training.

A total of 250 participants attended the programme, demonstrating the parish community’s keen interest in
deepening their liturgical knowledge and skill. Through a series of interactive inputs, demonstrations, and
guided practice sessions, the participants were instructed on the proper techniques of voice modulation,
clarity of speech, pronunciation, and the spiritual disposition required for proclaiming the Word of God.

The outcome of the training was notably positive. Participants expressed greater confidence in their ability
to read and proclaim the Scriptures distinctly, reverently, and effectively, thereby fostering a more prayerful
and participatory atmosphere during parish liturgies.

This event stands as a significant step in the ongoing liturgical renewal efforts of the parish, ensuring that
the ministry of the Word is carried out with the dignity and devotion it deserves. The Commission for
Liturgy and Catechetics remains committed to continuing such formative programmes for the enrichment of
the faith and liturgical life of the parish community.

Prepared by: Approved by:

Mr. Nelly Corda Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes
Parish Priest
 HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CORDEL
PASTORAL COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT
Commission for Liturgy

Title of the Activity: Holy Week Liturgy Practice

Date of Activity: 16th April 2025

On the 16th of April 2025, the Commission for Liturgy of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, organised a dedicated
practice session in preparation for the solemn celebrations of the Holy Week. Recognising the importance of
reverent and well-prepared liturgical services during this most sacred time of the Church’s year, the
commission arranged a structured rehearsal focusing on the proclamation of Scripture and other liturgical
readings for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

The practice session was carefully planned and executed by the Commission for Liturgy, with the aim of
ensuring that every reader assigned to the Holy Week services could deliver their role with clarity,
confidence, and devotion. The participants, numbering 30 in total, comprised parishioners entrusted with
reading the Word of God and other liturgical texts during these solemn celebrations.

Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Paul Sebastian Dsouza, the session began with a brief reflection on the
spiritual significance of Holy Week and the sacred responsibility borne by those who proclaim the
Scriptures. Participants were then led through detailed rehearsals of their respective readings, with attention
given to pronunciation, pacing, tone, and reverence. Special emphasis was placed on understanding the
meaning and context of each passage, enabling readers to communicate the message with conviction and
depth.

The collaborative spirit of the gathering fostered an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, as readers
encouraged one another and refined their skills together. By the conclusion of the session, there was a shared
sense of readiness and purpose, with participants expressing greater confidence in their ability to contribute
meaningfully to the liturgical celebrations.

The outcome of the activity was evident during the Holy Week services, where the Scripture readings and
liturgical texts were proclaimed with grace and solemnity, greatly enriching the prayerful participation of the
congregation. The Commission for Liturgy acknowledged the success of the initiative and affirmed its
commitment to continuing such preparatory sessions in the future to maintain the high standard of liturgical
celebrations in the parish.

Prepared by: Approved by:

Mr. Nelly Corda Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes
Coordinator, commission for Liturgy Parish Priest, Holy Cross Church, Cordel
 HOLY CROSS CHURCH, CORDEL
PASTORAL COMMISSION ACTIVITY REPORT
Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics

Title of the Activity: Inauguration of the Catechism Year and Parents’ Meeting
Date of Activity: 8th June 2025

On the 8th of June 2025, the Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics of Holy Cross Church, Cordel,
formally inaugurated the Catechism Year 2025–2026. This significant annual event marked the
commencement of faith formation classes for approximately 450 children of the parish, each of whom will
be guided throughout the year in deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith and living it out in their
daily lives.

The day’s programme began with a solemn inaugural ceremony, led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Clifford
Fernandes, who spoke with conviction on the central role of catechesis in the spiritual growth of children.
Following the inauguration, the children proceeded to their respective classes, where their catechists
welcomed them, introduced the syllabus, and set the tone for the year’s learning journey.

Concurrently, a meeting was held for the parents of the catechism students. This gathering provided an
essential platform for emphasising the shared responsibility of the parish and the family in the faith
formation of the young. Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes addressed the parents, underlining the importance of
Sunday catechism, regular Mass attendance, and active family prayer. He reminded them that while the
parish provides structured catechetical instruction, it is within the home that children’s faith is most
profoundly nurtured and sustained.

A total of 450 children and 250 parents participated in the day’s events, making it a vibrant expression of the
parish’s commitment to building a strong foundation of Christian life among its youngest members. The
atmosphere was one of hope and purpose, with both children and parents recognising their distinct yet
interconnected roles in the journey of faith.

The outcome of this combined inauguration and meeting was highly positive. Children began their
catechetical year with enthusiasm, while parents left with a renewed sense of responsibility to support their
children’s growth in the faith. The Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics affirmed its dedication to
accompanying both students and parents throughout the year, ensuring that catechesis remains a dynamic,
faith-filled, and community-supported mission.

Prepared by: Approved by:

Mr. Pradeep Misquith Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes
Coordinator, Catechism Teachers' Association Parish Priest, Holy
Cross Church, Cordel