SSKCFC Bulletin 2020 Issue 3

ISSUE 3 - St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, NY ST. STEPHENS CHURCH BULLETIN INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Vicars Desk 1 This too shall pass 1 High School Graduates 4 College Graduates 5 CCD Updates 8 VICARS kind did overcome those situations and continued building beautiful houses of worships and kept up faith DESK and dependence on God the Almighty. Let us be one among them who clings to the almighty. Dear Friends in Christ, After all, ‘VIRTUAL’ graduations in the last aca- 2020 Spring, Summer and even Fall are all demic year, our kids are again back to schools and col- seasons those damaged all our projects in our life. leges for another cherishing year of study. Let us pray SARS -CoV-2 made us to retrieve back to our own ex- to the Holy Spirit that they may be enlightened and istence and even made us to ask an existential ques- blessed in their studies at schools and colleges. We may tion ‘how insignificant man’s life is’. A ‘VIRUS’ which commend our prayers for all seeking good jobs to de- we cannot see with our naked eyes put us all human velop their careers. being here on earth to a standstill. Standing helpless, we were compelled to bid goodbye to thousands of Let us offer our unceasing prayers to the our dear ones on all these days. What a terrific pan- ‘ALMIGHTY’ so that preventive measures may be soon demic situation? Few even asked where is the God to be available to overcome attacks of the corona virus whom we pray? The only answer is in the thoughts of and these artificial ways of life may soon end and be the Thomas Alva Edison, a great scientist who said, back to our normal life. Prepare ourselves to intercede ‘the author behind the celestial system is not one to Blessed Virgin Mary, our heavenly mother on her among us but a ‘CAUSE’ that we cannot speculate’. birthday, September 8th. When we look back to the history of mankind there were numerous pandemic situations and still man- May the Good Lord bless you all.. Fr. Jose Tharackal, Vicar THIS TOO SHALL PASS Benzy Thomas “Holding the hands of those patients who were facing Thervalakattayil, DNP death and being part of saving those lives were the most rewarding experiences of my career and I realized, once again, that my profession matters” Spring has bloomed outside my hospital, but I have not nervous, but with my loving family on my side, I made a had time to notice. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, conscious effort to remain positive. Every night, I said a things really changed. It is difficult to describe my days; prayer that was rooted in my faith: “God, please do not we were never prepared for anything like this. My jour- make me sick, as I want to return to work in the morning ney during the pandemic was my toughest, at the same to take care of my patients.” God heard my humble re- time my greatest experience ever. I wanted to be there quest. Do I want to change my life’s direction? No, not in for my patients, to support them, to save them. It was a a heartbeat! I am a nurse practitioner, and never before long, emotional journey, and I admit that I was a little have I been prouder of what I do. Page 1

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin THIS TOO SHALL PASS As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, daily, ed for patients who were going home. There was nothing health-care workers on the frontline show that real-life more beautiful than seeing them reunite with their fami- superheroes walk among us. And they are not just on the lies. That is why our health-care heroes put themselves frontline; they are the last line of defense. COVID-19 is on the line every day to care for COVID-19 patients. Our not a kind disease, and witnessing its destruction some- hospital played “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles times became too close and personal. Being a health- over the loudspeaker when a COVID-19 patient was dis- care provider during the pandemic was extremely hard, charged. The hospital staff appreciated these bright spots but the hardest part was encountering extremely sick throughout the day, which were tremendously moti- patients who were all alone. The health-care workers vating and inspiring, even though the prospects were became their families, holding their hands, crying with unknown and there was much distress and despair in the them, laughing with them, and virtually connecting them hospital as well as the community. The lyrics “Here with loved ones. In some cases, families had to say their comes the sun” mean that a promising new beginning, a final goodbyes to their loved ones over the phone. It was new chance, something to look forward to. stressful, it was depressing. No matter how much experi- ence we have, no matter how well-trained we are, we are human beings with emotions just like anyone else. The death of a patient is something we all dread. I was directly involved in managing COVID-19 pa- Our hospital filled up fast with COVID-19 patients. Every tients. I remember everything, but I do not want to relive unit became a COVID unit, and the ICU doubled up beds my experiences. Holding the hands of those patients who to accommodate more. The strain took a physical, men- were facing death and being part of saving those lives tal, and emotional toll on all of us. While the job may were the most rewarding experiences of my career and I have been tough, support counted - adequate resources, realized, once again, that my profession matters. When the necessary PPE, updated treatment guidelines, and making daily calls to my COVID-19 patients’ family mem- most of all, senior leadership who hand-delivered drinks bers - who were eagerly awaiting to hear about their and snacks. Yes, I had some of those protein snack bars loved ones’ status, particularly as some were in different to keep me going. I am very blessed to be part of a won- states - I was reminded that family matters. And, one derful team at my hospital. Programs such as Team Lav- day, as I held the hands of my COVID-19 patient while ender, our chaplaincy resources, and our broad range of his roommate’s body was still in the bed and looked at well-being resources were available to assist us in finding the fear in his eyes, I appreciated the fact that truth meaning, hope, and connection during those challenging matters. When I discharged my last COVID-19 patient, times. Everyone experienced the same emotions as I did; who had not been expected to live, the excitement on his we all rejoiced together, and we all felt sad together. face reaffirmed to me that life matters. There were good days and bad. Some patients made gains, while others faced setbacks. There was sadness in my days, quite a bit of sadness, and there was fear, fear of the unknown. However, along with the heartbreak were moments of joy, when we celebrated and applaud- Page 2

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin THIS TOO SHALL PASS That is why signs of support lined the inside walls of the people around the world. COVID-19 has stretched its hospital, a perfect road map through the hospital that long tentacles into our community. However, every ad- encouraged our healthcare heroes to keep going. Fur- versity is an opportunity to improve ourselves, and thermore, our local community’s support was over- COVID-19 has taught us that we have to change how we whelming. live our daily lives, including how we work, how our chil- Everyone working at the hospital had to take extreme dren are educated, how we interact and support each precautions to avoid contracting infection. We had to other, and how we advocate for the health and safety of pause to make sure we were completely covered by our ourselves and our loved ones. I am just glad that I was personal protective equipment (PPE). I was careful when able to take care of my patients; my family members, going home to my family, none of whom works in the especially my dear brother; and my friends, near and far. health-care field. I sanitized myself and put on new I appreciate those who reached out to me with grateful- clothes before I even left the hospital. When I arrived ness and words of encouragement. I appreciate even home, I underwent another process. My family offered more those who are staying home and helping to flatten me great emotional support throughout this journey. the curve. In honor of those we have lost, and in support Many days, I cried all the way home, and sometimes I of the health-care workers who are continuing to treat would wake up in the middle of the night from night- patients, I implore you to wear a mask or face cover to mares - I would hear my beeper going off for rapid re- protect yourself and those with whom we come into sponses and code blues announced overhead. My family contact. Apart from health-care workers, our other he- made sure to create a comforting environment at home. roes are those community members who follow the CDC My strong faith in my Lord and my prayers kept me go- recommendations while in public. I look forward to the ing in my efforts to make a difference in my patients’ day when COVID-19 is less of a threat. I hope and pray lives. that our brothers and sisters who lost their lives to the The months went by, and normalcy became a myth. Yes, virus, especially our very own community members, are we want to hold each other, we want to hug, and we safe in the hands of our Good Lord while we keep each want to stay close; we do not forget the good times in other safe here on earth. Sometimes we face difficulties the past when we shared our joys and sorrows and not because we are doing something wrong but because praised God together. Throughout history, infectious we are doing something right. Stay safe and stay diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses healthy. We will all get through this together… have taken a devastating toll on the lives and security of Yes, this too shall pass… Page 3

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin CONGRATULATIONS TO 2020 GRADUATES Name: Anand Abraham Pullanappallil Graduation: Herrick's High School Name of attending institution: Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston Future plan/goal: Major: Architecture. Become a successful Architecture Engineer and support my family. Name: Anisa Saji Orappankal Graduation: New Hyde Park Memorial High School Name of attending Institution: Seton Hall University, New Jersey Future plan/goal: Nursing program Inspiration: I am motivated by my passion for helping others when they can’t help themselves and I look forward to a career that is challenging, interesting and makes a difference in people's lives daily. Name: Jacob Tomy Madathil Graduation: New Hyde Park Memorial High School Name of attending institution: Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston Future plan/goal: Major: Mechanical Engineering. Become a successful Mechanical engineer, working for Space X and support my family. Name: Leah James Karipparambil Graduation: New Hyde Park Memorial High School Name of attending institution: Baruch College, New York City Future plan/goal: Actuary Science Degree. Name: Michael James Thottappuram Graduation: New Hyde Park Memorial High School Name of attending institution: Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston Future plan/goal: Major: Computer Science. Become a successful IT professional and help people around me. Page 4

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin CONGRATULATIONS TO 2020 GRADUATES Name: Samantha Joseph Karimpanachalil Graduation: Sacred Heart Academy Name of attending institution: Drexel University Future plan/goal: Pursuing a career in Dentistry. Inspiration: My inspiration is my family. Name: Shilpa Luke Pathiyil Graduation: New Hyde Park Memorial High School Name of attending Institution: Stony Brook University Future plan/goal: Major in Business Management. Inspiration: Communicating, understanding and leading others by example are some qualities that motivated me in pursuing this field. Name: Steffy Kuriakose Pariyathupadavil Graduation: New Hyde Park Memorial High School Name of attending institution: St. John’s University Future plan/goal: D. Pharm program. Inspiration: Passion to medical profession and connecting patients and helping others. Name: Annie Esthappan Kavumpurathu, MBA College: Mercy College Major: Masters in Business Administration Future Plan: Continue in the Human Resources department, specifically in the makeup industry. Inspiration: My inspiration and biggest motivators are my parents and my sis- ter who have worked very hard to be where they are today and have been there for me every step of the way. Page 5

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin CONGRATULATIONS TO 2020 GRADUATES Name: Apporva Shaji Meckattil, BSN, RN College: Molloy College Major: Bachelors of Science in Nursing Future Plan: Plans to work at a hospital nearby Inspiration: Inspired to choose this profession through her mom who has been a nurse for over 30 years. Name: Ashwathy Tomy Madathil, BS College: University of Science, Philadelphia Major: BS Health Science Future Plan: Perusing BSN degree from Thomas Jefferson University Inspiration: Motivation is family and satisfying feeling of personal accom- plishments. Name: Blesson Shaju Kunjammattil, BSN and RN. College: Concordia College, Bronxville Major: Bachelors of Science in Nursing Inspiration: Motivation is Mom and passion to help others. Name: Dr. Dawn Lukose Uthirakallumkal, MD Dr. Dawn has successfully completed 3 year residency program from New York Presbeterian Broklyn Methodist hospital. Name: Dr. Manual Stephen Puthupallimyalil, MD College: Woodhull Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine. Major: Internal medicine Future Plan: Working at Jamaica Hospital as a Physician. Inspiration: Thankful to My Lord Jesus Christ for all the blessings and my family for constant prayer support. Page 6

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin CONGRATULATIONS TO 2020 GRADUATES Name: Dr. Manu Chacko Pulickathottiyil, DPT College: University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Major: Doctor of Physical Therapy Future Plan: Future plan is to start an Outpatient PT practice Inspiration: My inspiration is my parents who have shown me that my goals can be achieved through faith, sacrifice, and discipline. Name: Jaime James Thottappuram, MS College: Baruch College Major: Masters degree in Information Systems Future Plan: will be working at Croweas an IT auditor Inspiration: Jaime’s inspiration is her parents who sacrificed a lot for better future for her and siblings. Name: Jeffin Kuriakose Pariyathupadavil, BS College: Baruch College Major: Bachelors degree in accounting Future Plan: Will be returning to Baruch for masters degree and pursuing CPA exam. Name: Joel Benny Poozhikunnel, BS College: Molloy College Major: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Future Plan: Currently working as a Tax Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in New York City. My future plan is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Inspiration: My inspiration to fulfill this dream came from the prayers of my family and friends. Name: Joel Tomy Uralil, MS Major: Graduated with a Master degree in accounting Future Plan: Working at Earnest & Young and pursuing the CPA license Inspiration: Inspiration is my parents and friends. Page 7

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Bulletin THANK YOU FR. RENNY KATTEL On August 8th, St. Stephens Parish Committee presented Fr. Renny Kattel, vicar of Christ the King Knanaya Catholic Church, New Jersey, a memento as an appreciation for his contributions and leadership to spiritually enriching activities to the Tri-State Knanaya Community. Parish Committee expressed well wishes for his new role as the vicar of Christ the King Knanaya Catholic Church, Dallas. On this day, Fr. Renny Kattel also lead the special mass for graduates. CCD UPDATES Lissy Vattakalam very interesting and fruitful for all. Each grade was assigned to one Parish in the US and our St. Stephens Principal, CCD Knanaya Catholic Church was assigned Grade 3 on “Receiving First Holy Communion”. We had a good St. Stephens Knanaya Catholic Forane Church participation and the feedback was great. Two of the 3rd grade students, Ashitha Thallathukunnel and During this Pandemic it has not been easy to con- Kaitlyn Kuzhiparambil sang beautiful songs and en- tinue the CCD program. However, with the great sup- lightened our class. port of our Achen, parish members, parents and teachers and students of course, the program was suc- We are ready to continue the online classes for the cessfully completed for the academic year 2019-2020 next academic year 2020-2021. This will be conduct- through virtual learning via Zoom. ed through Zoom again. We will have online registra- tions starting by 1st week of September and we in- In the month of July we had a 10 day intensive Cate- tend to have a virtual inauguration on 13 September chism programme organized by the Knanaya Region. 2020 via KVTV and start the classes by 20 September. This was for all grades from 1 to 10 and most children and teachers participated in this programme. It was SSKCFC Bulletin Fr. Jose Tharackal, Vicar EDITORIAL Anoop Mukalel, P.R.O. BOARD Abraham Thervalakattayil, Simjo Edappara Page 8