In Jesus Christ we are a family of God. As a family we need to come together and celebrate our joys and share in each other's hardships. It is in this spirit that the festivities of Christmas and New Year continued through to the Family Fest 2010 on 14th and 15th January at St Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai.
The mega event had a dual purpose: It was an occasion for St Mary's parishioners to come together and celebrate the gift of unity and love. It was also an opportunity in sharing and caring for the needs of the lesser privileged parishioners. With a variety of songs, dances, mimicry and mime from various communities and groups, the stage events attracted large crowds. The church compound was filled with eager participants who were enthusiastically taking part in games and fun activities. There were mind challenging games for adults, thrills for youth, bouncing castle and trampoline rides for children and a carousel for toddlers! Then there was food for everyone at the various food stalls!!
The grand inaugural festivity on Thursday 14 January evening started with the opening prayer song followed by the inaugural parade participated by all the communities. In his welcome address the Family Fest Coordinator James Joseph appreciated the efforts of all those who were actively involved in the planning of the event. Fr Tomasito, the Parish Priest and the Chairman of the Organising Committee inaugurated the festivities and called upon everyone to enjoy and benefit from the variety of fare that was on offer!
The two day event was sponsored by CAD Space Interior Design LLC (Main Sponsor), Tiger Group of Companies and Western Union Money Transfer (Associate Sponsors), Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Joyalukkas (Co Sponsors), Dubai Duty Free, SAPIL (Benefactors) and many others as promotional stall and banner sponsors. Additionally the support of parishioners - young and old - working hand-in-hand for the success of the festivities was in itself a testament of service and spirit of sharing.
Just before the announcement of Lucky Winners of St. Mary's Family Fest 2010, the Key Sponsors as well as Priests present at the event and Sr. Ann Marie, Head Mistress of St. Mary's school were invited to the stage and were felicitated with flowers. Mrs. Aboline D'Cunha, Vice President of the Parish Council proposed the Vote of Thanks wherein she particularly thanked all the Sponsors, Donors and Well Wishers who contributed in cash or in kind towards St. Mary's Family Fest 2010. She thanked the various groups in the Parish for participating in cultural events , the Youth of the Parish for organizing and manning the Games Stalls and Kids Corner, Volunteers for their dedicated and committed service, the members of the organizing team for all their whole hearted support coupled with dedicated efforts and hard work, the Parish volunteers for their committed service and more than all she extended her gratitude and appreciation to all the Parishioners without whose support, Family Fest would not be possible.
The Parish Council Secretary commended the effective compering by the masters of ceremonies Melwyn Vaz, Jessie Darkman, Susan Jose and Errol Goveas, together with deejays Clayton and Melvin for their remarkable style in keeping the audience at center stage enthusiastic and cheerful throughout.
"Not what we give, But what we share, For the gift without the giver, is bare" (James Russell Lowell)
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