“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20


The migrant Syro-Malabar Community in Bristol, from its early days in 2001, has placed great importance on the Faith Formation of the next generation. Since the inception of the Sunday School in 2004, the focus of our catechism classes has been to deliver Catechesis which is in accordance with the teachings of the Church, adapted to the call of times, and tuned to the needs of the students. Equal emphasis is also given to ensuring that the children are brought up in the rich traditional, religious, and cultural heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church.

The Faith Formation Ministry is directed and guided by the Commission for Catechesis of the Syro Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain.   – eparchybd (eparchyofgreatbritain.org)

“Catechesis,” Pope Francis says “is the echo of the Word of God.” Here, the Pope emphasises the relationship between catechesis and kerygma, the proclamation of the Word of God. At the heart of the kerygma is a Person, Jesus Christ. Catechesis, therefore, “is a privileged space for a personal encounter with Him.”

A strong conviction that Catechesis should lead each student to a personal encounter with Jesus forms the basis of our Faith Formation Ministry. Every aspect of the program is designed to ensure the children walk in paths that help them to experience Jesus in their individual lives. 

Ethos of our religious education

The ministry centres around Holy Qurbana and children are encouraged to actively participate and experience the presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Separate Holy Qurbana for students, special sessions where meanings of prayers and songs are taught, Word of God for the Week, and Children’s choir all contribute to enriching this spiritual experience. 

To enhance the understanding of children about our traditional services, the basic medium of teaching is chosen to be Malayalam with full explanations in English. Special focus is given to making the lessons lively and enjoyable for the students. 

We believe that forming a conscience based on the teachings of Jesus is the most valuable asset in one’s life and coming together and celebrating faith as one church family is the most effective way to preserve and hand down our rich and unique Syro-Malabar faith and heritage to the next generation. 

Delivery method

1. We follow the Syro-Malabar syllabus approved by The Synodal Commission for Catechesis of Syro Malabar Church since 2007

2. The catechesis starts with assembly and Holy Qurbana for children at 1.30 pm every Sunday, followed by lessons from 2.45 pm to 4.15 pm.

3. The academic year is from September to June.

4. Holidays are Easter (2 weeks), summer break (6 weeks) and Christmas (2 weeks), and the First Sunday of all Half-term breaks.

5. Assessments (oral/ written) are conducted in January and final exams are in June.

Catechesis team

Director: Rev. Fr Paul Olickal

Headteacher: Mrs Sini John

Deputy Headteachers: Sr Leena Mary, Mr Berly Thomas & Mr Joel Joseph

Teaching staff

Reception: Mrs Shaji Sebastian & Miss Ann Merlin Johnson                                     

Year 1: Mrs Sheby Jojo & Mrs Siby Vincent                        

Year 2: Mrs Ligi Thomas & Mr Binu Jacob                

Year 3: Mrs Mary Jose, Mr Joji Mathew & Miss Christymol James

Year 4: Sr Leena Mary, Mr Tonson Thomas & Mr Jerin Joseph     

Year 5: Mrs Beena Mejo & Mrs Mery Boby          

Year 6: Mr Berly Thomas & Mrs Nisha George    

Year 7: Mrs Beena Joji, Mrs Roshini Joel & Mr Jansen Roy          

Year 8: Mr Jomy John, Mrs Shiny Siby & Mrs Snoby Berly

Year 9: Mr Biju Jose, Mrs Molly Roy & Mrs Mereena Jose             

Year 10: Mr Rajumon Kuriakose, Mrs Shery Job, Miss Jacqueline Roy       

Year 11: Mrs Anita Phillip & Mr Joel Jose           

Year 12: Mr Stani Thuruthel, Mrs Blessy Chacko & Mr Jake Roy

Youth Catechists

Miss Aleena Vincent

Miss Jessica Vadhyanath

Miss Irene Raju

Mr Nivin John

Miss Carol Rose Saji

Additional Teachers

Theresa Mathew

Suja Rajumon

PTA

PTA President : Mr George Sebastian  

PTA members : George Sebastian, Joy Mathew, Mini Scaria, Boby Varghese, Jai John, James Kurian, Jasmine George, Joju George ,Shiju George, John Joseph, Micky John, Joy Matthew, Jolly Matthew, Shaji Joseph, Joseph Alukka, Roy Joseph, Lalamma Thomas, Linson Theyophin, Matthew Kurian, Rajesh Joseph, Siju Thomas, Tijo Naduchira, Tom Augustine

Administrator

Mr Renjith Sebastian