Weekly Newsletter-February 14, 2023

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 14, 2023

Dear Parishioners,


1. Holy Qurbana

Sundays:

8:30 am: Holy Qurbana in Malayalam and CCD

10:30 am: Holy Qurbana in English

Weekdays:

Tuesday to Thursday: Holy Qurbana at 8:30 am

Friday: Adoration at 6:00 pm followed by the St. Jude Novena and Holy Qurbana at 7:00 pm

Saturday: Holy Qurbana at 8:30 am followed by the Novena to our Mother of Perpetual Help

Note: Those attending Holy Qurbana are requested to follow CDC guidelines to protect yourselves and others. Please note that the Holy Qurbana Offering Book kept in the church narthex should be used only for writing Holy Qurbana intentions. Please clearly state the intention along with the contact person's name, phone number and what date it is to be offered. Please contact achan for any questions or concerns.


2. CCD

To register for CCD, please click on the following link: CCD Enrollment. This is also a great opportunity to celebrate your CCD child's birthday or any special occasion. There is a sign-up sheet in the parish hall for Donut sponsors. For a contribution of $200 for one Sunday, you can provide the kids with their favorite donuts. Thanks to all those who have already sponsored.


3. February 2023 Highlights

  • Achan's Vacation: Achan is currently on vacation from January 15th to February 16th. Fr. Kevin Mundackal and Fr. Paul Chalissery will be assisting in achan's absence. For any parish related needs, please contact our trustees.
  • Come and See Program: For high school and college students (ages 16-25) who are considering the priesthood, the Diocesan Office for Vocations and Formation is organizing a Come and See program for our Syro youth. For any questions, please contact Fr. Paul Chalissery. Please click the link to view details: Come and see
  • All Souls Day will be celebrated on Friday, February 17th with Holy Qurbana at 7:00 pm.
  • Ash Monday will be on February 20th: Holy Qurbana will be at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm.
  • Marriage Preparation Course (In-person) will be held from February 24th - 26th. Please click the link to view details: Marriage Prep Course. Young adults planning to get married, please register for this course. You can email familyapostolate.chicago@gmail.com for the registration details. Contacts are Fr. Paul Chalissery (919) 749-7175 and Mr. Jose Prakash (954) 540-7286. Couples who are planning to get married will need to contact achan at least 6 months prior to the wedding, especially if either party belongs to a non-Catholic Christian Community.
  • Santhome Life Center Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 26th at 12:00 pm, which will include all 101 Santhome Life Center Committee members.
  • 2023 Youth camp will be held from March 10th - 13th at 576 Sabine Creek Ranch, Royse City, TX 75189. This is for grades 9 and up. The registration price is currently $170, but it will increase to $180 on February 19th. The last day for registration is February 28th and the last day for payment is March 5th. The youth have started a fundraising raffle to assist with the camping costs, please consider supporting them. For further questions, please contact Don Joseph. Please click the link to register for Sabrine Creek Ranch.


4. Upcoming 2023 Events

  • Lenten Retreat will be led by Fr. Mathew Asariparambil for all parishioners from March 24th - 26th. Please plan to attend.
  • First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday, May 13th which will be presided by Bishop Emeritus Jacob Angadiath. Parents, please mark your calendars.
  • Dei Verbum Diocesan Bible Quiz: The Finals for the Dei Verbum Diocesan Bible Quiz will be held on Saturday, May 20th.
  • Pilgrimage:
    • Guadalupe, Mexico City - February 15th - 18th.

    • Holy Land, Jordan, Israel & Eqypt - April 16th - 28th.

    • Footsteps of St. Paul (Greece & Turkey) - April 30th - May 14th.

    • East Europe & Medjugorje - May 19th - 31st.

      A Catholic priest will be accompanying each pilgrimage. Contact person: Mathew Thomas (Jose) at (214) 714-0833.


5. IPTF 2023 Regional and Talent Scan Updates

Our parish is set to host the regional level IPTF 2023 from July 14th - 16th. Regional level main coordinators are Charlie Angadicheril, Jeevan James and Janet Josey. Parish level Talent Scan coordinators are Sherly Shaji and Raju Kattady. Regional level IPTF 2023 Guidelines are available at IPTF Event Guidelines (also available at our church website under Media/links).

IPTF Talent Scan updates

Please see the IPTF Weekly for weekly status updates and news.

Please see the list of Talent Scan coordinators and their contact information. Also, please click on The IPTF Talent Scan 2023 Schedule to view Key Dates. Kindly note that this schedule might change due to factors beyond our control. Each event coordinator will confirm the schedule directly to all the registered participants. Please click on the IPTF Talent Scan Guidelines for Talent Scan guidelines. The objective of the IPTF Talent Scan is to identify and coach the best talent, hence please note that the IPTF Talent Scan guidelines may be different from the IPTF Regional Guidelines

If any youth and/or adults would like to help in coaching/conducting any of the events, please reach out to the respective Event Coordinators or Sherly Shaji/Raju Kattady. And in case of any questions or comments, please reach out to the IPTF coordinators.


6. Safe Environment Weekly News: There is Hope

Sometimes when we are confronted with an issue that seems obviously wrong or one that provokes clear public outrage, we wonder why it is not resolved already. That is the case for most of us when dealing with the sexual abuse of children and cases we learn about within the Catholic Church. We can't imagine how this has not been stopped completely; it is so obviously wrong. We continue to see news stories about cases in the Catholic Church, the local schools or foster care, and we are surprised and angry that there is still a risk to our children. Please click the link to read the article: There is Hope


7. Housekeeping Updates

Please refrain from stapling or sticking any flyers on parish hall walls or glass doors. We expect your understanding in this matter.


8. Parishon.net

Parishon.net: Per our diocese's recommendation, we are going to implement a new software portal called "Parishon.net" in 2023 for all our parish needs such as accounting, records management, letters, payments, etc. Tomichen Kallarackal (Thomas P. Thomas) has agreed to help in 2023 for Accounting. Bobby Johnson has agreed to work on Parishon.net along with Parish Council member Raju Kattady and others; Elsa Rajo, Jilly Olickal, Jeevan James and Jibin Gigi will assist with data collection for Parishon.net. Our present accountant, Cyriac Thomas will render any help he can provide until March. Parish council members will be helping with the implementation. Those who are interested to volunteer, please contact achan at the earliest as we have already started the work.


9. Mathru Jyothis

All mothers are welcome to help and support this ministry. To help with Mathru Jyothis activities, please contact:

Lisa Kochuparambil: (214) 336-4340

Sherly Shaji: (214) 287-2051

Enat Earnest: (469) 688-0201

Ancy Mathew: (972) 953-6369


10. Parish Hall Repair and Renovation Updates

As per the decisions made during the General Body meeting on July 24, 2022, the following areas of work have been thus far repaired and renovated:

  • Parish Hall exterior and interior painting
  • Roof leak repair
  • Kitchen remodeling
  • Restrooms repair (both upstairs and downstairs)

To help cover the expenses related of this project, each family is encouraged to give $500. Please write in the memo “Parish hall repair”. We need your prayers and financial support. 


11. Adult Bible Study:

Adult Bible Study classes are held every Sunday at 10:00 am in the CCD classroom which is led by Mr. Mathew (Mathew Sir). Everyone is encouraged to participate.


12. Senior's Ministry

The Seniors' Ministry have resumed their activities. Anyone who is 55 years old and above are welcome to join this ministry. Please contact James Thomas at (214) 991-7640, Jokutty (214) 507-9892, Elcy Philip (214) 418-3431 or Annamma Paul (214) 802-3386.


13. Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confession for the Home Bound

The Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confession are available for those parishioners who would like to receive, but are unable to attend mass due to injury, illness or advanced age. Please put in a written request in the log book kept in the trustee's parish office.


14. House blessings, Baptism & Marriage Information

If you are interested in scheduling a Baptism, Marriage, House blessing or would like to get a certificate/letter, please put in a written request in the log book kept in the trustee's office. Please include the date, time of request, your address, and phone number.


15. Access to Church, Parish Hall, CCD Rooms & Founder's Building

To access/use the Church, Parish Hall, CCD Rooms or the Founder's Building, please put in a written request in the log book kept in the trustee's office. Please include the date, time of request, your address, and phone number.


16. Include Registration Number to write checks to the church

Please include your church registration number in the check as part of the memo when you write checks to the church. The registration number for your family is available in the October 2021 statement that was sent to you. If you still do not know your registration number, please contact James achan or the trustees.


17. Church Bookings

For church bookings, non-parishioners will be able to book the church 12 months in advance of their event date based on availability. Parishioners on the other hand will be able to book any time prior to their event based on availability.


18. Address, Phone number or Email Change

If your address has changed, please contact your ward Representatives/Secretary/Trustees/Parish Vicar via text message or email to change the address in the church database. If your phone number/email or spouse's phone number/email changes, please provide the new contact information to update the church directory.

Emails: Vicar@syromalabarchurchdallas.org, trustee@syromalabarchurchdallas.org, secretary@syromalabarchurchdallas.org


19. Prayer Ministry

If you have a prayer request, please contact the prayer ministry leaders, Mary and Michael Kallarackal, at (201) 563-0727. Everyone is welcome to join the prayer ministry and also to be part of the intercessory prayer sessions. Please contact the prayer ministry leaders if you would like to join the ministry.


20. Finance

Please consider the church's monthly expenses of $25,500 when you make your monthly donations. The minimum suggested donation per family is $100/month and for those who have retired, the suggested donation is $50/month.


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

Copyright © 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Syro-Malabar Forane Catholic Church,
4922 Rosehill Road, Garland, Texas 75043. All rights reserved.
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