Parishes

Salesian Parishes – A Mission of Service

The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) not only focus on education but also serve through parishes, following the spirit of St. John Bosco. Salesian parishes emphasize youth ministry, community building, and social outreach, making them vibrant centers of faith and service.

Main Aspects of Salesian Parishes:

Youth-Centered Ministry – Special focus on children, teenagers, and young adults. Preventive System in Pastoral Care – Based on Reason, Religion, and Loving-Kindness. Active Community Involvement – Family support, catechism, and social services. Missionary Outreach – Helping the poor, marginalized, and those in need. Education & Skill Development – Often linked with schools and vocational centers.

Salesian parishes are more than just places of worship—they are homes of faith, hope, and empowerment, following Don Bosco’s vision of guiding youth towards a better future.

Our Team

Fr. Johnkennady Irudayam SDB
Fr. FerringtonPoobalarayen SDB
Fr. SusaiSavariannan SDB
Fr. George Fernandez SDB
Fr. Jude Muthuselvan SDB
Fr. SiluvaiAdimai SDB
Mr. Soundaraj

Reports

Parsish Sector Meeting

Parish Sector meeting was conducted on June 13^th 2024 at Bosco Maiyam, Pallithamam.  Twenty Salesian priest participated in the meeting. Fr.C.A.James, the parish priest of S.Pudur, Sivangangai Diocese animated the meeting. He shared about his experience in different parishes. He spoke about his experience in  forming anbiams and different pious associations.  After the animation, each priest shared about his experience in the parish. This meeting helped us to understand the people and how we need to guide them as a Salesian parish. 

Assistant parish priest Meet

Assistant parish priest meeting was held in Don Bosco Mat.Hr.Sec.School, Thanjavur on July 9^th, 2024. Fr.Suresh Felix was the resource person of this meeting. The main focus of the meeting was on parish policy and how to guide the catechism children and youth based on the Salesian tradition. In the group discussion, roles and duties of the assistant parish priest was clarified. The meeting ended with a fruitful sharing and group discussion.

Catholic youth meet

It was a wonderful gathering of the catholic youth of our parish.  A total of 65participants attended the meeting on August 17^th 2024.  The topic was on the “active involvement of youth in different sectors of our parishes”.  Fr.Martin Joseph from Madurai Arch diocese was the resource person. The youth were fully involved  and actively participated in the meeting. We are grateful to the community of Lourdes shrine Madurai for all the arrangements done  for this meeting. The discussions held during the meeting yielded significant improvements in our youth’s involvement in the parish activity. 

Anbiam Leaders Meet

The meeting was held on September 22, 2024 at AMSAM, Trichy. The anbiam leaders meet attracted 145  attendees from 11 parishes from Trichy province. Fr. Santiyagu Raja from St.Pauls seminary, Trichy was resource person. He spoke on how to prepare for the Jubilee year.  Participants understood their role in the church through discussions with the resource person.

Local Animations

We have decided in the sector meeting to have animations once in three months for the following: Anibiam leaders, Catechism teachers, and Altar servers.

This has helped the Parishes to have regular animations for them and to direct them properly. These animations  strengthened the rapport between the parish priests and people. 

1. Madhakottai Parish

• Anbiam Leaders Animation
  • Place of Anbiyam in Christian Formation – 13th October 2024 (17 participants).
  • How to Reach Out to Families – 12th January 2025 (20 participants).
• Catechism Teachers Animation
  • Understanding Children in Their Faith Formation – 19th October 2024 (13 participants).
  • A Catechism Teacher’s Faith Profile – 26th January 2025 (11 participants).
• Altar Servers Training
  • Altar Server’s Vocation – 9th November 2024 (22 participants).
  • St. John Berchmans as a Model for Altar Servers – 19th January 2025 (19 participants).
• Rectification of Marriages
  • 15 marriages planned before December 2024.

---

2. Kalavasal, Alangulam Parish

• Spiritual and Faith-Based Activities
  • Spiritual Retreat – 11th August 2024 (120 participants).
  • Youth Meeting – 17th August 2024 (8 participants).
  • Advent Retreat – 15th December 2024 (120 participants).
  • Christmas Celebration – 22nd December 2024 (80 participants).
• Altar Server’s Convention
  • 29th – 30th September 2024 (8 participants).
• Community and Leadership Programs
  • Village Leaders’ Meeting with Parish Priest – 1st January 2025 (25 participants).
  • Training for Catechists at Keela Eral – 22nd February 2025 (7 participants).
• Christmas Festivities
  • Marian Pilgrimage – 6th October 2024 (60 participants).
  • Christmas Carols – 16th – 21st December 2024 (All parish houses).

---

3. AMSAM Parish

• Anbiam Leaders Animation
  • Conducted every fourth Sunday of the month.
  • Special sessions:
    • Christmas Celebration – 22nd December 2024 (60 participants).
    • Visiting the Sick and Cleaning Homes – 25th October 2024 (20 participants).
• Altar Servers Training
  • Basic Training and Understanding Sacred Items in the Church – 15th August 2024 (60 participants).
• Rectification of Marriages
  • No cases reported.

---

4. Lourdes Shrine K. Pudur Parish

• Anbiam Leaders Animation
  • To Journey Together – 13th July 2024 (95 participants).
  • Good Shepherd – 17th December 2024 (121 participants).
  • Parish Feast – 2nd February 2025 (105 participants).
• Catechism Teachers Animation
  • Don Bosco’s Pedagogy – 8th October 2024 (34 participants).
  • Student & Teacher Forever – 15th December 2024 (30 participants).
  • Sanctifying Through Sacraments – 2nd February 2024 (31 participants).
• Altar Servers Training
  • Angels & Altar Service – 25th August 2024 (37 participants).
  • Practical Tips to Serve at the Altar – 26th October 2024 (22 participants).
  • Parish Feast – 1st February 2025 (30 participants).
• Rectification of Marriages
  • No cases reported.

---

5. Nettur Parish

• Anbiam Leaders Animation
  • md;gpa fiyj; jpUtpoh – 20th October 2024 (428 participants).
  • fpwp];jt tho;Tk; mioj;jYk; vy;yh md;gpaq;fSk; – 24th November 2024 (72 participants).
• Catechism Teachers Animation
  • Animation and Planning for the Year – 16th June 2024 (14 participants).
  • Evaluation and Teacher’s Day Celebration – 9th August 2024 (14 participants).
  • Recollection and Outing for Catechism Teachers and Altar Children – 11th January 2025 (12 participants).
• Altar Servers Training
  • Weekly sessions on Sundays.
  • Recollection and Outing – 11th January 2025 (26 participants).
• Rectification of Marriages
  • 6 cases planned before December 2024.

---

6. Pallithamam Parish

• Anbiam Leaders Animation
  • Conducted on 18th August, 22nd September, 10th November, 15th December 2024, 5th January, and 23rd February 2025.
  • Special topic: Importance of Organizing Anbiams (10th November 2024).
• Catechism Teachers Animation
  • Imparting Faith – 24th November 2025.
  • Additional sessions on 22nd September 2025, 15th December 2024, and 9th February 2025.
• Altar Servers Training
  • How to Serve at the Altar – 11th August 2024.
• Rectification of Marriages
  • 2 cases reported.

---

7. Therespuram Parish

• Anbiam Leaders Animation
  • Conducted every second Thursday of the month, focusing on Planning and Evaluation.
• Catechism Teachers Animation
  • Conducted every first Sunday of the month.
• Altar Servers Training
  • Weekly sessions every Sunday at 11:00 AM.
• Rectification of Marriages
  • 20 cases planned before December 2024.

---

8. Keela Eral Parish

• Regular Meetings
  • First Monday – Anbiam Meeting.
  • Second Sunday – Altar Servers Meeting.
  • Third Sunday – Catechism Teachers Meeting.
  • Fourth Sunday – Anbiam Leaders Meeting.

---

Conclusion

The report highlights active participation in various faith-building and community-strengthening activities across multiple parishes. These programs focus on leadership training, catechism teaching, altar service preparation, and marriage rectification, ensuring spiritual growth and parish development.

1. Sector Meeting: Animation on How to Form Lay Evangelizers

• Date: 18th June 2025 (Wednesday)
• Venue: Nettur
• Level: Province
• Program Focus: Training on forming Lay Evangelizers to spread the Gospel within the community.
• Expected Participants: 22

2. Training on Organizing Anbiams and Parish Administration

• Date: 2nd July 2025 (Wednesday)
• Venue: Manakkal
• Level: Province
• Program Focus: Educating parish leaders on efficiently organizing Anbiams and managing Parish Administration.
• Expected Participants: 11

3. Seminar on the Importance of Family Life (Regional Level)

• Date: 9th August 2025 (Saturday)
• Venue: Keelaeral
• Level: Regional
• Program Focus: Strengthening family values based on Christian teachings and fostering stronger family relationships.
• Expected Participants: 40

4. Seminar on the Importance of Family Life (Regional Level)

• Date: 10th August 2025 (Sunday)
• Venue: Madhakottai
• Level: Regional
• Program Focus: Reinforcing Christian family values and guiding families to live a faith-filled life.
• Expected Participants: 70

5. Christian Living Based on the Gospels

• Date: 5th October 2025 (Sunday)
• Venue: Madurai
• Level: Province
• Program Focus: Helping parishioners live a Christ-centered life by applying Gospel teachings in their daily lives.
• Expected Participants: 110

This annual plan outlines structured programs to enhance faith formation, leadership, family values, and Christian living across various regions and provinces.