Family Social Issues

FAMILY SOCIAL ISSUES (FSI): This department mainly deals with social issues facing the family. At the moment, collaborating with the Goa Psychiatric Society and Alcoholic Anonymous, it runs alcohol and drug addiction awareness programmes in various villages in Goa. In collaboration with the GMC/other doctors, it also conducts breast awareness campaigns talk on misuse and safe use of mobiles, all over Goa. This department has also been given the task to initiate Parish Family Service Cells in all Parishes in Goa for which the process has already started with a questionnaire sent to all Parishes.

Contact DFSC office Panaji (2224140) or Margao (8856935395) for running these programmes in your village/Parish/School. Email: dfscgoa@gmail.com

The Diocesan Family Service Centre, in collaboration with the Religious of Mary Immaculate (RMI), organised an Addiction Awareness Programme for the Hindi-speaking community on 19 July 2026 at Cardinal Gracious Hall, Navelim. The programme began at 1:15 p.m., with around 180 participants, including 17 children, in attendance.

The programme commenced with Sr. Sushanna Kerketta, RMI, and the migrant leaders welcoming the resource persons and participants with a traditional song. Ms. Hema Menezes, Coordinator of the Diocesan Family Service Centre, felicitated the four resource persons—Mr. George, Mr. Joshi, Mrs. Vidhya and Mrs. Sheila—with saplings.

The theme, “Alcohol Addiction and How to Overcome It,” was addressed through informative sessions and powerful personal testimonies. Mr. George introduced the participants to the work of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and shared his own journey from addiction to recovery. Mr. Joshi, who has been free from alcohol for 12 years, spoke about how addiction affects the entire family and how AA helped him regain his life.

Mrs. Vidhya shared her courageous journey through addiction, severe illness, rejection and despair, and how the support of AA helped her begin a new life. Mrs. Sheila spoke about the impact of her husband’s addiction on their family and how AA helped him overcome his dependence, bringing peace and happiness back into their home. Today, she also reaches out to and supports family members affected by a loved one’s addiction through Al-Anon Fellowship, a sister organisation of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The testimonies offered a powerful message that addiction affects not only individuals but entire families, yet recovery is possible when there is support, acceptance and a willingness to seek help.

At the conclusion, Sr. Sushanna Kerketta, RMI, expressed gratitude to the resource persons, the AA organisation, the participants and the Parish Fathers of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, for providing the venue. Ms. Hema Menezes also thanked the resource persons for sharing their experiences and creating awareness.

The programme concluded with a fellowship lunch provided by the Diocesan Family Service Centre. Many participants expressed that they had greatly benefited from the awareness and testimonies shared during the programme.

The Addiction Awareness Programme was a meaningful initiative that brought an important message to the community: addiction may bring pain, but with awareness, support, acceptance and a willingness to seek help, the journey towards recovery and a renewed life is possible.

Event Overview

The Diocesan Family Centre, Goa organized an addiction awareness talk on August 10, 2025, in Old Goa at the St Catherine of Alexandria Parish Hall, the speakers, Mr. Shripad, Mr. George, and Ms. Renuka, along with the Parish Priest Fr. Rosario Oliveira and Ms. Hema Menezes, the coordinator from the Diocesan Family Centre, Goa were felicitated with shawls and flowers. A Total number of 175 members of the Hindi Speaking Community attended the awareness talk.

History and Introduction of ALCHOHOLIC ANONYMOUS by Mr. George

Mr. George provided a short history of the 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (AA) organization, which was started in Akron Ohio USA in 1935 and then came to Goa in 1975 and now has about 70 meeting places in Goa. He shared his personal life story, explaining how he started drinking and later became compulsively addicted. He was unable to come out of it on his own; every time he tried, he started drinking again. It became a vicious cycle in his life. He wanted some happiness to quit liquor, but when his friend introduced him to an AA meeting, he was able to do so. Now, he is an active member, helping people to quit, and raising awareness about the ill effects of addiction.

Testimony by Mr. Shripad

Later, Mr. Shripad shared his life experiences. He described how, during his college life, he began with just tasting liquor, then continued in parties with friends. Slowly, he became addicted, leading him to become lonely and sick. He lost all his respect in society and neglected his family. However, when he came in contact with AA, he understood that he was sick physically, mentally, and spiritually. By continuously attending meetings, following their 12-step programs, and helping others, his life changed. Now, he is actively involved in helping others who are addicted.

Testimony by Ms. Renuka

Lastly, Ms. Renuka shared her life story. She had everything—a good husband, daughters, and a house—but something she started as fun became an addiction. After joining AA, she now has a completely opposite life, full of laughter and blessings. She is giving her testimony and helping others overcome liquor addiction.

Distribution of Resources and Conclusion

Forms and leaflets were distributed to all attendees to share if any family member or friend needs help to quit addiction. As the name suggests, the information about the person sharing details of the addicted individual will not be disclosed, ensuring anonymity, and we can help someone overcome the addiction. The meeting concluded with prayers and a hot lunch.