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 (September)

Date

Name of the Friars

Events

Year

02

+ Matthew Walsh

Jayaseelan P.R.

Home

Ordination

1969

2001

04

+ Kentigern Stuart

Home

1995

08

Arokiam John

Tom John

Arockiasamy P.

Niranjan Toppo

Birth

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Birth

1976

1999

1999

1993

09

Salun Kispotta

Birth

1995

10

Athanasius Xaxa

Birth

1959

11

+ Paulinus van Halderen

Home

1999

13

Bangalore Friary

+ Vincent Roy

John Sekar

Blessing

Home

Birth

1952

1959

1982

14

Anthony Pushparaj

Birth

1976

15

+ Fidelis Magee

Home

1979

17

Stigmata of Francis

Varghese Sebastian

Richard D’ Silva

Assisi Illam Dindigul

Feast

Birth

Solemn Vows

Blessing


1947

1956

2010

18

Joseph of Cupertino

Feast


19

Mesia Elias Moses M.

Birth

1973

20

Tom John

Birth

1961

23

Padre Pio

+ John Forest Hogan

A.J.Mathew Joseph

Feast

Home

Birth


1962

1989

24

Shalom Friary –Hyderabad

Blessing

1995

25

Sagaya Soosairaj

Birth

1968

26

+ Fabian D’ Souza

Home

2010

27

+ Conrad Gomes

Home

1993

28

Nicholas D’ Souza

Lourdu Augustine

Pradeep Anthony L.

Birth

Birth

Birth

1945

1976

1992

29

Sushil Beck

Salim Baxla

Birth

Birth

1973

1974