FAREWELL FOR FR. SAJY AND WELCOME TO FR. DARIS
Fr. Daris was appointed as the Vicar in charge of John Paul II Syro-Malabar Church Regina,Yorkton Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission and Moose Jaw St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission. He arrived Regina on July 28th at 9 pm. Fr. Sajy and the trustees welcomed Fr Daris. On July 29th, Fr. Sajy handed over the responsibilities of the church to the new parish priest and he was introduced to Ukrainian church officials and had discussion regarding the church contract. Fr. Daris decided to go in self isolation as he has traveled from Ontario.
Few of the parish council members were available to see off Fr. Sajy at the airport on July 30th.
NEW HOLY MASS SCHEDULE
During the self isolation weeks, Fr. Daris continued the online mass on Sunday. He welcomed all parishioners to actively attend the mass and other church activities. After his Quarantine, Fr. Daris resumed the daily mass and continued the Sunday masses. He offered his first Holy mass for the Public on August 2nd. Parishioners celebrated Fr. Daris birthday after the mass. Upon the interest of parishioners, two Sunday masses are scheduled to be held at 5 pm and 7 pm. More people have started attending the mass now. Pastor visited the Moose Jaw St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission on August 24th and offered Holy Mass for the Public. A good number of people attended the mass. Fr. announced that going forward, there will be regular monthly masses at Yorkton Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission and Moose Jaw St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission. After a long break due to Covid-19, Yourkton Community will have Holy Mass celebration on August 31st along with their Onam celebration.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MOTHER MARRY ON AUGUST 15
On August 15 th, Feast of Assumption of Mother Mary was celebrated with solem mass and "ladeenje", followed by Nercha. . Rosary was recited at 6:30 pm followed by Holy Mass at 7pm. The mass and celebration were coordinated by St. Mary's Family Unit
HOUSE VISIT, BLESSING AND PARISH REGISTERY UPDATION
Fr. Daris started house visiting and blessing the parishioners on family unit basis. All three family units will be covered by the end of September. People are very excited to meet their new priest and they are cooperating very well. Pastor took initiative for these visits to get to personally know each family and welcoming them to participate in the mass and other church activities. During the house visits, pastor is also collecting the details to update the Parish Registry and also getting people sign up for support fund payments on a regular basis.
PARISH COUNCIL AND FAMILY UNIT ELECTION
Parish council meeting with the new priest was conducted on August 8th. The meeting decided to have the election for the new family unit coordinators and Parish Council Members. House blessing visits will be completed by September on family unit basis. Suggestions to collect support fund was also brought up in the meeting. Holy Family Unit has already done their monthly unit meeting and election. St. John Paul and St. Mary's units meetings and elections are scheduled for in September.
CATECHISM DEPARTMENT
Catechism teacher's training session for the West region was held on August 22nd. Catechism Department of our Parish has decided to have another meeting on August 29th to discuss and decide methods to adapt for the reopening of Sunday School . During the Sunday mass Fr. Daris encouraged more youth to come forward to join the Catechism Department as teachers.
SMYM AND JESUS YOUTH
Official inauguration of SMYM and Jesus Youth for the first time in Regina was done on August 15th and an initial meeting was conducted. Nearly 20 members have joined SMYM and Jesus Youth groups. Parish priest is enthusiastically coordinating the Parish youth to actively participate in the church activities.
JUNIOR CHOIR
A new choir is being formed in the Regina Parish including the Catechism students and Youth. They will be trained to participate in the English mass which will be offered specifically for the children once in a month. Fr. Daris has taken initiative to train the choir with the songs and prayers. Children are already given preliminary instructions to learn the musical instruments to form a beautiful choir group.
Covid-19 Crisis Management Team:
St. John Paul II Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Regina has a very active COVID-19 crisis Management Team. They have raised almost $46200 through various Organizations and Projects. This money is being used to give aid to international students, new immigrants, disability, people who lost their job due to COVID-19 and anybody who is in need of help. During this time of uncertainty , their sincere help is well appreciated.