History of St Mary’s Syro Malabar Mission, Sunshine Coast

The first solemn reception of Holy Qurbana was celebrated on October 25, 2015, with Bishop Bosco Puthur as the main celebrant. On this day, six children from the mission received Jesus for the first time. In 2016, formal catechism classes were introduced for children. Initially, there were only a few divisions with mixed grades and a limited number of teachers. Over the years, the mission has been spiritually nurtured by visiting priests from Brisbane North, including Fr. Abraham Kazhunnadiyil, Fr. Varghese Vavolil, Fr. Saji Valiyaveettil, Fr. Francis Kolenchery, and Fr. George Mankuzhikkary. In 2022, plans were initiated to have a resident priest for the mission. By God's grace, Fr. Tijo Puthenparampil was appointed as the parish priest and has been leading the community spiritually since November 2022. The mission is very grateful to Fr. Peter and Fr. Josh (OLR) for their generosity in allowing Fr. Tijo to reside in the presbytery of Our Lady of the Way Church at Landsborough. Currently, the mission celebrates Holy Qurbana every Monday, Friday, and Sunday at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Caloundra, and on Wednesday's at the Unity College chapel. Catechism classes are held every Sunday at OLR, with 240 students ranging from grades 1 to 12 and 31 dedicated teachers. This year, the mission also started "Unnesho Kalari," with approximately 25 children participating. Every fourth Sunday, catechism students from different classes assist in Holy Qurbana by reading and reciting the Karoosoosa. On all other Sundays, different units help with these liturgical activities. The mission also runs a training program for altar servers, with 24 children commissioned as altar servers last year and 12 more in 2024. The mission includes a music ministry for both adults and children, a nurses' ministry, and a liturgy ministry. Recently, a Mathruvedi group was established. Additionally, the mission is supported by an intercession ministry, which serves as its backbone. Each year, the Catechism Department initiates various spiritual activities for children, including faith festivals, Bible Kalolsavam, Bible quizzes, and faith exhibitions. Children, along with their parents, participate in these programs with great enthusiasm. The mission also has a supportive Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that assists teachers with all activities. Currently, the mission has 140 registered families and is divided into seven family units that hold regular monthly meetings. Fr. Tijo utilises these meetings as opportunities to educate parishioners about the Holy Qurbana. Each unit has a coordinator, secretary, couple representatives, youth representatives, and teenage representatives. The mission is equipped with all the necessary liturgical items and statues for special celebrations, thanks to the grace of God and the support of well-wishers and sponsors. The mission celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with great devotion, beginning preparations for this feast ten days before the celebration. The Thirunnal is celebrated in full Syro-Malabar tradition. The annual Lenten retreat is another significant event in the mission’s calendar. We thank God for all His blessings upon our mission. We also extend our gratitude to all those who served the mission in various ways: the trustees, parish council members, catechism principals, secretaries, teachers, various ministry leaders, the staff of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and Unity College for their support, and to all the sponsors who contribute to the success of our mission.