JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

 

NEW YEAR BLESSINGS TO ALL OUR BELOVED READERS!

 

ENGAGEMETNS OF BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J. – JANUARY, 2008
DATE	DAY	TIME		PLACE
06	Sun	AM/PM	Silver Jubilee of Fr. Walter Crasta	Govindpur
11	Fri		Science Exhibition, Loyola School	Kumardhubi
12	Sat	AM	Jubilee of Sr. Angela, DSA	Chaibasa
13	Sun	7.00 a.m	Pastoral Visit & Confirmation	Chakradharpur
19-20	Sat..	PM/AM	CRI-AGM of Jamshedpur	Sundernagar
25	Fri	AM	St. Paul’s School/Parish	Maluka
30	Wed		Blessing & Inauguration of the newly constructed  School Hall	Purulia

 

D I O C E S A N  R O U N D - U P!

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri:  The JCUF organized a folk dance competition on December 01 at St. Joseph’s Welfare centre Hall from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Mr. D.S Das was the Chief Guest.  There were 15 teams for the competition from the many churches in Jamshedpur.

The Golden Jubilee Memorial Tower gifted by Mr. Stanley Ivon was blessed and dedicated to the people of Jamshedpur by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. on December 25 after the morning Mass. Let the blessings of the Lord be with all the people who travel on the  Church Road.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the new Extension of Mercy Chapel on December 23, during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at 8.00 a.m. Faithful from all over the Parish were present for the occasion. After the Mass the Mercy area faithful felicitated the Bishop, Priests and Guests. All shared tea and snacks immediately after the Mass and later enjoyed the family meal prepared by the Mercy Panchayat. Congratulations to one and all for the successful completion of the Chapel Extension. 

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the Christmas Vigil Mass at the Cathedral at 11.45 p.m.

   

OFFICIAL

 

All Priests, Parishes, Institutions,

Religious Houses,  Diocese  of Jamshedpur

 

Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters,

 

1. I am happy to announce the results of the election held in the months of November- December 2007 for the COUNCIL/SENATE OF PRIESTS FOR THE DIOCESE. The following Priests are appointed for a period of five years effective from January 01, 2008.

Elected : 1. Fr. Edwin Coelho        2. Fr. Eugene Ekka     3. Fr. Camille Hembrom

          4. Fr. Emmanuel Horo          5. Fr. Amatus Kujur   6. Fr. Hilarius Kongari, S.J.

          7. Fr. George Mannarakam   8. Fr. Vijay Bhat        9. Fr. C.R. Prabhu

        10. Fr. David Vincent            11. Fr. Bipin Pani      

 

Nominated:  12. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J.           13. Fr. Joy Paul K.

                     14. Fr. Pascal Sisto, OFM(Cap)     15. Fr. B. Chandra Nayak, CMF

                     16. Fr. George Anthony, S.J.         17. Fr. K.M. Joseph, S.J.

 

2. I have selected and appointed the following Priests to the Diocesan College of Consultors. The appointment will be effective from January 01, 2008 for a period of five years.

      1. Fr. Camille Hembrom      2. Fr. Emmanuel Horo                3. Fr. Amatus Kujur

      4. Fr. Edward Kongari         5. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J.        6. Fr. C.R. Prabhu

      7. Fr. Joy Paul K.                  8. Fr. David Vincent                    9. Fr. Edwin Coleho

    10. Fr. George Mannarakam

 

3.Siadih Mission will be erected into a Parish on February 03, 2008. The new Parish will be dedicated to BLESSED MOTHER TERESA and Fr. Michael Jojo will be its first Parish Priest.

 

4 OUR LADY OF KHUNTPANI CENTRE WILL BECOME AN INDEPENDENT UNIT effective from January 01, 2008 and Fr. Camille Hembrom will be its In-Charge.

 

5..The Parish Priests of Jamshedpur Diocese in their Meeting on November 22, 2007 unanimously agreed to the STOLE FEE STRUCTURE in the diocese with immediate effect.

• All Masses                                                                                            Rs.50.00
• Prenuptial Enquiry, Banns, Wedding ceremony & Mass          Rs. 250.00
• Funeral Mass & Burial                                                                       Rs.50.00
• Certificates                                                                                          Rs.20.00

         

6. Fr. Jondko Kandeyang is transferred from Chaibasa and appointed assistant Parish Priest  of Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur. The transfer will be effective from January 01, 2008

 

Wishing you a grace-filled Christmas and a Fruitful New Year,

 

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

 

 

+ Felix Toppo, S.J.

Bishop of Jamshedpur                                                            December 23, 2007

 

St. Mary’s English School, Bistupur: The ‘4^th Inter-Diocesan English Medium Schools Sports Meet’ was hosted by St, Mary’s English school at the Gopal Maidan on December 5. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., the Chief Guest inaugurated the meet at 8.30 a.m. and Mr. Charles Borromeo, C.D.& S.W. Tata Steel, the Guest of Honour gave away the awards to the winners. St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa won the over all championship.

The School Annual Sports Meet was held at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on December 14 at 8.30 a.m. Mr. Navin Kumar Singh, IPS, S.P, Jamshedpur was the Chief Guest and Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Chief TFA & Sports, Tata Steel as Guest of Honour. The school children presented spectacular drill display and Olympic style performance in all the events.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, S.J , was our special guest on December 04 for lunch. He visited Jamshedpur with his team to examine the progress of the arrangements being made for the CBCI Plenary Assembly to be held at XLRI in the month of February2008.

Fr. Aloysius Noronha, OFM(Cap), the Provincial Superior of the Capuchins, Lucknow was our honoured guest on the 6^th. He was on an official visitation of his men in the diocese.

The Diocesan Priests had a special meeting at the Bishop’s House on December 06 at 9.30 a.m. and there were 39 clergymen present for the meeting which concluded at noon. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J presided over the sessions..

Fr. Alex Dodrai flew out of the country on 9^th December to substitute Fr. Cyril Fernandes at St. Patrick’s Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA for 2 months. He reached safe and sound to a rousing welcome by Fr. Cyril and the parishioners but to enjoy the freezing weather.

Mrs. Linda Bubb indeed was on the move and had the privilege to visit many of  our parishes and institutions in the diocese. She celebrated Christmas at Goilkera.

Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J. directed the annual retreat for our Regents from the 9^th to 18^th December at the Upasna, Mango.

The Christmas Milan- 2007 was held at the Welfare Centre Hall on December 25 from 4.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. Mr. Dulal Bhuinyan, Minister for land and Revenue,Government of Jharkhand participated in the Milan and addressed the gathering with a beautiful message. Mr. V.N. Singh and Advocate Kilash Agarwal also shared messages with the group. Candidates from Sankosai, Amar Jyoti, and Pratiksha presented Christmas plays and dances to share the spirit of Christmas with the participants.

Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J., the PRO was the M.C. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J thanked everybody and exhorted the people to lead one another to the peace and joy of Christ to establish a better society among us. All shared cake, snacks, coffee-tea at the conclusion of the programme. More than 350 people took part in the beautiful Christmas Milan- 07 at St. Joseph’s Welfare Cenntre, Golmuri. Special thanks to Fr. Michael Raj and Mr. Henry Sarkey for all the arrangements and support for the programme.

 

St. Barbara’s Parish, Mosaboni: In preparation for the feast of St. Barbara, a day of recollection was organized in the parish on 2^nd December 07.  The parishioners spent the day in prayer which was concluded with the solemn Eucharist. The Youth of Mosaboni and Maubhandar had a seminar at Mosaboni on December 01 and Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM, Cap was the resource person. There were 39 youth from Mosaboni, Mauhbandar and Jadugoda for the sessions.  The thrust was to conscientious the youth with Gospel values and to direct their talents and abilities toward the well-being of the society and Church.  It was for the first time that this sort of seminar was organized by the Parish Priest to help out the youth to find out a sense of direction while keeping up the Christian spirit.  A word of appreciation goes to Fr. Alphonse for organizing and making very good arrangement for the seminar.  Thanks to the Members of the Parish Council for their helping hand and the Sisters of Jyoti Kiran for making available the school hall and campus.

Bishop Emeritus J.R. Rodericks, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant at the  Feast Day Mass on December 05 at 5.00 p.m. Former Pastors, Frs. Raphael Monteiro and James Quadros were present for the celebrations in the company of Frs. Vijay Bhat and Amatus Kujur. The group returned only around midnight. The parishioners were well prepared for the solemn celebration. Congratulations to Fr. A. Alphonse, Sisters and the Parish Council members for the meaningful and faith filled celebration of the Parish Day-2007.

 

Christ the King Parish, Chakradharpur: The Parish Community, School staff and students wished ‘Bon Voyage’ to Fr. Alex Dodrai on 5^th December. Alex left the Parish on the 6^th and Fr. Selva Raj from St. Albert’s volunteered to help out in the parish ministry during the Christmas season. Sr. Anne Thomas, SSH together with the Jamshedpur Diocesan Team conducted 2 day charismatic retreat for the parishioners on the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th. More than 350 faithful actively took part in the retreat. Congratulations to Fr. Camille for the pastoral leadership.(Ignatius)

 

St. Mary’s Hindi School, Bisutpur: The School Annual Day was celebrated on December 07 at 5.00 p.m and Sr. Flavian A.C. was the Chief Guest. The school children had many cultural items performed on the stage for the delight of one and all present. The hall was packed with parents, guardians and invitees.  Congratulations to Sr. Lini, Staff and students of St. Mary’s Hindi School for the beautiful Annual Day – 07.

 

St. Mary’s Parish, N. Road: Fr. Paul Tirkey, C.SS.R and Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.SS.R conducted 5 days of Parish Mission from December 05 to 09 in the Parish Church. The preachers indeed visited all the families and prayed with them inviting for the retreat. The Parish Mission prepared the faithful to celebrate the birthday day of Jesus with greater joy and enthusiasm. 

The Parishioners of St. Mary’s gave a fond and loving farewell to Fr. Petrus Barla, C.SS.R prior to his departure from the Parish, on the 18^th morning. It is hoped that he will return to the diocese to take up another appointment in a mission station. (Petrus)

 

St. Mary’s Parish, Omra: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the sacrament of Confirmation to 36 members of the Parish on December 09 at 8.00 a.m. Faithful from all villages were present to witness and celebrate the day with great solemnity and faith. Bishop was a given a very warm welcome as he reached the parish. Though Fr. Ajay Tiru, the Pastor was admitted at Mercy Hospital with cerebral malaria, the Sisters, Bro. Samir, Catechists and the Parish Council Members took care of the liturgy and other formalities with much care and respect. Frs. Sanjay Ekka, C.SS.R and Fr. Sevanand, S.J. reached Omra ahead to help out in the celebrations. It was a historic day for St. Mary’s Church, Omra as 97 children received the sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ. The parishioners welcomed the Bishop with the traditional dance. To express their gratitude for the blessings received on the day parishioners offered 2 goats to the Bishop. The helping hand of Sisters of Holy Cross, Teachers and Catechists made the day a memorable one.(Marcel)

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilai Pahari: The 1^st Anniversary of the hospital was on 12^th December but celebrated on December 13^th at 10.00 a.m. with a power point presentation of the one year activities. Sr. Jyoti JMJ gave proper explanations on the visuals. The programme began with a song by the nursing staff of the hospital. Earlier, Sr. Annie JMJ welcomed the guests. It was an occasion to launch the HIV AIDS and DOT programme in the presence of the many NGO’s of the town. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the programme and Dr. Agarwal inaugurated the new facilities.

The staff, patients and campus community had the Christmas gathering on the 22^nd of Dec.at 4.00 p.m. All enjoyed carols, snacks and gifts  in honour of Child Jesus.(Vernon)

 

St. Joseph’s Hindi School, Golmuri: The historic and concluding Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. Joseph’s School was held in the campus on December 13 at 5.30 p.m. Mr. Bhushan Raina, MD, Tinplate Company of India Ltd was the Chief Guest, Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., Guest of Honour and Mr. Madusudhan Bari, City DSP, Special Guest. The school dancing troupe welcomed the guests at the entrance of the gate and escorted them with trumpets sounding to the Podium. Bro. Jacob DDS welcomed the guests. Mrs. Arputha Mary was MC and in quick succession brought on the stage the many cultural events. Sr. Marie Therese SSH, Headmistress of the school presented the school report-history and mission of 50 years with clarity. Most of the former Headmistresses and Secretaries were present for the solemn finale. The school children performed dances, drama and songs on the stage for the joy of one and all. The honourable Guests addressed the gathering stressing to share the value of education in the society as well as protecting the Mother Earth from pollution and strengthening the bond with one and all through extra curricular activities and games. Congratulations to Sr. Marie Therese, Staff and students of St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri for the spectacular concluding ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations 1957-2007.(Jacob)

 

St. Xavier’s Chaibasa: The combined Annual Sports Day of St. Xavier’s Boy’s and Girl’s Schools was held on November 30, 2007 at the Parish grounds. Mr. Achutanand Thakur, DEO of West Singhbhum was the Chief Guest. Mr. Ramakant Modi, DSE was the Guest of Honour and gave away the awards. The programme began at 9.30 a.m. and lasted till 3.00 p.m. There were many sports items and the ground was packed with parents, guardians and well wishers to witness the Mega event at Chaibasa. The programme began with prayer and garlanding of the statue of St. Francis Xavier in front of the Church. The new church gate is indeed beautiful and artistic and was constructed by Mr. Joseph Toppo, an officer in Sadar Block, Chaibasa. This was blessed and inaugurated on December 16. The Christmas get-together was held on the 17^th at the GEL Church and Fr. Elvius Dungdung delivered the Christmas message to the elite gathering. All the District Officials of West Singhbhum were present for the celebration. (Eugene Ekka) 

Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing, Telco:  The ceremonial Lamp Lighting Ceremony of the 21^st in-coming batch of students was held on December 19 at 2.30 p.m at the Nursing School Hall. Dr. Pancholi, DGM, Paed, HA & DS Tata Motors Hospital was the Chief Guest and Mr. P.K. Ray, DGM, Finance, Tata Motors, Guest of Honour. Fr. David Vincent blessed the hands of the newly commissioned nurses. During the programme awards were presented to the meritorious students. The students displayed their talents by presenting many cultural items on the stage for the joy of one and all. (Marcel)

 

Sacred Heart School-Parish, Adra: The Christmas gathering for the school and parish was held on December 20. The school children presented special cultural items and carols to share the joy of Christmas. Fr. Jerome Pereira gave the Christmas message. All had cakes and tea during the celebration.

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : The Parish Christmas gathering was held on December 16. The celebrations began with the solemn Mass presided over by the Parish Priest, Fr. Richard Miranda at 2.00 p.m in the Church. Soon after the Mass there was  a cultural programme and tea- snacks for all. The children had special games to add joy to the celebration. Gifts were given to all the children to make the celebration a memorable one.

St. John Mary Vianney Church, Dhowatand: The Christmas gathering for the parish was held on December 16 from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. in the campus. The celebrations began with the Mass. All the parishioners brought along varieties of offertory gifts and after the Mass the same was cooked and shared. The parish Youth, Mahila Sangh and Parish Council members put up cultural items to make everybody happy. The celebrations ended after the crowd got exhausted dancing to the tune of drums. Congratulations to Fr. Edward Kongari and his dedicated team at Dhowatand. (Edward)

 

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Telco: The feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, the Parish Day was celebrated on December 12. at 5.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the Concelebrated Eucharist in the Church. There was a procession before the Mass with the newly acquired statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe within the colony. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the statue and enthroned in the Church. The newly constructed grotto was blessed on the same evening. It was the 1^st anniversary of the dedication of the Church at Telco. The Parish Council members had made excellent arrangements for all the faithful to enjoy the family meal after the Mass. More than 900 people took part in the agape and made the Parish day a very memorable one. Congratulations to Frs. Vijay Bhat and Johny P.D. and the Parish Council Members for the grand Parish Day- 2007.

St. Xavier’s School, Purulia: The Feast of St  Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the school was celebrated in an unique way  by  having  concelebrated Mass in the Catholic Ashram. Fr Manu gave a very meaningful message to the teachers and students from different faiths. The school choir under the guidance of Sr. Laetitia filled the church  with melody and inspiration. It was very encouraging to see that the whole Class XII present for the mass. After the mass all were given  refreshments
The blessing  and Inauguration of the New Hall and the New six  classrooms has been further deferred till 30th January 2008 due to the slow  finishing touches to the  buildings. The full contingent of 40 athletes from the school escorted by Principal Hilary, Games teachers, Mr S.K. Abutaleb and Mrs Nilima Pandey took part in the Fourth Inter Diocesan English Medium Schools Sports’ Meet held at the Gopal Maidan  in Jamshedpur on 5th December, 2007. In spite of certain unforeseen and unexpected odds,  the performance of our team was far superior to that of the meets held in  Purulia and Adra. Four of our teachers were invited to be judges at the Inter-Nobilian Youth Festival on 7th and 8th of December at De Nobili School,  Sindri. The students of class IX took part  in the Science Rally on 15th December 07 which was organized by District Science Centre on the occasion of their Silver Jubilee Celebrations. They also attended a Science Demonstration Lecture on “ Electromagnetic Induction.”, which was very profitable and thought provoking. The Principal also attended the Alumni Meeting of  Loyola College of Education, Jamshedpur on 16th December 07. The Internal assessment by the External Examiners is , by and large, is complete. The Christmas was celebrated in the school with a  prayer service, singing of carols and some dressing like Santa Claus. The school is closed for Christmas on 20th December and will reopen on 3rd January -08.(Hilary).

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari: Fr. Casimir is working over time in his pickle factory together with the candidates Dinesh, Balaji and Asit preparing varieties of pickle to tickle the taste buds of the many visitors to the campus. All are welcome but with an empty bottle to take along some choice pickle.The hospital staff together with the Kripa Sadan community visited the nearby villages to share the Good News by singing carols.

Fr. Boniface Kujur, S.J. : RIP: Fr. Bonnie rushed to the Lord to receive the Eternal Reward on Sunday morning , 2^nd December. He died of a massive heart attack. He was just vesting for the Sunday Mass. He ministered at St. Mary’s, N. Road, St. Xavier’s Hindi School, Lupungutu, Telco Parish, Kendrapara, Shrine of Our Lady of Khuntpani, Amda and DNS, Mugma. He was always available and ready for ministry to any remote places in the missions. Bonnie’s Rhymes and jokes are so popular that listeners will be rewarded with relaxation filled with joy and longer life. He was a gentle, humble, honest and true minister of the Lord and touched the hearts and lives of many. May the Good Lord bless him with everlasting Peace and Joy, we pray.

Jisu Marsal Ashram, Hatikunder:  December 21 brought lots of joy and happiness to the people of Hatikunder and the neighbouring villages. The Annual Day of the School and Hostel was celebrated on this day. The staff and students were at work preparing for this solemn day for many days. The Day began with a solemn Mass in morning. Later in the day, Fathers and some people from Purulia and Chandil joined us. The Chandil team took part in the’Khasi Football Match’ escorted by the coach, Fr. Tobias Kujur. The tournament was started by Fr. Junas and later entrusted to the youth of the area. The cultural programme was at 5.00 p.m and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., the Chief Guest. The little children displayed their talents through the various cultural items. The star attraction of the evening was the ‘Sidu-Kanu Chow Natch’ in which the character enacted the cruel oppression and suppression of the British rule and how the Santhals fought against. Bishop Felix exhorted the people to take the path of truthfulness in the spirit of humility and service and establish and new society where everybody is care for and respected.

The special putul puppet dance and Bengali Jatra continued until 2.30 a.m. Frs. Tobias and Pascal Minj were the special guests for the dance programme. Congratulations to Fr. Junas , staff and students of St. Xavier’s School, Hatikunder for the beautiful celebration and reaching the Love of the Lord to one and all. (Pradeep Marandi)

 

 

N A T I O N A L – I N T E R N A T I O N A L – R O U N D – UP !

 

Bihar Governor Lauds 150- Year Education Service by Christian School:  Bihar Governor Dr. R.S. Gavai, inaugurating the sesquicentennial celebration of the Jesuit-run St. Michael’s High School, Patna, lauded the noble contribution of Christian schools in educating children.

Appreciating the school’s achievements he said he was proud that thousands of students have brought laurels to their alma mater through distinguished service to the nation. (Cbcisite).

 

New Law : Either care for Parents or Go to Jail: The Rajya Sabha ( House of States) has passed on December , the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Bill, 2007, providing for three months’ imprisonment for those who abandon their parents. The Lok Sabha has already passed the Bill.. The Bill aims at correcting the withering of the joint family system, due to which, a large number of elderly were being abandoned to fend for themselves. (Cbcisite)

 

Holy Spirit College, Leuven: I will be in Germany for the Christmas to assist at the liturgies of those days. I will return to Leuven as the New Year begins. We have a very cold winter here. How is Jamshedpur and North India? I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas. I pray that the New Year will bring you more joy, hope and graces. (John Crasta)

 

A Christless Christmas is Empty- Pope:  A Christmas celebrated without mention of the birth of Christ is an “empty holiday” said Pope Benedict  XVI in a meditation given during the final days of Advent.

‘What sense does it make to celebrate Christmas if we don’t acknowledge that God has become man, “the Pope asked today upon delivering a reflection on Christmas at the general audience in Paul VI Hall. (Cbcisite)

BACK