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December 20, 2016SISTER PARISH NEWS
July through October-2016
Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus! The activities of the Sacred Heart parish and the schools went on smoothly and gently for this term from July to October after the re-opening of schools in June.
HIGH SCHOOL: This year we had nearly 20 new admissions from different schools from the neighbourhood since our high school scored 100% in the ‘Year 10’ Government public examination. We are able to maintain the total of nearly 260 students (year six to year ten) in the high school.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: The country’s 70 th Independence Day was celebrated in the high school in a grand way. The nearby town police inspector was the chief guest and he emphasized in his speech the history of Indian independence, which is laced with the struggle and sacrifice of many leaders and revolutionaries of the country. Fr. Britto, the correspondent of the school, distributed sweets to the students and gave away prizes for the best students in each class.
SPORTS DAY: In the beginning of August, the staff and students were busy preparing for the regional sports meet. Our school was selected to participate in both sports and games events at the Regional level. 23 schools participated in the meet. The sports day began on August 22 with the races—the hundred-meter race, the 400-meter race, the 300-meter race and one-mile race. The hurdle race provided a good deal of fun along with the long and high jumps. The other events of the day were the shot-put, the discus throw and the javelin throw. On August 23, some team events were organized like Kabaddi, football, volleyball and tug of war. In the evening, there was a march of all of the athletes and the principal of the neighbouring Muslim school took the salute. It was a grand sight to see the athletes march with measured footsteps and the swinging of the arms. The district educational officer was the guest of the evening and he gave away the prizes to the winners. It was a day of great excitement and immense joy for all the participants and spectators.
QUARTERLY EXAMINATION: After the sports day, all the students tried to put their hearts and soul into their study, preparing themselves for quarterly examinations. In the middle of October, parent/teacher meetings were held to discuss the students’ performance in their first-term exams. Fr. Britto gave some guidelines to both parents and students on how to improve their skills, talents and concentration.
PRIMARY SCHOOL: The primary school children (year 1 - year 5) were busy in the month of July mingling with the newcomers who came from different backgrounds to join our school. It was lovely to see the little innocent ones smiling, playing and acting in their school uniform. On August 15, they celebrated India’s Independence Day and the chief guest was one of the retired teachers who is also a local village leader. He briefed the children regarding the Indian freedom history and exhorted them with simple examples and short stories.
PARISH:- Formation of ecclesial communities: In July, we formed small ecclesial communities. The main purpose is to unite people together in small groups which involve conducting a monthly prayer meeting. It helps the villagers to forgive and forget animosities if they have any among themselves and to build up a good relationship in peace. The Diocesan evangelization commission took part actively in formulating these small groups and initiated them into prayer. Each house is given a chance to conduct a prayer meeting and welcome everybody with refreshment into their home. This community, in Tamil, is called “ANBIAM,” which means: “binding people together in love.” Practically speaking, it is a kind of movement based on the teaching of our Lord, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
- Village tour: It is significant to note here that the local community, for the first time in the history of the village, decided to go on a village tour. They went to visit some historical places of interest, travelling nearly 250 miles. This event really united the local community in love and peace. The parish priest took part in their tour and appreciated them on their choice.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society: The St. Vincent de Paul Society members of this parish are deeply involved in their spiritual activities, helping the poor and the needy. They normally gather for their monthly meetings on the second and fourth Sundays after the Holy Mass. Each time, they identify some villagers who are deserving and in need of help, both materially and spiritually. They visit houses periodically and give essential information to the parish priest. The sick people are really happy about their visit and are much consoled and comforted. The parish priest is delighted of their tremendous involvement and enthusiasm.
- October: A month of Rosary: It is prevalent that the village faithful dedicate themselves to Mother Mary, the Mother of the Rosary, in the month of October. The highlight of this pious practice is to have a car procession on the last day of the month, going around the church with a candlelight procession. All of the faithful participate in this event sincerely and ask for Mother Mary’s intercession on their intentions.
PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT: With the generosity and kindness rendered by our sister parish, St. Joseph's, we were able to complete the renovation work in Kundukulam R.C.Primary School. The children are moving shortly into the colourful, renovated building. Now it looks very grand and all praise and glory goes to you, dear sister parish friends and well wishers. We are ever grateful and the children will never forget your big-heartedness.
PARISH PRIEST: Fr. Britto, earnestly requests your prayers for his mum, Mrs. Susai Mary, a retired teacher, aged 79 who was sick for the last four months. Recently she was diagnosed with cancer. Her left toes were amputated and she remains in the hospital recovering.
SHAWN'S VISIT: Everybody in the parish, including all old, young and the little ones, are waiting to receive Shawn in their midst. They are already asking the parish priest of her visit. Our Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Susaimanickam, and Fr. Dr. Michael Raj, our diocesan procurator, are making necessary arrangements to welcome Shawn. We are sure that Shawn's visit will enrich and enlighten our parish as well as the entire community of St. Joseph’s in Moorhead.
God bless!
Fr. Dr. M. John Britto