OFM Franciscans - India

News & Events

Serving With Joy: a Journey of Faith and Community at St. Theresa of Child Jesus Parish

          Andrew Thomas OFM

From 2024 to 2025, I have the privilege of serving in Sunday ministry at St. Theresa of Child Jesus Parish, Singasandra, Bangalore. It is a joy to be part of this loving parish community, where I serve alongside Br. Nelson and five other brothers, making a total of seven of us engaged in different ministries. Though small in size, the parish is vibrant, welcoming, and full of faith, embracing us with warmth and making us feel at home.

A Pastor Who Inspires Our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Clement Deep, is a simple, kind, and deeply knowledgeable leader. He cares for us with great dedication and is an inspiring preacher who delivers his homilies with passion and devotion. His generosity and wisdom have guided us in our ministry, and our time with him has been truly enriching.

My Ministerial Responsibilities

1. Catechism Instructor for 10th Standard

Every Sunday, I teach catechism to 8-10 children. Their faith and eagerness to learn inspire me. Teaching them is not just about sharing knowledge; it is a journey of learning together. Their questions challenge me, and their insights deepen my own faith.

2. Music In-Charge for the Youth

I guide the youth in music ministry, encouraging them to participate in Mass and other parish events. Music helps them grow in faith and brings them closer to God.

3. Spiritual Mentor for the Youth Along with Mrs. Arun Pinto, I help guide the youth in their spiritual journey. We have meetings every second Sunday, and when she is away, I take full responsibility. Being part of the core team, I help plan events that strengthen their faith and sense of community.

4. Communion Distribution to the Sick & Family Visits

After catechism, I visit the sick to bring them Holy Communion. These visits have deepened my love for the Eucharist and taught me the importance of compassionate presence. One special visit was to an elderly couple who, despite their struggles, had strong faith and gratitude. Sitting with them, listening to their stories, and praying together reminded me of the power of faith and love.

Lessons from My Journey

Serving in this parish has been a beautiful experience that has taught me many valuable lessons:

Joy in being present – Small acts of kindness bring deep happiness.

The importance of ministering to the sick – Bringing Christ to them strengthens their faith and ours.

Learning from the children and parishioners – Their simple yet deep faith is a great inspiration.

Active involvement in parish life – When we serve with joy, faith grows stronger.

My time at St. Theresa of Child Jesus Parish has been a journey of faith, service, and personal growth. I cherish this opportunity and look forward to continuing to serve with love and joy.

 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

ST. FRANCIS

ST. FRANCIS

FRIARS' BIRTHDAY (August)

Date

Name of the Friars

Events

Year

01

Richard D’ Silva

Balaswamy Gundiga

Entry

Birth

1952

1978

02

Portiuncula

Feast


03

Julius Arul Rayan

Birth

1974

04

+ Bernard Henrietta

Praveen Roshan Toppo

Ravi Bara

Home

Birth

Birth

1981

1982

1995

06

Benedict Gomes

Augustine Tirkey

Birth

Birth

1977

1989

08

+ Marianus Kadasani

T.S.Leo Max

Home

Birth

2004

1995

11

+ Clare of Assisi

+ Sanctes Molenkamp

Feast

Home


1990

14

Jesu Maharaja

Pasala Showri Raju

Birth

Birth

1975

1987

15

Arok Sundar Sebastian

Charles Bernard

Felix Gassam

Francis Kaviyil

Chinnappan M. Devaraj

Amaldas Belevendran

Bobby V.T.

Birth

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Ordination

1951

1990

1990

1992

1992

1992

2000

18

Jamesmon P.C.

Ordination

2001

19

John Chrysostom

Ordination

1995

21

Vijay Amirtharaj A.

Birth

1979

22

Bhaskar Reddy

Birth

1973

23

Stephen Arun S.

Birth

1994

25

King Louis IX

Arun Devasia Nattalil

Akshay Showry Raj

Feast

Birth

Birth


1991

1994

27

Joseph Kishan

Birth

1995

28

Fidelis D’ Lima

Birth

1939

30

Arockia Raj R.

Birth

1959

31

+ Christopher Coelho

Home

2007