JINKPANI
St. Theresa’s parish and school conducted various activities in the month of November. The parish had been preparing to celebrate the Kuntpani feast for some time. They had been organising prayer services and Novena. On 8th November, schoolchildren staged a wondrous dance performance at Kuntpani. At their school, the children had various competitions in view of the children’s day celebrations. The completions began with Rangoli and ended with fancy-dress. The teachers and students staged various programmes on the children’s day. St. Theresa’s sub junior boys and girls took part in the MUNNA-MUNNI Football Tournament organised at St. Xavier’s, Chaibasa. The boy’s team won the trophy, while the girl’s teams had the privilege of first ever participating in the tournament.
The parishioners had motivational programmes to inform themselves about their rights and duties in participating in the forthcoming Panchayath Elections.
JUBILEE CELEBRATION
On 30th October, Sr. Hilda D’Souza, Principal of the Little Flower School, Telco, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of her religious profession. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ. was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Solemn Eucharist. Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Bishop of Bagdogra, preached on the occasion. The well-arranged liturgy, with the melodious singing of the Students of LFS created a heavenly atmosphere. The students and teaches of LFS staged a short cultural programme and screened a short sketch of the life history of Sr. Hilda. We congratulate Sr. Hilda and wish her God’s abundant blessings and happy and fruitful life ahead.
BIBLE QUIZ
On the 31st October, St. Joseph Cathedral organised a Bible Quiz Competition for the Catholic students of different schools in the city. Students from nine different schools participated in it. The students from St. Mary’s Hindi School, Bistupur, bagged the fist price. The students from Loyola School, Sonary and Sacred Heart Convent School, respectively came in to the second and third positions. It was noted that the participation in the Bible Quiz Completion is poorer each passing year. A need is felt among some for the Parishes and Schools to take necessary steps to inculcate and develop the love for the Word of God among children and the faithful.
ST. JOSEPH’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
KUNTPANI FEAST:
On 8th November, 2010, the Church in Chotta Nagpur celebrated the memory of the first baptism, which took place at Kuntpani in the year 1873. A large number of faithfull had gatherd for the Solemn Holy Eucharist. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, was the main celebrant. Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, Bishop of Rourkela, too was present for the feast and he preached an inspiring homily. The celebration began with the blessing of the memorial stone and by venerating the Kuntpani Mata by the Bishops and the priests who were present for the Mass.
ST. MARY ’S BISTUPUR:
On the 14th November, 2010, 35 children received Jesus in the form of bread to their life for the first time and 45 children were sealed with the indelible mark of the Holy Spirit as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish, Bistupur, gathered in big number to witness and thank God on this occasion. The ceremony began with an entrance dance and traditional welcome of the celebrants. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, during his homily reminded the parents and the children about the need for growing in prayer and thus in grace.
CRI, JAMSHEDPUR
The CRI unit of Jamshedpur
ST. MARY ’S SCHOOL, NOAMUNDI
St. Mary’s School, Noamundi celebrated its Annual Day “Spandan 2010” in the evening of Tuesday, 9th November, 2010 , at Noamunid Club. Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu and Mr. D.B Sundararaman, the General Manager, Tata Steel, were the Chief guests while Mother Elsa SABS, Regional Superior of Divya Jyothi Region was the Guest of Honour. Fr. Prabhu addressing the gathering, congratulated the school and the SABS Sisters for their effort in imparting generous service to the people and said, “School education should not only form the minds of the children but also their hearts. Mere bookish knowledge will not suffice in today’s competitive world. They need to receive lessons in excelling themselves in their field.” Sr. Bridget SABS, the principal of the school presented the annual report while the children presented various cultural episodes to add the flavour to the day’s solemnity. Frs. Camil Hembrom, Junas Purty, Raju Felix Crasta and Sister Karuna, BS, were present on the occasion. Earlier, the Catholic representatives of Noamundi met the fathers in the chapel and expressed their concern over the church of Noamundi
“I think Fr. Prabhu is falling in love with Bethany
CHACHA NEHRU REMEMBERED
Schoolchildren remembered their beloved ‘Chacha’, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of Independent India, on 14th November - the Children’s Day. St. Paul
CHRIST THE KING PARISH, CHAKRADHARPUR
The Setu Vidyalaya Children (bridge school) put up a mind blowing welcome dance on Khuntpani Feast on November 8th. Congratulations to Fr. Jondko and his team for the fine preparation. Presently the Christ the King Church King Church
ALL IS WELL IN SINDRI
Fr. Robert Toppo along with his Regent, Bro. Jijo is working hard for the spiritual upliftment of the people. It is noteworthy to mention here, that on October 28th, the BIT students arranged a seminar on the famous slogan, “ALL IS WELL,” basing on the Scripture. Mr. Alex Zam from Pakuda was the chief resource person. One of the participants said at the end of the programme, “It was very much enriching.” 25 students participated in this seminar. (Br. Jijo)
IT’S A MIRACLE INDEED !
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath, and thy right hand delivers me” (Ps 138:7). This is literally true! God delivers his people from every danger, specially the children. It was lunchtime for the hostel children at Jisu Marsal, Chandil. Children hardly had their first serve of meals under a tree on Saturday, 20th November. All of a sudden, a big branch of the tree broke and fell down and, tumbled off the vegetable dish. Fortunately, Fr. Pradeep Marandi had just moved off from the place where the branch had fallen. One of the children was found himself under the branch unharmed while the other escaped with slight bruises. Fr. Valerian had no words to thank God for His protection.
CLERGY MEETING
The much awaited Clergy Meeting was held on 10th November in the Curia Hall at the Bishop’s House. Fr. Prabhu chaired the whole meeting. Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel, S.J, with the help of power point presentation explained the new Education Policy and its implications. Latter, discussions were held regarding the celebration of the Jubilee of the Diocese.
PRIESTLY ORDINATION
“We live our lives in two levels: physical and divine. Ordination is a divine incident. As Moses was called to be the leader of Yahweh’s people… In the New Testament we see that, Jesus offering once and for all the eternal sacrifice. An ordained priest offers himself, in union with the Eternal High Priest, as sacrificial lamb to God for the people… Jesus says: “Do this in memory of me…” These were the words of Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ., at the Ordination of Deacon Dileep Marandi at St. Antony’s Church, Dhanbad, on 13th November, 2010. The Concelebrated Eucharist began at with a solemn entrance dance. The Deacon walked in a basket in a Santhal traditional way along with his parents, brothers and sister. Over a thousand people, thirty priests and many religious sisters witnessed this grace filled event. Fr. Richard Miranda made all the arrangements very efficiently. A beautiful pedal, an artistic stage, a meaningful liturgy and the fine cultural programmes caught every one’s attention. The Church of Jamshedpur is grateful to Marandi Family, for giving two of their sons to the Diocese and One daughter as Religious Nun (SCN Congregation) to the Universal Church at large.
TOWARDS THE VICTORY PODIUM
Br. Bipin Kishore Barla has applied for Diaconate ordination. He has finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Pastoral Theology from Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore. He will be doing his ministry in St. Mary’s Church, Omra till his Diaconate Ordination.
Br. Jilson T.L too has completed his BTh and Pastoral Theology from St. Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore
C.R. PRABHU ON WHEELS
Month of November was one of the busiest months of Fr. Prabhu. He began the month by preaching a Retreat for the Diocesan Priests in Bhagalpur Patna
CHRIST THE KING FEAST CELEBRATIONS
The solemnity of Christ the King was celebrated with great Joy and enthusiasm in all the deaneries of Jamshedpur Diocese on 21st of November. In Jamshedpur
Dhanbad Deanery: Crusader’s Rally (Crus Veer) was organized in Tundi Parish for the deanery. As many as 200 children participated in it.
GOLD MEDAL:
Bro. Prince Dibash, who is doing his regency at Teapasi, has got two Gold Medals for English Literature. He is the Gold medal holder in the RTM Nagpur University
ST. XAVIER’S ENGLISH SCHOOL, CHIBASA
Enjoying learning is every child’s right. What is important is that the knowledge gained by the child be applied to life outside the school. “Train up a child in the way he should grow, and even when he is old he shall not depart from it” (Proverb 22:6). To enable this, the school organised the school fest SCINTILLATION 2010 wherein the students found it not only enjoyable but also more interactive and enriching process.
November not only found the teachers busy with corrections, open house day but also packed with surprises for the students as they dressed themselves in school uniform to entertain the children on the “children’s day”
Three students from the primary section made it at the National level again in the General Knowledge Olympiad. Indeed another feather in the cap!!! (St. Xavier’s English School)
Enhancement of life and light is what we at St. Xavier’s English School proclaim through our motto “ Let your light shine”........We will keep it GLOWING.......We will keep it GOING!!!
UPASANA RETREAT CENTRE
A group of 25 diocesan priests from four different dioceses, who are engaged in their school cum parish ministry, came for the third renewal programme arranged by UPASANA this year. Keeping in mind the particular needs of the participants, the theme of the retreat was modified by Fr. Gautam and made relevant to their needs; and Fr. Amatus Kujur was requested to speak on ‘Pastoral Leadership’ and the need for ‘Effective Interpersonal Relationship’ which are needed in the life of a pastor. He obligingly treated the topics very effectively in two consecutive days and the outcome was an earnest response from the priests. UPASANA also received a group of Monfort Bothers on the evening of 7th November who came from Jharkhand and the neighbouring states. It was a mixed group of very senior as well as young Brothers from different schools with rich experiences. It was a real pleasure to guide them through the week-long retreat while the Spirit accompanied them with its powerful presence. They were led by Fr. Gautam through the “Integrated spirituality for the School Leaders”.
A retreat is scheduled from December 4 to 12, which is offered for men and women Religious and others who could not make their annual retreat. They are most welcome to this retreat, which will be guided by Fr. R Tonyraj. And Fr. Carl Dincher will be giving a Thirty-day’ retreat which will commence from December 15. Those interested are welcome to join. (Fr.C Gautam)
CONGRATULATIONS
We congratulate Fr. Simplicius Khess, OP, the newly appointed superior of St. Dominic’s Prarthanalaya, Birsanagar. Wish you all the very best Fr. Simply… (The new telephone no of St. Dominic’s Prarthanalaya: 0657-2280137)
NEWS FROM ABROAD
Fr. Gyanprakash Topno reached his parish in Canada, safely after a month-long tour of India. In Jamshedpur, during his stay, he had his teeth fixed according to the perfect dental formula. Just before leaving, he got admitted in the Mercy Hospital
Dr. Fr. Joy Paul writes from Canada Labrador on 3rd November. I think I should be here for some time. It is a nice and beautiful city. We have Iron Ore Mines here. Most of the people are working in the mines. With much love and smiles…”
Fr. Alex Dodrai writes from USA, “…nice to know that all of you are keeping well… Thank God, your prayers were heard. On Thursday, 25th November, we have celebrated Thanksgiving Day. This celebration in the State is almost like Christmas. They do a great deal; they have a national Holiday… Rest everything is fine, except cold, though so far we didn’t have snow, it is started freezing. So take care and love to all in the Diocese…”
Fr. Cyril too is fine in USA, and he is planning to come to India for a month’s vacation. We wish all our priests abroad great success in their ministry.
UPDATES
Rev. Fr. Paul Koonamparampath, the Director of Jyothi Hospital, Kuruda, Balasore, has informed that Dr. Rudiger Fringer, M.S., senior world class Surgeon from Germany will be available at Jyothi Hospital from 01-12-2010 to 28-12-2010. For more details, advanced booking and considerable subsidies please contact: 06782-256296, 0937049391, 09437295965, frthomaspaul@rediffmail.com and jyothihospital@myrealbox.com
Birthdays (December)
Date | Name |
03 | Fr. Junas Bhengra |
04 | Fr. Ajay Tiru |
Bishop’s Engagements
December 2010
Date | Day | Time | Programmes | Place |
01 | Wed | am – pm | CBCI-CRI Joint Commission Meeting | Mumbai |
03 | Fri | am | Back to JSR | |
04 | Sat | CC/SJVK Gov. Body & Gen. Body Meeting | Sundernagar | |
05 | Sun | Parish Feast, Holy Eucharist | Mosaboni | |
06 | Mon | Gen. Body Meeting of C.C.M.C.C.S. | Gumla | |
07 | Tue | Diocesan Senate Meeting | JSR | |
08 | Wed | Blessing of the Multi Purpose Hall, Communion & Conformation | Tepasai | |
11 | Sat | Golden Jubilee, Sr. Leona, OSU | Lohardaga | |
12-18 | Spiritual Exercises | Balarampur | ||
18 | Sat | Welcoming H.E. Cardinal Toppo | Golmuri | |
19 | Sun | Jubilee Mass & Reception: Cardinal Toppo | Golmuri | |
24 | Fri | Vigil Mass | Golmuri | |
29 | Wed | Ordination of Jesuits at | JSR |
Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ,
along with the members residing at Bishop’s House,
wishes each one of you,
A Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year!
