Feast of the Assumption & Independence Day – August 15

On August 15, our parish joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Holy Qurbana in the morning and evening. The day also marked the celebration of Independence Day, which was observed with the solemn hoisting of the national flag on the church premises.

Orientation for Parents and Students preparing for Solemn Holy Communion – 17-Aug-25

An orientation session was organized for the parents of 34 students preparing to receive their Solemn Holy Communion. The session was led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Xavier Manavath, CMF, who emphasized the important role of parents in the faith journey of their children.

Fr. Xavier highlighted key factors that deeply influence a child’s growth, including the quality of spousal relationships, the family ambience, a shared vision for the child, and the practice of faith traditions within the family. He urged parents to focus on their children’s spiritual upbringing rather than giving undue importance to external celebrations and decorations, which often overshadow the true meaning of the sacrament.

CATECHISM – AUG 2025

Feast of St. Alphonsamma – July 27

On July 27, the parishioners of St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli, joyfully celebrated the feast of St. Alphonsamma. A special novena and Ladeenju were held. Children from Holy Childhood and CML sang a beautiful hymn reflecting the saint’s life. Twelve Holy Childhood members, dressed in white, offered flowers, while two children portrayed St. Alphonsamma. The celebration concluded with a special nercha organized by the parish.

Visit to Aakashaparavagal – July 27

Students of Classes 10 and 11, along with members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), visited Aakashaparavagal. They spent time with the residents, sharing food, singing, and dancing. It was a meaningful experience where the children learned the joy of service and compassion by accompanying the less privileged.

Special Session on Eucharist and Holy Qurbana – August 3

On August 3, the Claretian Brothers conducted an interactive session on the Eucharist and Holy Qurbana for students from Classes 5 to 12. Led by Br. Roshan, the session combined catechesis with engaging activities. The brothers also shared their personal testimonies on the importance of Holy Qurbana and what inspired them to join the seminary.

Mandya Diocese Angel’s Meet – August 3

The Mandya Diocese Angel’s Meet 2025–26 was hosted at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli, with 516 children who had received their Solemn Holy Communion last year from over 40 parishes participating.

The celebration began with prayer, followed by an address from His Excellency Bishop Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath. Ms. Feliza, a psychologist and member of Jesus Youth, led a spiritual session on the Eucharist and the friendship of Jesus, using her personal experiences and multimedia aids. Adoration was arranged for the children, after which Bishop Mar Sebastian and Fr. Paul Manjooran, Catechism Director, together celebrated the Holy Qurbana.

Children joyfully interacted and took photos with the bishop after the Qurbana. The event concluded with a fellowship lunch hosted by Jalahalli parish. The Angel’s Meet, coordinated by the Catechism Department, was supported by all parish pious associations.

Seraphim Meet 2025 – August 10

On August 10, more than thirty altar servers from St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli, participated in Seraphim Meet 2025—the diocesan altar servers’ conference held at St. Mary’s Church, Ramamurthy Nagar.

The conference was inaugurated in the presence of Bishop Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath and Fr. Paul Manjooran, Diocesan Altar Servers’ Coordinator. Our parish’s Master Joel Mathew Jacob represented in the opening ceremony. A formation session was led by Ms. Felcy, psychologist and Jesus Youth member.

It was a proud moment for our parish when our own Master Abhinav Jose G., President of the St. Thomas Altar Servers’ Association, was elected Diocesan President (2025–26) of the Altar Servers Koinonia.

Parish Altar Servers Day – August 17

The parish observed Altar Servers Day on August 17, commemorating the feast of St. John Berchmans, patron of altar servers. The gathering was presided over by Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Sunny Mathew, with dignitaries including Mr. Jephin James (former Altar Servers’ Association president), Rev. Sr. Tesin DM (Church Sacristan), and Ms. Sunie Paul (Headmistress).

Rev. Fr. Sunny Mathew felicitated Master Abhinav Jose G. on his election as the Diocesan President of Altar Servers Koinonia—a proud achievement for our parish.

Catechism Day Celebration – August 23

Catechism Day was celebrated at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli, on August 23. This year, the department staged the sixth edition of the musical drama Azhangalilekku, with “Holy Sacraments” as the theme.

The celebration began with Holy Qurbana at 5:30 p.m., concelebrated by Msgr. Fr. Sunny Mathew, our vicar, and assistant vicars Fr. Mathew Moothedam and Fr. Thomas Thoompenal, with Fr. Paul Manjooran (Diocesan Catechism Director), Fr. Vijoy Kallingal (Parish Priest, Bylakkere), and Fr. Thomas Thenady (Principal, St. Claret Degree College) as guests of honor.

Children from kindergarten to Class 12 presented the seven sacraments—the “building blocks” of Christian life—through dance, drama, and narration. The cultural evening began at 7:00 p.m. and concluded with a fellowship dinner at 9:30 p.m. The event was the fruit of over a month of preparation by catechism teachers and students, with the parish buzzing with rehearsals and teamwork throughout.

Bible Exam – August 24

The annual Bible exam for 2025–26 was conducted on August 24 after the 8:30 a.m. Qurbana. Students from Classes 4 to 12 participated, answering questions from the Gospel of Luke, chapters 22 to 24.

YOUTH – AUG 2025

Vachanolsavam 2025

STYF had the honour of participating in Vachanolsavam 2025, the Mandya Diocese Youth Cultural and Literary Festival. This vibrant event provided a wonderful platform for the youth of our parish to showcase their talents, creativity, and team spirit, while also engaging with young people from across the diocese.

The festival was conducted in two phases. The first phase, held on 3rd August 2025, featured a variety of literary and creative competitions including Meme Making, Poster Making, Essay Writing, and the Quiz Prelims. Our youth participated with great enthusiasm, using these opportunities to express their thoughts and creativity through art, writing, and intellectual engagement.

The second phase, held on 24th August 2025, highlighted stage and performance-based events. STYF members took part in Quiz Finals, Group Song, Skit, Mime (a newly introduced event), Potpourri, Mono Act, Solo Song, and Extempore. Each performance reflected the dedication, preparation, and vibrant energy of our youth, and the spirit of friendly competition was embraced with joy.

A special highlight of this year was the STYF Choir securing First Place in the Group Song competition. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the hard work, unity, and musical talent of our team, filling our parish with pride and gratitude.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Visit to Akashaparavakal Thirumugham Ashram

As part of the “Year of Care Programme”, the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society visited Akashaparavakal Thirumugham Ashram in Lakshmipura on July 12, 2025. Eight members from the conference participated in this visit. The Society extended its support by providing monthly groceries worth ₹25,000 along with an additional cash contribution of ₹5,000. The members also shared a fellowship meal with the residents, spending quality time in prayer and joyful interaction.

Visit to Don Bosco Orphanage, Devanahalli

On July 27, 2025, the Society, along with ten of its members and the Class 10 Catechism students, visited Don Bosco Orphanage in Ejipura, Devanahalli. The orphanage is home to young girls studying in Classes 8 to 12. The students spent time with the girls, playing games, singing songs, and engaging in meaningful conversations. During the visit, the Society contributed groceries worth ₹15,000 and a cash donation of ₹5,000. The Sisters in charge expressed their gratitude for this generous support and requested its continuation in the future. The visit concluded with a prayer in the chapel together with the students, after which the members returned, enriched by the experience of service, fellowship, and shared faith.

Pithruvedi August 2025

On August 3, the members of STARS – Pithruvedi actively participated, along with the Catechism Department, in the successful organization of the diocese level “Angels Meet” held at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli.

For the purpose of raising funds to support STARS – Pithruvedi’s annual charitable activities and other organizational initiatives, a series of meetings were held and various committees were formed to plan the Annual Day and Onam Celebration scheduled for September 14.

Additionally, several meetings were convened to coordinate the Annual Sports & Games competitions of the parish, which will commence in September, and a final schedule of events was prepared.

ജാലഹള്ളി സെന്റ് തോമസ് ഇടവക പിതൃവേദിയുടെ കഴിഞ്ഞ ഒരു മാസത്തെ പ്രവർത്തന  റിപ്പോർട്ട്‌  ആഗസ്റ്റ് 2025

ആഗസ്റ്റ് 3 നു St. Thomas Forane Church Jalahalli ൽ വച്ച് നടത്തപ്പെട്ട ‘Angels Meet’ ന്റെ നടത്തിപ്പിന് കാറ്റിക്കിസം ഡിപ്പാർട്മെന്റിനൊപ്പം STARS – PITHRUVEDI അംഗങ്ങളും സജീവമായി പങ്കെടുത്തു.

STARS – PITHRUVEDI യുടെ ഒരു വർഷത്തെ ജീവകാര്യണ്യ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കും സംഘടനയുടെ മറ്റു പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കുമായുള്ള ധനശേഖരണാർത്ഥം സെപ്തംബര് 14 നു നടത്തപ്പെടുന്ന വാർഷിക ദിന, ഓണാഘോഷ പരിപാടികളുടെ ആസൂത്രണത്തിനായി വിവിധ മീറ്റിംഗുകൾ സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുകയും വിവിധ കമ്മിറ്റികൾ രൂപീകരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്‌തു.

സെപ്തംബര് മാസത്തിൽ ആരംഭിക്കുന്ന ഇടവയുടെ Annual Sports & Games മത്സരങ്ങളുടെ ക്രമീകരണത്തിനായി വിവിധ മീറ്റിംഗുകൾ സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുകയും മത്സരങ്ങളുടെ ഒരു final schedule രൂപീകരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.