With a view to building up happy Christian families that constitute stable societies in the Diocese of Kalyan, the Family Apostolate was formed on 12th February 1992 with Fr. Varghese Manavalan as its Director. This department has been organizing multitudinous activities for the all-round Christ centred personality development of the youth aspiring for married life.
‘Remote Preparation for Marriage’ helps the youth to acquire clear and sublime views on marriage. The marriage preparation course is a three-day residential programme held every month at the ARC, Panvel. The department also conducts ‘Marriage Enrichment Programme’ – EKAM which is an ongoing formation service for the couples to help them strengthen their spousal love.
Another noteworthy activity of the department is the online Parenthood Preparation Programme which helps the couples to be good parents who, in turn, would train their children to lead an ideal married life. Apart from all these, the Family Apostolate arranges seminars on parenting where classes and discussions are held on the practical aspects of parent-child relationship and all-round growth of the children. Every year the Family Apostolate felicitates the couples who celebrate silver and golden jubilee of their wedding. Every year Family Apostolate conducting a Matrimonial Meet called Vaivahika Sangamam/ Bachelors & Bachelorettes Meet, a get together of prospective Catholic brides & grooms along with their parents an opportunity to evaluate many proposals in a single venue.
Under the leadership of former directors Fr. Varghese Manavalan, Fr. Benny Thanninilkumthadathil and Fr. Boby Mulackampilly, Fr. Shaji Parickappallil, Fr. Shaibu Paul Malethadathil the Kalyan Eparchy Family Apostolate (K.E.F.A) has made big strides in many allied areas of Christian family life in the Diocese of Kalyan. Also Fr. Siby Kochuveetil, Fr.Liju Irattakuzhakkal and Fr.Lijo Velliyamkandathil, Fr. Kiran Eluvathingal, Fr. Bibil Punnakathadathil, Fr. Danoop Chungath, Fr. Tony Kochuveethil, Fr. Jackson Attichirayil has made substantial contributions towards the growth of Family Apostolate as the Asst. Directors.
Under the patronage and guidance of Mar. Thomas Elavanal, presently the Kalyan Eparchy Family Apostolate (K.E.F.A) is led by the team of Fr. Paul Kunduparambil (Director), Fr. Joemon Kurushingal (Asst Director) and Sr. Caroine A.O (Animator).
FAMILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME
KALYAN KUDUMBAKOOTAYMA (KKK) 2024
Director: Fr. Paul Kunduparambil
Animator: Mr. Thomas C.M, Dapodi Parish
President: Mr. Babu Lonappan, Nerul Parish
Vice President: Mrs. Gilget Mathew, Panvel Parish
Secretary: Mrs. Twinkle Jayson, Powai Parish
Joint Secretary: Mr. Ivine Paul, Virar Parish
Treasurer: Mr. Richard Jose, Dombivili Parish
Executive Members
Mr. Biju George – Panvel Parish
Mr. Jaison Joseph – Dombivali Parish
Mr. Antony P.J – Nerul Parish
Mrs. Rose Shibu – Virar Parish
Regional Team
Central Region
Animator: Mr. Jose Mathew – Kalyan(w) Parish
Co-ordinator: Mr. Rahul George – Tikujiniwadi Parish
Harbour Region
Animator : Mrs. Bessy George – Nerul Parish
Co-ordinator : Mr. M. C Thomas – Panvel Parish
Western Region
Animator : Mr. Jose Chandy – Goregoan (E) Parish
Co-ordinator : Mr. Jojo George – Nallasopara Parish
Pune Region
Animator : Mr. Davis P. J – Bosari Parish
Co-ordinator: Mrs. Binu Mathew – Kalewadi Parish
Nashik Region
Animator: Maryland Francis
Coordinator: Jose O.J
Vision: To become witnesses to the Gospel by following the teaching of Jesus Christ, living a life of unity, prayer and sharing after the path of early Christina communities.
Mission: following the example of the early Christian communities, aim to bring about unity in the family, in the family units and thereby in the parish community.
Objectives:
- Fostering to strengthen Christian Family Bonds through active Parish Level Unit Meetings.
- Ongoing formation for the couples
- Imparting the value of the wholeness and sacredness of families
- Empowering the couples to face challenges and problems of family life in an effective manner
Activities Included to deepen Faith Formation and Community Bonding
- Couple Enriching Programmes (Ekam)
- Pre-Marriage Preparation Course
- Bachelor and Bachelorette Meet
- Felicitating Jubileerans 25yrs & 50yrs
- Pastoral Care Meeting & Celebration
PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT
Director: Fr. Paul Kunduparambil
Animator: Sr. Paulina MSMI
Mentor: Mr. Joseph John
Coordinator: Vinita
Elder: Rose Joseph
Secretary: Ann
Treasurer: Pinto
Media Co coordinator: Rijo John
Resource formation coordinator: Mr. Joseph John
Asst. Resource formation coordinator: Joel Chacko
NRP Resource team coordinator: Mrs. Rose
Outreach & Activism Coordinator: Rachel
Asst. Outreach &Activism Coordinator: Pinto Palouse
Prayer and intercession co-ordinator: Lismaria
Asst. Prayer and intercession coordinator: Maria
Vision
Proclaim, Celebrate and Serve the Gospel of Life
Mission
We, the People for Life, in response to the Gospel of Life, commit ourselves to Prayer, Research and Advocacy of the rights, dignity and sanctity of all Human Life from conception to death.
Activities of Eva Pro-Life Movement:
- Pro-life outreach program to Dioceses, Parishes, Colleges, Schools and various interested groups through interactive sessions and addressing challenging questions pertaining to the pro-life cause.
- Pro-life retreat for Adults, Teens and children.
- Pro-life awareness exhibition at various parishes and events.
- Monthly recollection and night vigil for the cause of Life and spiritual preparation of members.
- Crisis pregnancy resource under the name, ‘Garbadhriti’.
- Online and offline formation courses for deeper understanding and knowledge of the topics like prenatal and post natal parenting, parenting to early childhood etc.
- Active media presence through our Instagram handle named ‘Eva prolife’.
- Yearly penitential act in the form of a walk from St .Joseph’s church, Powai to Mother of Victory Shrine, Thane.
- Solidarity and collaboration with other pro-life organizations for conducting national level March for life.
- Pro-life campus ministry
- In house capacity building for Eva Pro-life team members
- ALIVE: Campus Ministry
EVA 2017
