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

Dear Parishioners,

1. Holy Qurbana Schedule

• Monday, July 13, 2026
  
  • 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana

• Tuesday, July 14 to Wednesday July 15, 2026 
  • 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana 
  • 7:00 PM: Holy Qurbana  

• Thursday, July 16, 2026
  
  • 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana 

• Friday, July 17, 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, July 18, 2026
  
  • 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana, followed by the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

• Sunday, July 19, 2026
  • 8:30 AM: Holy Qurbana (Malayalam)
  • 10:30 AM: Holy Qurbana (English) 

2. July 2026 Updates

• Feast of St. Alphonsa: The feast of St. Alphonsa is commemorated on July 28. Our Parish will celebrate this feast on Sunday, July 26, 2026 with one Solemn Holy Qurbana at 8:30 AM followed by Ladeenju & Procession. Families or individuals who would like to sponsor this feast of St. Alphonsa, or offer Pachoru to parishioners, Please reach out to trustees. 

• Syro-Malabar Jubilee Convention 2026: The much-awaited Syro-Malabar Jubilee Convention 2026 concluded successfully on Sunday, July 12, 2026. We are truly grateful for the wonderful participation from our parish community.
  • By the Grace of God, our parish was awarded First Prize for the Procession. We also received tremendous appreciation and positive feedback for our procession, especially for the beautiful way we showcased the rich culture, heritage and traditions of the Syro-Malabar Church. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and unity of our parishioners who participated and supported this event. A heartfelt thank you to all the coordinators and volunteers who contributed their resources, time and talents to make this a memorable acheievement. 
  • Our own young adult parishioner, Jesvin Varghese won first Prize for his innovative business idea in  Syro Shark Tank event as part of Syro Business Connect at the Syro-Malabar Convention.  Congratulations Jesvin and the proud parents (Joby Varghese and Cinemol of St. Mariam Thresia - Sunnyvale Ward) on your great acheivement. 

• IPSF Raffle: We have received the IPSF Raffle tickets from Edinburg. The cost is $100 per ticket and the first prize is a 2026 Honda SUV.  Our Parish will receive 50 % of the proceeds from the tickets we sell, making this a great opportunity to raise funds for IPSF related expenses. We kindly request everyone to support this fundraiser by purchasing raffle tckets and by helping sell tickets to family & friends. 

• 2027 Thirunaal Presudenthi: Senior Ministry is taking leadership to conduct 2027 Parish Feast. Seniors (age 55+) who would like to join as one of the Presudenthi for 2027 Parish Feast, Please contact any Senior Ministry Officials listed below.
  • Elsy Philip: (214) 418-3431
  • Kurian Mannanal: (972) 741-0103
  • Joekutty: (214) 507-9892
  • Kunjumon: (469) 358-7641

• Publishing the Parish Contributions List by Sunday, July 26: As decided in the 2025 General Body Meeting and agreed upon by both the previous and current Parish Councils, the 2024 and 2025 Contribution lists, along with the Total Parking Lot Project Contribution for each family ID, will be published on the parish Notice boards by Sunday, July 26, 2026. Please make every effort to pay your Church pledge dues as early as possible. We would also like to remind all families that one of the eligibility requirements for participation in the Inter Parish Sports Fest (IPSF 2026 at Edinburg) is that there be no outstanding pledge dues through 2025. All registered participants for IPSF are requested to ensure that their pledge dues are fully paid. 

• CCD Registration for 2026-2027: CCD Registration is in progress for the 2026-2027 Academic year.  Registration must be completed thru ParishOnNet. Please register your kids for CCD ASAP.
  • CCD Registration is Open to students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
  • The registration fee is $80 per child.
  • Those with outstanding pledge dues through 2025, may not be able to complete CCD Registration.  Please use the 'Donate' button on ParishOnNet, enter the Pledge Due amount, Select Fund '4010-Annual Pledge'  and submit pending pledge payment first. Once dues are paid, you should be able to complete CCD Registration. 
  • If you face any challenges registering, please reach out to Trustees. 
  • How to Register thru ParishOnNet.
    • Log in to ParishOnNet
    • Click 'Enroll my Family'.
    • Select the Family members / Kids you want to enroll, and under 'Select session', select their grade for upcoming year.
    • Review and update your contact information (Phone & Email).
    • Answer the 'Required Consents' section.
    • Verify & Update your billing details (Credit Card / Debit Card / Account number + Routing Number etc can be used).
    • Complete your registration by submitting a payment. 

• CCD Teachers / Volunteers Sign Up for 2026-2027 Academic Year: We are looking for more Teachers / Volunteers to help with our CCD Program. Those who are willing to volunteer your time for our future generation, Please use this Sign Up Link. We encourage and request more young adults to volunteer to be part of our CCD Program. Young Adults have a pivotal role in the formation of our next generation. 

• 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 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 Church and fill required Paper Work to reserve Church. If you need Choir for your private event, Please inform and reserve Choir also. 
  • Additionally, if your family is planning to invite a priest from outside the parish to celebrate a family sacramental event, such as a wedding or baptism or First Holy Communion, Please:
    • Inform the Parish priests in advance, the details of the invited priest.
    • Provide a valid 'Letter of Good Standing' from the diocese where the visiting priest is currently serving. 

• Upcoming Ward Prayer Meetings:

• 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

• Annual Parish Picnic on Saturday, September 26: Our Annual Parish Picnic will be on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at One Eleven Ranch Park (2121 E Brand Rd, Garland, TX 75044). There will be food, games, and many other activities to engage with fellow parishioners. It's a great opportunity to meet and greet new members of our parish community. Please mark your calendars. 

• Marriage Preparation Course (PreCana): The Family Apostolate is excited to invite engaged couples to "PreCana" in 2026. The following weekends are open for registration:
  • June 26-28, 2026 | Huntington, NY | Venue: Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. To Register for Huntington Course, Please click here. PRE-CANA REGISTRATION FORM (June 26-28, 2026)
  • October 30-November 1, 2026 | Lemont IL | Venue: St. Mary’s Retreat House. To Register for Lemont Course, Please click here. PRE-CANA REGISTRATION FORM (October 30-November 1, 2026)
  • December 4-6, 2026 | Dickinson, TX | Venue: Christian Renewal Center – Dickinson, TX. To Register for Dickinson course, Please click here. PRE-CANA REGISTRATION FORM (December 4-6, 2026)
  • For more details about Pre Cana Course, Visit our Eparchy Website. Marriage Preparation Course - St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago
  • If you have any questions, please email at familyapostolate.chicago@gmail.com    

• IPSF 2026 Updates:
  
  • Hotel Registration Link: Please see the link provided by Host Parish to register Hotels at negotiated Group Rates. Please plan for your accommodation in advance and reserve hotels or other alternate arrangements for stay. Hotel rooms are almost Sold Out.  https://registration.ipsf-2026.com/hotels
  • Overall IPSF Schedule: IPSF Participants and Parents, Please see a tentative Overall Schedule for IPSF 2026 provided by Host Parish. Please use this schedule to see what day your events are starting. Please plan to be on time at Edinburg.
  • As decided by the Parish Council and Vicar, You should be an active member in Good Standing of our parish, with no dues till December 2025 to participate in Inter Parish Sports Fest 2026.
  • Please pay your dues, not only to participate in IPSF, but also as a responsible and proud member of our parish. 
  • The Inter Parish Sports Festival (IPSF) will be hosted by Divine Mercy Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Edinburg (McAllen), TX Parish, and is scheduled for August 6-9, 2026, at Edinburg. Please mark your calendars.
  • For any questions regarding Inter Parish Sports Fest, 2026, Please reach out to our Parish Level IPSF coordinators.
    • Suja Kainickara (214 500 8162)
    • Mathew Ozhukayil (214 864 5106)
  • Venue Address for IPSF Events: Please see the venue details for IPSF events below.

  • #	Games / Events	Location Address	Comments
    1	BADMINTON, CHESS, CAROMS, CARDS, TABLE TENNIS, TUG OF WAR, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, WALKING, AND THROW BALL	Edinburg Sports and Wellness Center 315 Mark S. Peña Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539	Main Venue
    2	ARM WRESTLING, PARADE, AND MAIN CEREMONY WITH CULTURAL EVENT	ACE Center, City of Edinburg 315 W McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX 78541	8 minutes drive from Main Venue
    3	SOCCER AND FLAG FOOTBALL	Edinburg Municipal Park 714 S Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg, TX 78542	9 minutes Drive from Main Venue
    4	HOLY QURBANA, REGISTRATION, AWARD CEREMONIES, AND FOOD & DRINKS COURTS	Edinburg Activity Center 123 Mark S. Peña Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539	4 Minutes Walk / 1 minute Drive from Main Venue

4. Safe Environment Updates

• 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 paperworks are fulfilled in a timely manner, we request the cooperation of families involved.  
  • Families are requested to contact Vicar immediately after any Nuptial arrangements / Proposals are done.
  • 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 Paper-work required for Marriage, Betrothal or Baptism.
  • Marriage Preparation Course (PreCana) Completion Certificate is required.
  • Baptism Certificate and Confirmation Certificate is required.
  • If you need to announce the Marriage Banns before Betrothal, there is another specific form to be filled. 

• 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 (972) 240-1100

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