M e s s a g e F r o m F r T i j o M u l l a k k a r a

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1 Volume 3 Issue 6 June 2012 Weekly Mass: Sundays at 3:00 PM INSIDE THIS ISSUE Message From Fr. Tijo Mullakkara 1 Dasaradham God s love 2 3 St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, Soucy Place, Centerville, VA M e s s a g e F r o m F r T i j o M u l l a k k a r a Dear Saint Jude Family, Praise Jesus and His Most Sacred Heart! Sunday School: Sundays at 1:50 PM June is a great month for those who seriously consider about growing in holiness and prayer. The feast of the Most Holy Trinity, the feast of Corpus Christi and the feast of the Most sacred heart of Jesus are celebrated this time of the year. It is also a great time for blessing if we really fix our eyes on those and prepare and aspire for the graces. A Big Thank you Congratulations to winners 4 5 When I was reading a book Consoling the Heart of Jesus, I came across an interesting principle proposed by St. Ignatius of Loyola for the busy people of today. Most often this principle is called the great principle or the first principle. In fact anyone who would like grow follows this principle. The principle is as follows. Parish Council Contacts 6 Calendar of Events Announcements & Thank you At your Service Advertisement 8 Mission Director: Fr. Tijo Mullakkara ( ) Trustees: Jilson Joseph ( ) Regi Alexander ( ) Paul Pottanat ( ) 6 7 Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul. The other things on the face of the earth are created for man to help him in attaining the end for which he is created. Hence, man is to make use of them in as far as they help him in attainment of his end, and must rid himself of them in as far as they prove hindrance to him. Therefore, we must make ourselves indifferent to all created things, as far as we are allowed free choice and are not under any prohibition. Consequently, as far as we are concerned, we should not prefer health to sickness, richness to poverty, honor to dishonor, a long life to a short life. The same holds for all other things. Our one desire and choice should be what is more conducive to the end for which we are created. This may not seem to be a new principle for us. At the same time most often we forget it in our busy schedule. We need to remember that Peter began to sink into the sea when he took off his eyes from Jesus (Mt 14: 24-31). The sweetness and wonderful love of the sacred heart of our Lord is revealed to those who willfully and consciously fix their eyes on Jesus. As we grow understanding the love, we also would say with Saint Paul that all else is waste! (Phil 3:8). Let us keep our eyes on the Lord and never take it off from Him. Our Lord longs for such people; because he wants to immediately come to their help and save them. May sacred Heart of Jesus Bless you and your family and Keep you safe in His Heart. Sincerely yours in Christ Tijoachan

2 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r c h u r c h o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a P a g e 2 by Alex Jacob Crossword Puzzle by Biju Kadapurathu Across 4. This prisoner was chosen over Jesus by the crowd to be released 5. The disciple who denied Jesus three times, also known as Simon Down 1. Jesus carried his cross to this place, where he was crucified 2. Jesus' disciple who betrayed him 3. This man questioned Jesus in the Praetorium Answers on page 6

3 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r c h u r c h o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a P a g e 3 God s love by Chris Jose First prize winning essay for Sunday school essay competition. Love is such an overused word, but in the Bible it has much richer meaning, particularly God s feelings toward His people. The Bible describes a kind of love that is much greater than human capacity. God s love is unconditional and everlasting. In the very beginning, we read that our first parents made a promise to God. They promised to obey and stay in God s love. But they chose to turn away from God and sin. They lost the eternal happiness God had given them. But God made a promise or a covenant to the people that He would send His son, Jesus into the world to rebuild the friendship between God and His people again. Once a teacher of the law asked Jesus what is the greatest commandment. Jesus said, The first greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your mind, soul and strength. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. If we live these two great commandments, we live the covenant. Jesus taught us to treat others with kindness and respect which shows God s caring love. In school, we collected food, money and clothing for the poor and homeless. In class, we designed cards for the military to show our care and support for them. we can show kindness and respect to our friends, even those whom we don t like, making good choices, being a good role model of love and kindness, doing our responsibilities and obeying our teachers. Lent is the best time to grow closer to God s constant love for us. Because Lent is in spring, as the trees and plants cherish, it shows us God s perfection in creation and His great love for the whole world. At home we can be a good brother and sister to our siblings and the best children to our parents. God gave us a lot of role models that show God s caring love for us. Mother Teresa was one of them who showed God s pure, holy love for the poor in spirit. For over fifty years, she has been serving the poor, sick, dying and homeless. With God s grace, many men and women joined in her work for the poor, many people were inspired of her great, loving care for the poor and the Church recognized her and has called her a Blessed. This shows that if we grow more to God s caring love we can succeed in anything we do and say for others. Mother Theresa s famous quoting is, The greatest disease is being uncared, unwanted, and unloved. There are many who are dying for a little love. Jesus taught us that loving God includes loving our enemies. It is easy to love people whom we like, but it is hard to love those whom we hate. Jesus, himself, is the best example of forgiving love. At the time he was dying on the cross, Jesus prayed to His Father to forgive those who had hurt him. Another great example was Pope John Paul II. He was a living sign to the man who shot him. Reflecting on all these great examples, we may prepare our hearts for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven and we may also help establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth that is filled with God s love. Let us Pray: Father in Heaven, grant that we may have divine strength to prefer God s love to everything else, so that we may walk in the way of your commandments. Amen.

4 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r c h u r c h o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a P a g e 4 A big Thank you... We had a successful fundraising program on May 19 th. We'd like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who worked hard for the success of it. The Fund Raising effort was begun during last Aug/Sep time frame and it is one of the longest ventures that St Jude community ever undertaken. This Fund Raising also had the biggest team who were generous with their time and talents. We almost had the entire community work one way or the other for the success of the program. This also strengthened our community ties and also sprouted in everyone's mind the need for our own Church. Above all, we had the blessings of God as we can see that May 19th went on very smoothly. Fund raising wouldn't have been successful without Fr. Tijo s leadership and guidance. His aggressive and selfless effort motivated all of the community. A big thanks to Regi Alexander who coordinated the whole fundraising program into a success. Trustees Jilson and Paul Pottanatt for the wonderful guidance and hard work. Regi Jose and Sujith for their over all hard work for fundraising management and sponsorship management for the success of the program. Rajesh for great designs and hard work; and Dilip for making souvenir come true. For Bringing the sponsors- Regi Jose, Gregory Kalarikunnel, Johnson Myalil, Thomas Thomas, Jinu John, Jose Paranilam, Regi Alexander and Joseph Ayroorkaran. Ticket Reservation team - Roslyn Tomy, Preena Robert, Joshy Joseph, Manju Teji Accounting/ Front Desk - Charles Thomas, Jaison Jacob, Jinu John, Jose Thomas. Usher Team - Tony Augustine, Binochen Pavu, Boban Jose, Deepa Sergin, Jimmy Jose, Justine Jose, Jyothi Sony, Meera Shajan, Mini Charles, Nibu Wilson, Pushpa Andrews, Rajesh Joy, Sanjive, Shiny Jojo, Shyla Jeril, Smitha Saju, Sony Cheruvathur, Sterina Jophy, Tomy Paul, Neena Sujith, Davis Pallan, Sippy Joseph, Alex Jacob, Sergin John Sound / Light - Shaju Joseph, Davis Pallan, Shajan Paul, Alex Jacob Stage Management - Rony Thomas, Jophy Jose Raffle - Biju Kadapurath and Sajan Joseph Youth Team helped with raffle- Roshen, Joana, Mia, Jianna, Ashlyn, Reem, Amalu, Jerin, Amith Charles Hospitality and Food - Sajith Thoppil, Sathian Pinchappan, Bejoy Thomas, Jeril Philip Ticket Sales - Alex Jacob, Amit Antony, Bejoy Thomas, Biju Joseph, Biju Kadapurathu, Charles Thomas, David Pallan, Davis Pallan Jr., Devassy Pallan, Dilip Vadakkoot, Gregory Kalarikunnel, Jaison Jacob, Jereesh Jose, Jilson Joseph, Jinu John, Jojo Mathew, Jose Thomas, Joseph Andrews, Joshy Joseph, Justin Jose, Paul Pottanatt, Regi Alexander, Regi Jose, Rony Thomas, Sajan Joseph (George), Sajit h Thoppil, Saju Thomas, Sathian pinchappan, Sergin John, Shaju Joseph, Siby Kappan, Siby Pothen, Sippy Joseph, Sony Cheruvathur, Sony Kuruvilla, Sujith Abraham, Teji Manalel, Thomas Thomas, Tomy Paul, Tony Augustine, Vinson Palathingal, Souvenir - Dilip Vadakkoot, Antony Kalikka, Alex Jacob, Sony Kuruvilla, Neena Sujith, Rajesh Roy, Sergin John, Smitha Regi and Shyla Joseph. Design Work - Rajesh Joy and Sajith Thoppil

5 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r c h u r c h o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a P a g e 5 Congratulations to winners of Sunday school competition L o o k i n g f o r W a y s t o C o n t r i b u t e If you wish to donate to church or even have Mass Intentions, please contact the Trustees or Council members. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and would be used towards introducing new activities or improving existing activities for kids, youth, choir etc. In addition we are always in need of volunteers especially in the areas highlighted below: Altar Service: The church is seeking volunteers for altar service. If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, please contact Mr. Sergin John ( ) for further information. Lectors: If you would like to be a reader at Sunday Masses, please contact Mrs. Rinsy Jimmy ( ) Music Ministry: Do you love to sing? Come; get acquainted with a great group of adults and kids. Have some fun! No prior experience required. Please contact Mr. Shaju Joseph ( ) for further information. Catechism Classes: If you wish to enroll your child or volunteer for teaching, please contact Mr. Tomy Paul ( ). Fellowship and Refreshments: To sponsor refreshments for our community, please contact Mr. Sajith Thoppil ( ). Parish Bulletin: If you wish to contribute to our parish bulletin by way of articles, stories, or reflections, please contact Mrs.Shyla Joseph ( ). Advertising in the Parish bulletin:for advertising space in the parish bulletin, contact Mr. Charles( ).

6 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r c h u r c h o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a P a g e 6 C O U N C I L M E M B E R S PARISH COUNCIL Fr. Tijo Mullakkara Paul Pottanat Jilson Joseph Regi Perimchellor Sujith Abraham Jojo Joseph Tomy Paul Rony Thomas Smitha Regi Joseph Ayoorkaran Sajith Thoppil Shaju Joseph Shyla Joseph Vinson Palathingal Antony Kalikka Dilip Vadakkot George Manalel Regi Jose Justin Jose Jereesh Jose Pushpa Andrews Amit Antony Thomas Thomas Jimmy Jose Jose Thomas Special Offices Johnson Myalil M a r r i a g e P r e p a r a t i o n C o u r s e The upcoming Marriage Preparation Courses: Date: June 08-10, 2012 Location: Cathedral, Mar Thoma Sleeha, Chicago, IL Contact: Fr Joy Alapatt at joyalapatt@gmail.com ( ) Date: June 15-17, 2012 Location: Sacred Heart Knanaya Church, Maywood, IL Contact: Fr Saji Pinarkayil at sajipinarkayil@gmail.com ( ) Date: Jul 20-22, 2012 Location: St Thomas Church, Philadelphia, PA Contact: Fr John Melepuram at johnmelepuram@gmail.com ( ) C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s June 3, 2012 June 7, 2012 June 17, 2012 July 3, 2012 August 24-26, 2012 Trinity Sunday Corpus Christi Fathers Day Dukhrana (St. Thomas Feast) Abhishegagni Convention New To The Parish We extend a warm welcome to all our new members! Please contact the trustees or any council member if you have any questions. Do also reach out to them to understand how to get involved and become active members in the parish. To receive updates about our community and apply for membership, please join our group at : SYROMALABAR. Saju Thomas & Sojan Alex & For up-to-date information, please visit community calendar at nvasyromalabar Ministries Sergin John Joseph Jacob Rinsy Jimmy Answers to crossword puzzle from page 2: Across: 4. Barabbas, 5. Peter Down: 1. Golgotha, 2. Judas, 3. Pilate

7 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r c h u r c h o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a P a g e 7 Sunday Readings June 3, 2012 First Reading : Dt 4:32-34, Second Reading : Rom 8:14-17 Gospel : Mt 28:16-20 A c c o u n t I n f o r m a t i o n M o n t h o f m a y Total Collection: $1, For more information contact Mr. Jojo Mathew ( ). All your financial contributions to the parish are tax deductible and hence, in order to receive acknowledgment for your contributions at the end of the fiscal year, please make your contributions by check payable to St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission or if you are contributing in cash, please enclose it in a sealed envelope with your mailing address. First Reading : Ex 24:3-8 June 10, 2012 Second Reading : Heb 9:11-15 Gospel : Mk 14:12-16, June 17,2012 First Reading : Ez 17:22-24 Second Reading : 2 Cor 5:6-10 T h a n k Y o u The members of St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Northern Virginia expresses their sincere gratitude to Rev. Fr. Tony Mannarkulam and Rev. Msgr. Antony Thundathil for celebrating Holy Mass. Last but not the least, Heartfelt Thank you to Rev. Fr. Tijo Mullakara for celebrating Holy Mass and homilies and also for his spiritual guidance for the month of May. Gospel : Mk 4: June 24,2012 First Reading : Is 49:1-6 Second Reading : Acts 13:22-26 Gospel : Lk 1:57-66, 80 O b i t u a r y We re sad to announce the demise of Mr. Cherian Jose Pallikkaparambil (68) who died on May 20, He is survived by his wife and his two sons, Sajeev Cherian Pallikkaparambil (our parishioner) and Mathew Cherian Palikkaparambil. E d i t o r i a l B O A R D Refreshment Sponsor for the month of May: Thomas & Nissy Thomas Shyla Joseph Sony Kuruvilla Binochan Pavu Church Setup & Refreshments: Special thanks to the parishioners from Herndon II area for setting up the refreshments and cleaning for the month of May. All parishioners from Alexandria ward are requested to volunteer for the month of June. Asha Tony Jophy Jose Charles Thomas Jeril Philip Alex Jacob May Bulletin edited by Asha Tony Article Submission Deadline The deadline for submitting articles and announcements for the bulletin for the month of July is 19th June. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Sony Kuruvilla ( ). A big Thank you to all the contributors for this month.

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