Weekly Newsletter-February 6, 2024

Weekly Announcements: St. Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Forane Catholic Church
4922 Rosehill Road, Garland, Texas 75043

  St. Thomas the Apostle Syro-Malabar Forane Catholic Church

Weekly Announcements,
February 6, 2024

Dear Parishioners,


1. Holy Qurbana Schedule

Sunday:

8:30 am: Holy Qurbana in Malayalam and CCD

10:30 am: Holy Qurbana in English

Weekdays:

Tuesday through Thursday: Holy Qurbana at 8:30 am.

Friday: Eucharistic adoration from 6:00 pm to 6:50 pm, followed by St. Jude's Novena and Holy Qurbana. Confessions from 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm.

Saturday: Holy Qurbana at 8:30 am, followed by the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

2. February 2024 Updates

  •  General Body approved to proceed with the parking lot construction project and raise the needed funds. The estimated cost for the 100-space parking lot exceeds $500,000. 
    • Those families who haven't yet contributed to Parish Hall and Church construction are expected to contribute more to this project.
    • The rest of the families are requested to contribute a minimum of $1,000 or above for this project.
    • Those contributing $3,000 or more towards this project would have their names written on the designated parking spots, and those sponsors who prefer not to display their names also have that option.
    • Payment for the project is due by February 29, 2024. We kindly request your cooperation and prayers as we aim to complete the project before our Parish Feast/Perunnal.
  • There are other things to consider along with the parking lot project; build a walkway in front of the church for the feast procession, place a signboard with visible mass timing, and a playground. 
  • The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed is on Friday, February 9th. Please plan to attend.
  • The 50-Day Lenten Season will start on Ash Monday, February 12th. Ash Monday is a fasting and obligation day. Holy Qurbana will be at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm.
  • Ward meetings will be held during Lent. Your participation and co-operation are kindly requested. 
  • St. Thomas Feast Day (Thirunnal): The main Thirunnal will be celebrated from Friday, July 5th through Sunday, July 7th. 
    • We request the sponsors to coordinate all the Thirunnal celebrations and to consider the possibility of sponsoring either a signboard with visible mass timing or a walkway in front of the church for the feast procession.
  • Please include your church registration number in the check as part of the memo when you write checks to the church. 
  • Didache Zoom class: We will have an open class for anyone who wishes to get an idea of the Didache program. The class is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Saturday, February 10th, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. 

For those contemplating enrolling in a theology course but unsure about the format, and interactions with faculty and fellow students, we have an opportunity for you. The catechetical department of our Diocese is offering a glimpse into their Theology program, Didache, by opening up a class to all parish members. This particular session will focus on the "Gospel of John" and will be led by Rev. Dr. Andrews Mekkattukunnel. We invite you to join us for this insightful session.

Join Zoom Meeting by clicking this link Gospel of St.John

Meeting ID: 845 6916 3085

Passcode: john

  • Church/Parish Hall Booking: To secure a booking for the church or parish hall for various purposes, individuals must complete the necessary form from the parish trustees' office.
  • For year-end financial statements, please contact the Trustees.
  • Those who have not received the Chicago Diocese Bishop's Appeal envelope, please get it from the Trustee's office. Kindly cooperate. 
  • If you choose to make church payments via Zelle, please email payst.thomasgarland@gmail.com. In the email, include the purpose of the payment and your parish account number. This information will assist in identifying your payment and streamline the accounting process. 

3. Upcoming Events 

    • There will be a retreat for middle school and high school students on March 2nd and 3rd Saturday, and Sunday, led by Fr. Melvin Mangalath, Chicago Youth Director, and his team. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
      • Marriage Prep Courses: Fr. John Melepuram, Diocesan Family Apostolate Director, at  (215) 808-4052.
      • For individuals seeking registered marriage, either here or in India for visa purposes, it is necessary to obtain prior approval from the Bishop of the diocese as per the Bishop's Synod directive. Please contact your vicar.
    • Mark your calendars for the 2024 Lenten retreat on March 22nd,23rd, and 24th. Fr. Sunil Aenekatt VC from Divine Mercy Healing Center in New Jersey will be leading the retreat.
    • Join us for a transformative one-day Catholic Marriage enrichment conference tailored for young couples! Experience a day of enrichment in faith, marriage, and parenting at our Church on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 8 am to 5 pm. For details and registration, click the link: Together in Christ. Please contact Jokutty & Nancy, at (214) 507-9892.
    • Seize the unique opportunity to participate in the 2024 Syro Summit: "Christ is our Hope," designed for youth aged 21-35, in Baltimore from June 27-30. Ensure your early reservation and become an integral part of this enriching experience. For details about this event, please click Syro Summit 2024.

    4. IPSF 2024: Inter Parish Sports Festival

    • IPSF 2024 in Houston: Mr. Cherian Churanadu and Mrs.Biji Edward have been appointed as coordinators for IPSF.
    • The IPSF parish-level competition schedule is on the church notice board. Please click the link to view the church competition dates. Please contact Mrs. Biji Edwards, at (214) 455-6133, or Mr. Cherian Churanadu, at (214) 729-2132.
    • There is an IPSF sign-up sheet in the Narthex for volunteering.

    5. Eucharistic Revival Updates

         For information on Eucharistic revival please click the link St.Thomas Diocese Eucharistic Revival


    6. Safe Environment Updates

         Effective safety programs begin with education and understanding.
         Please click the link to view this week's article on Conversations with Youth about Boundaries and Safety


    7. Additional Church related information

          Mathru Jyothis, Senior Ministry, Adult Bible Study, Prayer Ministry, Church and Hall Bookings, Sacraments for homebound, donation and payments, etc. Please click the link to view additional church information


    God Bless You
    Fr. James Nirappel


    Church Main Office (972) 240-1100

    Kaikkarans (Trustees):
    Antony Nelluvelil (972) 533-7399
    Kurian Mannanal (972) 741-0103
    Mathew John (214) 417-6717
    Sunny Kochuparambil (972) 365-9506

    Parish Council Secretary & Asst. Secretary:
    Mini Joseph Vilangolil (972) 896-2515
    Lissamma Xavier (Asst. Secretary) (817) 657-4427

    Liturgy Coordinator:
    Jose Paul (972) 589-0434

    Parish Vicar:
    Fr. James Nirappel (443) 414-2250

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    4922 Rosehill Road, Garland, Texas 75043. All rights reserved.
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