SSKCFC Bulletin 2020 Issue 2

ISSUE 2 - St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, NY ST. STEPHENS CHURCH BULLETIN INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Vicars Desk 1 COVID-19: A Collegiate Perspective 2 A letter to CCD students 3 There is a 1st Time for Everything 4 My Time in Quarantine 5 Family Experience during COVID19 6 Upcoming Events 7 VICARS Thank God for His graces for not have- May the good Lord grant him eternal DESK n’t missed our regular Holy Mass & rest. Services at our church and I hope that Dear Friends in Christ, all of you parishioners were disposed Let us all prepare for the devotion to as we behave at the Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the month of In the midst of an unprecedented Holy Mass & Services extended online May, the month that the church has pandemic, many rituals and services to your own prayer rooms. Our kids specially devoted to her honor. We we hold dear were no longer possi- and the youth may be very much frus- are also fast approaching to the sol- ble at our valuable places of wor- trated in such a long period of lock- emn celebrations of our main feast, ship. Loneliness and stricken anxie- down. But I am happy that their namely the feast of St. Stephen, our ties were curbed within the four teachers engaged them through patron saint. In this crisis situations walls of our own residences. All ages online classes and home works and we may not be able to celebrate as of population whether rich or poor likewise spend time fruitfully. we planned to do so but we will have were open to the risk being affect- all our spiritual services as usual, ed. At the footing in this new terrain Our parish had a terrible loss of Than- possibly through online. of disaster, critical care population kachan Enchenatt at this pandemic swelled, and we aggressively pushed which we never expected so. He was a Devoting ourselves to the mercy of ourselves aloof from the surround- graceful man who always had smile in the Lord and praying for all those ings. Lots of things have happened his face and always cooperated whole seriously ill from our community and and the only thing that we can rely heartedly in all parish activities. I elsewhere, may God bless you all. on is on the mercy of our health know very much that he was spiritual- care professionals. It was like during ly prepared for his eternal reward. Fr. Jose Tharackal, Vicar the Revolutionary War George Washington took a chance and led his army across the Delaware River. This chance would have turned out horribly but it was a sacrifice George was willing to make. This like how all the health care workers of the world are making sacrifices knowing that you will also be affected by SARS- CoV-2 but you still do it out of the goodness of your hearts and I want to thank you for everything you all have done. Page 1

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin COVID-19: A COLLEGIATE PERSPECTIVE Amanda Saji Elavumkuzhippil “With the campus closed, students were essentially unable to retrieve the things they left behind in International Relations Major Student their dorms, ranging from items like clothes and textbooks to more essential documents like passports and birth certificates.” We are living in unprecedented times. It is almost un- because of the COVID-19 pandemic, college students fathomable that cities that never sleep could be so va- around the world were sent back home and have shifted cant, and schedules that were never adjustable are now to virtual modes of learning. Because our spring break eerily empty. There has yet to be an event in history ca- was just about to start, the thousands of college students pable of disturbing the everyday man to the extent that on our campus left Washington D.C. with only one suit- COVID-19 has displaced us from universities, work, and case fully expecting to return. The university announced the rhythm and procedures of daily life that we once just three days into the break that it was completely clos- took for granted. As an unassuming college student living ing for the rest of the semester. in the heart of American politics- Washington DC, the fact that a disease could bring a developed, hegemonic With the campus closed, students were essential- tyrant like the United States to its knees seemed frankly ly unable to retrieve the things they left behind in their dorms, ranging from items like clothes and textbooks to impossible. And yet, here I am- displaced from college, more essential documents like passports and birth certifi- quarantined at home and taking online classes as our cates. After facing a lot of public outrage, the university nation enters a battle like none other. hired a professional moving company to pack and store our dorms in a facility off of campus until the beginning The dichotomy between high school and college of the fall semester for no cost. This process was also is one that can’t be described. Regardless of how pre- documented via video, and all of our belongings were pared you think you might be, all freshmen, especially insured to prevent lost and damaged goods. While this those that go away for college, are entering a new world solution faced some backlash from the student body in which their paradigms are immediately challenged. community as a breach of personal space, it was the only The change can seem daunting when you are tasked with reasonable option the university had because inviting finding a completely new support system, completing thousands of kids back into the nation’s capital to re- classes amongst peers who are your intellectual equals, and learning that pressure to succeed only heightens. trieve their things simulta- However, the first semester is a critical learning curve to neously is not only an invita- find your stride and what methods of learning and sched- tion for the virus but also a uling work for you the best, which can then be applied national security risk. This for a seamless transition into the second semester. But method, in return, helped Page 2 facilitate social distancing and medical protocol while freeing up our dorms to cre- ate space for medical staff and possible COVID patients for the university’s affiliate hospital, George Washington University Hospital. While the continuum of the classes online has made it possible to complete our courses, it doesn’t mean online learning is perfect- in fact, it’s far from it.

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin Students have been shifted from in-person lectures and nomics professor honestly struggled for about a week to labs to online platforms such as Blackboard and Top Hat. figure out how to upload a practice problem. Contrary to As an International Relations major, the shift was rela- my experience, my friends who are Pre-medicine majors tively easy considering my curriculum was already heavi- struggled with the shift of trying to do in-person labs ly focused on lectures and participation, which are now online. For classes that are so interactive, this meant done through the Zoom App and lots of essays, which having to significantly alter the curriculum to remove are relatively independent. However, it’s important to parts that they couldn’t do online. My friends in EMT note that the quality of the transition did depend heavily classes were even advised to withdraw from the course on the technological savviness of the professor. and retake it next semester. While my International Business professor had no prob- lem figuring out how to conduct class-wide video chats It’s a challenge, but there is also so much to be with guest speakers like CEOs and attorneys, my eco- grateful for. Everyone is subject to the same situation, and people have shown an immense amount of empa- thy. Professors are lenient with their deadlines; grades have shifted to pass/fail, and friends are always there via facetime to share a smile or a laugh. And while this is far from my idea of an ideal freshman year, I feel incredibly blessed for safety, family, and a sense of togetherness that truly reminds me that this too shall pass. A LETTER TO ALL CCD CHILDREN AND TEACHERS Lissy Vattakalam Principal, CCD St. Stephens Knanaya Catholic Forane Church It has been over two months since we have met up. It is home all day may seem boring and difficult. It is even a very tragic period and hard for us to understand this hard for parents. But remember God has plans for all of state of Pandemic. COVID-19 came as a surprise and it is us and he has helped everyone to get through this. here to stay for a while. Do you all know what it is? Hope you are all enjoying this time with your parents Have you seen it on TV? Is it scary? Lots and lots of and filled this time with lots of love and laughter. Each questions come to our mind right? Don’t worry – your one of you should spend time with your loved ones, parents and aunts and uncles and friends are there to sharing joy, food, love, jokes, stories. This is the time to care for you during this pandemic. Together we shall all do charities and help whomever you can. learn to deal with this situation. You will have lots to share with your kids and grand children when this is all Once we are back, we will look forward to discuss all the over. lovely stories and sharing all the activities carried out by all of you. The Sunday classes and masses were a weekly ritual for us but now it has become something from the past. Since we do not know how long this will go on, we plan Now this situation is probably hard for all of us to under- to continue with the CCD classes online through ZOOM. stand. The Parents are also in the same boat. For some We will have classes on Saturdays and Sundays from this of us this might have felt like snow days in the begin- upcoming week until end of June when we will conduct ning, but now it is getting to be dreary and being stuck at the final exams before the summer break. I look forward to start meeting all of you virtually. Page 3

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin There is a First Time for Everything Lauren Vattakkalam Being a college student during the COVID-19 pandemic Physician Assistant Student has certainly been a unique challenge for many of us. As a student, it is my job to learn: learning a new les- achieve whatever they need to get done prior to these son in class, learning how to apply my knowledge to the study groups, which continues to “keep them in check”. real world, and most importantly, learning to adapt. When we walked into 2020, most of us did not expect In addition to the setbacks in going to class and study- to become students again, yet here we are. Today, the ing, another difficulty college students are presented world faces an adversity unlike anything it has faced with is the lack of ‘hands-on learning’. This deems chal- before, and now we must learn to adapt in order to lenging especially to health science majors (students of overcome. This is a very unique time for all of us, filled nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.) who require with both advantages and disadvantages, especially for travelling to clinics and hospitals in order to acquire a students. large portion of their studies. There is so much that one can learn from what they can directly touch. The inabil- One of the biggest challenges to adjusting to the ity to do this now not only interrupts one’s learning ex- current global situation, is waiting. Although this is cer- perience, but also has the potential to delay the com- tainly a learning experience for students, it is the same pletion of one’s education. Some schools have switched for teachers as well. As physical therapy student, Gia over to online simulation to assure the completion of Medayil states, “the constant not knowing is scary, but these ‘hands-on’ hours. Nevertheless, many programs no one knows so there is nothing to do, but just live in (including my own) have chosen not to do this, as clini- the present. Overall though, I feel like this is a huge cal hours are an essential aspect of such programs. I am learning experience on everyone's part….we are learn- currently a fourth year Physician’s Assistant student, ing how to teach.” Gia reminds us that we are in this and the uncertainty of when I will be graduating defi- together--both students and teachers; therefore, we nitely made me nervous when this pandemic began. must all be patient and trust in the process. However, after speaking to family and friends, I have been reminded that everything is in God’s hands, which As college students, one of the adaptations many of us is why there is absolutely no reason to be nervous! have had to make, is figuring out different ways to learn and study. For many students, not being able to meet Being a college student during the COVID-19 pandemic up with study groups has become an obstacle in staying has certainly been a unique challenge for many of us. focused and being able to correctly process information. However, it is valuable time that has been given to us by “How I see it, by going to the library with at least one God, for a reason. As a Catholic community, it is im- other person, we can keep each other focused,” says portant that we use this time to learn more about our- nursing student, Amrita Pullanappalli. Fortunately, we selves, our family members, friends, and even those in live in a world that creates and updates technology eve- other communities. God has given us this time that we ryday. Thus, the concept of studying with others is not must take advantage of, to be better sons, daughters, gone, rather modified. Many students still have their students, and most importantly, Knanaya Catholics. I study groups virtually, using programs such as Facetime feel blessed to have this time, to learn to be better, and Zoom. This allows students to stay motivated to each and every day. Page 4

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin My Time in Quarantine Alissa Cyriac Ackamparambil “I miss my friends from church, my CCD teachers, Lisy aunty, and my choir friends. “ 7th grade Student As of right now, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is cer- we students were confused, and gave us extra time to tainly a significant issue among us without a resolution. complete our assignments. Even though the whole pro- The coronavirus outbreak has led people to engage in cess was troubling, our teachers helped make it simpler. social distancing as a critical way to help “flatten the They took the time to stream live every day and to an- curve,” aka. contain the spread of the illness and keep swer all of our repeated questions. Our teachers unde- infection rates as low as possible. A quarantine simply niably went the extra mile to help us learn and thrive, means staying at home and avoiding all non-essential even with the unanticipated online learning hurdle. This contact with other people. Because of quarantine, our made online learning more enjoyable for us. family lifestyle, as well as the lifestyle of families around the globe, have changed. From a schedule that was One disadvantage of remote learning was having to rushed and hectic, COVID-19 has changed routines learn ways in order to maintain and keep relationships throughout the world to be calm and unhurried. It has, with peers from school. At school, we had the oppor- undoubtedly, been a great leap for us as a family, and it tunity to talk to and communicate with our peers. Talk- was difficult to overcome the anxiety and stress from ing with and relaxing with friends was a huge part of my the virus. However, our family realized that overcoming life. While in quarantine, my friends and I usually video the pressure and concern from the COVID-19 outbreak chat or call. We had to think of creative ways to stay in was the only assured way to enjoy and bask in the quar- touch and sustain our relationship. This challenge of antined time we had together as a family. keeping our relationship alive in the midst of this crisis helped my friends and I be closer than we ever could be School without it. We all learned to appreciate the smaller things in life. One of the guaranteed features of our routine was school. Our dinner discussions were often around the More importantly, the addition of online school eased theme of school. There were constant worries about our routine as a family. Before the outbreak, our morn- pick-up and drop-of, about grades and homework. ings were rushed. We had no time to fully eat breakfast, Mornings were pestered with drop-offs and breakfasts. and we all had deadlines we were held accountable for. Even though this was not preferred, it was our routine. After the start of online schooling, we found that we all That is when Mayor Bill DeBlasio dropped the bomb- were more relaxed and comfortable. We had the time shell, “the temporary closure of our school buildings”. I to eat breakfast together, something we had never didn’t know what to make out of the situation. “Would been able to do in the past. There was no deadline we there be school online? How would that work?” Then, I had to meet or time limit we had to achieve. This small pushed away all thoughts of online school to enjoy my- change itself made a huge difference in the rest of the self during Spring Break. Just like that, Spring Break was day, as our family was eased into the day and pleasant. over. Online school was starting, but I still had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, the teachers all knew that Even though online school could never replace the normal schooling experience, our teachers and friends Page 5 helped us get through this blockade. Quarantined Activities I thought that quarantine would be boring. It turned out to be everything except that. During quarantine, I realized that this was the time to pursue activities I would have pushed away in the past due to time limits. Normally, I had time to finish my homework, eat a quick snack, and then rush off to my next after-school activity. I didn’t have any time to pursue new hobbies. Currently, school is over by lunch, so I have a lot of excess time to

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin spare. To spend the time, I took up a new interest, cook- Prayer ing. I have been meaning to start learning how to cook for a while now, and this was the perfect excuse. I made Not being able to go to church each Sunday was unim- a number of desserts using recipes, which was both fun aginable in the past but is now the harsh reality. Howev- and a learning experience. They say that cooking is sci- er, our Achan, Altar Servers, and Choir help the congre- ence in its works, and I truly understood what that gation feel like they are in Church. I miss my friends meant when I started cooking. The time in quarantine from church, my CCD teachers, Lisy aunty, and my choir gave me more time to explore passions and start new friends. My parent say that they miss the paripoda and hobbies. coffee! In addition to starting new hobbies, this time in quar- Conclusion antine has also inspired me to spend more time with family. Our family has taken this time to explore new This is not the first time the world has been through a movies, food, and games. We often have “Movie Nights” global trial such as this. Humanity has won through trib- where we make snacks and watch movies together. ulations in the past and I believe that we can come to- Quarantine altogether gave us a chance to spend quality gether and fight this disease with the help of God. For time with each other while doing something that we all each and every one of us, this is a historic event that love and enjoy. Moreover, my siblings and I grew closer happens once in a century, so instead of focusing on the with this time. I have two siblings and each of them was bad, let us focus on the benefits. This is not a personal equally as bored as I was. After school, I looked forward or regional problem but instead is a global issue. To to relaxing with my siblings and playing with my young- come out as victors in this fight, all people should unite est sister, who is now a toddler. I try to help my mom in spite of their differences. This is merely an opportuni- cook and help my dad with odd jobs around the house. ty to learn from the past and prepare for the future. This prompted a better relationship with both of my par- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of ents and my siblings. I had never had my family together death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”~Pslam for this much time. Staying together in this time of trial 23:4 strengthed the bond of my family. FAMILY EXPERIENCES DUE TO COVID - 19 now I know the importance of participating in mass , be- Hania Joy Nikarathil cause now we can’t even go to church or receive Jesus. I 4th Grade Student am really scared about this virus , and also I am very wor- ried about everyone in our community. I really miss our priest , our CCD principals , CCD teachers , and friends and family. We can all pray to God so that we will come Dear friends and family, we all know this is a very bad back and unite together in our community. To prevent time due to COVID - 19 , I hope everyone is safe at home. COVID - 19 Stay Home , Stay Healthy , and Stay Safe. This is the time where we are always praying to God to protect us and to keep us all safe from this pandemic. I know kids can't go to school , church , and cannot have CCD. This virus is very dangerous . I would say right now the whole world is in danger. This is the time we should get closer to God. No matter what we are all equal in front of god. Due to this virus I am able to spend more time with my parents. Now I am spending more time praying with my parents than before. Whenever my par- ents go to work I have always been praying for them. According to Psalms 91 (3-4) “ He will keep you safe Also all health care and essential workers so that they get from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. back home safely. At home I watch tv and video call my He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his friends and family. I also have online homework. Right care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you.” Page 6

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin UPCOMING EVENTS May 2020 Rosary Schedule : Time: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM May 22, Friday Youth Ministry Mareena Thottam Shana Vattakalam May 23 , Saturday Youth Ministry Mareena Thottam May 24, Sunday St. Mary’s Koodaram Shana Vattakalam May 25, Monday St. Stephen’s Koodaram Abraham Nedumthottyil Nisha Thallathukunnel May 26, Tuesday St. Joseph’s Koodaram Manoj Kavumpurath May 27, Wednesday St. Jude Koodaram Simmy Kandarapallil May 28, Thursday St. Antony’s Koodaram Simjo Edapara Maya Pulickathottyil May 29, Friday St. Thomas Koodaram Johny Ackamparambil Elsy Padinjarevattukulam May 30, Saturday St. Sebastian’s Koodaram Jopies Methanath May 31, Sunday St. Pius Xth Koodaram Sapna Pathyil Prince Thadathil Siby Poozhikunnel Joy Mekkattil Ancy Chilampath Xavior Pathyil Annie Pulloorkunnel SSKCFC Bulletin Fr. Jose Tharackal, Vicar EDITORIAL Anoop Mukalel, P.R.O. BOARD Abraham Thervalakattayil, Simjo Edappara Page 7