Three-day diocesan vocation camp was held at St. Peter’s Church Kiphire from June 24 to 26, organized for the students of class 7 to 12 comprising both boys and girls.
The camp was attended by 47 selected students from Shamator, Sitimi, Meluri, Pungro and Kiphire.
Parish priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire, Rev. Fr. Ntonse John gave a cordial welcome to the young campers and vocation promoter, Diocese of Kohima, Rev. Fr. Thomas set the tone to the programme by recommending the children to pray, reflect and discern the will of God.
Rev. Sr. Catherine, UFC while addressing on “vocation to holiness” said that there was the divinity of God within a person since human being was made in the image and likeness of God.
Rev. Sr. Catherine said vocation was a way of life and not merely a profession and in order to discern the will of God, she said that “we” needed to listen and recognize the voice of God.
Speaking on “mission in the church” Rev. Fr. Solomon Kevishe, said that the word mission meant being sent. He listed the works of Jesus Christ such as preaching, teaching, healing, and acts of charity and justice.
Kiphire Catholic Women Association president, Tushila Caroline in her address on “a consecrated life brings joy to the family” said that worldly things and its attractions were short lived and would perish sooner or later but doing God’s would bring true happiness and joy to all.
Rev. Fr. Tomy, Kallurembel, St. Francis Church, centre in-charge of Shamator officiated the Holy Mass on June 25. During the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Tomy in his homily enlightened the boys and girls to answer the call of God like Samuel who listened to the voice of God and answered His call.
Rev. Fr. John Poji, vice principal of NEISSR (MSW), Dimapur in his homily referred to the Sunday’s reading and said only people with total commitment and willingness to sacrifice their lives could win the world for Him.
Rev. Fr. Charles Phom took session on “vocation in the local church” and urged children to pray continuously to find that inner desire. “Prayer” was the theme taken by Rev. Fr. Loyola Antony.
Varieties of items were presented by the groups. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu expressed gratitude to the participants, fathers, sisters, Good Shepherd brothers of Dimapur, religious men and women and particularly to the St. Peter’s parish community, Kiphire and to all well wishers who contributed to make the camp a grand success.
CBCMHK: Along with the rest of the churches under the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), Chakhesang Baptist Church, Minister’s Hill, Kohima (CBCMHK) organised Vacation Bible School (VBS) from June 21 to 26 under the theme “sing for joy”.
The grand finale programme of the 2016 VBS was held on June 26 at the church with Sunday school, superintendent, Akhrole Ngachu as the theme speaker.
Stressing on the importance of maintaining intimacy relationship between the parents and the children, she urged the parents to have sufficient time with their children and share the joys, problems and grievances as well so as to win the hearts of the children in later and spirit.
According to the VBS director, Noune Khamo, 573 children registered for the weeklong programme. 12 different classes comprising of Beginner-A,B, C, Primary- A,B, C, Junior- A,B, C, Intermediate- A,B, and Teens. 41 teachers, 21 volunteers along with cooks, prayer warriors, pastoral team, praise and worship team, and advisors were part of the weeklong program. The day long programme highlights include, pledge of allegiance on God’s flag and Book, class wise presentation, skit, drama and love feast.
AOSGU: Alpine Open Scout & Guide Unit (AOSGU) conducted its annual summer camp at Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides, State Training Centre, Nerhema from June 20-24 with 47 campers.
The resource persons for the camp were district training commissioner (scout) Kohima, Om Prakash Gupta and Rover Scout Leader & Assistant Quartermaster NSBSG, Kekhrieselhou Theünuo.
During the camp, the campers were trained on tent pitching, first aid, signaling, knotting and lashing, camp gadgets, over night hike and night game etc.
Apart from all the other activities the senior Rajya Puraskar Scouts (Governor’s Scouts) were trained for the next award “Rashtrapati Award (Presidents Award)” the highest award for a scout at the national level.
The camp was graced by the visits of deputy director school education, Lipok Jamir, Ex-MP, state chief commissioner NSBSG, Khyomo Lotha, officiating state secretary NSBSG, John Tochimong, state training commissioner (scout), R. Albert Solo and associate pastor youth NCRC Ao Kohima, Sentiyanger, The camp was held under the leadership of Scoutmaster, Imlisünep, guide captain, Ketsielhounuo Lese & guide captain, Chubasangla.
Mokokchung: Kumlong Baptist church, Mokokchung, Christian education department annual children summer retreat was held with Clark theological college, Lanu Atsongchanger, proprietor Blossoms Pre-school, Sashinungla and Toshimenla Walling as the resource persons. Around 300 children are attended the annual children summer retreat, while the retreat.
It may be noted that Kumlong Baptist Church is one of the biggest churches in Mokokchung town and every year the Christian Education department holds different activities so as to make the young children to grow up as responsible Christian citizens in the society.