Dear Parishioners,
1. Holy Qurbana Schedule
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026 to Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana
- 7:00 PM: Holy Qurbana
- Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Friday, November 13, 2026
- 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana
- 6:00 PM - 6:40 PM: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
- 6:00 PM: Eucharistic Adoration followed by St. Jude's Novena
- 7:00 PM: Holy Qurbana
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana, followed by the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
- Sunday, November 15, 2026
- 8:30 AM: CCD
- 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana (Malayalam)
- 10:30 AM: Holy Qurbana (English)
2. November 2026 Updates
- St. Thomas Youth Ministry Activities for November: Join us for an exciting November with our Youth Ministry. Activities include a Pickleball Tournament, a Women's Group Meet, a Canned Food Drive in partnership with CCD, and a Service Day. All college students, young adults and young families are welcome to participate. For more details, check the respective flyers or contact Don Joseph (469 845-5701) or Dawnia Nellikunnel (732 397-6633).
- Pickleball Tournament: St. Thomas Youth Ministry is organizing a Pickleball Tournament.
- Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Who can participate: All St. Thomas Youth, including College Students, Young professionals and Young families.
- Competition Categories: Men's Doubles and Women's Doubles
- Prizes: Cash prizes for winners.
- Registration Fee: $25 per team
- Venue: Westlake Sports Center, 601 Gross Rd, Mesquite, TX 75149.
- Registration Deadline: November 25, 2026. Please click the Registration Link to register
- All proceeds from the tournament will support St. Thomas Youth Ministry.
- For more details, Please refer to the Pickleball Tournament Flyer
- Canned Food Drive: St. Thomas Youth Ministry, in partnership with CCD is organizing a Canned Food Drive.
- Donation Drop off Dates: Sunday, November 15 or Sunday, November 22.
- Faith Formation students, please bring your contributions to your respectives classes. The class with the most donations will win a pizza party.
- All parishioners are also invited to participate. Please drop off your donations in the designated box in our church narthex.
- Please do NOT donate glass jars or expired food items.
- Most Needed items: Tuna | Chili | Ravioli / SpaghettiOs (Pop-top cans) | Mac & Cheese cups | Fruit cups | Applesauce | Peanut Butter (Plastic jars) | Cereal.
- For more details, please see the Canned Food Drive Flyer
- Little Way Lattes - Young Women's Gathering: St. Thomas Youth Ministry is organizing a Women's Fellowship gathering.
- When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11 AM.
- Where: Sayvani Coffee House, 3115 Bunker Hill Rd, Sachse, TX 75048
- Young adult women of college age and above are invoted to join us for coffee, sisterhood and faith.
- For more details, Please see the Young Women Gathering Flyer
- Gather & Give - Service Event: Join us for Youth Qurbana on Sunday, November 29, 10:30 AM, then stay afterward for our 'Gather & Give' fellowship.
- Together, we'll pack 100 care packages, including weekend food bags for children who may go without meals over the weekend, feminine hygiene bags and general care bags for those in need.
- All college students, young adults and young families are welcome to join.
- Lunch will be provided.
- For more details, Please see Gather & Give Flyer
- Continuous Bible Reading (Akhanda Bible Parayanam): The St. Thomas Faith Formation team is pleased to announce a Continuous Bible Reading (Akhanda Bible Parayanam) of the Gospel of John, inspired by the theme of Dei Verbum.
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Time: Immediately following the 8:30 AM Holy Qurbana
- Venue: Church
- Bible Reading schedule for students in Grades 4 through 12 will be shared in the coming weeks.
- All children, parents and parishioners are warmly invited to participate in this special spiritual gathering as we come together to read, reflect on and celebrate the Word of God.
- Gradebook for Faith Formation Students: Parents, Please check your email for your child's Faith Formation gradebook for students of Grades 4 through 12. It has been sent from the email address bertiepauldsouza1@gmail.com. If you have not received the email, Please contact Bertie D'Souza at 469 569-4834. It is important that all parents complete and update their children's gradebooks as soon as possible so that teachers can enter the midterm grades on time. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
- Vocation Awareness Month: The Catholic Church in the United States observes National Vocation Awareness Week from Sunday, November 1, through Saturday, November 7, 2026. Our Bishop, Mar Joy Alappatt, has requested that the entire month of November be dedicated to vocation awareness and prayer for vocations. God has blessed our Eparchy with 10 homegrown vocations to the priesthood, several young women who have entered various religious communities, and seven young men currently discerning their call to the priesthood in the seminary. For the future growth and strength of our Church on American soil, it is essential that we encourage, nurture, and pray for more vocations among our younger generations. Our Bishop urges all the faithful to respond generously to God's call to holiness and to actively promote vocations, especially to the priesthood, religious life, and consecrated life. Let us dedicate this month to praying for vocations and encouraging our young people to listen to God's call and courageously respond to His invitation. Please read the Circular from our Bishop.
- New Family Gathering: We will have a 'New Family Gathering' to welcome and connect families who have recently joined our parish.
- When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, Starting with Holy Qurbana at 5:30 PM, followed by a gathering at Jubilee Hall.
- The previous New Family Gathering was held on Saturday, November 25, 2023. All parishioners who joined or became members of our parish after November 2023 and during 2024, 2025 or 2026 are cordially invited to attend.
- Invitations have been sent by email to parishioners who joined our parish after November 2023. Please check your email and RSVP using the RSVP link provided in the email. Please make every effort to attend with your family.
- This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our parish, its ministries and activities, and to meet and greet fellow new parishioners.
- Please see the New Family Gathering 2026 Flyer.
- Ecumenical Christmas Carol 2026: The Kerala Ecumenical Christian Fellowship (KECF), Dallas, is conducting its 49th Christmas & New Year Celebrations this year.
- The Ecumenical Christmas Carols will be conducted on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM.
- Where: Mar Thoma Event Center, Farmers Branch (11500 Luna Rd., Dallas, TX 75234).
- Our parish will be participating in the Ecumenical Christmas Carols. Parishioners who would like to participate in the Ecumenical Christmas Carol singing are requested to contact our Choir Director, Tom George, at 469 920 7631.
- We encourage our parishioners to participate and be part of this joyful Christmas celebration.
- Pledge Drive: As part of ongoing Pledge Drive, Pledge Letters are being prepared and handed over to each Ward Representatives. If you have received one, Please prayerfully choose appropriate option, sign and return the pledge form.
- The suggested/expected annual pledge contribution for each family is $1,200 per year ($100 per month).
- Only Senior families of Medicare age (65 and above) who are retired are eligible for the reduced pledge amount of $600 per year.
- Pledge Drive letters and pledge forms are prepared for those whose pledge amount is less than $1,200 as per the ParishOnNet system. Your Ward Representatives will hand over the letters to you.
- We kindly request these families to prayerfully consider increasing their annual pledge to $1,200, complete and sign the pledge form, and return it to the Trustees’ Office.
- If you are of Medicare age and are eligible for the reduced pledge, please sign the Pledge Form with the appropriate option selected and return it to the Trustee's Office, so that we have accurate documentation and a list of parishioners who are eligible for the reduced pledge amount of $600.
- If your family is experiencing financial challenges that make it difficult to meet the suggested pledge amount, please speak with our Vicar. Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to supporting our parish and its ministries.
- CCD Announcements: Please see important CCD Announcements below.
- Bible Bee Contest 2026-2027: This year, the Bible Bee will be conducted in two rounds with a time limit.
- Bible Bee Round 1: Round 1 will be conducted in each grade's classroom on Sunday, November 22, 2026, during CCD class. The Top 3 participants from each grade will be selected for the final round.
- Bible Bee Round 2 (Finals) will be conducted on Sunday, December 20, 2026.
- Bible Bee verses for each grade have already been shared in the respective grade WhatsApp groups.
- A printed copy of the Bible Bee Verses to be memorized for the contest has also been provided to the children.
- If anyone would like to sponsor a Bible Bee prize (Cash award) Please Zelle to 214 809 5490. Sponsorships of any amount are welcome. Your generous support will encourage and recognize our children for their hard work and dedication.
- For more information, Please contact Mr. George Varghese (CCD Secretary).
- Bible Bee test details for each grade as follows:
- Pre-K : 10 Verses | Oral Test | Less than a 5-second gap between verses.
- Kindergarten : 15 Verses | Oral Test | Less than a 5-second gap between verses.
- Grade 1 to 3 : 25 Verses | Oral Test | Less than a 5-second gap between verses.
- Grade 4 to 6 : 25 Verses | Written Test | 20 minutes
- Grade 7 to 9 : 50 Verses | Written Test | 40 minutes
- Grade 10 to 12 : 75 Verses | Written Test | 60 minutes
- Recognition of First-Round Winners: The top 3 participants from each grade in the first round will also receive a monetary gift in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
- Bible Bee Final Round Prizes:
- Category 1: Pre-K & Kindergarten - First Prize: $75 | Second Prize: $50 | Third Prize: $25
- Category 2: Grades 1 to 3 - First Prize: $75 | Second Prize: $50 | Third Prize: $25
- Category 3: Grades 4 to 6 - First Prize: $100 | Second Prize: $75 | Third Prize: $50
- Category 4: Grades 7 to 9 - First Prize: $150 | Second Prize: $100 | Third Prize: $50
- Category 5: Grades 10 to 12 - First Prize: $200 | Second Prize: $150 | Third Prize: $100
- Please refer Bible Bee 2026 - 2027 Flyer for complete details.
- CCD Students Report Card / Grade Book (2026-2027):
- Report Cards/Grade Books will be shared electronically by class teachers with each student/parent this year.
- Parents/Students are responsible for completing the report card every week. Teachers, the Principal and Fr. Christin will monitor report cards/grade book entries for accuracy.
- Upcoming Ward Prayer Meetings:
| Ward Name |
Prayer Date |
Prayer Day |
Time |
Host / Venue |
| St. Mariam Thresia (Sunnyvale East) |
11/21/2026 |
Saturday |
5:30 PM |
Ajay James & Godcy |
| St. George (S. Garland East) |
11/22/2026 |
Sunday |
6:00 PM |
Jolly Sebastian Kulathinkal & Shiny |
| St. Mother Teresa (Rowlett) |
11/28/2026 |
Saturday |
6:30 PM |
Aison Anto Akkara & Vinetha |
| St. Alphonsa (Allen/Plano) |
12/06/2026 |
Sunday |
6:30 PM |
Thomas Kunnumpurath & Sonia |
- Church Pledge Payments: We kindly request all parishioners with pending pledges to make their payments as soon as possible. The suggested annual pledge amount is $1,200 per family.
3. Upcoming Events
- World Youth Day Seoul 2027: World Youth Day 2027 will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3 to August 8, 2027. DYA will be taking a group from our Eparchy. If you are interested, please fill out this Interest Form. For further details, please reach out to Don Joseph at +1 469 845 5701.
- Dei Verbum 2027 - Eparchial Bible Quiz: Please see details of our Eparchial Bible Quiz - Dei Verbum 2027.
- Preliminary (Online) Test for Dei Verbum 2027 will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
- Final (Online) Test for Dei Verbum 2027 will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2027.
- Dei Verbum will be conducted in 5 age groups as listed below.
- Sub-Junior (Grades 4 to 6)
- Junior (Grades 7 to 8)
- Senior (Grades 9 to 12)
- Adult (Youth & Adults below age 60)
- Senior Citizen (Adults aged 60 and above)
- Registration Fee: $10 for Adults, No Registration fee for CCD students.
- Please see the Dei Verbum 2027 Brochure with step by step instructions of How-to-Register and complete details required to participate.
- For Dei Verbum Bible Quiz Topics for Preliminary Round as well as Final Round for each age group, please refer to Dei Verbum 2027 Flyer
- Marriage Preparation Course (PreCana): The Family Apostolate is excited to invite engaged couples to "PreCana" in 2026. The following weekends are open for registration:
4. Safe Environment Updates
- Safe Environment - Mandatory Virtual Parent Awareness Training: Starting this year, both parents of CCD students are expected to complete a brief Safe Environment Parent Awareness Training.
- Both parents should create an individual account at VIRTUS Online. www.virtusonline.org
- When creating your account, please select the “Parent” role.
- The system will automatically assign the required Parent Training Module.
- The assigned training must be completed within 10 days (online).
- Active Volunteers: If you are already a Safe Environment-compliant active volunteer, then you do not need to complete the separate Parent Training.
- Please reach out to Safe Environment coordinators for any questions.
- Volunteer Application Form: Anyone who is interested in volunteering in any church activities, please complete the volunteer application form. Please click on this link and input your email address to get the form in email. https://app.hellosign.com/s/HiUEwvY9
- Volunteer Application Form for minors: For minors who are interested in volunteering in any church activities, Please complete the Volunteer application at this link. https://app.hellosign.com/s/Lq672RjS
- St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese Safe Environment Hotline: +1 224 225 9121
- Effective safety programs begin with education and understanding.
- Please click the link to view the article on: High Stakes: A Culture of Safety for Every Child
5. Additional Church Related Information
- Pre-Wedding Requirements - Important Notice: As members of the church, the Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred covenant that requires proper spiritual, canonical and pastoral preparations. In order to ensure all necessary requirements and paperwork are fulfilled in a timely manner, we request the cooperation of families involved.
- Families are requested to contact Vicar immediately as soon as any nuptial arrangements / proposals are made.
- The bride-to-be / groom-to-be is required to meet the Vicar in person and fill the Pre-Nuptial Form.
- Active membership in Parish is required for proceeding with paperwork required for Marriage, Betrothal or Baptism.
- Marriage Preparation Course (PreCana) Completion Certificate is required.
- Baptism Certificate and Confirmation Certificate are required.
- If you need to announce the Marriage Banns before Betrothal, there is another specific form to be filled.
- Important Information regarding Sacraments: Please follow these guidelines while planning for the Sacrament in your family. Your cooperation will help ensure the proper preparation for flawless execution of these sacred occasions.
- There will be a brief Baptism preparation session for the parents prior to baptism of their child. While planning for a Baptism, Please ensure that:
- An Appointment is scheduled with the Parish Priests for the preparation session.
- The parents attend the Baptism Preparation session before the Baptism date.
- The Baptism Registration Form is completed and submitted to the parish priests well in advance.
- Please contact Trustees' Office to check availability of the Church and fill required paperwork to reserve the church. If you need a Choir for your private event, Please inform the trustees and reserve the choir as well.
- Additionally, if your family is planning to invite a priest from outside the parish to celebrate a family sacramental event, such as a wedding, baptism or First Holy Communion, please:
- Inform the parish priests in advance of the details of the invited priest.
- Provide a valid 'Letter of Good Standing' from the diocese where the visiting priest is currently serving.
- Contact Information Update on ParishOnNet: Dear Parishioners, please ensure that your contact details—especially your phone number and address—are up to date on ParishOnNet. You may update your information directly on ParishOnNet or contact the Secretary or Trustees for assistance. Trustees are currently finding it difficult to reach some members due to incorrect phone numbers.
- 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 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: (214) 690-4798
Kaikkarans (Trustees):
Emmanuel Kuzhippillil (Baby) (972) 365-5906
Jose Abraham (Jomon) (816) 616-8327
Siby Thalakulam (214) 907-5993
Thomas Jose (972) 338-0072
Parish Council Secretary:
Suja Kainickara (214) 500-8162
Liturgy Coordinator:
Jose Paul (972) 589-0434
Parish Vicar:
Rev. Fr. Siby Sebastian MST (346) 270-0262
Associate Pastor:
Rev. Fr. Christin Pudiyakunnel (201) 753-6829
|
