Youth Retreat in Chicago Feedack by Allu Kulangara

Over 100 Knanaya Catholic Chicago youth members and I, had the great opportunity to be showered with unending blessings on the Rockford Retreat to complete our year. The retreat was such an amazing spiritual experience that boosted my overall faith and relationship with God. The youth, including both St.Mary's and Sacred Heart parishes, not only were gifted with a better relationship with God, but also got a better meaning and understanding of what being a member of the Knanaya Catholic Society is all about. Together we created unforgettable memories, new and stronger friendships, and of course a better mighty love towards our God.

     As this was my first time going to Rockford for the retreat, I was very anxious to go. I didn't know what the daily routines were or how hard it would be to wake up at 7:00 a.m.. But none of that was on my mind when I got on the bus. Singing songs and saying rosaries really made our bus ride peaceful and enjoyable. The whole retreat made you forget your worries and only think about the great things ahead. Although there were many indelible memories, one of my favorites was the tunnel of fire created during adoration. During the tunnel of fire our spiritual chaperones and elder youth leaders, stood forming two lines which lead to the altar and the priest whom would pray a specific prayer for us while our leaders would hold us and pray their own intense meaningful prayers for us. This experience really made people emotional but also was so heartwarming,  it was just great to know that other people pray for you and love you and it made us realize that it's really just one of the benefits of being a Knanaya Catholic, being apart of this wonderful society.

For this great experience I would like to show my sincere gratitude and appreciation towards all that made this retreat happen like Rev. Fr .Abraham Mutholath and Rev .Fr. Saji Pinarkayil who came down to Rockford to give us spiritual support and the youth ministry coordinators of both St.Mary's and Sacred Heart knanaya catholic churches.

- Allu Kulangara  

Youth Retreat in Chicago Feedack by Amy Kuply

As 2011 has come to an end, the youth had an amazing opportunity to attend this year’s Rockford Retreat. Both Chicago parishes came together at the retreat to not only strengthen our relationships with God, but also to create new memories with all of our peers and leaders. This experience to take part in something so giving was life changing. It gave the youth a sense of morals and values as well as educational aspects about Jesus Christ.

     Since this was my first time going to a Rockford Retreat, I decided to go with an open mind. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I thought I would have to sit through long boring lectures and be sleep deprived. From the moment we got onto the buses I had a good feeling about the retreat. Every morning we started out with a morning prayer which helped us connect with God from the moment we woke up to the time we went to sleep. We also attended English Syro-Malabar Holy Mass everyday. One of the most enjoyable parts out of the retreat was making skits with our small groups. It was a laughable religious experience that connected to the morals of life.

     My favorite part of the retreat was having adoration. It was a time where we could just talk with God and let everything out. It got so intense to the point where tears were streaming down the faces of many. During adoration we did an activity called the Tunnel of Fire. It allowed all the chaperones and leaders to stand like a tunnel, hold our shoulders and immensely pray for us while we prayed our hearts out to God.

     I would like to thank Saji Achan, Mutholath Achan, Mathew Achan, all the inspiring people who spoke to us, all the parent volunteers and all the small group leaders that took their time to help us out. Overall the retreat was an enjoyable experience for all and I will definitely be signing up next year. 

- Amy Kuply

Region Electronic Weekly Newsletter and Blog

Dear Knanaya brothers and sisters,

The Knanaya Catholic Region has started an electronic weekly newsletter that will be distributed by e-mail to all Knanaya Catholics and will be available at www.knanayaregion.us/knanayamedia.htm. First two issues are already available at this site.

The Knanaya Catholic Region also started a blog in the same name (knanayamedia) to give you the truth on the region and its parishes / missions when so much misunderstandings and rumors are spread misusing the media. You may also post your views and comments on this blog. This blog is moderated by a team assigned by the Knanaya Region. The link to the blog is http://knanayamedia.blogspot.com. You my please bookmark both the links and visit them often.

Please forward this to your Knanaya Catholic friends. If you are not getting this e-mail or if you want to post something in the blog, please e-mail to knanayamedia@gmail.com

Your advertisements of business, obituaries, favors received, matrimonial advertisements etc. are welcome for the electronic newsletter.

We appreciate your support,

Sincerely,
Fr. Abraham Mutholath
Vicar General & Region Director

Our Tampa Community in 2011

Our Tampa Community in 2011

BY STEPHEN THOTTYIL

Dear brothers and sisters,

The year 2011 was an year of unprecedented growth for our community, witnessed with horizontal and vertical growth not only spiritually, but also in materials terms. As you know, our Tampa community has set in a new direction and a sense of purpose. When we look around, we have enough reasons to feel proud.

 As a parishioner, I feel proud when I look at the year 2011. Today, our parish is growing in a big

way. About 250 families, grouped into 15 koodarayogams, are working under the able leadership of our parish priest Rev. Fr. Pathros Champakkara. Our Church offers the holy mass on every day, influencing the spiritual growth of our people. Our Sunday mass and gatherings make us feel that we are still in our native parish in Kerala. Undoubtedly, this becomes the most important factor influencing our life at all levels. Our parish is also making its best effort in the character and faith formation of our children. The CCD teachers are doing an excellent job in this direction. Apart from spiritual growth, it offers our children a great opportunity to know about our culture, tradition, personality developments, leadership qualities etc. This enables them to become a quality population of the next generation. The Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church Cemetery land for our parish is yet another achievement of our parish in this year. It is our earnest desire not to be brought apart, but to stay together even at ‘Rest In Peace.’

 I also feel proud like each one of you when I look at our Sacred Heart Knanaya Community Center. It is indeed wonderful and stands for the glory and pride of our community leaving a great legacy for our children. We all greatly appreciate the hard work, commitment, and un-compromising effort to build-up this magnificent center. We are also making headlines at the national level by hosting the Knanaya Convention 2012 at Orlando.

 In a nutshell, 2011 was an year of great success and achievement, translating our commitment and dreams into a reality.

(From the Parish bulletin of Tampa Knanaya Catholic Church)