Malkto D' Shaino

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Malkto d’ Shaino

Queen of Peace

ܳ Official bulletin of the eparchy ܐܢܳ ܝܫܰ ܕ ܐܟܬܠܡܰ

Volume 6: Issue 2

Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USAQueen ofand Peace Canada

AD MULTOS ANNOS

Many happy returns of the day to our beloved Pithaav who is celebrating his day of birth on May 9.

Queen of peace Official bulletin of the eparchy

Vol. 6 April 2018 No. 2

St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in USA and Canada www.malankaracatholicna.church

MALANKARA NEWS

The Holy Episcopal Synod Concludes with Empha- sis on Family and Youth

The 22nd Malankara Catholic Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod was held from February 19 to 23 to discuss the topics “The Ec- clesial Establishment and Sanctification of Families” and “The Formation and Year of the Youth.” The Synod was conducted at the Catholicate Center in Pattom with His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos as the Chairperson. The Synod commenced with the celebration of Holy Qurbono. The late prelate Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios was remembered during the Holy Qurbono and dhoopa prarthana was celebrated in his memory afterwards.

The Synod Fathers also met with the Major Superiors of the various religious congregations, the faculty and seminarians at the St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Seminary in Nalanchira, Trivandrum, and secretaries of the various Synodal Commis- sions.

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The Synod also felicitated Bishop Thomas K. Oommen, the newly appointed moderator of the Church of South India and His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom of Mar Thoma Church for receiving the Padma Bhushan from the Gov- ernment of India on his centennial birthday.

The Head and Father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church proclaimed 2018 March 25 to 2019 March 24 as the Year of the Youth in the Malankara Catholic Church. Also, the Synod Fa- thers decided to conduct the Second Assembly of the Syro- Malankara Catholic Church in 2019 on the topic “The Ecclesial -Oriented Establishment and Sanctification of the Family”

During the Holy Qurbono on the second day of the Synod, the late bishop Most Rev. Thomas Mar Dioscoros was remembered. Afterwards, the blessing of the newly constructed Syn- odal Commission Offices and a seminar regarding the policy on education by the CBCI were conducted.

Following the instruction of Holy Father Pope Francis, the Synod prayed for those who are suffering in Syria, South Su- dan, Congo, Madagascar, and other places as a result of war and natural calamities. His Beatitude also exhorted in his con- cluding message to the Holy Synod to pray for India and for the Church in India due to the political atmosphere seen today.

The 22nd Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod concluded on April 23rd with noon prayer and dhoopa praarthana at the tomb of Servant of God Mar Ivanios.

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His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos Declares “The Year of the Youth” in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

The Head and Father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has proclaimed 2018 March 25 to 2019 March 24 as the “Year of the Youth” in the Malankara Catholic Church. The declara- tion was announced during the Holy Episcopal Synod that was conducted in February 2018 and in His Beatitude’s Kalpana cir- culated on March 15, 2018.

His Beatitude exhorted the faithful that each of the twelve years remaining until the Centennial Anniversary of the Reunion Movement will be utilized to study and share relevant topics. The initial study is how the Church may be able to strengthen the youth so that they live as Disciples of Christ in today’s world, to build the community of the faithful by making the

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youth responsible participants in the life, duties and obligations to the Church, and to lead young men and women to their com- prehensive advancement both individually and spiritually.

The “Year of the Youth” coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM). His Beati- tude, following the message of His Holiness, asked the Church to use this Jubilee year as a time to learn and contemplate about our youth, redefine their areas of ministry and listen to the voice of the youth. His Beatitude also addressed the challenges the youth encounter these days due to the influence of atheistic institutions, political theories in the faith life, being slaves to worldly desires, alcohol, drugs, immorality, increase in vio- lence, suicidal tendencies arising from depression, etc. The Ca- tholicos stated that aforementioned areas should be subject of serious studies, meditation and prayer by the Church and that appropriate solutions should be brought forward. His Beatitude called for the creation of an environment for the spiritual nur- turing and the necessary training for the youth to be rooted in the Word of God.

Coadjutor Bishops announced for the Eparchies of Pathanamthitta and Muvattupuzha

On March 10, at 3:30 pm in the St. Mary’s Pattom Cathedral, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Car- dinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Head and Father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, announced two Coadjutor

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Bishops for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Most Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archi- eparchy of Trivandrum, has been appointed as the Coadjutor for the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta and Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, the Bishop of the Curia and the Apostolic Visitator to Europe & Oceania, has been appointed the Coadju- tor Bishop for the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha. Prayerful wishes of the St. Mary, Queen of Peace Eparchy in USA and Canada to newly appointed Coadjutor bishops.

FAMILY APOSTOLATE

Registration open for Marriage Preparation (Pre- Cana) Course

The registration for the Marriage Preparation (Pre -Cana) Course is now open to the public. The course, organized by the Department of Family Apostolate, will be held on July 7 and 8, 2018 at the Eparchial Chancery, 1500 DePaul St., Elmont, NY. Various scholarly resource persons will take classes for the participants on the Theology of the Sacrament of Matrimony, Family Psy- chology, Marriage Communication and Family Relationship, Marriage Canon Laws, Family Spirituality, Theology of the Body, Marriage Sexuality, and Stewardship and Family Budg- eting. At the end of the course, certificates will be distributed to

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all the participants. The course is being organized by Rev. Fr. Mathai Mannoorvadakkethil, Director of the Department of Family Apostolate in the Eparchy. Accommodations will be provided.

For registration and further details, see http:// malankaracatholicna.church

YOUTH APOSTOLATE

MCYM East Regional Retreat to be held from June 9 to 10

MCYM East Board will be hosting the Re- gional Retreat on June 9-10, Saturday and Sunday at St. Mary's S y r o - M a l a n k a r a Catholic Church, Yonkers. Accommoda- tion will be made available for those needed. Fr. Stephen Ries, a dynamic young Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of New York, will be the main speaker along with Sr. Jocelyn Edathil, Fr. Michael Edathil, and Fr. Jerry Mathew. Registration can be done through the MCYM East board member in each parish and registration fees is $30.

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PARISH NEWS

The Cathedral Parish

Lenten Retreat

The Lenten retreat for this year was held on March 23 and 24, 2018 led by Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose. Adoration and worship were held during the retreat. The retreat for the Youth and Sunday school children was held on March 23, 2018 which was led by Rev. Fr. Daniel Rivera in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jerry Mathew.

Lent / Holy Week Services

The 40th Friday service and Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose. The Holy Week services started with Palm Sunday on March 25, 2018. Hosanna procession with blessed palms was held around the church during the Palm Sunday service. Vade Dalmino service and procession were also held on Palm Sunday evening.

The Pesaha service including foot washing service concluded with ‘Pesaha Appam’ on March 29th Thursday evening. The Good Friday service ended at 2:30 PM with Nercha Kanji. The Holy Mass for the departed was celebrated on Holy Satur-

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day. The Holy Week ended with Easter service and Holy Qur- bana in the evening on March 31, 2018. We are very grateful to His Excellency Most Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos for leading the Holy Week services in the Cathedral Parish.

Washing of Feet Service

Washing of Feet Service led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos was held in Cathedral Parish during the Pesaha Service on March 29th Thursday evening. The following parishioners were selected for the feet washing service; Alexander John, Thundiyath Babukutty, Mathews Varghese, Mathews George, C. K. Joykutty, M. J. Mathew, James George, Don Hicks, Mathai P. Varghese, Babu George, Tho- mas Zachariah, and Mathai Kutty.

Convention Kickoff

The kickoff for the 10th Syro Malankara Catholic convention was held at the Cathedral parish after the Easter service on Sat- urday April 31, 2017. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos received the completed convention registration forms from the Grand, Mega, Platinum, and Gold sponsors during the kickoff ceremony.

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Minister of Fisheries and Team Visited Cathedral Parish

Honarable Minister of Fisheries Mrs. Mercy Kuttiyamma, Kollam District Collector Dr. S. Karthikeyan, Kollam District Information Officer Mr. Ajoy Chandran, ADC General of Kol- lam Mr. Suresh Vidyadharan, Former Chairman of COPAX Mr. Thulasidharan Kurup, and United Nations Representative Mr. Saji Thomas visited and attended the Holy Mass at the Cathedral on April 8, 2018.

Priestly ordination Anniversary

Eleventh priestly ordination of our vicar, Rev. Fr. Noby Ay- yaneth, was celebrated on April 8, 2018. Ordination anniversary cake was cut by Fr. Noby after the Holy Mass. Kerala Minister of Fisheries Mercy Kuttiyamma and team were also present at the cathedral during the event. Congratulations and prayerful wishes to our beloved Vicar Rev. Fr. Noby Ayyaneth.

Eucharistic Ministers

His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos ap-

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pointed Rev. Sr. Arpitha SIC and Rev. Sr. Kanchana SIC as Eucharistic ministers for the Cathedral Parish, after the special prayer blessing on April 22, 2018.

MCYM

The Cathedral MCYM members volunteered with the St. Ber- nard Project on April 4, 2018 at Far Rockaway, New York.

Calgary

Holy Week 2018 Observance

St. Jude Malankara Catholic Church, Calgary, observed the Holy Week 2018 with divine grace. We were blessed to have the presence of His Grace Joshua Mar Ignathios (Bishop of Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Mavelikara, Kerala) leading the Pesaha High Mass celebration along with Rev. Fr. John Kuriakose (Vicar, Calgary), Rev. Fr. Jossy George Chirayath (Edmonton) and Rev. Fr. Thomas Puthupparampil (Edmonton), which was concluded with the traditional Pesaha appam murikkal service. Rev. Fr John Kuriakose, vicar-St. Jude Malankara Church, Calgary celebrated the Hosana, Good Friday and Easter services. There were refreshments served after Pesaha and Easter celebrations and kanji after Good Fri-

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day service. All parish families and well wishers gathered and participated blissfully during the Holy Week observance.

We also had the blessing of having a Lenten evening of recollection on Saturday, March 17, 2018 that prepared the congre- gation spiritually to enter the Holy Week in holiness. The evening included Holy Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lenten recollection talk was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jaroslaw Yarek, Senior Pastor at St. Joseph's Church, Calgary.

Chicago

March was a busy month for our parish, just like every other every other parish. We began March with a General Body meeting to present our annual budget. Our Sunday School children participated in a Bible Quiz. To prepare ourselves for Lent, we had Stations of the Cross followed by Holy Qurbono every Friday until Easter. Our Mother's Forum went on a pil- grimage to the Shrine of Christ's Passion in Indiana. On Fri- day, March 23rd we celebrated the 40th day of Lent, followed by our annual Lenten Retreat on Saturday. We had two separate tracks for the adults and youth. MCYM organized a retreat centered on the topic of the Passion of Christ. We were blessed to have H.E. Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas with us. Pi- thav gave a great lecture to the youth regarding the various signs,

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symbols, songs and prayers of our Holy Week. He was also able to celebrate Palm Sunday with us.

We had a solemn Holy Week where we reflected on the great gift God gave us. For Easter we had a beautiful vigil Holy Qurbono followed by a great feast. Our Sunday School children participated in our annual Easter tradition of egg hunting. We continue to count the many blessings that God provides us each day. We pray that this Easter season, our families were all able to share in a deeper experience.

Houston

Visit of Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios

Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios visited the Hous- ton parish and celebrated the Easter Service and Holy Qurbono on Easter Sunday. The parish also celebrated the 40th anniversary of priestly ordination of Most

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Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios on the following Sunday, April 8, 2018. The parish felicitated and congratulated the bishop and gave him a gift on behalf of the parish. The Year of the Youth was also inaugurated on that day by Most Rev Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios on 8th of April after the Holy Mass.

Philadelphia

Parish Council

The new parish council for Year 2018 was sworn in on Febru- ary 04, 2018 before Rev. Fr. Saji Mukkoot, the Pastor of St. Jude Parish.

The Parish council members are as folows:

General Secretary: John Samuel (Somy) Treasurer: Raju P. George Pastor council Representatives: Alex John Thangalathil, Shaji Simon, and Shine D. Thomas Parish Council Members: Thomas Varughese (Kochumon), Jacob Abraham, Sabu Kuriakose, John Edathil, Philip John Thangalathil, Anie Jacob, Silvy Cherian, Theresa Simon, Shine Thomas, and Sosamma Abraham. Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy 16 Queen of Peace

Ex-officio members: Biju Kuruvilla, and Mathew Thomas Auditors: Joseph Geevarghese and Dr. Joly Jacob

Memorials:

Orma perunal of our first Major Archbishop Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos and Archbishop Joseph Mar Severious was celebrated on January 28th. After the Holy Mass a memorial meeting was organized by MCA followed by Nercha vilambu.

Reception to our Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos

Our bishop Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos visited St. Jude parish from February 24th to 28th. On Sunday, February 25th Bishop Mar Stephanos was accorded a liturgical reception followed by Morning Prayer and Holy Mass.

St. Jude Parish community whole heartily welcomed our new bishop. His Excellency took a common class for all the catechism students as well. During the visitation, His Excellency visited many of our families.

MCYM Lenten Retreat

On Saturday February 24th, the MCYM of Philadelphia hosted

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a MCYM Lenten Retreat at St. Jude Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos was the chief guest on this occasion. His Excellency celebrated the Holy Mass and spoke to the youth about the importance of lent and faith. Special sessions were conducted by Rev. Dr. George Oonnoonny focusing on lent and the identity of the MCYM. There were about 40 youth members in attendance. Throughout the day, there were a series of enlightening discus- sions, debates, testimonies, and adoration. There was an ardent Q&A session which included our two guests, as well as, Fr. Saji Mukkoot, Fr. Michael Edathil, Fr. Jacob John, Rev. Sister Jocelyn SIC, and Rev. Sr. Benedicta SIC. Lastly, there was also a testimony given by Rev. Sister Jocelyn SIC about her journey and faith towards the religious life. MCYM members are very grateful for everyone’s help and participation to make the retreat a great success. St. Jude Youth are also very honored to be able to have shared such a joyous day with our very own Bishop, Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, as well as, to have received such great feedback from His Excellency and our growing youth community.

Malankara Catholic Convention Registration Kick-Off

St. Jude parish-based Registration Kick Off for the forthcoming 10th Syro Malankara Catholic Convention was held on Sunday February 25th. After the Holy Qurbono, His Excellency Most. Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy 18 Queen of Peace

Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos inaugurated the registration kickoff by receiving the registration forms from the Golden Spon- sors namely Mr. Biju Kuruvilla, Dr. Biju Paul, Mr. Shaji Simon, and Mr. Shine Daniel Thomas. Additionally, multiple families registered for the convention on the same day. Pastor Rev. Dr. Saji Mukkoot along with Registration committee member Mr. Philip John and Finance Committee member Mr. Biju Kuruvilla organized the convention Kick-off function.

Fasting Prayer

Under the leadership of Mother’s Forum, fasting prayers were organized for the first Saturday of every month. The fasting prayer started with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Saji Mukkoot, followed by the prayer. Several of our parish members attended the fasting prayer. Also, under the leadership of Sr. Benedicta SIC, mothers conducted Bible studies and Bible quizzes after the fasting prayer.

Cultural Heritage Mass

Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted Cultural Heritage Mass on Saturday, March 17th at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput was the Principle Cele- brant and the homilist at the Heritage Mass. The liturgy fea- tured participation of Catholics representing 29 different na- tional or ethnic Church traditions. These included those from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. Each of these community had a banner that was held up by one member of their delegation during the procession. The theme of the Holy Mass was ‘Share the Journey with Migrants and Refu- gees’. Several members along with Pastor Rev. Saji Mukkoot from St. Jude parish participated in this annual cultural heritage

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Mass. Annual Lenten Retreat Annual Lenten Retreat was held at St. Jude church on March 23rd and 24th. The retreat was conducted by ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ retreat team. Brother Jose Zachariah and team led the retreat. A good number of our parish members attended the annual Lenten retreat. A separate section for our youth was also held on these two days. Rev. Fr. Renny Kattel led the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the end of retreat.

Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Rev. Fr. Joseph Sundaram

Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee celebration of our former vicar and the former Vicar General of Marthandam Diocese, Fr. Joseph Sundaram was celebrated on Sunday, April 08 at St. Jude church. A grand reception was given to Fr. Sundaram by the parish community under the leadership of our Vicar Fr. Saji Mukkoot and General Secretary Mr. Somy Samuel. After the reception we had the Morning Prayer followed by the solemn Holy Qurbono celebrated by Fr. Sundaram. A felicitation meeting was held immediately after the Holy Mass. Fr. Saji Muk- kootu and representatives of pious organizations congratulated Sundaram Achan. Personalized poems and songs were sung during the meeting. Fr. Sundaram thanked Almighty God and the religious community in his reply address. A memorable Ju- bilee booklet was presented to Sundaram Achan by the parish community. Lunch was provided to all after the meeting.

Rockland

St. Peter's Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Rockland, NY has continued to grow in faith and communal love through celebration of the Holy Q'urbono, Catechism, Novenas, and

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Prayer.

On Palm Sunday, we celebrated Our Lord's triumphant en- trance into Jerusalem, by our procession carrying palm leaves. The memorial of Christ’s Last Supper too was an occasion for us to deepen our faith. On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes our gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. The events of Good Friday were commemorated by the Sta- tions of the Cross.

Our parishioners participated with full devotion in the Easter Celebration. Christ's resurrection from the dead marks the tri- umph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. After the Easter service we had a family dinner. All the children participated in Easter Egg Hunt with great enthusi-

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asm. We look with great hope to the future and remain in love and faith.

The Silver Jubilee of Sr. Gracelet & Sr. Joveena was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in our church on Sunday, April 15th 2018. We were graced with the presence of our Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos who officiated the concelebrated Holy Qurbono joined by our Vicar Very Rev. Augustine Mangalath. After the Holy Qur- bono, we had a gathering to honor Sr. Gracelet and Sr. Joveena. Sisters were honored with songs and thank you notes from church members. The meeting was followed by special lunch. This was truly a blessed day for our church.

By the grace of God and with the support of our Vicar Very Rev. Augustine Mangalath, Lamb of God Kids & Youth Prayer group started Bible classes on Saturdays. Mr. Varghese Abra- ham led the Bible class and we do have novenas and interces- sory prayers.

San Jose

St. Jude Malankara parish members prayerfully observed the Great Lent with almsgiving and abstinence. Every family was given a Lenten box for almsgiving collection and the donation was returned to church after Easter and will be donated to a charity organization.

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One March 25th, Palm Sunday Qurbono was celebrated by Biju achan in the Annex hall at 9:30 a.m. Service started with the procession.

On March 28th at 7:00 p.m Pesaha service was held in the Hoffman center followed by the traditional Pesaha Appam mu- rickal. Fr. Biju and the eldest member of our church Mr. Peter (Kunjumon Palathumpatu) cut the appam and gave it to the children. Each family brought an appam and they were shared by all.

Good Friday service started at 9:00 a.m. on March 30th in the Hoffman Center. After the service around 3:00 p.m., Nercha kanji was served to all.

Easter service was solemn and beautiful, and the services were in in the Hoff- man center on April 1st at 10:00 a.m. After the service we had a nombu mu- rickal potluck feast.

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On April 8th we had Holy Qurbono in the church and celebrated the First Holy Communion of Rebeca (Manna) Mathew, daughter of Liji & Hanza Mathew.

Our small community continues to get together every month for prayer fellowship at different houses. On February 10th we gathered in Philip & Sini Nadavalil’s house. On March 10th the fellowship was at Jaison & Anju’s house and on April 21st, we assembled at our new secretary, Mathew (Biju) & Clara (Masha) George’s house.

The first meeting of the newly elected Parish Council was held on April 15th after the Holy Qurbana. The new Parish Council members are: Phillip Nadavalil, Benny Anose, Joby Varghese, Sara (Sudha) Mathew, Secretary: Mathew (Biju) George, Treasurer: Mathew (Sunny) Kulangara, Pastor Council Mem- bers: Moni Mathew, Liji Mathew, and Internal Auditor: Ajit Mathews.

Washington

Annual Lenten Retreat and Palm Sunday

St. Mary's Syro- Malankara Catholic Church of Greater Washington was blessed by the presence of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos for the An- nual Lenten Retreat that was conducted on March 23 & March 24 . His Excellency

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was the main celebrant for the Palm Sunday services, concelebrated by Fr. Michael Edathil and assisted by Bro. Jobin Tho- mas.

MCYM Food Sale

MCYM organized a food sale on March 18, 2018. Items for sale included Vada, Paz- ham pori, Chezhu- pazham and Samo- sas. All proceeds will be used for charitable events to be held by our MCYM chapter in the future.

Silver Jubilee of Sr. Anceline

St. Mary' Syro- Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the Silver Jubilee of our dear Sr. Anceline on April 22, 2018. There was a small program including a Jubilee Song by children, Felicitations & cake cutting was held after the Holy Mass. We are truly blessed with the presence of Sr. Anceline in our church since July 2013.

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ECKC Bible Quiz

Children from our parish participated in the Ecumenical Bible Quiz competition, conducted during the ECKC Easter celebration on April 07, 2018 and got the second place among 5 other churches.

Congratulations to Joshua Kalampanayil, Susan Daniel, Alena Maria Nooniwal, Hannah Philip, Johan Varghese, Elizabeth Philip, and Jyotsna Kalampanayil.

New Additions to the Parish :

Dr. Jim George & Dr. Sindu Stephen are blessed to have a new addition in their family - Tejas Stephen George was born on February 27, 2018.

Mr. Vijeesh & Mrs. Ancy Vijayan are happy to announce the birth of their first new born, Anvin Vijeesh on April 24, 2018.

Yonkers

Visit by Bishop Philipos Mar Stephanos

Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos visited our parish on March 11, 2018 and offered Holy Qurbono. During the visit, the parish also recognized the Mega, Platinum, and Golden sponsors for the Parish Hall

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construction project. The Convention Registration Kick-off was also held in his presence during which the parishioners handed over their registration forms to the bishop.

Holy Week

The Yonkers parish celebrated the Great Lent with daily Holy Qurbono offered at 6 pm in the Convent chapel and Stations of the Cross during the Holy Week. The Pakuthi nombu (Half Lent) Qurbono was held on March 8 at 6 pm.

Palm Sunday services and Holy Qurbono was at 9 AM, which included procession around the church. We also celebrated Maundy Thursday which included the distribution of the Pesaha Appam. Good Friday services began at 9 am, led by Fr. Jerry Mathew. The main services were celebrated fully in Eng- lish for the first time in the parish. Rev. Fr. George Oonnoony gave the message on Good Friday. Kanji was served after the five and a half hour service. Holy Saturday Qurbono was held on 10 am and the departed were remembered. Easter service started at 9:30 am, followed by solemn Holy Qurbono by Rev. Fr. Jerry Mathew. Food was served and the many people including Rev. Sisters, the altar servers, the choir, and the spon-

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sors of Holy Week expenses were thanked for their sacrifices by Fr. Jerry. After the serving of the food, Easter Egg Hunt was organized by the MCYM for the young children.

All day Adoration

On March 10, an all day Adoration was held at the Convent from 8 am to 5 pm, followed by Holy Qurbono.

Bible Seminar and Prayer Retreat

St. Mary's Syro- Malankara Catholic Church, Yonkers hosted a Bible Semi- nar and Prayer retreat on March 16 to 18, 2018. This Lenten retreat was led by Bro. Thomas Paul Kodiyan in Malayalam. An English session led by Sr. Jocelyn Edathil and Ms. Ainish Philip from the Anointing Fire Catholic Youth Ministry. The theme of the Bible Seminar and Prayer retreat was "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given you besides" (Matthew 6:33). The retreat took place from 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday (March 16), 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday (March 19), and 9:30 am to 5 pm on Sunday (March 18).

Church Cleaning The Mothers Forum, MCA, Sunday School, and MCYM continues to clean the church each week.

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Prayer Meeting

Prayer meeting was held in the house of Mr. Philip John and Family on April 21, 2018.

Convention Registration Booth

In order to facilitate an easier registration for the convention, the MCYM took the initiative to hold a Convention Registra- tion Booth at the back of the church following the Holy Qur- bono and Kaimuthu.

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10TH MALANKARA CATHOLIC CONVENTION

Information and Registration link - http://malankaracatholicna.church/convention- 2018-main

(Last day to register is May 30, 2018)

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OCCASIONS

Laity Day - May 6, 2018

Ascension/Suloko - May 10, 2018

Pentecost - May 20, 2018

Sunday School Final Exam - May 20, 2018

Vocation Day - May 27, 2018

Last Date for Convention Registration - May 30, 2018

MCYM-East Regional Retreat - June 9 - 10, 2018

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