St Mary’s Mission Sunshine Coast - Syro Malabar Australia

History of St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Mission, Sunshine Coast

St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Mission began in 2011 with around 30 Catholic families gathering in Caloundra to celebrate the Holy Qurbana, led by Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy. Over time, the Mission received support from visiting priests, including Fr. Tom Thomas Kunnumpuram, who conducted a retreat in 2013, and Fr. Bobby Vadakkel in 2014. Initially, services were held at Stella Maris Church in Maroochydore, but they later moved to St. Mary’s Church in Buderim.

In 2015, with the community growing, Fr. Peter Kavumpuram officially named the Mission “St. Mary’s.” This year also marked the initiation of Holy Communion preparation classes. On October 25, Bishop Bosco Puthur celebrated the first solemn reception of the Holy Qurbana and administered first Holy Communion to six children.

By 2016, formal catechism classes were introduced, starting with a small group of teachers. Since then, the Mission has been spiritually enriched by visiting priests from Brisbane North, including Fr. Abraham Kazhunnadiyil, Fr. Fr. Saji Valiyaveettil, Fr. George Mankuzhikkary., and others.

In 2022, the Mission reached a significant milestone when Fr. Tijo Puthenparampil was appointed as the resident parish priest. The Mission now holds regular services at Our Lady of Rosary (OLR) and Unity College Chapel, with catechism classes for 210 students led by 31 teachers. In 2023, “Unnesho Kalari” was introduced, offering religious engagement for about 25 children.

The Mission is home to various ministries, including altar servers (with 24 commissioned in 2023 and 12 more in 2024), music ministry, liturgy ministry, and a newly formed Mathruvedi group. The intercession ministry and Nurses ministry plays an important role in spiritually supporting these ministries with their prayers. The catechism department organizes faith festivals, Bible quizzes, and exhibitions with enthusiastic participation from students and their parents. A Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) helps coordinate these activities.

Currently, the Mission has 140 registered families organized into seven units, each with its own leadership team. These units meet monthly, where Fr. Tijo educates parishioners about the Holy Qurbana. The Mission is also equipped with liturgical items and statues, largely thanks to sponsors and well-wishers.

Major celebrations include the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the annual Lenten retreat. The Mission’s growth and success are attributed to God’s blessings and the efforts of trustees, parish council members, ministry leaders, and the staff at OLR and Unity College. Special thanks go to the generous sponsors who contribute to the Mission’s ongoing development.