Catechism day Celebration
On February 23, 2025, St. Thomas Church Ammembal celebrated Catechism Day with great enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of faith formation among children. The event featured lively dance performances by the catechism students, showcasing their talents and joy in learning about their faith.
As part of the program, a student, a parent, and a teacher shared their experiences, reflecting on the impact of catechism in their spiritual journey. To recognize dedication and excellence, students who attended classes regularly and high scorers were felicitated with gifts. The teachers, whose efforts play a crucial role in guiding the children, were also honored with a token of love.
St Thomas feast Celebration
On February 12, 2025, St. Thomas Church Ammembal joyfully celebrated its Patron’s Feast with great devotion and festivity. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, setting the perfect atmosphere for the grand festal Mass, where parishioners gathered in large numbers to seek blessings.
To add to the celebrations, ICYM and Catholic Sabha organized a lucky draw and set up lucky game stalls, bringing excitement to the event. Alongside these, various toy and food stalls were arranged, creating a vibrant and festive ambiance.
Confraternity Sunday Celebration
On February 9, 2025, St. Thomas Church Ammembal joyfully celebrated Confraternity Sunday, a day dedicated to deepening faith and unity among parishioners. The celebration began with a special evening Mass, where the Eucharist was honored with devotion and reverence.
Following the Mass, a grand Eucharistic procession took place from the church to Chelur Bus Stand and back. Parishioners participated with great enthusiasm, walking in prayer and singing hymns, publicly expressing their faith and devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
60th Birthday Celebration
On 13th January 2025, we joyfully celebrated the 60th birthday of Father Michel D'Silva at St. Thomas Church, Ammembal.
The event began with a solemn mass, followed by a cultural program featuring the drama "Oriyardla Nirmodi" by a talented ensemble of performers.
The day concluded with a grand dinner, bringing together family, friends, and the community for this special occasion.
Christmas Night
On December 24, 2024, the ICYM Ammembal Unit organized a grand Christmas Night celebration, bringing the parish community together to mark the joyous occasion. The event featured a series of lively performances, with each ward presenting a 10-15 minute act, showcasing their creativity and talent. The evening was filled with songs, skits, and dances that embodied the festive spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Competitions
The YCS Ammembal Unit organized a series of engaging activities to celebrate the Christmas season, fostering creativity and excitement among parishioners of all age groups.
For children, a greeting card-making competition was held, where participants showcased their artistic skills by designing beautiful and heartfelt Christmas cards. Adults participated in a star-making competition, crafting unique and creative stars to capture the festive spirit.
Adding to the fun, a lucky draw was conducted, generating excitement and joy among all attendees.
Christmas Tableau
On December 21, 2024, the ICYM Ammembal Unit brought the community together by organizing a grand Christmas tableau after a 10-year gap. The event, which was open to everyone, transcended religious boundaries and celebrated the spirit of unity and love.
The highlight of the program was a vibrant dance drama performed by children, narrating the story of Jesus' birth in an engaging and meaningful way. Kuswar was distributed to all attendees, spreading the joy of the festive season.
The tableau was held in three locations—Chelur, Sajipa, and Boliyar—ensuring participation from a wide audience, including people of all faiths. The presence of non-Christian guests as the main attendees added to the inclusive nature of the celebration, fostering harmony and goodwill among different communities.
Christmas Carols
The ICYM Ammembal Unit organized a heartwarming Christmas caroling event from December 4th to 13th, 2024. Over seven days, the enthusiastic members visited every home in the parish, spreading the joy of the season through melodious carol singing.
Parishioners welcomed the carolers with warmth, and the initiative brought the community together in the true spirit of Christmas.
18 ನವೆಂಬರ್, 2024 ವೆರ್ ಫಿರ್ಗಜ್ ಮಿನಿ ಹಾಲಾಂತ್ ಕಥೊಲಿಕ್ ಸಭಾ, ಅಮ್ಮೆಂಬಳ್ ಘಟಕ ತರ್ಫೆನ್ ಭಾಷಣ್ ಸ್ಪರ್ದೊ ಚಲವ್ನ್ ವೆಲೊ. ಹ್ಯಾ ಸ್ಪರ್ದ್ಯಾoತ್ 22 ಭುರ್ಗ್ಯಾಂನಿ ಭಾಗ್ ಘೆತ್ಲಾo.
Website Inaugration
On November 3rd, 2024, St. Thomas Church Ammembal celebrated the launch of its official website, a new platform designed to connect parishioners and provide easy access to church information and updates. The inauguration took place in the church, where the website was presented on a TV screen for the congregation to view.
All Souls Day
On November 2nd, St. Thomas Church Ammembal solemnly observed All Souls' Day with special prayers for the departed souls. The parish community gathered in the church's simistry (graveyard) to pay their respects and remember loved ones who have passed.
The service included prayers for the eternal rest of all departed souls, fostering a sense of reflection and reverence. As part of the ceremony, the Parish Priest blessed each grave by sprinkling holy water, a gesture symbolizing purification and peace for those resting there.
The observance of All Souls' Day at St. Thomas Church was marked by heartfelt participation, as parishioners came together to honor their ancestors and pray for their souls' eternal peace.
ICYM Ammembal won championship
After 13 years, the ICYM Ammembal Unit has reclaimed victory in the deanery-level cricket match during the South Deanery sports competition. This long-awaited win was a testament to the team’s dedication, training, and passion for the sport.
Adding to this achievement, the ICYM Ammembal Unit also won the overall championship at Khelothsav, marking their first-ever triumph in the comprehensive deanery-level sports competition. These victories have brought immense pride and joy to the parish.
Missionary Sunday
On October 13th, St. Thomas Church Ammembal celebrated Missionary Sunday with great enthusiasm and community spirit. The parishioners showcased their generosity by bringing an array of offerings, including homegrown vegetables, fruits, and even animals such as chickens and a pig.
The event featured an alam session where the offerings were auctioned, creating a lively atmosphere and fostering community participation. The self-sustained produce and livestock symbolized the parish’s dedication to supporting missionary work and promoting communal values. The proceeds from the event will be directed towards missionary efforts, embodying the church’s commitment to service and solidarity.
Blessing Vehicles
On Sunday, 13th October 2024, St. Thomas Church Ammembal held a special vehicle blessing ceremony. Led by Parish Priest Fr. Michael DSilva, along with guest priest Fr. Johnson D Souza, the event took place after the Holy Mass. Parishioners brought their cars, motorcycles, and bicycles to receive blessings for safe travel.
Fr. Michael DSilva and Fr. Johnson DSouza sprinkled holy water on each vehicle, invoking God's protection for the drivers and passengers. The brief but meaningful ceremony emphasized the importance of safety and faith in everyday journeys.
ಗಾದ್ಯಾಂತ್ ಏಕ್ ದೀಸ್
On October 6th,the ICYM Ammembal Unit hosted a vibrant "Gadyanth Ek Dees" celebration, bringing parishioners together for a day of fun and games on a traditional muddy field generously provided by Siman Lasrado. The event featured lucky games for all age groups and ward-wise competitions such as tug of war, relay races, and more. Women enjoyed a competitive throwball match, while men participated in a spirited volleyball game.
The program was inaugrated by parish priest Fr. Michael DSilva alongside vice president Mr.Robert DSouza and Secretary Mrs. Laveena Rodrigues.The celebration saw the presence of several esteemed guests, including Lions Club President Mr. Devdas Bhandari, social worker Mr. Ashraf, former president of Boliyar Panchayath Mrs. Jacintha DCunha, and former president of MIEL Bangalore Santhosh Kumar Rai Boliyar. Guests shared fond memories of their own experiences in the fields, adding a nostalgic touch to the day.
Parishioners participated enthusiastically, and the event turned into a full day of enjoyment, strengthening the community spirit.
ಜಲ ಬಂಧನ್
On September 30, the Catholic Sabha Ammembal Unit launched the innovative ‘Jala Bandhan’ borewell recharge program in Sajipa Padu village. This initiative aimed to enhance groundwater levels by recharging the Mithapadpu government borewell with purified rainwater collected from the rooftops of two nearby houses.
The program was inaugurated by Parish Priest Fr. Michael D'Silva, with the parish’s Vice President, Mr. Robert D'Souza, also in attendance. During the event, the house owners, Mr. Daranappa and Mrs. Shakila, whose rooftops contributed to the recharge, were felicitated by the Catholic Sabha for their valuable participation in this environmental effort.
Honoring achievers
On 8th September, St. Thomas Church Ammembal hosted a heartwarming celebration in honor of the Nativity of Mary. The event was marked by a special program dedicated to recognizing and appreciating parishioners who have made significant achievements in various fields.
In a gesture of gratitude and encouragement, the church presented each achiever with a memento and a rose as a token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work. The initiative was designed to inspire others and celebrate the contributions of individuals who have brought pride to the parish community.
The ceremony, which took place after the Holy Mass, was attended by a large number of parishioners who applauded the recipients for their efforts. The Parish Priest, along with church committee members, personally handed out the mementos, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.
This year's Nativity of Mary celebration was not only a time for religious devotion but also a celebration of the talents and successes of the parish members. The event concluded with prayers and blessings for continued success and the well-being of the community.
Teachers' Day Celebration by YCS
On September 1, 2024, the Young Christian Students (YCS) organized a vibrant Teachers' Day celebration in the school hall, honoring the dedication and hard work of teachers. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Fr. Michael D'Silva, Brother Prinston, Brother Gnayus Ekka, Parish Council Vice President Robert D'Souza, and Secretary Laveena Rodrigues.
Dora Rodrigues gave a heartfelt speach on behalf of all the teachers, sharing her enriching experience as an educator and expressing gratitude for the recognition. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the passion and commitment that teachers bring to their profession.
To add a touch of fun and excitement, YCS members organized various games for the teachers, bringing out smiles and laughter as everyone participated enthusiastically.
As the event concluded, all the teachers were presented with flowers as a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts and dedication. They were also gifted with small tokens of gratitude, symbolizing the love and respect YCS holds for them.
ICYM Cleans Grotto
On September 1, 2024, at 5:30 AM, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) held a grotto cleaning event. Volunteers from the youth group and the community came together to clean and maintain the grotto, a place of religious significance. The event, aimed at preserving the site’s cleanliness and sanctity.
Independence Day Celebration at St. Thomas HR PR School, Chelur
Chelur, August 15, 2024 – The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervor and patriotism at St. Thomas HR PR School, Chelur. The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by the esteemed guest of honor, Mary Teacher, a retired and beloved former teacher of the school. The school band played the national anthem as the tricolor was unfurled, filling the atmosphere with pride and respect for the nation.
Mary Teacher, in her brief yet inspiring speech, reminded the students of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters and the importance of upholding the values of freedom, unity, and responsibility. Her words resonated deeply with both students and staff, as she urged everyone to contribute positively to society.
Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, the students showcased their talents in a vibrant cultural program. The highlight of the event was a variety dance performance that delivered a powerful social message against alcoholism and smoking. Through expressive movements and dramatic presentations, the students conveyed the harmful effects of these vices, encouraging the audience to adopt a healthier and more responsible lifestyle.
In addition to the cultural performances, the students also demonstrated their physical fitness by performing a synchronized exercise routine to the tune of the school band. The well-coordinated display of discipline and energy impressed the audience and further enhanced the patriotic spirit of the day.
The program concluded on a sweet note, with the distribution of sweets to all the students and attendees. The event was a testament to the school’s dedication not only to academic excellence but also to the holistic development of its students, nurturing them to become responsible and aware citizens of the country.
Social Service By Sports Club
On 15th August 2024, the sports club organized a meaningful roadside cleaning campaign, covering the stretch from the church ground to the bus stand. Club members and volunteers enthusiastically participated in this initiative, dedicating their time and effort to improving the cleanliness of the area. Their work not only beautified the surroundings but also set an inspiring example of community service.