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

Dear Parishioners,

1. Holy Qurbana Schedule

Sunday:

8:30 am: Holy Qurbana in Malayalam and 10:30 am Holy Qurbana in English

Weekdays:

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

Friday: Eucharistic adoration from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by St. Jude's Novena and Holy Qurbana. Confessions from 5:pm - 6:45 pm.

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

2. December 2023 Updates

• Requesting your prayers for the election of a new Major Archbishop for our Syro Malabar church.  Per Bishop Sebastian Vaniyapurackal's circular request forwarding the prayer in English and Malayalam. Please include this intention in your daily family prayers.
  Please click the link to view prayer in English and in Malayalam
• Gratitude echoes through the festive air as we extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in bringing our Christmas celebration to life. Deep appreciation to all involved in decorating the altar, including Reverend Sisters, Jose Paul and Altar servers team. Special appreciation goes to Isdore,Robin & Dayon for adoring the Christmas Crib with creativity. A harmonious chorus of thanks resonates towards our Choir members, and profound gratitude to sponsors Nathan Pampakal, Kelvin & Elizabeth Joy, Shaji & Mini Panickacherry, Joseph & Amal Prakuzhy and Michael & Mary Kallarackal for the beautiful Christmas flowers. A special thanks to all the Young Adults for your collective effort in adorning our Christmas tree with festive splendor.  A sincere thanks to Parish Council members and Joby Varghese along with Benny, Britto, Beatrice and Joji Kuriakose for illuminating our surroundings with joyous lights. A special addition to our heartfelt thanks goes to CML team and to Senior adult Choir team for orchestrating a great Christmas program. Trustees, thank you for your leadership and guidance in steering our Christmas celebrations. Lastly, a warm appreciation to all who joined in the festive spirit, making our Christmas caroling a collective symphony of joy and cooperation.
• SVDP team would like to thank every one for the overwhelming support.Please check the link to view the winners of the St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Raffle, 2023. 
• Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt has granted approval for the parking lot project decision finalized on December 3, General body meeting. Expecting collaboration of all parishioners, especially from those who joined our church post the construction of the Parish Hall and church. We will begin the project after the new parish Council is installed. Furthermore, Bishop mentioned San Thome Life Center project is still active. To steer this initiative, a new executive committee is sought, with a term of two years. The committee will collaborate closely with the Vicar and parish council. Seeking wholehearted cooperation from all parishioners. Your involvement is pivotal in ensuring the success of these endeavors.
• Thursday, December 28, we will be celebrating the Feast of Holy Infants. There will be special blessings for all Children after 08:30 am Holy Qurbana.
• Sunday, December 31, at 11pm, we will have adoration, year-end prayer and a New Year's prayer, marking the beginning of the year. The prayer will be followed by Holy Qurbana. Let us thank our Lord for all the blessings we have received this year.
• Monday, January 1,2024, Holy Qurbana at 08:30 am.
• 2024-2025 Parish Council Member's list:  

• • Vicar : Fr. James Nirappel,
  • Trustees :Antony(Tomy)Nelluvelil -Rowlett Ward. Kuriachen Mannanal- South Garland Ward. Sunny Kochuparambil -Representative of Organizations, Mathew(Raju) John. 
  • Parish Council Secretary: Mini Joseph Vilangolil 
  • Parish Council Assistant Secretary: Lissamma C Xavier-Arlington & Grand Prairie Ward.
  • Sr. Maria Thengumthottam  SABS- Representatives from Consecrated Life.
  • CCD representative: Annie Nellikunnel. 
  • Pastoral Council members: Vinod George, Anjali Frix Michael (Youth)
  • Jeevan James (Youth)
  • Biju Paul Mulangan- Plano & Frisco Ward.
  • Lincy Mathew -South Garland Ward.
  • Roy K Antony-North Garland Ward.
  • Pradeep Naganoolil & Chinnamma Philip-Sunnyvale Ward.
  • Josey G Angilivelil & Jency Sebastian-Murphy Ward.
  • Emil George 
  • Kelvin Joy 
• Those who have not received 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 to 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 

• Marriage Prep Courses: Fr. John Melepuram, Diocesan Family Apostolate Director - (215) 808-4052.
  
  • March 15th - 17th, 2024 in Dallas. For more details, please contact:
  • Jokutty & Nancy: (214) 507-9892.

• 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.

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.
• There is an IPSF sign-up sheet in the Narthex for volunteering.

5. Eucharistic Revival Updates

      To view the monthly Newsletter and Zoom meeting link, please click here.

6. Safe Environment Updates

7. Additional Church related information

Mathru Jyothis, Senior Ministry, Adult Bible Study, Prayer Ministry, Church and Hall Bookings, Sacraments for home bound, 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):
Jimmy Mathew (972) 951-7304
Charly Angadicheril (817) 296-8255
Tomy Joseph (469) 951-6639
Jeevan James (972) 375-8763

Parish Council Secretary & Asst. Secretary:
Molly Varghese (214) 912-7663
Janet Josey (Asst. Secretary) (551) 482-5529

Liturgy Coordinator:
Jose Paul (972) 589-0434

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