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Prior to the founding of Sacred Heart, I attended catechism
at Holy Family, a Latin Catholic Church, in Inverness, Illinois.
Under the previous pastor, their catechism school was ranked as
the best in the United States for two years consecutively. The class
sizes were small and I was with the same group of people and
teacher until the sixth grade. They provided me many opportunities
such as being Jesus in reenactments in front of the whole
community during Christmas and Easter. I am forever grateful to
Holy Family’s catechism school for providing me a solid foundation
for my Catholic faith. However, they could not provide the
communal aspect of Knanaya faith.

must strive to live a pious lifestyle as he did. He taught me that we have to be a role model
for the youth in our community. My family and my friends have benefitted in multitude of
ways by having a community church. For my grandparents, parents, and older relatives,
not only are their religious needs fulfilled, but after the Holy Qurbana it provides them the
social aspect that they missed from back home. For my sister and younger relatives, cate-
chism classes have helped them learn what it means to be Knanaya and provided them
many leadership, volunteering and spiritual enrichment opportunities. My sister and
cousins have greatly enjoyed retreats organized by our parish. Programs such as Bible
quiz, religious youth festivals, and other programs not only have helped them with enhanc-
ing their faith but improved their social abilities. By having our own church, they have
learned Knanaya regulations such as the rule of marrying a Knanaya spouse or risk losing
membership.
As we are heading into the 10th year of our church, I am calling for a change from the
young adults and youth. A vast majority of the younger generation should actively partic-
ipate in events held by our church and attend Holy Qurbana regularly since this is the only
way that our church can grow. As time progresses we should draw more awareness about
our heritage and culture. We are the future of our church and we must maintain unity to
preserve our traditions and rite.

A seen from the procession of the main feast.

ZihÕc kvarXn 403