Parish FamilyUnion
Family units are formed in the parish to foster the communion in the manner of Early Christian community. The whole parish is divided into 17 family units. Each of them functions under the leadership of its own office-bearers:
1. The President
2. The Vice-President
3. Secretary
4. Joint Secretary
5. Treasurer
and the committee members
Central Committee
A Central Committee is established to co-ordinate the activities of Family units at parish level. A parish bulletin “Sanjos” is published by the editorial board elected from Central committee. Parish level competitions and anniversary is also conducted by the Central Committee. The central committee consists of Chairman (V. Rev. Fr. Vicar – ex officio), Vice-Chairman, Gen. Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer and Committee members
Associations
A number of associations working under the guidance of St. Joseph Forane Church Vaikom for people in different age groups.
Vincent De Paul Society
St. Vincent De Paul Society was initiated by Fredrick Ozanam and his colleagues in 1833 in Paris. It mainly functions as a helping hand to the poor. A unit of St. Vincent De Paul Society was established in this parish by the inspiration of V. Rev. Fr. Francis Thachil in 1954. The members used to share their income for the fund. The well wishers also donate to help the needy. The help is given in secret to protect the face of the beneficiaries.
Women Welfare Services
The launching of Women Welfare Services at St Joseph’s Forane Church Vaikom was during the tenure of Rev Fr. Joseph Chakiiath. The activities of Women Welfare Services was officially started in 1961. These activities included visiting the sick, cleaning the church, and conducting seminars and other activities. Under the guidance of the parish priest, the members along with the animator sisters meets every month. Every meeting starts with rosary and after the rosary, they conduct classes and moderate discussion groups. WWS focuses on the welfare and growth of each and every women and their homes in general and the women and their homes of this parish in particular. The WWS participates in all events that are sponsored by the parish, the Forane, and the Diocese.
Akhila Kerala Catholica Congress – A.K.C.C.
A.K.C.C. stands for the socio-political and economical rights of Syro-Malabar Christians. It works according to the principles and directions of the Church. A unit of Akhila Kerala Catholica Congress works here in this parish.
D.C.M.S.
Although India is a non religious democratic country, on August 10th of 1950, by a special presidential order, the benefits that the Dalit community were enjoying were stripped off from those families who voluntarily chose to follow Christianity. To grieve and protest this unjustifiable ordinance, under the guardianship of social workers Rev. Fr. Joseph Malipparambil and Fr. Joseph Kochuparambil, and under the leadership of the founding fathers Mr. P.M. Marcos, Mr. P.C. Paul, Mr. P.R. Louis and Mr. V.J. John Avasa Catholica Mahajana Sabha (ACMS) was started at Kottayam in the school hall of Good Sheppard L. P. School of Vijayapuram diocese. ACMS was later known as Dalit Catholica Mahajana Sabha (DCMS) and it has the blessings and approval of SC/ST/BC commission of KCBS ( Kerala Catholic Bishops Council).
Department of Catechism
Catechism Department functions for the faith formation of the new generation. A Team of PCC members, Teachers under the leadership of V. Rev. Fr. Vicar works unanimously to train the students. As a preparation to Holy Qurbana, the hymns and prayers are made accustomed to the children. It helps the children to participate actively in Holy Qurbana. The selected Sunday Star ignite the Lamp and then the Priest starts the Qurbana. Offertory is conducted by each classes and groups. After the Holy Qurbana the Catechism Teachers recite a prayer. The Assembly starts by the Catechism Anthem and pledge. A saint is introduced by a student of respective class or group every Sunday. After the directions the students are sent to their classes. Every classes are named after a saint. All the students are categorized into 4 groups; Mercy, Jyothis, Jeevan, Shalom. Each group prepares a wall magazine every week and exhibit it on the notice board. Special programmes are being conducted on Onam, Christmas, etc. Annual celebration is conducted on every July 3rd.
C.L.C.
Christian Life Community (C.L.C.) was established by St. Ignatius Loyola. It works according to the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyoula. Christ is the basis and Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mediator. C.L.C. is a life style -Christian Life Community.The members of C.L.C. live in special devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary. It works on the motto “Pray, Study and Act”. C.L.C. unit in this parish was started in 1925. There are about 100 members under Senior and Junior sections. Seniors comes together and prays on Sundays after the first mass at 7 am. Juniors’ meeting is held on Saturdays after the mass of 7 am. C.L.C. members works actively in Christmas, Easter, Onam, Independence Day Celebrations. Their mission extends to seminars, blood donation, pilgrimage, etc.
Altar Boys Association
This is an association of altar servers. This loving and friendly association has its own goal and unique way of operation. It aims at the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of all youngsters between the ages of 10 to 18. The qualifications for the induction to the association are clean character, spirit of prayer, interest in the activities of the church, quality behavior etc. The members of this association are to be roll models by guiding and directing others following the footsteps of St. John Berkmans and St. Dominic Savio . They meet frequently under the leadership of the vicar and asst. vicar to receive directions and to execute them. They also actively participate in activities like camping organized by the diocese. It is a practice of this association to come to the church 15 minutes before the mass and lead rosary. They take attendance after the mass and adjourns after a short prayer. At present there are 35 members in this association.
Thirubala Sakyam (Association of Infant Jesus)
This is an association under the guardianship of Infant Jesus, of children who are studying in classes of 1 to 7 focusing on their physical and spiritual growth. “Let children help children; let children pray for the children” is their slogan. The prime goal of this association is to model after Infant Jesus and thus become exemplary children in the society. There are 110 members in this association. On Saturdays they make possible to attend the mass and receive sacraments of holy communion and reconciliation. They pray to Infant Jesus after the mass and distribute rice they brought from home to needy poo in the community. They also participates in the cultural activities and competitions that are organized by the diocese. Amal Jose and Emilin Sunny are the leaders for prayer and other activities. Thanks to the Rev. Vicar, Rev. Asst.Vicar, Rev. Sisters, and parents for their support.
