NEWS LETTER - NOVEMBER

ST. THERESA’S DAY AT JHINKPANI

On October 1^st, St. Theresa’s Parish, Convent, School and Hostels celebrated the Feast of their Heavenly Patroness, with pomp and gaiety. Rev. Fr. John Sumbrui S.J. was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Holy Eucharist, which was in Ho language. Rev. Fr. Camil Hembrom in his homily spoke about the qualities of the saint that made her the patron of the missionaries. The holy Mass was followed by a cultural programme where everyone could experience the fusion of classic/tradition and modernity. After the function the local clergy and the religious gathered for a delicious lunch. Earlier the faithful were given tea and snacks which they enjoyed.

GOLMURI

On October 2^nd the Jamshedpur Deanery formaly concluded the Year of the Priests. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. was the main celebrant of the concelebrated solemn Holy Eucharist. The Holy Mass was celebrated at the ground of St. Joseph’s School, on a specially prepared stage. Most of the Priests of the deanery were present for the function. During the Homily the Bishop urged the faithful to pray for the priests and for vocations. After the Holy Mass, different parishes and schools of the deanery staged entertainment segments. During this programme the Priests were felicitated with flowers, mementoes etc...

YEAR OF THE YOUTH PROCLAIMED

On 2^nd October, at the concluding ceremony of “Year of the Priests,” held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri, Bishop Felix Toppo S.J officially proclaimed, the coming year - ‘August 11, 2010 – August 11, 2011’ - as the “Year of the Youth.” A cultural programme was arranged after the high Pontifical Mass on the occasion. Many children from various schools partook in it. People from all the parishes in hundreds witnessed this event. The energetic Youth Brigade wearing ICYM T-shirt and Cap were the volunteers of this function. Fr. Leo, the Director, promised to organize various capacity building programmes in all the deaneries.

KUTKUDUNGRI

On October 03^rd the Capuchin Fathers along with parishioners of the St. Antony’s Parish celebrated the Feast of St. Francis Assisi. Rev. Fr. Amatus Kujur was the main celebrant of the concelebrated holy Eucharist. The parishioners staged a cultural programme. And in the evening the Priests and Religious of the Jamshedpur Deanery gathered together to share the festal joy.

SINDRI

The Parish celebrated the Feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus and the Parish Day on the 03^rd October. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. was the main celebrant of the solemn Eucharist. The parishioners found it apt to keep the First Holy Communion and Conformation on the same day, which enhanced the spirit of celebration. After the Mass the people traditionally welcomed the Bishop and the Priests present. The parishioners and the guests shared the joy of the celebration by partaking in the fellowship meal.

MALUKA

On October 09^th the Bethany Sisters celebrated the feast of their patron saint, St. Teresa of Child Jesus. Rev. Fr. Halan Bodra was the main celebrant at the concelebrated solemn Eucharist. The Holy Mass was very lively and enriching due to the vibrant participation of the hostelites. The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Junas Purty, accorded a hearty welcome to the priests and religious who visited Maluka and thanked them. The hostel girls staged a small cultural programme for the guests.

MOSABONI

On the 10^th day of the 10^th month of the year 2010 at 10. 10 a.m., the Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Apparition began the ceremony of the Final Profession of 6 of their Sisters. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. was the main celebrant at the concelebrated Holy Eucharist, in which their parents, relatives and well-wishers were present. The ceremony began with reading out a small life sketch of the Sisters. The well arranged liturgy and the melodious singing brought a heavenly atmosphere. We congratulate the Sisters who made their Final Profession.

SHANTI NIWAS, DHANBAD

M.C. Sisters named their newly built/inaugurated male and female wards, as Shanti Niwas. The blessing of the new building took place on 14^th October at 10.00 a.m. Most. Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., along with Richard Miranda, the parish priest, blessed the wards and invoked God’s Blessings. The dignitaries among the civil body of the city broke coconut. The Deputy Mayor, S.D.O., Additional Collector and many other dignitaries, Priests, Regional superior of M.C. Sisters from Ranchi and other religious of the town were present on the occasion.

KOLEDA

On the 18^th October, the people of Koleda Village gathered together to receive Most. Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., who had came to bless the village chapel. This was the fruit of the joint effort of the villagers with their Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Junas Bhengra. As the Bishop reached the village at 9.00 am, they received him with great honour and carried him in a specially prepared pallenquin. (It is said that the whole village didn’t have an appropriate wooden chair, so they had to borrow one from another village.) Thereafter the bishop was formally welcomed with the cultural and traditional rituals, in which made him to walk on leaves.

The villagers had dressed a memorial stone in memory of late Mr. Simon Bodra, who gave the piece of land for the construction of a chapel. It was a happy moment for Mrs. Simon Bodra, who witnessed the traditional rituals and blessing of the stone and the chapel by the Bishop. The Bishop was the main celebrant at the concelebrated Holy Mass, the first one at the newly built chapel. During the Mass the Bishop baptized 40 people.

The villagers put up an impressive cultural programme which lasted more than two hours. This was followed by a grand fellowship meal. The Koleda villagers had invited all the other 6 units (mandalies) of the Omra Parish to the function.

ST. JOSEPH’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SJCC conducted its 2^nd Symposium on 18^th September 2010. Sr. Meera, principal of Gyandeep High School, and Sr. Monika, Vice Principal of Gyandeep Middle School, were the judges. The Symposium was an eye opener for many, besides giving opportunity to budding talents to open up. The students freely shared their life story, linking it with their experience in the college. On 20^th September Teacher’s meeting was conducted at the SJWC Auditorium. The staff had very enriching interaction with the parents. At this meeting the students’ performance report was given. 10^th October 2010 an awareness program on ‘Goal Setting’ was conducted by Mr. James David, Chief HR from TCIL. All the students of SJCC profitably participated in it. SJCC has planned to conduct many awareness programs and activities to benefit the dropouts.

SCJM SISTERS, BARIDIH

The SCJM Sisters celebrated their foundation day and the 250^th birth day of Fr. Peter Joseph Triest, the founder of the congregation, on 24^th October, with the Priests and Religious of Jamshedpur Deanery. The actual foundation day is on 4^th November.

ST. XAVIER’S ENGLISH SCHOOL, CHAIBASA

“Progress is the activity of the day and the assurance of tomorrow.” Buzzing with activities the St. Xavier’s English school campus is geared to celebrate one of its kind: the school fest cum funfair SCINTILLATIONS 2010 - to be held on 19th, 20th and 21st November. This multifaceted project is aimed at gathering under one roof all the students irrespective of their media of instruction. The main objective of the fest is to make education enjoyable; over 33 schools participated in the competitions such as drawing, rangoli- making, fancy dress and fashion show. SCINTILLATIONS 2010 will also harbour book fair, career guidance, exhibition of art and culture, food and games stalls. The Principal Sr. Flora says, “Education is not much committed to memory, but much to motivation, to know and to grow”. The school has always scaled great heights and still many feathers are added to its cap. The students of class IX stood in the 1^st position at the district level both in the science seminar and in the 18th national Children’s Science Congress, they hope to qualify later at the state level. September was celebrated as the environmental month, where in the school organized the “GREEN RALLY” making the local mass aware to save Mother Earth by reducing pollution and planting trees. Various activities on the environmental themes were organized for the students. Class I & II had the drawing competition, class III-VI had the slogan writing competition, class VII & VIII had collage making competition. The debate competition was conducted for class IX and class X had the essay writing competition. Other activities: The students are also encouraged to showcase their talents by participating in other activities such as dance, music and singing and in sports such as karate and yoga. Participation in the national and international exams in English, Hindi, Maths, Science, Computer and General Knowledge also form a part of the students’ activities.

UPASANA RETREAT CENTRE

During the month of October Upsana conducted three retreats for the Diocesan priests of four dioceses. The first two were preached by Fr. Daniel Jeyasingh, CssR, who came from a very rich pastoral experience and enriched the retreatants with the idea of Pastoral Leadership as well as the need for the same today in the Church of Jharkhand. He touched the very depth of some issues and problems of our pastoral life and offered valuable suggestions to overcome such issues and problems. Fr. Carl Dincher’s name was fixed for the third retreat but could not be present for the scheduled date. So Gautam had to step in to do justice to a full house of priests who came on the 26 October evening for their spiritual renewal. Altogether fifteen diocesan priests of Jamshedpur came for the retreats.

LOYOLA SCHOOL, KUMARDUBHI

The month of September ended with a bang, i.e., the birthday celebration of the Principal, Fr. Edward Saldanha, on 21^st September. Though the programme was very simple with a prayer and song, it was made grand with the presence of the former Principal Fr. Amartus Kujur. The rest of the month passed quite peacefully, since the Second Terminal Exam began on the 30^th of September. The school closed for Puja Vacation on the 13^th of October, ending the terminal exam.

JISU MARSAL, CHANDIL

Frs. Valerian and Pradeep are labouring very hard physically and mentally to give a new look to the campus. Now the campus looks beautiful with lots of vegetables, new hostel kitchen and other things. Fr. Marandi felt giddy and had to be hospitalized in Mercy Hospital for a couple of days. Bishop’s House community had the privilege of celebrating his Birthday on 24^th of October in spite of his ill health. Mr. Roshan Masih introduced him to Sr. Thellopia, Mr. Magur and Brother Kachua of the Bishop’s house water pond. Get Well Soon, Father.

ST. ANNE’S DISPENSARY, CHARBANDIA

Sr. Theresa DSA of Charbandia was bubbling with joy on 16^th October as Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the newly built Dispensary block at the convent premises. This was the extension to the previous dispensary. This was made possible because of the help SJVK extended towards its completion. Fr. Tobias Kujur, the Assistant Director of SJVK was present along with the Parish Priest and other priests on the occasion. At present, the dispensary has the capacity of 15 beds. Truly it is a minor Hospital for the local people. All the best, Sr. Theresa!

PLATINUM CUM CENTENARY

FOR ST. JOSEPH

’S CHARBANDIA

“God does everything well for us. He blesses us every time and at every moment. I congratulate you on this occasion of your Jubilee!” said Bishop Felix Toppo S. J on the day of the Platinum Jubilee of St. Joseph Church, Charbandia. This was the culmination of the year long celebration which marked with various Spiritual and social programmes. Over two thousand Catholics witnessed this Jubilee. The High Pontifical Mass began with a fantastic welcome dance, followed by the exposition of Papal Blessing and the Mass. During the Mass 183 children, including some elders, received the Sacrament of Confirmation. After the Mass was over, the Memorial stones erected near the grotto were blessed. On the stone were carved a description of the history of the parish, names of the Parish Priests who served the parish ever since its erection, the names of the nuns and priests from this parish. On the occasion of the Centenary celebration of the “Chotanagpur Catholic Co-operative Credit Society (CCCS)” a memorial stone was erected. CCCS (Catholic Co-operative Bank), whose Head Office is in Rachi, founded by Fr. Hoffmann in 1909, in order to cater to the economic well-being of the tribals, is celebrating its Centenary. The blessing of the memorial stones was done by the Bishop while the three village pahans (priests) representing Munda, Oraon and Kharia tribe, performed the customary ritual.

The quality of the Christian faith in a parish can be depicted by the number of vocations sprouted therein. Though the parish is only 75 years old, it can boast of having provided 36 professed religious, 16 priests and 1 perpetually professed brother to the church. There are also many seminarians and candidates to religious life. This speaks volumes about the quality of the Christian life in the parish. Some of them were present at the celebration. To supplement this, 18 Catechists and 3 retired catechists who are the back bones of spiritual life of the people in the remote villages, two former Parish Priests, Fr. Placidus Toppo and Fr. William Tirkey of Ranchi diocese were also present. They were honoured by Bishop Felix Toppo S.J., Fr. Raphael Monteiro and Mr. A.T.Topno (Vice President) respectively. Some “fatted calves” were cut to celebrate the rest of the day.

CRUS VIR RALLY, CHAKRADHARPUR

Chaibasa deanery conducted the Crus Vir Rally on 14-16th October at Carmel High School, Chakradharpur under the banner, “Christ is our Light.” Sr. Nirmala DSA, Sr. Michael Xess OSU and Fr. Cornelius were the commanders-in-Chief. The programme began with a prayer service. Various competitions like, Quiz, Skit Competition, Elocution, Singing, dance etc were held. Bishop Felix offered Eucharist for the Crusaders on the second day of the Rally. On the final day of the programme Rev. Fr. Bipin Pani, offered Holy Mass for the Crusaders, gave away prizes and lowering the Crus Vir Flag announced that the Crus Vir Rally, 2010 closed. 813 children along with 37 animators from 19 units gained from this. (Fr. Jondko)

SPIRITUAL PEACE FESTIVAL

Jamshedpur Churches Unity Forum Committee (JCUF) celebrated four days ‘Spiritual Peace Festival’ from 21^st October to 24^th October 2010 at Sitaramdera GEL Church campus. Rev. Dr. J.K Henry, Director, BB College, Damu, Madhya Pradesh was the main speaker. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. Inaugurated the Festival on 21^st evening. Frs. David, Amatus and Michael Raj along with some sisters were present on the occasion.

DIOCESAN MAHILA SANGH

Dhanbad Deanery Mahila Sangh had their 6^th annual General Body Meeting on 25^th - 26^th September at Kumardubhi parish. Fr. Richard Miranda, the dean unfurled the Monica Flag. Very Rev. Mike T. Raj S.J, the Provincial of Jamshedpur Jesuits was the Chief Guest. Speaking over the topic “Young Generation” stressed upon the need of mothers in the moral life of the youngsters. The whole programme was well arranged under the leadership of Fr. Paulus Bodra. 140 Mahilas benefited from this. (Mrs. Kiran Fidelis)

Jamshedpur Deanery Mahila Sangh had their annual General Body Meeting on 9^th -10^th October at Vikas Bharati, Sundernagar. The two days’ programme began with a prayer service. Addressing the Mahilas on the theme, “Gender Policy of the Catholic Church,” Fr. Raju Felix Crasta, provided the relevant data and explained the various issues involved. Later, Fr. Halan Bodra, Director of the CC/SJVK spoke about the ‘economic empowerment of women’ at the grass root level. 80 women were present on the occasion.

DIOCESAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

“If Jesus were to visit you today would he find faith in Shillong, in India, in the world?” Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio asked some 200,000 young Catholics, many from the northeastern region, who gathered in the Meghalaya capital for a youth convention 10-17 October. Stressing the need for prayer he challenged the youth to introspect, asking them, “How much time do we spend before television sets/ computers and how much time before the Lord in adoration? What is the proportion of time that you spend talking to friends and to Jesus?” A seven member youth delegate from every diocese of India participated in this eighth national convention of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement. Fr. Leo D’Souza, the Director, Mr. Richard Sarkey, Co-ordinator Miss Pratiksha and Mr. Anup - Dhanbad deanery, Miss Sukanti – Chaibasa Deanery and Mr. Rohan and Christina – Jamshedpur deanery represented our diocese. The theme chosen for the convention was, “Live the Word… Liberate the World.” ‘Cultural exchange and Family Experience’ was the hallmark of the event wherein the different groups were sent to different villages for a couple of days from where the participants bagged rich experience of North East. (Mr. R. Sarkey)

THE DIOCESAN REGENTS

Fathers from different places where our regents are assigned for the ministry are feeding us with good reports about them. On October 9^th -10^th there was a recollection arranged for them in the Bishop’s House. Fr. John Mundu S.J, acting Director of the Divya Bharati, assisted them to reflect and to rejuvenate themselves. All the 14 regents were present.

MANOHARPUR MISSION

Fr. James Quadros has succeeded in getting a small rented house near Manoharpur Block and therefore, his address ‘Platform No. 1’ remains cancelled. On 25th October, he has shifted from Bishop’s house to Charbandia on a temporary basis and soon will occupy his new house. On this occasion, Fr. Raju had accompanied him to Anandpur. All the best, Fr. Quadros.

HEARTY WELCOME

We wholeheartedly welcome Frs. Simplicius Khess and Jottin Jose Kondodikari, who have joined the community of St. Dominic’s Prarthanalaya, Birsangar. We wish them all the very best! (Contact Numbers: Fr. Simplicius – 7654030059; Fr. Jottin Jose – 8797601809)

JEEVAN JYOTI SCHOOL OF NURSING

Sr. Heleena, the Principal of JJSN was overjoyed to inform that the institution achieved cent percentage results in the MIBE Board Examinations. Among the 17 third year students who appeared for the examinations, 4 students were among the first 9 ranks (1^st, 3^rd, 4^th &9^th) of MIBE Rank list; and the rest with first class. So too, some of the 1^st & 2^nd year students too found their place among the first 9 ranks of the MIBE Rank list.

BIBLE DIARY

Please note that Bible Diary in English & in Hindi(of St. Paul’s & Claretian Publications) and Hindi Ordo are available at PDDM Liturgical Centre at St. Mary’s Junior Block, Bistupur.

Birthdays (November)

Date	Name
01	Fr. Jondko Kandeyang
11	Fr. Valerian Lobo
21	Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J.

Bishop’s  Engagements

NOVEMBER 2010

Date	Day	Time	Programmes	Place
03	Wednesday	06.00 pm	SCJM Foundation Day Mass	Baridih
04	Thursday	05.00 pm	S.J.C.C. Gov. & Gen. Board Meeting	JSR
06	Saturday	08.45 am	Krusveer Seminar, Concluding day Mass	Dhanbad
07	Sunday	07.00 am	Mass, Cardinal Telespore Toppo, 25 Years as Archbishop of Ranchi	Ranchi
08	Monday	08.00 am	Khuntpani Feast	Khuntpani
10	Wednesday	09.30 am 03.00 pm	Clergy Meeting Diocesan Consulters’ Meeting	JSR
13	Saturday	09.30 am	Priestly Ordination of Dilip Marandi	Dhanbad
14	Sunday	07.30 am	First Holy Communion
20	Saturday	02.30 pm	XLRI Governing Board Meeting	JSR
21	Sunday		Christ the King Procession	JSR
22	Monday		To Patna
23-25			RBC, CRI and BDPC Meetings	Patna
25	Thursday	pm	Gov. Board Meeting of NJN & R. Bharti	Patna
28	Sunday	08.00 am	Confirmation	Rengra
29	Monday		To Mumbai