Weekly Newsletter-August 19, 2025

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,
August 19, 2025

Dear Parishioners,


1. Holy Qurbana Schedule

      Sunday:

      • 8:30 am: Holy Qurbana in Malayalam. CCD at 8:30 am.
      • 10:30 am: Holy Qurbana in English. 

      Weekdays: 

      • Tuesday through Thursday: Holy Qurbana at 8:30 am
        • Friday:  
          • 6:00 pm - 6:40 pm: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
          • 6:00 pm - 6:50 pm: Eucharistic Adoration, followed by St. Jude's Novena, and Holy Qurbana.
        • Saturday: Holy Qurbana at 8:30 am, followed by the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.


          2. August 2025 Updates 

                       

                        • CCD 2025-2026: Classes began on Sunday, August 17, 2025. 

                        General Rules & Guidelines

                        CCD Class:

                          • Classes start at 8:30 am with an assembly. Parents/Children: it is crucial that all students arrive on time.
                          • All students must attend the second Holy Qurbana at 10:30 am and Divine Mercy Chaplet at 10:15 am before the Holy Qurbana.
                          • All students in grades 4 -12 are expected to go to confession at least once a month and know the basic prayers: Angelus, Apostles' Creed, Act of Contrition, Prayer before Confession, Memorare, and Hail Holy Queen.
                          • As part of the "Bible in Hand" initiative, every child from Pre-K to 12th grade, along with teachers, is required to bring their Bible and textbook to CCD every Sunday. The Gospel of Luke will be the focus of Bible study. Parents/Children must clearly write their child's name in the Bible and textbook and ensure they bring a backpack for safe storage of their Bible, textbook, notebook, and pen/pencil.
                          • Each grade is responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of its classroom. Students are expected to empty their trash after class.


                        In Church:

                          • Be prayerful while in church. No talking is allowed inside.
                          • Use Qurbana books and say the prayers aloud.
                          • Formal dress for Bible readers.
                          • Girls need to cover their heads with a veil/shawl during Bible Reading and Holy Communion.
                          • Act of Giving: Children are highly encouraged to develop the habit of placing a small amount of money (pennies or $1) in the church offertory collection.


                        CCD Class & Church:

                          • Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in church and during CCD classes. Teachers will collect the phone if used, and parents will need to pick up the phone by the third time.
                          • It is also mandatory that children are dressed appropriately, modestly, respectfully, and comfortably, for church and CCD. If you are assigned for Bible reading, wear formal dress.


                        Student Report Card:

                          • Effective this year, all students in grades 1-12 will receive a report card showing their grades for the first term and second term, based on Diocese exam guidelines.
                          • Each student and parent will be responsible for keeping the report card safe in their school bag.
                          • Students need to mark their church participation and assignment/activity with the dates attended or completed as listed on the card. Parents need to initial the report card, and students need to bring it back to the CCD class every Sunday.

                        • Our Vicar's Vacation Schedule: Our Vicar, Rev. Fr. Siby Sebastian, will be traveling to Kerala on Monday, August 18, 2025, and will return on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. During his absence, other priests have been arranged to celebrate the Holy Qurbana on weekends and weekdays according to the regular schedule. 
                        • Mathru Jyothis Meeting: A meeting of the Mathru Jyothis will be held next Sunday, August 24, 2025, in the Parish Hall, following the 8:30 am Holy Qurbana.
                        • CML Meeting: The Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) will hold its next meeting on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in the Parish Hall, following the 10:30 am Holy Qurbana.
                        • Adoration and Confession on First Fridays: Starting next First Friday, we will have adoration after the Holy Qurbana, and youth adoration will also begin. An additional priest will be available to hear confessions on First Fridays. If needed, a priest can also be arranged on alternate Fridays.
                        • Ettu Nombu: In preparation for the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we will observe the Ettu Nombu, or eight days of fasting, from September 1-8, 2025. A Novena will be held after the Holy Qurbana each day. Those wishing to sponsor the Novena/Feast on September 8 are requested to submit their names to the Trustees, along with a fee of $100.
                        • Face of the Faceless Film: We are planning to show Face of the Faceless, a film based on the life of Blessed Rani Maria, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Additional details will be provided later.  

                        3. Upcoming Events

                        • Parish Picnic: Our Parish Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025.


                        4. Safe Environment Updates


                        5. Additional Church Related Information

                        • ParishOnNet Access: According to diocesan guidelines, we have provided ParishOnNet access to all parishioners. To access ParishOnNet for our church, please click on the ParishOnNet link. You can view your family details, church contributions, tax statements, CCD registration, and more. If you are unable to access ParishOnNet, please contact the Trustees.
                        • Church Payments via Zelle: If you choose to make payments to the church via Zelle, please use payst.thomasgarland@gmail.com as the recipient email. Also, include the purpose of the payment and your parish Family ID number to help us accurately identify and process your payment.
                        • Offertory Collection: When placing your offertory collection in the envelope, please ensure that you write your name, Family ID number, and clearly state the intended purpose of your donation.
                        • Church/Parish Hall Booking: To secure a booking for the church or parish hall for any purpose, individuals must complete the required form available at the Parish Trustees' Office.


                        God Bless You
                        Rev. Fr. Siby Sebastian MST


                        Church Main Office (972) 240-1100

                        Kaikkarans (Trustees):
                        Antony Nelluvelil (Tomy) (972) 533-7399
                        Kurian Mannanal (972) 741-0103
                        Mathew John (Raju) (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:
                        Rev. Fr. Siby Sebastian MST (346) 270-0262

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