About Us

1992 December is the golden day in the history of Vellayambalm parish. It is on that day from Palayam cathedral parish and Nanthencode parish a part was bifurcated to form a new parish by name Vellayambalam. The idea of a new parish blossomed on 17.11.1992 with the issuance of a decree by the then bishop of Trivandrum, His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Soosapakiam M. and the then chancellor Rev. Fr. Mohan C. Leon declaring to form a new parish in the name St. Theresa of Lisieux at Vellyambalam. It was actually the enthusiasm and determination of Msgr. S. Thomas then Vicar general of Trivandrum Diocese that paved the way for the establishment of the new parish and he assumed the charge as the first Parish Priest of Vellayambalam. The diocesan documentation centre, a hall primarily used as a granary, in the Bishop's House compound was availed to conduct church services until the construction of a new church for the parish.

To begin with there were about 165 families and roughly 700 members arranged in 9 family units. But at present the parish has grown with a population of ------ members in ---- families scattered over 12 BCC units. The families residing within a radius of 1 to 8 kms from Vellayambalam constitute the parish area. The parish boundaries run up to Thirumala, PTP Nagar, Poojappura towards East, Museum, Christ Nagar, Kanaka Nagar and Devaswam Board towards West, Edapazhanji and Vazhuthacuad towards South and Ambalamukku, SAP Quarters, Kowdiar etc towards North.

In 1996 the Trivandrum diocese was bifurcated to form the diocese of Neyyattinkara and Msgr. S. Thomas was transferred to Neyyattinkara to take over the new assignment as the first Vicar General of the diocese of Neyyattinkara. In his place Msgr M. Joseph became the Vicar general of the diocese of Trivandrum and Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Lisieux Church vellayambalam on 20th November 1996. His long cherished desire and enthusiasm resulted in the construction of the new parish Church. The parishioners also dreamed of a church of their own to accommodate all. The Most Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiam, bishop of Trivandrum granted sufficient land within the Bishop's House Compound for the construction of a new Church. Msgr. M. Joseph dedicated himself tirelessly to the herculean task of constructing the new church. On 3rd June 2000 His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiam M. the Archbishop of Trivandrum laid the foundation stone and blessed the newly constructed church on 26th January 2004. The church has a floor area of 450m2 with 2mts wide verandah on either side, where about 750 persons can assemble for worship at a time. It has a cellar with same area of the church which functions as a parish hall for the purpose of conducting catechism classes, seminars, religious meetings etc. Mr. Angel Moose designed the new church and worked as consultant engineer and Mr. E. M. Mathew was the Convener of the construction committee.

PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council is the apex body that oversees the various functions and activities of the parish. The various activities proposed to be carried out by the various forums are placed before the Parish Council. The approval of the parish council is mandatory.

Constitution

The parish council consists of 21 members with Parish Priest as the president. The elected members from BCC units, conveners of the three ministries, members of the finance committee, BCC coordinator, sister representative, KCYM representatives and a nominee of the parish priest are the members. 30% of the seats are reserved for women. The suggestions and applications of the units and developmental programme for the parish are placed in the parish council by these members. Parish Council decisions are communicated to the respective units. The Vice president, Secretary and treasurer are elected from among the Parish Council members. The conveners of the various ministries were elected from the representatives of the respective unit ministries. The duration of the council and ministries is 2 years.

The present parish Council members are:

1. Rev. Dr. Hyacinth M. Nayakam
2. Col. D'Souza (Vice President)
3. Mrs. Lida Jacob (DPC Member)
4. Mr.Angelmoose (Coordinator)
5. Mr.P. Manoharan (Secretary)
6. Mr. Ravikumar M.(Treasurer)
7. Mrs. Ancila Moses (Pastoral)
8. Mr. Joseph Marcelin(Education)
9. Mr.N.N. Moni (Social Action)
10. Miss. Shiny R. (Youth Ministry)
11. Sr. Mary Paul (Sr.Representative)
12. Mr. P. Augustin (F.C Member)
13. Mr. E. Harry (Member)
14. Mr. Augustinraj (Member)
15. Mrs. Jacquiline Vincent (Member)
16. Mrs.Vimala Aloysius (Member)
17. Mrs. Rita Jacob (Member)
18. Mrs. Mariamma Christi (Member)
19. Mrs. Leena Mercelin (Member)
20. Mrs. Claramma (Pious Asc. Rep)

Duties

The parish Council discusses the annual plan outlay and budget. It sanctions the necessary funds for the various activities, finalizes the reports on various projects, monitors the activities of the ministries and maintains the accounts of the parish and units. Thus it ensures the spiritual and material well being of the parishioners.

Finance Council Members

1. Fr. Hyacinth M. Nayakam
2. Mr. Ravikumar M.(Treasurer)
3. Mr. P. Augustin (F.C Member)
4. Mr. Cleetus Charles

Audit Committee

1. Jesudas
2. George Bastin