Syro-Malabar Teens
Syro-Malabar Teens (SM Teens) is a pastoral ministry dedicated to the spiritual formation and holistic growth of children and adolescents within the Syro-Malabar Church in Europe. Rooted in the liturgical, spiritual, and missionary heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church, SM Teens accompanies young members of migrant families as they grow in faith, identity, and active participation in the life of the Church.
The ministry focuses on gradual faith formation through liturgy, mission awareness, community involvement, and guidance, in close collaboration with priests, animators, and parents at the Mass-Centre level.
Altar Servers’ Ministry
The Altar Servers’ Ministry is an essential part of the liturgical life of the Syro-Malabar Church. Children are trained at each Mass centre by appointed animators under the guidance of the Priest in charge. Many altar servers faithfully serve both Syro-Malabar and Latin liturgical celebrations, reflecting their commitment to the Church and their integration into the local ecclesial context.
- Patron Saint: St. John Berchmans
- Role Model: St. Dominic Savio
- Annual Celebration: Savio Fest (usually the first or second Saturday of May)
The Apostolic Visitator participated in one such celebration in 2019, highlighting the pastoral significance of this ministry.
In addition to liturgical service, altar servers take part in spiritual training and community life through picnics, pilgrimages, sports, and games.
Due to linguistic diversity, some children assist the Holy Qurbana in Malayalam, some through transliteration, and others in European languages. Despite these variations, the interest and commitment of parents and children towards assisting the liturgy is clearly evident. A common guidebook is currently under preparation for uniform usage across Mass centres.
Cherupushpa Mission League (CML – Little Flower Mission League)
The Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) was started in Kerala, inspired by the words of Pope Leo XIII, “The salvation of India is in her sons”, and the teachings of St. Alphonsa. CML provides children a formative platform to live what they learn in catechism through prayer, mission awareness, and charity.
CML in Ireland
- Inaugurated: 1 November 2021
- Inaugurated by: Apostolic Visitator Mar Stephen Chirappanath
- Due to COVID-19 restrictions, activities were limited during the initial period.
- In 2023, activities began again under the leadership of Fr. Joe Pazheparambil, Director of Children’s Ministry, focusing on establishing CML in all Mass centres.
MISSIO 2K23 – Mission Formation Initiatives
MISSIO 2K23 activities were inaugurated on 12 August 2023 by Bishop Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy, and the benedictory address was delivered by Bishop Mar Stephen Chirappanath.
- Animators were selected from all Mass centres and given training.
- 39 animators were trained from 33 Mass centres.
- Video and PowerPoint presentations were provided to give children an overview of CML.
Membership
CML membership is for catechism children who have received First Holy Communion (Class 3 to Class 10). In Ireland, there are approximately 3,600 children as members of CML.
CML helps children practice what they learn in catechism and supports both leadership and teamwork as part of their faith formation.
Formation Focus and Activities (2023–2024)
Theme: “Respond to His call, together into His field”
Key Aims
- Fostering missionary works through prayer and charity
- Vocation promotion
- Personality development (organizational and leadership skills)
Major Activities
- Mission Rays video programme on mission centres and missionary saints
- Online Mission Quiz (138 children registered; 50+ participated)
- Holyween – Saints Dress-Up Competition (50+ participated)
- Prayer calendar for departed family members and friends (November 2023)
- Advent calendar to prepare spiritually for Christmas
- Mission Sunday fund-raising initiatives in Mass centres
Children are encouraged to select a mission centre, pray for it regularly, and support it with charitable works. An online experience-sharing with missionaries is also being planned.
Growing in Faith and Service
SM Teens continues to grow as a formative and developing ministry, responding to the pastoral needs of Syro-Malabar children in Europe. Through liturgical service, mission formation, and community life, SM Teens seeks to nurture young people who are rooted in faith, committed to service, and open to God’s call.