Q1 Newsletter Ginny

ISSUE 1 APRIL 2021

Faith Connections

Faith Formation Newsletter, St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church

In This Issue

Easter Wishes from
Our Vicar

Message from CCD Editorial Message
Director

Editorial Board Welcome to the Easter Edition of our new digital Faith Formation
Year of St. Joseph Newsletter!
Easter Submissions
from Children/Youth The newsletter team is so excited to be able to share this new initiative with
you. As you all know, it has been over a year since we started virtual
CML News
Raising Hope learning and went into lockdown from COVID-19. During this time, it has
Care for Creation become much harder for us CCD students as well as the Youth to persevere
Green Army in and grow stronger in our faith. This is why we, the newsletter team, are
endeavoring to provide a safe space for you all to share your thoughts and
Birthdays
Easter Games experiences relating to faith through your writing, artwork, poetry, and
more. We aim to help keep our Youth and CCD students connected in their

faith and help them grow closer to God by supplying them with the
resources needed to do so.

The theme for our next newsletter is Saint Thomas/Dukhrana. We look
forward to seeing your submissions for our July newsletter, which will be
published around the time of Dukhrana. Look out for your name on the
birthday list in future publications! We welcome any feedback via email at

[email protected]
Please use this link for submissions https://forms.gle/rhz5s3Ye4oybbPwE8

Wishing you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter!

ISSUE 1 APRIL 2021

Message from our Vicar,
Rev. Fr. Antony Pullukattu (Fr. Tony)

May the Peace and Hope from the Risen Lord Fill all of us in
our faith journey.
Though COVID-19 brought lot of restrictions on us, it opened
greater possibilities of a digital world in front of us. We are
able to stream our holy mass daily, we are able to conduct
virtual meetings and attend from anywhere, and now in God’s
plan, we are able to restart the publication of our CCD
Newsletter-to bring our talents together as the students and
teachers of Catechism.
I would like to bring to you a verse from Bible, Mark 9 verse
23, “And Jesus said to him,… 'All things are possible to him
who believes.'”
There’s a big lesson Jesus is teaching us through these words - believe in HIM and
everything will be possible and that’s when our "impossible" becomes "I’m possible."
Let’s learn to completely trust in God so that He will lead us into the world of
possibilities and open HIS world to us.
I am so happy to learn that we have a wonderfully dedicated Team of Teachers and
Students working hard, and sharing so much of their time and talent, so that this
Newsletter became a reality. Congratulations to all of you and thank you very much for
all your contributions to this venture.

May our Merciful God continuously bless us all.

Fr. Tony Pullukattu
Vicar

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Message from our CCD Director, Renny Polo

My Dear Children,
Christos Anesti!! Alithos Anesti!!
Do you remember these words? This is how our
forefathers used to greet each other on this special
day of Easter. This means, “Christ is risen,” and the
response is, “Truly, Christ is risen!"
During this Easter season, I would like to highlight
the true reality of Easter. St. Athanasius of
Alexandria once said, “God was made human so that
He might make us Gods”. We should be convinced
that the master plan of God is this - to make us a true
child of God. Even when you fail and the whole
world, including those closest to you, considers you
as a failure, a “lost cause," someone not worth it,
even at those dark and depressing times, our God
will never abandon you. As Isaiah writes “Can a
mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for

the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you”. The culmination of this
promise is fully revealed in the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our
God offers us liberty and freedom that nothing in this world can provide us. He offers us life in all
its fullness, peace, and joy for eternity.

As this year is also devoted to St. Joseph,
we are also given an opportunity to look at
how Jesus’ foster father carried out his
divine duty in preparing Jesus for the harsh
path of Calvary, thereby redeeming
humanity from the clutches of sin.
Whenever I think about St. Joseph and
Jesus and their unique relationship, I recall
a video I watched a while back of a polar

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OCT. 2020 | VOL. 1

bear family. The mama polar bear was trying to train her little bear to climb this steep and
treacherous hilly area, covered with snow. As the little bear tried to follow his mama’s footsteps
that were visible on the clear snow, his mom nudged him away and forced him to create his own
path to get to the top. Of course, the little bear looked hesitant to climb his way to the top, but
through all the obstacles he faced on his way there, his mama kept a watchful eye on him. In that
same sense, I imagine how nervous both St. Joseph and Our Father in Heaven were, as they
watched their son bearing the cross and gloriously defeating death, and empowering us with His
Grace overflowing through him.
So, the real question we have to ask ourselves is, how do we accept this gift of grace our Lord
Jesus has graciously given to us on Easter?

To remind me of this incredible blessing, I love to simply set my gaze on the Resurrection of Jesus
and reflect on Eternal life and the mysterious wonder of Heaven, just like the two disciples on
Easter evening, who said to Jesus as they approached the village of Emmaus, “Please, stay with
us, Lord!”

We accept His offer and gift by imitating Him. Namely, as
He laid down His life for us, so we, in turn, follow His
example and offer our life as a total gift of faithfulness to
Him. He said, “if you love Me, you will keep My
commandments, and My Father and I will come to you, and
make Our dwelling with you.” So, as we ask the Lord to
“Stay with us!” we also promise to stay with Him. We stay
with Him by keeping the commands that He gave to us out
of love for us. Those commands guide our life, they are a
light for our steps and a pathway to true and lasting
peace.
Easter is a season of grace and of light. We pray that we will all experience that light and grace
anew. The season of Easter lasts for 50 days and concludes with Pentecost Sunday. Let us live
each one of these days close to Him in whom our hope rests!
Christos Anesti!! Alithos Anesti!! Happy Easter to you and your family!

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Sandra Mathew Annamaria George Jasmine Geo
Project Manager, Grade 11 Editor, Grade 10 Graphic Designer, Grade 10

Jennifer Jose Ethan Kallarackal Maria George
Graphic Designer, Grade 10 Project Manager, Grade 9
Editor, Grade 9

Joel Pulikkan Naomi George Rose Maliekal Terissa Alex

Graphic Designer, Grade 8 Editor, Grade 8 Graphic Designer, Grade 8 Editor, Grade 8

Mentor Mentor Mentor Mentor

Roy Thadikaran Mariella Payyappilly Smita Maliekal Ginny Pulikkan

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Year of St. Joseph

On December 8, 2021, on the Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis declared the
Year of St. Joseph, which would last all the way until
the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in the
year 2021. Pope Francis wrote the apostolic letter,
“Patris Corde" (With a Father’s Heart), describing St.
Joseph as a beloved father, a loving father, and a
hardworking and obedient father, amidst other things.
March 19 was the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of
the Mother of God. During this year of St. Joseph, let
us strive to welcome him into our hearts as a kind and
gentle father who loves us; let us be led by him closer
to Jesus and Mary; let his loving fatherhood show us
more clearly the love of our Heavenly Father for us.

Sofia Mathew Matthew Kappil

Grade 6 Kindergarten

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WISDOM FROM THE SAINTS

By Lindsae Valiplackal, Youth, 2nd Grade teacher

What do you think of when you hear the word “Charity”?

When we hear the word “charity” most of us think of organizations where
we can spend our money, our time, and our resources to help those in need
(the poor, the hungry, etc). St. Albert the Great said “It is by the path of
love, which is charity, that God draws near to man and man to God”. In the
First Letter of John, Chapter 4 verse 8, we read “Whoever is without love
does not know God, for God is love”.

St. Albert the Great is not just
asking us how we can be more
giving or more charitable, but
how we can be more loving to
those around us. Loving starts in
our families, at school, and
especially to those who we feel
like, don’t deserve our love.
Let’s imitate Christ's sacrificial love on the cross in a small way this Easter,
and be more loving in our families, our church, and our communities. Give
your dad a hug, ask your mom how she is doing, don’t be quick to yell at
your sister, wave hello to your neighbors, and when you get in a fight with
someone be the first to say you’re sorry. These are all small ways to be
loving and who knows, maybe we’ll just meet God along the way.

Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Albert the Great, pray for us.

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OCT. 2020 | VOL. 1

Blessed Carlo Acutis I was diagnosed with leukemia as a
teenager. I offered my sufferings for the
By Abhay George, Grade 6 Lord, Pope Benedict XVI and the Church.
Every time my suffering grew, my faith
I, Blessed Carlo Acutis, am the patron saint of the grew.
internet. I was born on May 3, 1991, in London. I grew
up in Milan, Italy. As a child, I loved to recite the I died on October 12, 2006 and was
rosary. I made my undevout parents go to mass. My beatified on October 10, 2020. On my
mother had only attended mass for her First Holy fourth death anniversary, I sent a gift to my
Communion, Confirmation, and wedding until I made mom from heaven - my twin siblings
her go. I was a good friend. I always defended kids who Francesca and Michele. Now I have to go,
got bullied, especially disabled kids. I know what so I’m going to end with one word: “WOW!”
you're thinking, one word: “WOW,” right?

I was also a gamer, I had a PlayStation, maybe a PS2, I
don’t remember OK, I’m a saint, not a professional
gamer. I played for an hour a week and even though I
wanted to play more, I offered it as penance and
spiritual discipline. I also enjoyed playing outside. My
favorite sport was soccer. I developed a website about
Eucharistic miracles around the world.
Here's the link to my website:
http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html
-just click and read the link.

PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH Easter

By Aaron Paul, Grade 4

The Easter Bunny is celebrated on this day
All Americans do it one way

Did you know Easter came a long way?
England was where it originated
Easter eggs are overrated
Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy!

The chocolate inside is very dandy!

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Abigail Mullur OCT. 2020 | VOL. 1

Grade 4 Aaron Thomas

Grade 4

Easter Maria Robin George

By Aiden Paul, Grade 4 Kindergarten

Easter, Easter everywhere, in Easter I see a EASTER EDITION | ISSUE 1
hare, in the spring blossoming things, and
the birds just singing; we jump and run the
Easter egg hunt is almost done, and we all

had fun the day is done

8

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The True Meaning of OCT. 2020 | VOL. 1
the Easter Egg
Mark Maliekal
By John Maliekal, Grade 5
Kindergarten
Easter is one of the most important
Christian holidays of the year and eggs
have been an important part of it for a
long time, but why?
Easter eggs are said to symbolize new
life, with the hard shell representing the
sealed tomb and the cracking of the
shell representing the tomb opening and
Jesus resurrecting from the dead. Later
on Christians developed different
traditions to do with eggs such as
painting and egg hunts. So friends, do
remember to find the true meaning of
Easter in every Easter Egg.

Oh Jesus, Bright Sun of Love

By Maria George, Grade 9

Oh Jesus, Bright Sun of Love Oh King of Light and Lord of Love

Inflame my heart with Your rays of love Take my heart for Your own

Oh Radiant Dawn, Shining Sunbeam Oh Morning Star and Gentle Sun,

Fill my heart with Your holy light Make me meek and humble like You

Oh Brightest Day and Everlasting Light Oh Source of Life and Never Failing Sun

Fill my heart with Your holy joy Fill me with your New Life

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EASTER POEM OCT. 2020 | VOL. 1

by William Stephen, Grade 6 Nathan Albin

From His death on the Cross, to a Stone rolled away, Grade 4
Jesus followed all the way
If there’s something for us to revive
It’s the mind to know that He’s alive!

We, His flock, should always know
That in His love, we must all grow
Jesus, master, teach us all
To carry our Crosses, big or small

All Jesus wants is our perfection Kenrick Anish
He showed us this through Resurrection
We must abstain from all sin Kindergarten
For that we must remain in Him

In this season, learn to love,
Just like our Father up above
Jesus gives us one mere teaching
“Love one Another,” is what He’s been preaching

Jesus is alive! Yes, it’s true!
It’s not like this News is new!
In our Teacher should we abide,
Happy Easter, to you Far and wide!

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Nora George Life Risen Anew

Grade 1 By Kevin Arackan, Grade 11

Norah Albin I view my own life,
All past failures and mistakes,
Grade 2 And saw my null worth.

11 The Lord’s plan had formed,
Jesus from Master to Lamb,
He came down for us.

Sacrificial Lamb,
In Golgotha he fought sin,
For us he had died.

Unconditioned Love,
Light in the world of the dead,
He slept for three days.

The stone was rolled back.
The Guards could not contain him.
Jesus is alive!

He came to heaven,
Glorified by the angels.
Now the King of Kings.

I view my own life,
All past failures and mistakes,
God saw only good.

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CHRIST HAS RISEN!!

By Aaron Stephen, Grade 4

There once was a bunny, who lived in Jerusalem, named Benji. One day, he
was happily hopping on the dirt road. Then he heard singing and saw a
donkey roaming on the road. A shadow appeared above him and in a flash,
he was covered by a coat. Benji squeezed out of the clothing, surprised. Then
he saw a wonderful man peacefully riding a colt. This astounding man had
long brown hair and a beard. Benji admired the man, who was being followed
by lots of people. Benji was filled with excitement and leapt after him.

Benji had now been following the man for four days. Benji saw Jesus, as
the people called him, walk into an inn. Jesus was being followed by twelve
others. Benji hoped he could follow Him too! So he jumped after them. He
watched the group sit at a table. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it,
and gave it to the twelve, saying, “This is my body which is broken for you.
Take this all of you and eat of it.” Taking the cup, Jesus blessed it and gave
it to them saying, “This is my blood which is shed for many. Take this all of
you and drink from it.” Benji did not understand what Jesus meant about His
body and blood. Then Benji saw one of the men leave.

Benji waited for a while. He wondered
why the sad man had unexpectedly left.
Benji’s thoughts were broken by a chair
screeching. He looked up at the people.
Four of them were departing, including
Jesus. Benji leapt after them. Jesus and
His disciples came to a garden. Benji
watched as Jesus prayed. Benji turned to
look towards the disciples and saw that
they were sleeping. Jesus also turned,
saw the disciples snoozing, and walked
toward them to wake them. This
happened two more times until there was
a loud marching. Benji detected a crowd
led by the man who had left. Jesus was
taken away from them.

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Continued... CHRIST HAS RISEN!!

Benji bounced up to them and nudged a chief priest. The priest turned
and kicked Benji away. But bravely, Benji sped after them. Benji ran and ran.
He stopped and gazed at the soldiers mocking Jesus. One placed a crown of
thorns on His head. Another clothed him in a purple garment (the color of
kingship) because Jesus said He was the King of the Jews. Then they took
off the purple cloth and brought Jesus a cross. Seeing this, Benji became
scared and worried.

Benji stared at Jesus who was struggling to walk. He wished he could
help Jesus, though he knew he was small. Benji saw Jesus fall three times
with the cross on His shoulder. A man named Simon helped Jesus carry the
cross. Then Jesus reached the top of Calvary. Jesus was nailed to the Cross
while Benji sat helplessly. Then Jesus looked toward Benji with a merciful
smile, closed His eyes, and died.

A storm started to brew. Then, at that
very moment, Benji realized that Jesus was
God. Jesus was taken down from the cross to
be buried. Benji wanted to stay with Jesus,
so he followed the disciples, who were taking
Jesus to the tomb. After Jesus was placed in
the tomb, a stone was rolled to enclose the
tomb. Later, Benji saw a bright light. An angel
descended from heaven and rolled the stone
away. Then Jesus came out of the tomb.
Jesus looked at the faithful bunny and rose
to heaven. At this, Benji was overwhelmed
with joy and cried out, ”Jesus has risen!”

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Daniel Joseph OCT. 2020 | VOL. 1

Kindergarten Hazel Anish

Kindergarten

Irene Thomas

Grade 3

Aiden Biju

Kindergarten

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Jessica Reji

Grade 4

Joanne Thomas Isabelle Puthur Anto

Grade 5 Kindergarten

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TRAVELING BACK IN TIME TO THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

By Thomas Robin George, Grade 4

Our faith teaches us that the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ is important to our Christian faith. I have often wondered how it
would have felt to see with my own eyes the risen Lord after seeing him
die on the Cross and be buried in the tomb. We know that no one who has
died has returned from the tomb, except of course Lazarus whom Jesus
raised from the dead. So, I often imagine traveling back in time to that
sad and terrible time walking with the crowd a few steps away from Jesus
as he carried the Cross to Calvary - the site of our Lord’s crucifixion.

Oh! How much pain and
suffering he had to bear
and how heavy was the
Cross! I see the soldiers and
even people in the crowd

hurting him, pushing him
and mocking him. As he
reaches Golgotha I see him
being stripped of his
garments, stretched out on the cross, and nailed on the cross! I see him
on the Cross next to the two thieves. I see the loving Mother of Jesus and
the other holy women. I see John the disciple with Mother Mary. I hear
Jesus cry out in prayer to the Father and die on the Cross. It has
suddenly become dark and scary, the people are afraid, and they start
leaving in a hurry. Only the soldiers and the holy women and John and a
few others remain.

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Some hours later I see Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and a few others
carry the body of Jesus and later wrap it with linen and spices and bury
Him in a new tomb. They then cover the tomb with a huge stone. With Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary, I wait behind at the tomb not wanting to
miss anything. Sadly the soldiers come and seal the tomb and stand guard
in front of it and shoo us away.

I spent the Sabbath with Peter, John, and the disciples, and Mary
Magdalene. I sense fear and sadness in the disciples. They were afraid. Early
the next morning I hurry, following behind Mary Magdalene and the

other Mary. I know they are headed to
the tomb. There I see that the stone was
moved from the tomb that held Jesus's
body. I see the two white Angels shining
so bright that I have to cover my eyes.
The Angels were sitting where Jesus’s
body had once been. The angels then
told Mary that Jesus had risen. I ran back
with her to tell the disciples the good

news that Jesus had risen from the dead. When they heard this good news
they were amazed! I am with the disciples when Jesus appears to them. His
shining white cloak is as white as snow.
This is what I would have seen if I were to time travel back to when Jesus
had risen. The resurrection of Jesus is so awesome!

As I return back to the present time I am reminded of Jesus’ words to St.
Thomas - “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Yes, I
shall constantly pray to Jesus that I grow in faith and like St. Thomas, I too
can say - “My Lord and my God!”

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Austin Kuriakose Jesslyn Thomas

Grade 4 Grade 1

Irene Stephen

Grade 2

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Evan Alexander EASTER EDITION | ISSUE 1

Grade 5

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The Day I Saw My Guardian Angel

By Anna George, Grade 2

It was the first day of school. I was combing my hair and singing the song ‘Joy to the
world’. This is my favorite song and I always sing this song when I am alone. While I
was singing, an angel appeared in front of me.
The angel was a girl. She was wearing a white dress with a golden design. She had
blonde hair and beautiful white wings. Her face and body were shining. I was very
surprised and excited to see the angel. So I ran to my parents to tell them about
what I saw. But when I came back the angel was gone.
I am sure it was my guardian angel whom I had named Annie. I always wished to see
her and had told Jesus to let me see her once. But I never thought my wish would
come true. I am so happy that Jesus granted my wish and showed me the angel.

Thank you Jesus!

Joshua Johnson
Shine

Grade 3

Aleena Biju Ryssa Sunil

Grade 5 Grade 4

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Anna Mary Francis
Yellow House CML Lead

Movie Night

Make some popcorn and get your
drinks because coming soon is a
movie night! Tragedy strikes when
John falls through the ice on a frozen
lake. While doctors fear the worst, the
14-year-old boy continues to fight for
his life as his parents and their pastor
stay by his bedside and pray for a
miracle.

To know more, join us on the 17th of
April. Keep an eye out for the zoom
link to the event!

Maria Sebastian
Green House CML Lead
Prayer Meeting

CML strives to hold virtual prayer meetings monthly. CML started the prayer
meetings, so all CCD students can come together virtually and pray. The last prayer
meetings consisted of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Bible reading, reflection, songs,
thanksgiving prayers, and intercessory prayers. CML encourages all CCD students to
join. During this Lent season, CML is planning to have the prayer meeting on April
24.

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Jake Stephen CML News
White House CML Lead
Toiletries

CML ran a toiletries drive throughout the Lenten season. As the faith formation
students could not do it as a part of their CCD classes this year, we are collecting it
instead. The toiletries will be donated to a charitable organization. We are
encouraging everyone to donate.

Derek Joseph
Blue House CML Lead

Talent Show

“Your talent is God's gift to you. What EASTER EDITION | ISSUE 1
you do with it is your gift back to
God.” - Leo Buscaglia
CML is planning a talent show where
all of you can demonstrate your
unique God-given talents. You can
perform dances, magic acts, singing
performances, and other music or
instrumental acts. The admission fee
is $10 per person. All proceeds will be
donated to charitable organizations.
For more information, please contact
the CML leads and animators. A Sign
Up Genius will be posted soon for
registration. Talents are meant to be
shared, so we hope to see all of you
perform your extraordinary talents in
the CML talent show!

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Sarah Mathew
Red House CML Lead

“Word of Light”

“Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preach, and to teaching.” 1
Timothy 4:13. CML started the “Word of Light” Gospel Reading Program during
Mission Week to encourage all of the faith formation students to read the Bible,
hear the Good News, and spend time with the CML community. Every Saturday, we
join Zoom at 3:00 p.m. to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, read five chapters, and
play a short game on Quizizz to help us reflect on what we read. We have read
through the Gospels of Matthew and Mark and are currently reading the Gospel of
Luke. A Sign Up has been posted for the faith formation students, so they can sign
up to read a chapter. We encourage everyone to join and participate!

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RAISING HOPE

Raising Hope is an initiative to develop well-rounded individuals amongst
children and youth through social awareness and empathy for global needs.
The organization was started by a small group of families from our Church in
the year 2012. They started by assisting those local to their homes in India.
Over the last decade, the organization has grown with many more volunteers
since then and gladly welcomes students in grades 7-12 to join!
Raising Hope has taken on
numerous projects in both
America and India. Through
car washes, barbeques,
and many more initiatives,
Raising Hope was able to
give assurance and
stability to people across
the world.
During the pandemic, Raising Hope had to put a halt to many of its outreach
programs. However, it enabled them to help people in our own Church. For
example, RH began its tutoring initiative to grades eight and below in
December to help children in our Church during the time of online learning.
They have also still managed to help out in places like the Bronx in New York
by holding food drives. In addition to this, they have held food drives for
organizations such as Helping Hands. Also, Raising Hope continued to offer
their aid to Lisieuxsadanam which is a home for underprivileged children, and
Mariasadanam a home for the mentally challenged and elderly located in Pala,
Kerala.
Just like its name, Raising Hope has truly raised hope for those near and
across the world. It is truly an honorable charity and deserves to be
recognized for its prodigious impact.

https://sites.google.com/stthomassyronj.org/ccd/faith-formation-ministriesprojects

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CONSERVING WATER

WORLD WATER DAY
CELEBRATION CHALLENGE

Joel Pulikkan & Terissa Alex

Laundry Water Conservation

Use cold water when washing clothes Shower Drip drip. Oh no! You forgot to
because it reduces the energy needed. turn off the tap yet again! You
Try to cut your shower time by 5 quickly rush to the sink to turn it
Also, opt for a shorter washing cycle. minutes. Consider to turn the shower off off. How about when you decide
Only do your laundry when the load is while you lather up. to go and take a shower? After a
full because it saves water, electricity, tiring day, it is tempting to take a
long one. Maybe half an hour? Did
money, and time. you know on average in the US
we waste about 1.7 trillion gallons
Washing hands
of water a year?
Only use the tap when you need it. This leaves humans with only
a paltry amount of water that is
Dishwasher clean and drinkable. Also, it can
affect the local environment and
leave it with little to no stability.
It’s important that we start
taking notice of these issues now
and do the best we can to help

our mother earth.

Gray water Consider to only do dishes when you have In celebration of World Water Day
a full dishwasher load. If you wash dishes on March 22nd, our challenge for you
by hand use a basin to conserve dish
washing water. all is to find a way to save water!
Then, take a picture of how you do so
Gray water is water that can be used but and submit it using the form below.
isn't contaminated - like dishwashing, The best submissions will be featured
in the next newsletter so be sure to be
cooking, and handwashing water to water
plants. You can use 1 pot to cook your as innovative as possible. Have fun
meals because it saves electricity, gas, with this!!
and water.
https://forms.gle/rhz5s3Ye4oybbPwE8
WORLD WATER DAY, MARCH 22nd

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GREEN ARMY

The Green Army ministry would like to encourage everyone to prepare extra seedlings as they start
their home gardening projects this spring. Seedlings and produce can be brought to church and
distributed among our church community for a nominal price. The funds collected will be used to
support the "Hunger Hunt" initiative led by Chiramel Achan in Kerala. The green army team would
like to encourage and inspire all children to join the efforts for this noble cause. Pictures from a few
of our home gardens from last year have been posted here for inspiration!

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ISSUE 1 APRIL 2021

MYSTERY SAINT

"'Do you see this vessel, water jar, or whatever it is? Can it be called by
any other name than what it is?' 'No,' he replied. 'So also I cannot call
myself by any other name than what I am—a Christian.'”

Hello! I was a noble, wealthy woman from Carthage, North Africa. I lived
during a time when Christians were heavily persecuted by the Romans
under Emperor Septimius Severus. I had an infant son, and a group of
close friends, with whom I was imprisoned for my faith. I was known for
receiving visions from God. In one of my dreams, I saw a golden ladder
reaching Heaven. On every side of the ladder there were weapons like
swords so that if anyone did not climb up looking to Heaven, they would
be severely injured. At the bottom of the ladder was a huge dragon who
tried to scare those who went up the ladder. When I went up the ladder, I
saw a beautiful garden. Inside the garden was a tall man who looked at me
kindly and invited me over. That person was Jesus.

I was put to death with my friends at the games held in honor of the
emperor’s birthday. I was killed by the sword with my friend, and then we
both entered into eternal happiness in Heaven. I’ll give you some clues
about me. You will often see my name along with someone else. My feast
day is in March. I am a very famous martyr and I am one of the few women
who along with the Blessed Virgin Mary are included in the Roman Canon
(the Eucharistic prayer of the Latin Church).

I am St. __________ Answer on Page 28

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Newsletter Logo Contest
Calling all CCD students!

Our newsletter team is pleased to announce a new contest to find a logo for our
newsletter series. Through Faith Connections, we share faith-based articles,
poems, artwork, information about church-related events and activities. A logo
reflects the purpose of our work, so we need your help in making one that fits this
vision. More information on this contest will be communicated later on. In the
meantime, we can’t wait to see your creations, so start crafting!

Submit your designs using this submission form!
https://forms.gle/rhz5s3Ye4oybbPwE8

Mystery Saint Answer:

St. Perpetua

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ISSUE 1 APRIL 2021

Birthdays!

January

Liya Thomas Joseph Olakangil Aleena Dinker Anna Vellara
Austin Cherish Helen Joseph
Jeremy Thottathil Alphonsa Angel AnnaMary Francis Merissa Joju
Cyriac Kaniyarakath John Joseph
Jace George Athalia Kurien Ryan Jose
Ethan George Abel Joby
Raunald Sebastian Irene Kuriet Megan Thomas Emirose Thattil

Aaron Moloparambil Sara Varghese

Stevin Thondyil Jasmine Geo

Jayden Francis Hannah Eapen

February

Alina Mridul David Kannampadam Aaron Abraham Isha Abraham
Steve Mathew Aaron Stephen Jonathan Thomas Terissa Alex
Jesslyn Thomas Gianna Thomas Ted Kannampadam Nicole Michael
Jacob Mullur Norah Sebastian Emilia Kallarackal Sarah Mathew
Jacob Melvin Darin Primal Geo Kallacheril
Jithu Joshy

March

Maria George Nathan Joju Rose Maliekal Reeba Mathew
Jonah Thottathil Jayden Francis Joel George Neha Kunnath
Dominic Joseph Alyssa Simon Josephine Abraham
Norah Albin William Stephen Ethan Kallarackal Kevin Mathew
Micheal Pynadath Tania Joseph Elita Moloparambil
Kevin Jojan Jovita Joseph
Jacob John Amala James Elsa Joseph
Bryan George Ryan Purakal

Paul Satish

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ISSUE 1 APRIL 2021

Name: Date:

Easter Word Search
Can you find the easter-related words in the puzzle below?

UR AB B I TWP S XF DZ OY
S P R I NG L E F A MI L YA B
DC CZ A P R I L U Z N DM KC

BG R H Y CD A F F OD I L BH
ACUE O E E Z P UGB HR E I
S Z E GMCCH I WVB F R O C
KD S GV FOY ADQU OF D K
E HUS Q XR L P PONXZOY
T GNB O I AE AS P ND L F B
R WD J CY TW K T F Y F K H O
CP AR A D EW P E E X J Z AN
E WY O K I X T R A D I T I O N
QJ E A S T ER PV S K P J AE
TU L I P SG D I HUNTPY T

April Tradition Easter Happy Tulips
Daffodil Spring Bunny Bonnet Decorate
Eggs Chocolate Sunday Parade
Find Rabbit Chick
Basket Hunt Family

30 EASTER EDITION | ISSUE 1