Goa: The Catechetical Unit of St. Anne Church, Ponda, successfully conducted the parish-level finale of the Small Christian Communities (SCC) Bible Quiz on Sunday, January 25, 2026, reaffirming the parish’s enduring commitment to biblical apostolate and family-centred catechesis.
Designed to deepen faith formation at the grassroots level, the initiative placed special emphasis on catechising families within their respective SCCs by encouraging the active participation of members across all age groups. As part of the preparatory phase, parish catechists visited all sixteen SCCs during the month of November, conducting preliminary Bible quizzes based on the books of Genesis and Exodus. This approach effectively brought catechesis into homes and neighbourhoods, fostering regular SCC gatherings and promoting a closer engagement with Sacred Scripture within families.
The parish especially acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Ms. Nikita Mendes, Coordinator of the St. Anne Catechetical Association, Ponda, whose consistent motivation and personal outreach encouraged even hesitant SCCs to take part. Her commitment played a key role in revitalising SCC meetings and ensuring that teams were formed from each community. Out of the sixteen SCCs, fourteen teams qualified for the parish-level finale, supported by fellow SCC members and Parish Pastoral Council animators.
The programme commenced with a solemn Biblical Prayer Service prepared by Mr. Yeshudas Muttu, Catechist and Quiz Coordinator, setting a reflective and prayerful atmosphere for the event while underscoring the importance of the Word of God in everyday Christian living. Fr. Heston Ferrão of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol served as the Quiz Master and led the competition in an engaging and interactive manner. The quiz rounds covered a wide range of scriptural books, including Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Judges, and Joshua. Fr. Ferrão also introduced participants to various digital Bible resources, encouraging the faithful to make use of modern platforms for Scripture reading and reflection.
After a series of elimination rounds, five teams advanced to the final stage, which featured challenging segments such as the Open Bible, Identify the Person, Picture Round, and Rapid Fire. The confident responses and sound scriptural knowledge displayed by the teams highlighted the effectiveness of SCC-based, family-oriented catechesis. Spot prizes further ensured active audience participation and sustained enthusiasm throughout the event.
Parish Priest Fr. Francis Rozario OFM presented prizes to the winning teams and appreciated the collective effort behind the initiative. Fr. Heston Ferrão lauded the parish for adopting a synodal model of catechesis, characterized by strong lay leadership and meaningful family involvement. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Yeshudas Muttu.
The successful organization of the event was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Mr. Yeshudas Muttu, Ms. Ophelia Diniz, Mr. Melrico Pereira, and Mr. Mackson Dias, reflecting a strong spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility among the lay faithful of the parish.