St Thomas Cross
SYRO-MALABAR CATHOLIC CHURCH
Placing You On the Path of Enlightenment
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church or Church of Malabar Syrian Catholics is an Eastern Catholic Major Archiepiscopal Church based in Kerala, India. It is a sui iuris particular church in full communion with the Pope and the worldwide Catholic Church, with self-governance under the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The Church is headed by Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Kerala.
The Syro-Malabar Church uses the Liturgy of Saints Mar Addai and Mar Mari belonging to the East Syriac Rite, which dates back to 3rd century Edessa,as such it is a part of Syriac Christianity by liturgy and heritage. The name Syro-Malabar is coined from the words Syriac (referring to the East Syriac liturgy) and Malabar (the historical name for Kerala). The name has been in usage in official Vatican documents since the nineteenth century.The Church shares the same liturgy with the Chaldean Catholic Church based in Iraq. It is the third-largest particular church (sui juris) in the Catholic Church (after the Latin or Roman Church and the Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Catholic Church).
On 23 December 2013 Holy Father Francis established The Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne for Australia, the second Eparchy outside the territory after Chicago, USA. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Bosco Puthur, then Curia Bishop of Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Kerala, as the first Bishop/Eparch of the new Eparchy. Bishop Bosco Puthur was installed on 25 March 2014 in Melbourne.
History of Syro-Malabar Community in Townsville
St Catherine's Church, Proserpine
On July 3rd, 2009 The first Syro-Malabar Mass for the Syro-Malabar community in Townsville region was celebrated at St Catherine's Church, Proserpine by Fr.Jose Koyickal.
The frequency of Qurbana and the number of faithful attending increased over the years. Townsville and the adjoining regions such as Burdekin, Bowen and Ingham saw a steady increase in Syro-Malabar faithfuls mainly due to the migration of a large number of Nurses & skilled Professionals from all parts of the world.
The Syro-Malabar faithfuls in Townsville are very much indebted to the services of Bishop Michael E Putney and the Syro-Malabar Priests working for the Diocese of Townsville, especially Fr Jose KOYICKAL CM,
Fr John KUNNATHUMADAPPILLIL OCD,
Fr Thomas PULICKAL OCD,
Fr Abraham CHERIPURAM,
Fr Sibichan KAIPPANPLACHAL and
Fr Joshy JOHN OCD.
Fr Mathew AREEPLACKAL was appointed as the first resident Chaplain to the St Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Mission Townsville in March 2018.
On October 4th, 2018 St.Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Mission was raised to the status of a Parish by Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur. Fr Mathew AREEPLACKAL is the first Parish Priest for St Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Parish Townsville.
The Syro-Malabar Community in Townsville is blessed with Holy Mass in Malayalam every day at Mary Mackillop Church, Mundingburra.
Mary Mackillop Church, Mundingburra
Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry
in Townsville December 2012
THE SAGA OF SYRO-MALABAR CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
CATECHISM ANTHEM TOWNSVILLE
OUR PATRON
ST.ALPHONSA
Saint Alphonsa, F.C.C., (born Anna Muttathupadathu; 19 August 1910 – 28 July 1946) was an Indian religious sister and educator. She was the first woman of Indian origin to be canonised as a saint by the Catholic Church, and the first canonised saint of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church based in India. Her feast day is observed on July 28th.
LIFE OF ST.ALPHONSA
The Mission of the Church
"Our mission is to know and live the identity and heritage of Syro-Malabar church rooted in the faith transmitted by St.Thomas the Apostle, our heavenly Patron."
Holy Mass Schedule
We meet at Mary Mackillop Church on Ross River Road
Come Worship with us!
Monday-6.30pm.
Tuesday-6.30pm
Adoration and Confession at 6.00pm.
Intercessory prayers at 5.00pm.
Wednesday-9.00am.
Thursday-9.00am.
Friday -6.30pm
Holy Mass and Adoration.
Confession-6.00pm
Saturday-8.45am.
Sunday Holy Mass
Sunday- 5.30pm
Except 3rd Sunday of every month.
3rd sunday- 10.15am.
POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope.
Cardinal Mar George Alencherry
Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
Mar Bosco Puthur
Our Bishop
First Bishop of the Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Melbourne, Australia
Rev.Fr. Francis Kolencherry
Vicar General
Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Melbourne, Australia
Most Reverend Timothy Harris
Bishop of Townsville
Our Parish Priest
Fr.Mathew Areeplackal
Fr.Mathew AREEPLACKAL is the first and current Parish Priest for St Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Parish Townsville.
He was first appointed as the Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Community in Townsville in March 2018. Fr.Mathew belongs to the diocese of Idukki, Kerala, India.
Rev.Fr. Mathew Kochupurackal
Chancellor
Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Melbourne, Australia
Catechism
Catechism is a summary or exposition of doctrine and serves as a learning introduction to the Sacraments traditionally used in catechesis, or Christian religious teaching of children and adult converts.
Vision
A church in which people feel at home and, inspired by the Holy Spirit and their love for God, align their lives to the gospel of Jesus Christ and thus prepare themselves for His return and eternal life
Mission
Reaching out to all people in order to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ and to baptise them with water and the Holy Spirit
Previous Chaplains
Rev.Fr. Jose KOYICKAL CM
Rev.Fr. Thomas PULICKAL OCD
Rev.Fr. Sibichan KAIPPANPLACHAL
Rev.Fr. John KUNNATHUMADAPPILLIL OCD
Rev.Fr. Abraham CHERIPURAM
Rev.Fr. Joshy JOHN OCD
Priests who have Spiritually supported us in the recent years...
Catechism schedule
On every 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday from 4.00pm to 5.30pm.
Sunday school Principal
Mrs.Silvy Robin
PH- 0450731868
Vice Principal
Mr. Jobichan U Varghese
PH- 0469813895
Sunday School Teachers and their classes
Mrs.Jincy Siby- Year:1
Mrs.Jaimol Joby- Year:2
Mr.Christian Mathew- Year:3
Mr. Jobichan U Varghese- Year:4
Mrs.Mingle Joby- Year:5 & 6
Mrs.Sweetly Joy- Year: 7
Mr.Anthony Kuriakose- Year:8
Mrs.Seena Sheen- Year:9 & 10
Mrs.Silvy Robin- Year:11 & 12
Substitutive Teachers
Mrs.Smitha Thomachan
Mr.Roldin Mathew
Mr.Shijo Augustine
Mr.Mathew Lukose
Mrs.Annie Anil
Mrs.Jancy Shaijan
Mr.Aneesh J.S
Mr.Rojan Mathew
Safeguarding Children
Safeguarding refers to the range of plans and activities that are put in place to protect children and adults who may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect from being exploited or harmed.
Safeguarding in the church community – making our churches safe for children, young people and vulnerable adults – is everyone’s responsibility.
The diocesan safeguarding team provides professional advice and training to parishes to ensure they can meet that responsibility, as well as support those who may have suffered abuse or exploitation in a church setting.
Everyone involved in church life should know what to do in situations where a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed. Each parish or benefice should have in place a safeguarding person who knows how to respond and where to seek further help and advice.
Anyone who wishes to report abuse or exploitation needs to know that they can do so and receive the support they need.
Parish Safeguarding Officers
Mr. Christin Mathew
Ph- 0478297007
Mr. Aneesh J.S
Ph- 0469072117
The role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer is to provide support, advice, and information on all matters concerning the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in the parish.
Safeguarding Policy
Code of Conduct
Definition of Child Abuse
Disclosure of Child Abuse
Parish Safeguarding Officer
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Craig Brereton
Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator
Catholic Diocese of Townsville
Ph: (07) 4726 3264
E: cbrereton@tsv.catholic.org.au
Queensland Professional Standards Office - Catholic Church
Ph: 1800 337 928 (free call)
E: psoqld@catholic.net.au
Queensland Police Service
Emergency. 000
Policelink. 131 444 (Request a receipt QPRIME number for your records)
Family Units of the Parish
Mary of Mt. Carmel Family Unit
Area- Douglas
President - Siby Joseph
Ph: 0422884348
Secretary- Asha Naveen
Monthly Family unit Prayers - On every 3rd Sunday at 7.00PM
Number of Families - 18
St. Thomas Family Unit
Area- Riverside Ridge
President - Shijo M Augustine
Ph- 0413537999
Secretary- Leeba Saljan
Monthly Family unit Prayers - On every 1st Saturday at 6.30PM
Number of Families - 19
St. Mary's Family Unit
Area- Bohle Plains, Kirwan and Bushland Beach
President: Josemon Mathew
Mob: 0434069166
Secretary: Sweetly Joy
Monthly Family unit Prayers - On every 4th Saturday
Number of Families - 20
St. Alphonsa Family Unit
Area- Pimlico, Mundingburra, Aitkenvale, Cranbrook & Idalia
Chavara Family Unit
(St. Chavara Kuriakose Elias)
Area- Annandale
President: Rojan Mathew
Mob: 0469820647
Secretary: Aneesh Jose
Monthly Family unit Prayers - On every 3rd Saturday
Number of Families - 27
President: Jaise Sebastian
Mob: 0469794794
Secretary: Mingle Jobby
Monthly Family unit Prayers - On every 1st Thursday
Number of Families - 9
Mathru Jyothi
"Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42) was the acclamation of St. Elizabeth when she had met with Mother Mary upon her surprising visit.
Motherhood is such a beautiful gift of God and all those who are blessed by God with children are invited by the Church to organise themselves in prayer, adoration, service and faith formation in the forum of MATHRU JYOTHI.
Mission & Objectives:
Our mission is to grow and share a caring, supporting and encouraging fellowship of mothers by nurturing body, mind, and spirit through friendship, prayers and offering service to each other. The spirit of Mathru Jyothi is to promote happy and devotional families in our parish. This forum provides the mothers a voice in our church community. In essence, Mathru Jyothi contributes to all aspects of parish activities to support and strengthen its vision to grow as one worshiping community.
Objectives :
Promote spirituality and Christian faith among fellow women.
Grow together in faith, sharing and love.
Take a lead role in charity oriented work.
Promote the importance of group worship and group thinking.
Visit and console the sick and bedridden.
Participate actively in social activities of the church.
Office Bearers:
Joma Joby -President
Saji Stephen- Vice President
Jincy Jose-Vice President
Tessy joy -Animator
Gigi Thomas - Animator
Sandhya Shiju -Animator
St.Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization of Catholic lay men and women of all ages. Its primary mission is to help the poor and less fortunate. It was founded in 1833 by Blessed Fredric Ozanam, a 20 year old law student from Paris, France and his friends. St. Vincent de Paul is the patron Saint of the organization. Today, the Society has about one million volunteers in 150 countries worldwide.
Our Mission
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organization that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
Our Vision
The Society aspires to be recognized as a caring Catholic charity offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.
Our Key Values
Commitment – Loyalty in service to our mission, vision and values.
Compassion – Welcoming and serving all with understanding and without Judgement.
Respect – Service to all regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political opinions.
Integrity – promoting, maintaining and adhering to our mission, vision and values.
Empathy – Establishing relationships based on respect, trust, friendship and perception.
Advocacy – Working to transform the causes of poverty and challenging the causes of human injustice.
Courage – Encouraging spiritual growth, welcoming innovation and giving hope for the future.
Office Bearers
President: Josemon Mathew
Secretary: Jobichan Varghese
Treasurer: Joy Joseph
Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress,Australia
The political arm of the Church, to join hands with non-Christian organizations
who share the same perspective in their fight for rights.
While Catholic Congress has no political party agenda,
it will respond to the wrong policies of political parties and governments in power
President - Suresh Paul
Townsville representative - Vinod K Baby
Secretary - Jose kadamkulam
Syro-Malabar Youth Movement Townsville
Syro Malabar Youth Movement is the official youth movement of the Syro Malabar Church. The SMYM champions and lives out its mission to follow the tradition and beliefs of the Syro Malabar Church for the Kingdom of God and Society, to strive for the integral development of the youth and to bind together the youth of the
Syro-Malabar Church.
SMYM Office Bearers
Director- Fr.Mathew Areeplackal
Animator- Jobichan U Varghese
SMYM Coordinator- Alfin Sabu
Assist. Coordinator- Angel Thomachan
Secretary- Swetha Vincent
Joint Secretary- Kevin Benoy
Finance Coordinator- Christian Mathew
Intercession coordinator- Donia Johny
Outreach/Media Coordinator- Sharin Sunil
Parish Calendar
OFFICE BEARERS 2019-2020
KAIKARANS
SHIBU CHERIAN
PH- 0410409804
MATHEW LUKOSE
PH-0413365000
PARISH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
STEPHEN KURIAKOSE
PH-0449730724
AJIL SEBASTIAN
PH-0469895785
SHEEN GEORGE
PH-0426506280
BOBBY MATHEW
PH- 0402559497
VINCENT KAVUKKATT
PH- 0481047441