May, 2014

  JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE  OFFICIAL TRANSFERS / APPOINTMENTS / STUDIES

NAME		DESIGNATION		PLACE
Fr. Walter Crasta		Vicar General, Director, JDES		Bishop’s House, Golmuri
Fr. Edwin Coelho		Mission In Charge		Karaikela (CKP)
Fr. John Ottaplakal		Parish Priest		St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih
Fr. Vijay Bhat		Parish Priest		Catholic Ashram, Purulia
Fr. Halan Bodra		Parish Priest		St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa
Fr. Paulus Bodra		Mission In Charge		St. Xavier’s Mission, Balarampur
Fr. James Surin		Parish Priest		St. Theresa’s Church, Sindri
Fr. Bipin Kishore Barla		Parish Priest		St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani
Fr. Nicholas Kerketta		Parish Priest		St. John Mary V. Church, Dhowatand
Fr. Gerald M. D’Souza		Parish Priest		Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi
Fr. Benedict Minj		Parish Priest		St. Mary’s Church, Omra
Fr. Robert Toppo		Asstt. Parish Priest		Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera
Fr. Junas Bhengra		Asstt. Parish Priest Asstt. Director		St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri
Fr. Michael Deogam		Asstt. Parish Priest		St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani
Fr. Pascal Toppo		Asstt. Parish Priest		St. Paul’s Church, Maluka
Fr. Sahay Thasan		Asstt. PP & Headmaster		St. Xavier’s Church/School, Chaibasa
Fr. Puthumai Raj		Asstt. PP & Principal		Sacred Heart Church/ School, Adra
Fr. Pradeep Marandi		Asstt. Parish Priest		St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa
Fr. Elvius Dundung		Deputy Director, DSWC		Govindpur  (Dhanbad)
Fr. C.R. Prabhu		Director		Catholic Charities/ Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra, Sundernagar
		In Charge		Diocesan Developmental Projects
Fr. Alwin C.V.		Asstt. To the Director		Catholic Charities, Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra, Sundernagar
Fr. Dileep Marandi		Diocesan Youth/ and Krusveer Director		Bishop’s House, Golmuri
Fr. Henry Sequeira		Asstt. Parish Priest		St. Mary’s Church, Bistupur
Fr. Jerome Pereira		Sabbatical		Prem Niwas, Bhilai Pahari
Note: All changes will take place between 14th and 30th of June 2014 (both days inclusive), unless otherwise agreed upon and informed to the Bishop or the Vicar General.
Bro. Mukesh Kerketta	Theology		St. Albert’s College, Ranchi
Bro. Walter Purty	Theology		St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur
Bro. Michael Mundri	Theology		Morning Star College, Barrackpore
Bro. Cornelius Orea	Regency 2		St. Xavier’s Mission, Balarampur
Bro. Paulus Jojo	Regency 1		Jisu Marsal, Chandil
Bro. Sheetal Lakra	Regency 1		St. Mark’s Church, Toklo
Bro. Petrus Guria	Regency 1		St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia
Bro. Ajay Kumar Horo	Philosophy		Masih Vidyapeeth, Agra
Bro. Gino Jonis	Philosophy		St. Albert’s College, Ranchi

Wednesday, April 09, 2014                                                                        +Felix Toppo, S.J.

 Bishop’s House, Golmuri                                                                        Bishop of Jamshedpur

FR. GERALD MARTIN D’SOUZA PASSED AWAY

The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead, we belong to the Lord. (Rom.14:7-9). The sudden death of Fr. Gerald Martin D’Souza on 27^th April, 2014 was shocking news for the Diocese as well as for all his loved ones. He was one of the energetic and most committed priests of the diocese who worked in different parishes and institution of the diocese in various capacities. His Ministries in the diocese were as follow:

CURRICULUM VITAE

Born                        : 02 January 1954

Priestly Ordination    : 07 December 1980

Death                 : 27^th April 2014

LIFE IN VARIOUS PARISHES/INSTITUTIONS

1960	1969	Schooling and Candidacy	Mangalore
1971	1972	Minor Seminary	Lucknow
1972	1975	B.A. + Philosophy, Morning Star	Barrackpore
1975	1976	Regency	Bishop’s House
1976	1977		Parsudih
1977	1981	Theology	Pune
07.12.1980		Priestly Ordination at Omzoor by Bishop Alan D’Lastic	Mangalore
1981	1984	App, St. Xavier’s Church	Chaibasa
1984	1991	App + Principal, Loyola School	Kumardubi
1991	1995	Principal, Vidya Jyoti	Gamahria
1995	2001	Director, DSWC	Govindpur
2001	2006	Treasurer+Minister, Bishop’s House	Golmuri
2006	2011	App+Principal, St. Mary’s School	Bistupur
2011	2013	App+ Administrator, St. Mary’s School	Bistupur
2013	2014	App + Principal, Loyola School	Kumardubi
27.04.2014		Died of heart failure at Santoria Hospital, Barrakar (Asansol)	Kumadubi

DACOITS DID A QUICK JOB

St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa was attacked by the dacoits on the night of……From 8 pm to 9.pm there was a routine black-out. After taking supper, Fr. Augustine Kullu and 2 other guest priests went outside the building for fresh air.  While Fr. Edwin Coelho, Fr. Wilfred Bage (Khunti diocese)) and Deacon Pascal Toppo  proceeded to their rooms. The dacoits in the dark sneaked in with revolvers and hatchets, caught hold of Edwin and Wilfred, tied hands and feet, gagged them pushed them into the room, demanding for keys and money. While gagging, one of the benign dacoits asked Edwin if he can breathe. “We have come here only for money. Give us the money. Another dacoits told others that “these are Fathers, do not harm them.” They were looking for Fr. Puthumai who was then in CKP. The dacoits collected whatever they could from Fr. Edwin’s room,  and then broke Fr. Puthumai’s Room and took away all they could find – nearly Rs. two Lakhs -. Then the lights came, they still continued with their operation. Little when Fr. Augustine and his friends came in, they found the mess, released Edwin and Wilfred from their bondage.  The Police were called in, Bishop’s House was informed the same night.  Early in the morning, The Bishop, Fr. Prabhu and Eugene rushed to Chaibasa. The dacoits had left some money behind in Puthumai’s room and the police were guarding it. The SDO Chaibasa arrived and helped the Fathers to take the money to the Bank (even though, it as a Bank holiday), by evening several catholic leaders held a meeting in the parish to take stock of the situation. So far, no arrests have been made. The Fathers are yet to recover from the shock.  It is presumed that familiar persons probably have done the job.

ST. JOSEPH’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MANGO

Sr. Miriam and her team have begun a 10 months “Nurse-Assistant” course with 17 girls on rolls. They are staying in the college building. In the meantime, she has organized “Stitching and Embroidery” course for 15 Muslim girls; Spoken English classes for 6 boys and girls. The Governing Board of the college at their recent meeting, suggested taking the help of TRTC, Lupunguttu, TSRDS-Tata Steel, of Don-Tech, Delhi to initiate more courses on livelihood skills.  Fr. Prabhu and Sr. Miriam have been trying their best to resurrect the Community college. This Community College is a diocesan effort. We request all our parishes and institutions identify the school drop-outs and others eligible to take these “livelihood Skills” which would get them a job. So far, all those who have passed through this college have found placements.  Please support St. Joseph’s Community College.

THE EASTER PEACE RALLY

Over 1500 men & women belonging to some 36 Churches of Jamshedpur took part in a well organized Easter Peace Rally. Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ  flagged off the Procession from Loyola Grounds. Mr. Kartik, the City Superintendent of Police joined procession for a short while. The marchers went to Bistupur, round Gopal maidan and returned to Loyola grounds. During the Rally and the procession, one of the Sonari Pentecostal churches led by Rev.  Kandulna provided a lot of good religious music which made the entire Peace Rally very alive. Bp. Felix Toppo, Rev. Sisir Kerketta of Divine Light Foundation and Mrs. Elizabeth of GEL church gave Easter Peace Rally Message.  Our congratulations to the Christians of Jamshedpur for organizing this rally. On behalf of nearly 50000 Christians of Jamshedpur.

EASTER-TIDE

If the Christmas child fails to grow up

into an Easter person,

victorious and timeless—

but is caught in a time warp

of ceaseless pain and suffering,

caused by injustice—

what then is ‘good’ about Good Friday?

Surely then Good Friday shall be

a futile journey

of a meaningless Existence!

But if the cycle of time

opens at Yule-tide

and closes at Easter-tide:

having earned its grit and glitter,

like the steel and gold,

passing through white hot fire—

then the Cycle of Being

is completed meaningfully

in the soul.

Verily the soul,

a grain of free will,

comes into being

not just for freedom sake—

but for a journey into excellence

along with one’s cross

to be freely chosen…

Happy Easter!

                                                (Mr. Peter Bonergee)

CC /SJVK ORGANIZES ANNUAL EVALUATION

Fr. Halan Bodra and his Team conduct a 2-days (April 29-30) evaluation of all the works and activities of Catholic Charities/ Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra and Vikas Bharati. This is an important event which takes stock of all its programs and activities during the year 2013-2014, critically analyses the performance of all and plan programs effectively for the coming year. Entire Staff and the field workers of SS/SJVK/VB will be participating in the Annual Evaluation.  Fr. Halan has been keeping extremely busy, single-handedly managing the entire works. He is getting ready to welcome Fr. C.R. Prabhu, the new Director of CC /SJVK in June.

PASTORAL VISITATION, CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS 

Practically on every Saturday-Sunday, the Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. has been going around different parishes & Institutions for different ministries, especially administering the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communions. In recent weeks, he has visited several parishes – Tokhlo, Burigora, Siadih etc. The diocese of Jamshedpur is a growing diocese and it continues to grow.

JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS GET A NEW PROVINCIAL          

The Superior General of the Society of Jesus has appointed Fr. George Fernandes (at present at XLRI) to succeed Fr. Michael Thanaraj S.J. who has been the provincial for full 6 years.  Our congratulations to Fr. George and assure you of our prayers and wholehearted cooperation. We thank Fr. Michael Thanaraj for the wonderful leadership he exercised as a Provincial. The new Provincial takes office on June 21, 2014.  It is learnt that the Jesuits of India are getting 8 new Provincials.

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH’S OF TARBES, BISTUPUR

Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Tarbes rejoiced as they celebrated the feast of their patron saint on 24^th April, 2014 evening. Though the feast is celebrated on 19^th March, due to the Lenten season it was celebrated lately. All the priests and religious of the town were invited to join in the celebration. Sr. Mariam, SJT the superior of the community welcome the guests. To invoke God’s blessings upon the Sisters and their congregation, a hymn was sung in honour of St. Joseph. Fr. Camille Hembrom, the dean of Jamshedpur deanery graced the meal prepared for the occasion. It was a great joy to shared the fellowship meal served by the Sisters.

CONGRATULATION FR. PASCAL TOPPO

Diocese of Jamshedpur is blessed with another priest, Fr. Pascal Toppo who was Ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on the 29^th April, 2014 at Tongo Church by Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., Bishop of Jamshedpur.

Some priests along with some Sisters and faithful from the diocese represented the diocese of Jamshedpur.  The ordination ceremony began at 07:00 am. colored with traditional tribal dances and singing. We thank God for New Priest and congratulate Fr. Pascal Toppo whole heartedly!

KUMARDHUBI: SERVICE & SACRIFICE

This is a Holy Month and we praise the Lord. Wishing all a very Holy Easter!  May the blessings be upon us always.

A number of activities have rolled on as the new session set in.  A drawing competition was held for all classes open to all. Children took much interest and the winners were given certificates.

A special Assembly was held enacting the Good Friday message. Students were also told about it by the Principal. 

Now students are getting ready for Elocution and Speech Contest. Summer is on the high so timings have changed and Morning session has started. (Rita Sen)

ST. XAVIER’S ENGLISH SCHOOL, CHAIBASA

We had the election for the school cabinet o 31^st March. Prior to this, our aspiring leaders had canvassed for two days, trying to influence the young voters with their powerful oration. As usual, the days of campaigning and election were full of excitement.

Classes for the LKG and UKG started from 1^st April. We saw many happy faces who came jumping and chattering. There were few who entered the campus for the first time. This is a very special day for the students, their parents and the school, as the parents entrust their children into our care, who are going to shape up their future.

We had the investiture ceremony for the new school cabinet on 2^nd of April. Fr. Vernon D’souza, the principal of St. Xavier’s English School, Chakradharpur was our chief guest for the occasion. It was a proud moment for us to see the young leaders standing to take their pledge. The event was a mix of bitter-sweet joy as the outgoing captains very gracefully handed over their responsibilities to the new captains.

Last year we were granted the affiliation for ISC. Our first batch of 11^th came to school for the first time on 3^rd April. Classes started for science and Commerce. It was a very significant day in the history of St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa. We now have a good number of students which is beyond our expectation, and the number is growing steadily. The beginning is quite promising so we are hopeful of having a good strength in the near future.

There is a new addition to our school this year. All the classrooms, staffroom and every corner of our school campus is fitted with CCTV cameras which are helping to keep a close tab on every corner of the school. With the expansion of our school building, it became essential for our school to have a regular surveillance so that everything runs efficiently.

We also had some competitions in the month of April. There were picture- pasting competition and greeting-card making competition for the students of STD I and II. STD III and IV had competitions for covering the books. They also had story-telling competition. There were mask-making competitions for the boys and hair-dressing competition for the girls of STD V and VI. They also had mental agility competition and spelling contest. Students of STD VII and VIII had collage- making competition and pictorial story writing competition. Students of STD IX and X had Quiz and elocution competitions. The students participated in these competitions with lots of enthusiasm. Many new faces are coming up as winners.

BIRTHDAY (MAY)

Date	Name
07	Alwin C.V.
13	Fr. Robert Toppo