Kundukulam September/October 2017 News

Dear Fr. Larry, Shawn,  the entire Parish Community, the staff and the Children in the school community  and all our friends, well-wishers and the beloved  benefactors of  St. Joseph’s , Moorhead,
 
We send our greetings to you from the bottom of our hearts in the name of Our Lord Jesus!
 
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Month of September was a busy study month for our school children both Primary and High School. Students were given sufficient home work and adequate training to perform their quarterly exams well. The quarterly exams started on 20th Sep and ended 25th ^h Sep, 2017. The children enjoyed their term holidays from 25 ^th Sep to 2 ^nd Oct, 2017. The Schools re-opened on 3 rd October and now the children are in full swing to familiarize themselves on their next term academic preparation. After the term holidays the children were given grades. As usual this year also many girls became toppers in their classes. The boys assured the Correspondent Fr. Michael Britto that they will shine in the Half-yearly examination—all healthy competition! Primary education helps in the development of analytical skills, character and overall personality in a child. Teachers often offer a study guide for the test, outlining the format and the featured information. The teachers are well aware that the growth and future of our country highly depends upon the quality of the present school education system . 
 
Our High School has a demanding academic program with an emphasis on student learning and achievement. Through the tests offered, children learn solid study skills, learn from errors, and learn how to handle the unknown in an academic setting. Through practice and preparation, children will feel equipped and ready to handle tests -- without feeling the need to cheat. They will also be less afraid of failure or mistakes because they will rely on their own abilities and put in their best efforts.
 
CLERGY RETREAT: An annual five-day retreat for our diocesan clergy who seek renewed sense of purpose, courage to lead from within, and practices for better belonging took place from  8 ^th October to 13 ^th October, 2017 , in Madurai, one of the Metropolitan cities of our State. We realize from the retreat that Prayer is essential for the priest’s spiritual life, as it is essential for any life lived in Christ. We must stop and turn toward God; to pray to God before we make and implement our great plans for the parish. We need to turn toward God and pray before we act, and before we speak. This prayer must be done by participating in the whole life of the Church, and first and foremost the Divine Liturgy. It helped us to sharpen our discernment, revitalize our vocation, and sustain our service in the world. It provided us an opportunity to reflect and reconnect with our calling within an honest and non-judging community and discover inner wisdom and courageous practices that can strengthen our faith and ministry.
 
PARISH ACTIVITIES – ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: As you know most our parishioners are farmers who depend on rain for paddy (rice) cultivation. This year we had some rains and as a result paddy cultivation is already started and still insufficient for its growth.. We all pray seriously and have a hope it will rain soon. We ask of you your prayers. The Vincent de Paul society in our parish is active and the members are still visiting the sick and helping the needy in all possible ways. There are some generous souls who on regular visits consoling and helping the depressed through their generosity and counselling. The villagers are always on the move towards their daily jobs and pulling their lives on with smile and confidence.
 
DODIMANGALAM – ST. SEBASTIAN’S CHURCH PROJECT UPDATE: The faithful of Kodimangalam never stop remembering Shawn in their daily conversation especially when I go and celebrate mass for them- a simple people who always pray for you all in their common daily night prayers with the Rosary. Due to water scarcity and the unavailability of the building materials in this area still there is a slow progress in the construction work and we have to mobilize some more money to complete the project. The church construction work resumes next week. We will update it as it progresses. It all goes well with your kindness, generosity and through your valuable prayers. God is great! We assure you all of our genuine prayers for the entire community of St. Joseph’s, the great parish.
 
Once again we extend our bountiful thanks to you for all the good deeds done to us. We never ever forget your generosity, kindness, the care and concern shown. We need your continuous prayers, blessings and support.
 
With prayers and love,
 
Fr. Dr. M. John Britto
Parish priest