Pastoral Activities

Our parish was honored to send Uttam Kumar, our parish boy for the regional level Bible Mahotsav, th th held from 10 to 12 October at Navjoti Niketan, Patna. Eight youths from the parish actively participated in the youth retreat at Buxar held from th th 15 to 17 Nov,

Our Christmas celebrations started with carol singing in the villages, spreading Christmas messages, ‘Crib’ making by the parish youth, Christmas get-together with the school, domestic staff and the hostel children, besides reaching out to our Hindu friends and the government officials, sharing our Christmas joy with them, were the main highlights at Amolia.. At the Christmas Vigil Mass, our church was packed with people from far away villages. They all were filled with joy like the shepherds seeing Baby Jesus, Mother Mary and Joseph in the Crib

Fr. Alwin

Fund raising was aimed at in organizing Mission Mela on the 27 of October at Piro. After the solemn Eucharistic celebration, mela was conducted in the school premises, in collaboration with all the organizations in the parish. There were 6 games stalls, 7 food stalls, a religious articles stall along with lucky draw and trampoline. Along with the parishineors, school children also participated with full enthusiasm. In lucky draw, winners received bicycle, bag, casserole, bed sheets and clothes. The event that started after the Mission Sunday Mass lasted till 2:30 pm. A decent amount was saved as surplus, which has been handed over for the purpose of Mission Sunday.

Six couples were catechized, initiated into Christian faith and finally incorporated into the Christian community fully, through the ceremony of marriage rectification. The Jubilee Year, being a time of mercy, is attracting people from different backgrounds, to experience the joy and intimacy of God in their lives.

Regular confessions, carols and village masses preceded the actual celebration of Christmas this year too. The committed efforts by the youth are highly appreciated. A day of recollection organized in Rajeyan village was well attended by the people. Nisha Didi from Jagdishpur helped the people in their preparation, while Fr. Lourdu and Fr. Anil were present for the sacrament of reconciliation. The greater number of participation of the people in the vigil and Christmas masses added greater joy in our hearts. The Christmas fete mood remained colourful throughout the day. Sharing the Christmas joy, 50 desperately poor, mostly widows and differently-abled, were identified and were given of a blanket each and a sack of grains as Christmas gift. Their face reflected the true Christmas joy.

Fr. Anil

The parishioners were delighted and passionate in decorating the campus and church. They prepared the crib and the youth went around all the Christian families singing carols led by Bro. Siluvainathan SJ. The Vigil Mass was followed by cake cutting, dance, and carol singing till late night. Parishioners came in big numbers for the midnight Eucharistic celebration. After the liturgy everyone participated in singing and dancing around the bonfire. Fr. Kootinal SJ offered the Mass on 1 January and delivered a beautiful homily.

After the Diwali celebrations in the schools both the campuses were decked up with a lot of theme decorations for the mega event MAGIS – 2024, ARA. All the arrangements show-cased the best in Ara youth and their immense potential. The three days of fun and frolic, singing and dancing mixed with learning and interaction among the Catholic youth from different dioceses of Bihar, numbering about 250 of them, were highly appreciated by the youth themselves. They went back energized and empowered, joy writ large on their faces. The devotion with which they prepared and participated in the Eucharist each day, led by Bp. James Shekhar, Fr. Provincial, Vimal Kishore SJ and Fr. Bosco SJ indicated their commitment and faith. The Rosary Procession, with lighted candles carrying the statue of Our Lady, on the penultimate day helped to deepen their Marian devotion. Br. Siluvai, SJ definitely deserve a pat on his back for the way he involved the youth and got their whole hearted support in the planning and execution of this mega event. Kudos to Fr. Antony Prakash, SJ the Youth Commission Chair and his team for the way they mingled with the youth to inspire and guide them to bring out the best in them. An event that will be written in golden letters in the history of Ara Parish, for sure!

Fr. Francis Pali, SJ

It was a big occasion at Christmas to assemble the youth and the parishioners to proclaim the message of God being with us in the villages th through carol singing. On 25 during the day there was an in-flaw of visitors and curious onlookers to the campus. The parish members stayed around the campus to distribute Prasad, communicate the message and to manage the crowd. The security personnel were equally on board with us and stayed the whole day ensuring peace and harmony.

We can definitely say that Child Jesus, the Prince of peace was the reason and source behind those who allowed things to go peacefully. Hail the Emmanuel!

While the parishioners, sisters and teachers went for the carol singing in different villages from 16 to 23 December, Christmas in the school was celebrated on 21 of December. After an impressive Christmas play, cakes were distributed among the students. They were very happy as Santa distributed sweets to them. After sending the students, teachers exchanged wishes and gifts to their Christmas friends. Refreshment was given to the teachers and all staff members.

Sr. Daniya, Cfmss