CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS - 5
2018 - 2022
Growth as Parish under Fr. Thomas Mulavanal
2018
2018 March 2-4
Marriage Preparation Course at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church,
Chicago.
2018 March 4
A general council was
held. Accounts were presented.
2018 March 23-25
A 3-day Lenten retreat
was organized at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. The retreat
was led by Rev. Fr. Siby Pulickal.
2018 March 20
In preparation for
Easter, Sacrament of Confession were given to the old and the sick along
with the reception of Eucharist at their homes. Lenten offerings were
used for corporal works of mercy by donating to hospitals at Kottayam.
2018 April 08
New Sunday (Puthu-Njayar)
celebrations were sponsored by Kallara Old Church parishioners. Divine
mercy Sunday feast was also celebrated.
2018 April 13
2nd Friday night vigil
was organized at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. The night
vigil was lead by Brother Mario Joseph.
2018 April 20
Annual CCD fest was
organized at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago.
2018 April 29
St George feast was
celebrated.
2018 May 06
Rev.
Fr. Boban Vattampurath who was serving as Assistant Vicar at St Mary’s
Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago was given send-off to Atlanta as the
Vicar of Holy Family Knanaya Church, Atlanta.
2018 May 10
Feast of Ascension of Our
Lord was celebrated.
2018 May 13
Mother’s Day was
celebrated.
2018 May 23
Parish council was held at
St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago.
2018 May 27
Annual First Holy Communion
Qurbana was celebrated at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. 37
Kids received their First Holy Communion.
2018 May 31
Today marked the ending of
the Vanakkamasam (Month of Mary).
Also commemorated the 41st day
ceremony of deceased Archbishop Mar Abraham Viruthakulangara.
2018 June 03
Cancer prevention class
was organized at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. The class
was taken by Dr Madhu a medical college professor, KTYM.
2018 June 12
St Anthony’s Feast was
celebrated.
2018 June 14
1st death anniversary of
Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery was commemorated.
2018 June 28
A class for married
couples was arranged at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. The
class was led by Marykutty Teacher of the Christeen ministries.
2018 June 29
Feast of Saints Peter and
Paul was celebrated.
2018 July 03
Feast of Dukhrana was
celebrated. The feast was sponsored by the parishioners of Punnathura.
2018 July 04
Independence Day was
honored by celebrating Holy Qurbana. Afterwards Jericho prayer was
organized as a procession around the church.
2018 July 12
After the Holy Qurbana
Marykutty Teacher of the Christeen ministries conducted a session.
2018 July 13-14
From 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
on these days a retreat led by Shalom was arranged for everyone
including kids.
Butterfly Camp was organized.
2018 July 25-27
His Excellency
Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkattu inaugurated the Kid’s Convention. The
Kid’s Convention was held for kid’s of age 7-14.
2018 July 26
Brother Joseph (Ankit) Thachara received his Minor Order Karoya from His
Excellency Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkattu.
2018 July 29
Superior General of St
Joseph’s Congregation Rev. Sr Saumy SJC visited and was welcomed at St
Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. Lenten offerings and the gifts
received to holy communion candidates were given as an aid to AIDS
patients in the cancer hospital.
St. Alphonsa’s Feast was celebrated.
A
general council was held regarding the Main Feast.
2018 August 06
Classes were taken for
youth on altar serving at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago at
5:00 PM.
2018 August 08
Marked the beginning of
the main feast conducted and sponsored by youth of the St Mary’s Knanaya
Catholic Church, Chicago.
2018 August 15
Feast of Assumption of
our Lady, the main feast of St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago
was celebrated.
2018 August 26
St Pius X feast was
celebrated.
2018 September 02
St Augustine’s feast
was celebrated.
2018 September 05
St Mother Teresa’s
feast was celebrated.
2018 September 08
A communal gathering
of those who were named after St Mary was arranged as part of the feast
of Nativity of Mary. As part of the feast, a house-based Marian
Decoration Competition was organized with 51 participants.
2018 September 09
Women's ministry
meeting was held.
2018 September
21-23
Ezra Meet, School of Evangelization residential retreat for
spiritual leaders.
2018 September 17
Legion of Mary and
Vincent De Paul society came together and organized a pilgrimage to Mary
Town and Mundelein Seminary.
2018 September 28
Regional representatives meeting was held on this day at St Mary’s
Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. 68 participants representing each
parish including priests, religious sisters, trustees, parish council
members and DRE’s attended. Holy Qurbana was celebrated by Knanaya
Region Director Rev. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal as chief celebrant before the
meeting. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath was the chief guest for the meeting.
Meeting discussed various topics like the working of existing
commissions, future endeavors of the Region and challenges faced by
Knanaya community in USA.
2018 October 01
Feast of St Therese of
Lisieux was celebrated.
Marked the beginning of 10-Day Rosary
Novena as part of the month of rosary.
2018 October 02
Feast of Guardian
Angels was celebrated.
2018 October 04
Feast of St Francis of
Assisi was celebrated.
2018 October 06
Men’s Ministry of the
St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago organized a one-day trip to
Wisconsin.
2018 October 07
Feast of St Gervase and
St Protasis The Twin Martyrs were celebrated. As part of the feast a
twins gathering was held. 20 twins participated in the Holy Qurbana and
the gathering afterwards.
2018 October 11
Parish council meeting
was held.
2018 October 13
Rev. Fr. Dr. George
Dhanavelil conducted a ‘Teachers Training Seminar’ for the CCD teachers
at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago.
2018 October 14
Rev. Fr. Dr. George
Dhanavelil conducted a class on the topic ‘The Role of Parents in
Catechizing’ at the auditorium of St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church
Chicago for parents.
For Grades 1-4, Rev. Fr. Bins Chethalil
arranged ‘Unnikalari’ on every Saturdays.
2018 October 15
Feast of St Teresa of
Avila was celebrated.
2018 October 20
Today was Mission
Sunday. As part of mission Sunday a ‘Dollar Drive’ program was organized
at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago.
2018 October 22
On this Tuesday was
held a Koodarayogam executive committee meeting at St Mary’s Knanaya
Catholic Church Chicago.
2018 October 24
St. Jude’s feast was
celebrated.
2018 November 02
All Souls day.
2018 November 04
All Saints day was
celebrated today.
2018 November 11
American Kidney
Foundation led a session on ‘The Possibilities of Organ Donation’ at St
Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago. This event was organized by
Men’s Ministry.
2018 November 18
Today was Vocation
day.
Rev. Fr Philip Thodukayil celebrated his
golden Jubilee by cutting a cake with us at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic
Church Chicago.
2018 November 23
On this Friday evening
Yuvajana Sandhya was organized in the name CHUNKS 2018 at 6:00 PM at St
Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago as part of the Thanksgiving Day.
After celebrating Holy Qurbana and Eucharistic Adoration Rev. Fr. Bins
Chethalil inaugurated the program. Events were organized by the youth
including competitions, and cultural programs. Afterwards thanksgiving
food and music was also arranged. There were over 200 youth
participants.
2018 November 23-26
Krupabhishekam
Retreat was held during these days led by Rev. Fr. Dominic Valamanal at
St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. His Excellency Bishop Mar
Jacob Angadiath inaugurated the retreat by celebrating the Holy Qurbana
as chief celebrant along with Vicar Rev. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal, Rev. Fr.
Dominic Valamanal, Rev. Fr. Bins Chethalil, Rev. Fr. Paul Chalissery,
Rev. Fr.George Maliyekal, Rev. Fr. Johns VC. The retreat lasted for 4
days and had participants from all over the USA. Over thousand faithful
participated in this retreat.
2018 November 25
On this Sunday Infant
Jesus statutes were blessed and given at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic
Church, Chicago.
2018 December 07-09
A 40- hour
Eucharistic Adoration was organized during these days. On the last day
along with Holy Qurbana celebrated by Rev. Fr. Michael Vettikkattu
Eucharistic procession was also organized.
As part of Christmas celebrations various
competitions were arranged including house decoration competition, crib
decoration competition, Santa Claus competition and Carol competition.
2018 December 15
Senior Citizen’s group
led Christmas celebrations at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church,
Chicago.
Chicago Ecumenical Council organized several competitions
and members from St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago
participated. Our Dance Team displayed and outstanding performance. In
the competitions, we received 1st prize for Volleyball and 2nd Prize for
Basketball.
2018 December 16
Celebrated the Feast
of Our Lady of Guadalupe. ‘Unnikalari’ Christmas celebrations were
arranged.
2018 December 23
Christmas celebrations
were arranged for CCD kids. ‘Jingle Bell’ Parade was organized.
2018 December 27
Feast of the Holy
Innocents was celebrated.
2018 December 30
Feast of St Stephen
the First Martyr was celebrated today at St Mary’s Knanaya Catholic
Church, Chicago.
2018 December 31
Year ending and year
beginning ceremony were done along with Eucharistic Adoration from 10:00
PM to 11:00 PM and celebrating Holy Qurbana at 11:00 PM.
2019
2019 January 01
Today after 10:00 AM
Holy Qurbana a ‘career guidance’ class was conducted for the parents of
high school and college students. This seminar shared a lot of
information about the college application preparation and the challenges
in college life. The seminar was led by Dr. Ajimol Puthenpurayil.
2019 January 13
CCD mid-term exam was conducted.
2019 January 19
Preparatory classes for
Holy Communion students started on this Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:30
PM.
2019 January 20
Inaugurated the
official 2019 Calendar of St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago.
2019 January 27
Commemorated Servant of
God Mar Mathew Makil on his 105th death anniversary.
2019 February 03
A seminar for the
parents of 2nd and 3rd grade students was conducted after the 10 am mass
at the school hall. This was a mandatory class for the parents in
preparation for the holy communion. Fr. George Dhanavelil led the
seminar.
New trustees and new parish council
members took charge of their respective offices after the holy Qurbana.
2019 February 08
From this day onwards
on every Friday after the 6:00 PM Holy Qurbana a class will be conducted
on the topic ‘Theology of the Body’ by Bro. Joseph Thachara for those
above the age of 15 after the holy Qurbana.
2019 February 09
After 10:00 AM holy
Qurbana a class on ‘Safe Environment’ was conducted.
From this day onwards on every Saturday
from 4:00 PM a Bible Study was conducted on the Holy Gospel of St. Mark
by Bro. Joseph Thachara.
2019 February 10
A farewell was given to Rev. Fr. Msgr. Augustine Palackaparambil at St.
Mary’s Chicago. He was serving as Vicar General of the diocese and as
the Vicar of Chicago Diocese Cathedral.
Annual general council was held.
2019 February 11-13
3-Day Lenten feast
was celebrated. On 13th Wednesday ‘Purathu Namaskaram’ was held.
2019 February 24
Seminar for couples on
family renewal was led by Rev. Dr. Fr. Roy Palatty CMI. This program was
arranged by the Women’s Ministry and Legion of Mary. Rev. Dr. Fr. Roy
Palatty is the spiritual advisor to Shalom Ministry and also a Professor
at Bangalore Dharmaram college.
2019 March 01-03
Pre-marriage course
was held on these days. For the first time 51 participants were there
for this course held at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago.
2019 March 03
A class was held for the
parents of those who are receiving holy Communion this year.
2019 March 04
Ash Monday.
2019 March 12-19
Novena feast of St.
Joseph was celebrated on these days. Feast was concluded on 19th the day
of the death of St. Joseph. On this day a gathering was conducted of
those who were named after St. Joseph.
2019 March 14
St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Youth Ministry arranged a Campus
Ministry initiative at De Paul University on this day including
celebration of the Holy Qurbana and dinner gathering.
2019 March 17
Br Joe Wagner, seminarian
for the archdiocese of Atlanta conducted a class on ‘Scriptural
Reflection and Vocation Story’ for youth and kids. This program was
arranged under the leadership of the Youth Ministry.
2019 March 18
A parish council meeting
was held.
2019 March 27-28
For the kids of 1-4
grades ‘Butterfly Camp’ was organized during their vacation. The camp
was led by Sr. Joan, Twinkle Thottichirayil, Marykutty (Christeen) and
Bibi Thekkanattu and team. CCD Directors and Church executive made the
necessary arrangements for the camp.
2019 March 31
Men’s and women’s
ministry was officially inaugurated. The meeting successfully created an
action plan for the coming year.
2019 April 05-07
Lenten Retreat was
conducted led by Fr Tom Raj. For kids retreat was led by Graziano and
Nancy.
2019 April 13
CCD Festival
2019 April 21
Easter Sunday
2019 April 22
Free medical consultation
for people who have no insurance or medical care was organized at St.
Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago after the usual 10:00 AM Holy
Qurbana.
2019 April 28
Special prayer was
organized among the CCD kids for those who were deceased in Sri Lanka
during the easter bombings.
Father Michael Metz of Atlanta
Archdiocese led a Bible reflection session for the CCD kids.
2019 April 29
A parish council meeting
was held
2019 May 01
St.
Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Youth Ministry arranged a Campus Ministry
initiative at Marquette University on this day.
2019 May 04
Sr. Silverius celebrates
her 50th Anniversary of her Religious life
2019 May 05
Celebrated Knanaya Region day.
Koodarayogam Bible Quiz under the name
‘Biblia’ was conducted.
2019 May 12
The Lenten sacrifices of
the CCD kids was collected as a fund as part of the ‘Water Challenge’
initiative that is aimed at providing water availability to local areas
in Kerala during the drought seasons. Water was made available to
deserving areas with the help of High Range Green Valley Development
Society.
CCD final exams were conducted.
Celebrated Mother’s Day
which was organized by Men’s ministry. As part of the celebrations a
seminar was conducted by Prof. Mercy Moolakkatt, KCWA president of
Archdiocese of Kottayam.
2019 May 26
First holy communion Qurbana was celebrated at 2:30 PM. Archbishop Mar
Mathew Moolakkatt was the chief celebrant.
During the holy communion Qurbana Brother
Joseph Thachara was given the sub-diaconate order by Archbishop Mar
Mathew Moolakkatt.
Inauguration of
logo and theme song as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of St.
Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago along with new Rectory blessing
was done by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt.
CCD appreciation celebrations were
organized together by all the ministries. BBQ cook-out was arranged
specially for the CCD teachers and kids.
2019 May 27-28
A follow-up program was
conducted for those who attended the ‘Butterfly Camp’.
2019 May 30
Feast of Ascension of our
Lord.
2019 June 02
Women's ministry Executive
meeting took place.
A class was conducted for the parents of
the kids who received holy communion.
2019 June 16
Father’s Day was
celebrated. Women’s ministry organized Father’s Day celebrations.
2019 June 17-20
Retreat for Priests
took place on these days at Carmel Retreat Center near Darien.
2019 December 13-15
40 hours adoration
at SMKC
2020
Feb. 3-5
Three days fast and Purathu
namaskaram. Fr. Boban Vattampurath was the main celebrant.
Feb 15
10th grade CCD
students went for voluntary service at feed the starving children at
Libertyville, IL
Feb. 16
General body Meeting of the
parish to approve annual accounts.
Free Dental screening exam for children by
Dr. Liya Kunnasseril
Feb. 17.
Mass for the University
Students at UIC Campus at 7pm
2020 Feb. 23
Today we celebrate
“Pethrutha”. Special seminar organized for the parents of our high
school students by Dr. Ajimol Puthenpura.
In connection with the 10th
anniversary celebration, parish decided to build few houses in Kerala as
part of its charity named as “SNEHAVEEDU”.
Feb 24
Ash Monday day of obligation 2
masses. During Lent every day there will be two masses 8 am and 7 pm.
Decided to make a pilgrimage of Mather
Mary’s statue to all Koodarayogangal as part of 10th
anniversary.
March 6-8
Knanaya Catholic Region
Pre-Marriage Course at St. Mary’s Church, Chicago.
Career day
organized by Youth Ministry on Sunday.
March 8
World Women’s Day celebration
led by Women’s ministry. Different competitions were conducted.
As
part of the 10th anniversary celebration, we decided to
donate 75 “Thayyal Machine” to the poor families in Kerala in
collaboration with Kottayam Social Service Society.
American Bishops Conference declared to
observe a prayer day to control Covid 19 through our prayers.
March 15
Official declaration of Govt.
Covid 19 Restrictions. Maximum number of attendances is 10 people
at mass and other liturgical services. We planned for 4 masses on
Sundays during this pandemic season. Sanitization, Social distancing,
Mask etc are must during mass. CCD will be doing through Zoom Meetings.
Mass on Sundays (10 am Malayalam & 12 pm English) and weekdays will be
telecasted through KVTV. Koodara yogamgal will be through Zoom Meetings.
We will be starting a help desk at our church for supporting Covid
Patients. Lock down is declared by the Govt.
March 16
Special prayers conducted for
people working in the health care field.
March 19
St. Joseph’s Death feast. 9
days novena.
March 29
As most of the people are at
home during this Covid 19 season, St. Mary’s Parish, Chicago & Knanaya
Voice together starts an international “Holy Family Bible Quiz”
competition for families. Competition will be conducted every other
Saturday through Zoom.
April 5. Hoshana Sunday. During the Sunday
service there will not be palm leaf distribution due to the COVID-19.
Next Wednesday there will be a
reconciliation preparation talk for all people in our Knanaya Region
through KVTV by Fr. Saji Pinarkayil
April 9
Maundy Thursday. Liturgical
services will start at 7pm, Good Friday Passion service at 5 pm.
April 12
Easter. Easter vigil service
in English at 5 pm for youth and 7 pm in Malayalam, Easter Sunday 10 am
and 5pm.
April 24-26
Knanaya Catholic Region
Pre-marriage course conducting through Zoom Meeting.
April 30
Knanaya Region day
celebration. (April 30, 2006)
May 3
Sunday: Month of May for Marian
devotions, Divine Mercy Feast Celebration, Puthunjayar celebration
sponsored by Kallara Parishioners. At the request of the parents, every
Wednesday we will be celebration Mass in English and that will be live
streamed in KVTV.
If anybody from this area is severely
affected by the Covid please inform the church. A very confidential
parish help line will be there for your assistance. You may call for
medicine, food or financial support.
May 9
Knanaya Catholic Region conducted
a zoom meeting for all priests, pastoral council members and trustees
together with the bishops from the Archdiocese of Kottayam to evaluate
the pastoral coordination’s during the Covid 19. 100 participants were
there in the zoom conference.
May 10
Mother’s Day celebration. We
will be honoring all moms. We are conducting two competitions: Near to
moms Photo shot competition & Mother’s Day greeting card designing for
kids. Today we celebrate St. Michaels feast. Drive through prayer at
Marian Grotto.
(Today Bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil,
first bishop of Idukki passed away) Every day we are conducting prayer
line and koodarayogams through zoom meeting.
May 14 Thursday
A prayer day for the
eradication of Corona requested by the Pontifical Council for Inter
religious Dialogue.
May 24
World brother’s day: competition
for family: “Annanum Thampiyum” entries are invited. CCD Examination
will be conducted online. Solemn reception of
May 25
Memorial Day celebration
May 25
Fr. Bins Chethalil and I visited
all families with Blessed Sacrament and Mother Mary’s statue, and
blessed each family with bl. Sacrament to save our families from Corona
virus. It was a big consolation and comfort for families and well
accepted during this pandemic season. Koodarayoga coordinators guided us
to each family. 10 days to complete the pilgrimage
May 29-31
Knanaya Catholic Regional
pre-marriage course through zoom meetin
May 31
Concluding of Marian devotion:
Vanakkamasam. There will be a competition for CCD children: Vanakkamasa
songs.
June 1
Sacred Heart Devotion starts:
Vanakkamasam.
June 5 Friday
World Environment day.
Motto Go green today save the world tomorrow. A plant in our backyard as
part of the Go Green Challenge.
June 11. Thursday
Corpus Christi. We
are arranging possibility of Drive Through ‘Holy Communion’ service.
June 15-19
Feast day celebrations of
Sacred Heart. Main feast of Sacred Heart Church, Maywood.
June 21
Father’s Day celebration: two
competitions: ’Pappy Appacha’ and ‘Great Father’, a photo shoot
competition.
July 1- 12
First time in the regional
history we are arranging “Intensive Catechism-FAITH FEST 2020” for CCD
students through KVTV Live Stream conducted by the Catechism department
of the Knanaya Catholic Region.
July 17
Today there is a “Vocation
Discernment Program” through Zoom meeting organized by Knanaya Region
Vocation Commission.
July 18 Saturday:
10th
Anniversary celebration of St. Mary’s KC parish, Morton Grove. We
concelebrated a thanksgiving Mass. Celebrants of the Thanksgiving Mass:
Bishop Mar Jacob Aangadiath, Bishop Joy Alappattu, Fr. Abraham
Mutholath, Fr. Thomas Mulavanal and Fr. Bins Chethalil. Only parish
council members, pastoral council members and few founding members
participated in it due to the Covid restrictions.
July 19
Fr. Bins Chethalil is leaving
for Miami as Fr. Joseph Sauriamackal going back to India for medical
treatment. Due to the Corona virus Govt. restrictions, this year
election for new trustees and parish council could be difficult. Hence
Diocesan curia issued a circular extending all existing administrative
board to one more year.