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 (June)

Date

Name of the Friars

Events

Year

01

Jose Palimattom

Vincent Soosai

Fabianus Toppo

Bryan Carneiro

Bhaskar Reddy

Michael Anand

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Entry

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows Solemn Vows

1996

1996

1999

2002

2002

2002

02

Leos Ekka

Vinoth Robin

+ Denis Boers

Basil Tirkey

Vinod Kujur

Francis Arokiasamy M.

Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy

Birth

Birth

Home

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1963

1985

1997

2013

2013

2013

2013

03

Fabianus Toppo

+ Theodore Caine

Ankit Kumar Baghel

Birth

Home

Birth

1978

1986

1996

04

Dharmodaya Ashram - Bellary

Foundation

1995

06

Alphonse Moras

Birth

1950

07

Sleeva Reddy

Tojy M.

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows

1998

1998

08

Joy Valooran

Dominic C.J.

Balthazar Pinto

Bala Marneni

Tony D’ Souza

Birth

Solemn Vows

Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows

1970

1987

1987

1987

1987

09

Anthony Joseph Archer

Birth

1992

10

Arokia Raj R.

Solemn Vows

1989

11

Jesu Raja A.

Birth

1985

12

Pratap Reddy Salibindla

Balthazar Pinto

Bala Marneni

Tony D’Souza

Arokia Raj R.

Arulsamy A.

Thomas Joseph

Bobby V.T.

Johnny Anthony

Charles Bernard

Felix Gassam

Athanasius Xaxa

Paul Kallan

Leos Ekka

John Chrysostom

Salim Joseph

Francis Kaviyil

Babu Jose Pamplany

James N.

Chinnappan M. Devaraj

Amaldas Belevendran

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

1981

1981

1981

1981

1982

1982

1982

1982

1983

1984

1984

1985

1985

1985

1985

1985

1985

1985

1985

1985

1986

13

+ Anthony of Padua

Samson A.

Basen Friary

Nanasera Friary

New Church at Sion

Bannur Friary

Feast

Birth

Foundation

Foundation

Blessing

Foundation


1955

1982

1992

1995

1999

14

Francis Arokiasamy M.

Birth

1987

16

Adarsh Y.

Birth

1994

18

Michael Anand

Ordination

2005

19

Dayanand

Dharma L. Bernard

Birth

Birth

1950

1953

20

Tony Marshall

+ Alphaeus Swinkels

Birth

Home

1978

1980

21

Jamesmon P.C.

Birth

1970

22

Arulsamy A.

Arun Junes

Birth

Birth

1961

1978

25

Thomas M.M.

Birth

1949

26

Niraj Kumar Tirkey

Birth

1993

27

Naveen George

Birth

1982

28

Samson

Tommy T.J.

Dominic C.J.

Carlos Dias

Manoj Xalxo

Entry

Entry

Entry

Entry

Birth

1980

1980

1980

1980

1982

30

Amaldas Belevendran

+ Leo Remedios

Birth

Home

1967

1970