CALL ANNUAL FAMILY GET TOGETHER ON 2ND OCTOBER 2006 AT NEELAGARAI


CALL FAMILY GET TOGETHER


TABLE OF EVENTS FROM 2002

NO
YEAR
PLACE
DATE
NO OF
ATTENDED
1
2002
JOSEPH RAJ’s
RESIDENCE
CHENGALPATTU
OCT 2ND
10 MEMBERS
2
2003
GNANARAJ’s
RESIDENCE
AYANAVARAM
OCT 2ND
7 MEMBERS
3
2004
GNANARAJ’s
RESIDENCE
AYANAVARAM
OCT 2ND
6 MEMBERS
4
2005
SARA’s
RESIDENCE,
PALLAVARAM
OCT 11TH
10 MEMBERS
5
2006
EMMAUS
NEELANGARAI
ARMSTRONG
OCT 2ND
10 MEMBERS
6
2007

















































MONTH
DATES
NAME
JAN
19TH
21ST
22nd
MUKILA – (GNANARAJ) BIRTH DAY
GRACE & GNANARAJ WEDDING DAY
ANGELIS & SUSHILA WEDDING DAY
FEB
3RD
ANTONY FERNANDEZ WEDDING DAY
MARCH
10TH
10TH
11TH
15TH
26TH
JAYARANI (JEYASEELAN) B DAY
ANTONY FERNANDEZ
NITHYAMANI (TENSINGH) B DAY
MANO ALBERT (TENSINGH) B DAY
SUSHILA ANGELIS B DAY
APRIL
1ST
10TH
16TH
JOE VIMAL (JOSEPH RAJ)BIRTH DAY
GNANARAJ BIRTH DAY
CELINE (DHEESMAS) BIRTH DAY
MAY
1ST
5TH
20TH
22ND
22ND
GRACE GNANARAJ BIRTH DAY
JEYASEELAN & JEYARANI WEDDING DAY
TONY (DHEESMAS) BIRTH DAY
VANARASI – JOSPEHRAJ WEDDING DAY
TENSINGH – NITHYAMANI WEDDING DAY
JUNE
2ND
4TH
5TH
27TH
SHERIN ANGLEIS B DAY
SESAMMA – DHEESMAS WEDDING DAY
DR DEVENESAN (RITA) BIRTH DAY
AMUTHAN MENDALA(JEYASEELAN) B DAY
JULY
31ST
EDWARD TENSINGH B DAY
AUGUST
7TH
VANARASI (JOSEPH RAJ) BIRTH DAY
SEPTEMBER
1ST
2ND
6TH
6TH
7TH
24TH
M C MIHAEL B DAY
JEYASEELAN B DAY
RITA - DEVANESAN WEDDING DAY
JERRY RAYAN BIRTH DAY
JOSEPH RAJ BIRTH DAY
STEFI ANGELIS B DAY
OCTOBER
16TH
16TH
29TH
31ST
JOAN DEEPA (SARA) BIRTH DAY
SANTA MARIA (TONY) BIRTH DAY
JENNIFER – RAYAN WEDDING DAY
JOHN DIVYAN (SARA) BIRTH DAY
NOVEMBER
6TH
10TH
11TH
12TH
13TH
IMMANUEL (TONY) BIRTH DAY
AKILA BHARATHI(JEYASEELAN) BIRTHDAY
ARMSTRONG B DAY
SARA – ARUL WEDDING DAY
SNEHA (RITA) BIRTH DAY
DECEMBER
11TH
17TH
18TH
RITA BIRTH DAY
MARIA FERNANDEZ B DAY
M C MICHAEL ORDINATION DAY


NO
NAME
ADDRESS

TELEPHONE
1
ANTONY FERNANDEZ
OLD NO 11/NEW NO 23, SIYALI STREET, CHENNAI 600002
DYC
9444006334
2
DHEEPAM M I
11/7 POORANA THILAGAM CROSS ST, WEST TAMBARAM, CHENNAI 600045
YCW
22265132
9444330393
3
DHEESMAS D SILVA
NO 1 ANNAI TERESA NAGAR, THIMMAVARAM, 603101
DYC
27470540 9444028871/
28480357
4
GNANARAJ T X
OLD NO 9 NEW NO 17 APPA DURAI FIRST ST, AYANAVARAM, CHENNAI 600023
AICUF
044 26460659
944937659
5
JEYASEELAN A
25 BHARATHI NAGAR, GOVERDHANA GIRI CHENNAI 600071
YCS
9841979928
6
JOSEPHRAJ A
254/4 ANNAI THERESA NAGAR, THMMAVARAM, CHENGALPATTU 603101
AICUF
044 27426295
9443326295
7
MARIAN REV SR
PRESENTATION CONVENT, VEPERY , CHENNAI 600007
O44 25321753(CONVENT) 044 25322358 (SCHOOL)
YCS
9840218707
8
PAUL DOSS
ST PETER’S HR SECONDARY SCHOOL, ROYAPURAM, CHENNAI
YCS
9840289958
9
RITA DEVANESAN
NO 9, STELLA MARY NAGAR FIRST ST, THANJAVUR 7
AICUF
04362 239133
9443710133
10
ROYEN A P
2/869, MUGAPPAIR WEST, CHENNAI 600058

044 26245033
11
ROZARIO JOSEPH
PLOT NO 3 A, THANIKACHALAM NAGAR, C BLOCK, FIRST MAIN ROAD, PONNIAMMAN MEDU CHENNAI 600110
AICUF
044 25564039
12
SARA ARUL
2/49 VETERAN LINES, PALLAVARAM, (BEHIND ENGLISH ELECTRICAL) CHENNAI 600043
YCS
044 55903988
9444210097
13
SHEILA MARTIN
VARALAKSHMI FLATS, 13, KAVERY ST, RAJAJI NAGAR, VILLIVAKKAM, CHENNAI 600049
YCS/
AICUF
044 26503625
9840997999
14
XAVIER A L
19,MOTHER THERESA ST, SRINAGAR COLONY, SM NAGAR POST, CHENNAI 600062
IYG
044 66383080
9380009248
15
JAMES VICTOR REV
NARCHEIDHI NADUVAM, PATHINATHAPURAM, TUTICORIN 8
IYG
9443131231
16
ARMSTRONG
M 4 G 1, SURYA FLATS, TNHB FLATS, HOUSING BOARD TIRUVALLUVAR NAGAR MAIN ROAD, THIRUVANMIYUR, CHENNAI
YCS
9884022274
17
SELVARAJ X T
COMMISSION FOR LAITY, CCBI CENTRE, HUTCHINS RD 2ND CROSS BANGALORE 560084
IYG
9448357388
080 25498282
18
MICHAEL M C
ST SEBASTIAN’S CHURCH, NAGALUR POST, VIA ANTHIYUR
ERODE DIST 638 501
YCS
95 4256 261256
19
EDWARD TENSING
103, K PAGODA ST, CHENNAI 600004
YCS
9444248879
20
RAJKUMAR R J
4/39 – 1 ST, ST PATRICK CHURCH RD, 3RD LANE, THOMAS MOUNT, CHENNAI 600016 philip79@vsnl.net
ICMICA
044 22334483
21
PETER, REV
OLD NO 151/ NEW NO 66, LUZ CHURCH ROAD, CHENNAI 600004
YCS,
044 24988693

22
SUSAI RAJ

YCW
044 25555002
23
ANGELIS

AICUF
9381020149
24
LAZAR

AICUF
9841916736
25
MIRUNALINI F X


044 26184194






SUM UP OF THE FOURTH FAMILY GET TOGETHER ON 11TH OCTOBER 2005 AT PALLAVARAM, CHENNAI 43

The annual family get together of Christian Association for Lay Leadership (CALL) was held on 11th Oct 2005 in the residence of Ms Sara Christi, St Thaddeus cottage, 2/49 Veteran Lines, Pallavaram, Chennai 43. Members braved the heavy down pour of rains. The meeting was informally started at 11.30 am by introducing the members. The following members were present: Rev M C Michael, Dheepam, Tensingh( Nithyamani, Mano), Jeayseelan( Jeyarani, Akila, Amuthan), Antony Fernandez ( Maria, Santa, Immanuel), Gnanaraj ( Grace, Mukila), Josephraj ( Vanarasi), Sara Christie ( Arul, Joan, John), Armstrong and Rev Sis Marian.

Invited but Expressed Inability: Rita (Devanesan, Sneha) Tanjavur, A P Rayan (Jennifer), Sheila (Martin, Niranjan, Kathy), Susairaj, R J Rajkumar, Rosario Joseph (Mohana) Fr James Victor Tuticorin and Fr X T Selvaraj Bangalore

Assured To Attend but Not Attended: Xavier (Anne), Dheesmas( Sesammal, Tony, Celine), Paul Doss

After the customary exchange of pleasantries, a delicious lunch was offered at 1.00 pm. It was planned to have the regular sharing of one-year experiences at 2.00 pm after lunch. The children were kept busy by viewing Ten Commandments, Jesus, the revolutionary and other play CDs through Computer.

Gnanaraj explained the purpose and objectives of the gathering.
to make our children aware of the ideals for which their parents gave their precious youth
to be role models to our children
to share one year experiences, sorrows, agonies, victories, failures, ventures etc
to plan concretely where intervention can be made as individuals, as groups, as members of organizations, associations, movements
To revive and revitalize the link among the various catholic youth and workers organizations.

The sharing began with Gnanaraj. He shared his experience in organizing cash award to the 10th standard school toppers in Railway Colony Aided High School, Ayanavaram. The school caters to the socially and economically lower classes. To encourage the students, the office staff of Joint Office, Ayanavaram decided to collect cash donations to give two first prizes each Rs 2000/- and two second prizes each Rs 1500/- to girls and boys. The contribution from the office staff was overwhelming and poured out money to meet the cost of prizes and the expenses of the function. The dignitaries were officers from Railway and they announced cash award, personal assistance, and other material assistance to the school hitherto neglected.

Speaking of the school Sara Christie shared her experience about the syllabus and the life of teachers in catholic schools in particular and schools in general. The saffronisation of the syllabus is very evident from the books on Mathematics, History etc. The school authorities are pressurizing the teachers to impart the same to the students. No dissent is permitted with regard to syllabus. Further, the syllabus is increasingly heavier and tougher for the rural and socially weaker students. She also shared that the female teachers are openly harassed, abused, and ill-treated in the presence of students and fellow staff. Such acts of violation of fundamental rights of teachers are grossly taking place and in schools run by nun sisters. The male teachers of catholic schools run by male congregations are much free. Such extreme working situation exhausts the teachers and they return home totally tired unable to attend their family chores. This chronically affects the morale of teachers and students. Unfortunately, the teachers in catholic schools have no forum to represent their woes neither locally (within schools of the same congregation or locality) nor at the apex level (diocese level). The Teachers Guild is not functioning. There is no time for students for extra curricular activities.

Intervening the discussion on the tight schedule in schools, Jeayseelan, stated that there is still some space in the schools to expose the students to social realities. The existing facilities like NSS can be utilized to expose the students to the social realities. Also through environmental issues and human rights, education students can be taught the social issues. What ever taught as erroneously in the syllabus can be nullified with the supplementary input to the process of education. Short films on such issues can be made use. Incidentally, Josephraj has been making such short films on various social issues. To provide resources and opportunity to those teachers who want to expose the social issues these short films can be best tools. He stated that along with Josephraj have made some short films socially relevant.

Working as a teacher, Nithyamani Tensingh has undergone similar experiences like Sara. She recalled that many teachers in catholic schools run by nuns are undergoing untold sufferings. There are cases where teachers are publicly abused. When deputed to attend training programmes, the teachers are supposed to say yes and advised not to question the syllabus even if it is not relevant. At present, there is no forum to represent the grievances of teachers. However, no teacher would come forward to openly to air the grievances, as it would end in taking disciplinary action or even abrupt removal from service. Their condition is precarious.

Recalling his long association with friends in various movements, Antony Fernandez shared the works and challenges as part time secretary for laity commission of the archdiocese, executive member of catholic union and other church related associations and groups. The long and varied experience helped him to train the laity with special emphasis on women. One fact must be kept in mind while working within the church. Even the reforms will take decades to be implemented. If we were to involve in church related activities this reality must be kept in mind. Otherwise, we may get frustrated and dejected. That vacuum will remain for a long time and the opportunity to train youth and laity for long time will be lost. As a response to the issues raised by Sara, Nithyamani, Josephraj, and Jeyaseelan, he volunteered to revive and revitalize the Arch Diocesan Teachers Guild. Further, he also offered to utilize the short films made by Josephraj and Jeyaseelan during the training camps, workshops, and seminars to train youth, laity, and women on social issues.

Coming from a corporate environment of ICICI[1], Armstrong shared how he is engaged in activities to encourage the poor and disadvantageous students. He along with his friends, arranged summer camps for poor children for very small fees for two weeks. During the camps, students were taught mathematics and English as special subjects. Activated the students to perform street plays on social issues and issues most common in their locality. In addition, students were encouraged to write some ting on their life ambition. Encouraged by the grand success of the summer camps, “Sigaraththai Nokki” a program on counseling for the underprivileged was organized. To make involve professionals with the formation of poor students, he has caused the formation of a social think tank. Professionals from various occupations have volunteered to be part of this think tank. Among the students of MOP Vaishnav College, he helped the formation of community SMS project. College students are given weekly exposure of financial markets, organized leadership seminars, and corporate communication skills.

Ignatius Dheepam, with long experience in YCW[2] and CWM shared his experience first as an employee in a nationalized bank and as a social activist. In Kasimodu , a self help group for fisher women is organized for the last five years. This is to empower the women through self help. Under the scheme Rs 3000/ is advanced to a group of women to ascertain their credit worthiness. There after, the loans were arranged to sustain the growth. He expressed that progressive work within the church is not tolerated by local priests and it is essential that the work must be carried on out side the purview of the Catholic Church. If we were to keep fighting with the bad elements with in the church, it would drain our hope and energy. It is time to spread out and work for the society.

Josephraj with his multi various experiences in journalism, social action groups, movements, women’s groups, NGOs shared his new ventures on making short films used to create awareness among various audiences. He has been regularly conducting journalism workshops to create journalistic skills among the socially disadvantageous groups. He has to his credits a few short films and even won an award from among the NGOs for one of his short films. He emphasized the importance of visual media to create social awareness. The latest “sontha thaalangal” with Jeyaseelan is scheduled to be released shortly.

Jeyaseelan, further continued that the participants of the family get together are drawn from various organizations, movements, associations, and groups. They come with enormous experiences, which can be documented as a booklet to be used as inspiration for younger generation.

Josephraj agreed to the suggestion and stated that instead of a booklet, short films can be made with the persons, which would be more appealing and pictorial to the younger generation. These short films can be used as source materials during workshops, seminars, and meetings. One such existing short film on dalits and panchayat rights titled as “adimaigalin desam” has been very useful.

To wind up the experience and to reaffirm the basic Gospel values, a Eucharistic celebration was held. During the celebration, once again members shared their experience on the meet. ‘ a source of inspiration’, ‘An offering to God’, ‘like Jesus we should give us to the betterment of society’, ‘like attending a real BCC meeting against the soft coated anbiyam’, ‘offer everything to god in prayer and he shall answer our prayers’, ‘as source of consolation and sustenance’ etc.

Sara Christie and Arul offered thanks to Rev M C Michael and all the participants for having braved the rains. Arul praised the positive approach of MC and thanked him for being with us. The members thanked Joan and John children of Sara and Arul for their wonderful hospitality. They also wished birthday wishes to Joan Deepa and Santa Maria 16th October and John Divyan 31st October. Antony Fernandez suggested that all the members could go to MC’s place for the next meeting. However, no decision was taken about the next meeting and the venue. The date stands good as 2nd October. The members with their family started to leave carrying the memories to be kept alive until next year.

This is draft minutes and members are requested to return the draft with corrections, additions, and deletions.

With best wishes


(Gnanaraj T X)











SUM UP OF THE FOURTH FAMILY GET TOGETHER ON 11TH OCTOBER 2005 AT PALLAVARAM, CHENNAI 43

The annual family get together of Christian Association for Lay Leadership (CALL) was held on 11th Oct 2005 in the residence of Ms Sara Christi, St Thaddeus cottage, 2/49 Veteran Lines, Pallavaram, Chennai 43. Members braved the heavy down pour of rains. The meeting was informally started at 11.30 am by introducing the members. The following members were present: Rev M C Michael, Dheepam, Tensingh( Nithyamani, Mano), Jeayseelan( Jeyarani, Akila, Amuthan), Antony Fernandez ( Maria, Santa, Immanuel), Gnanaraj ( Grace, Mukila), Josephraj ( Vanarasi), Sara Christie ( Arul, Joan, John), Armstrong and Rev Sis Marian.

Invited but Expressed Inability: Rita (Devanesan, Sneha) Tanjavur, A P Rayan (Jennifer), Sheila (Martin, Niranjan, Kathy), Susairaj, R J Rajkumar, Rosario Joseph (Mohana) Fr James Victor Tuticorin and Fr X T Selvaraj Bangalore

Assured To Attend but Not Attended: Xavier (Anne), Dheesmas( Sesammal, Tony, Celine), Paul Doss

After the customary exchange of pleasantries, a delicious lunch was offered at 1.00 pm. It was planned to have the regular sharing of one-year experiences at 2.00 pm after lunch. The children were kept busy by viewing Ten Commandments, Jesus, the revolutionary and other play CDs through Computer.

Gnanaraj explained the purpose and objectives of the gathering.
to make our children aware of the ideals for which their parents gave their precious youth
to be role models to our children
to share one year experiences, sorrows, agonies, victories, failures, ventures etc
to plan concretely where intervention can be made as individuals, as groups, as members of organizations, associations, movements
To revive and revitalize the link among the various catholic youth and workers organizations.
The following points were deliberated:
The syllabus in the schools
The administration of the schools
The precarious situation of the lady teachers in the catholic schools runs by women religious
The opportunity to teach extra curricular activities, introducing the students to social realities
The opportunity to create short films on social themes and utilize them with students, laity etc
The revival of teachers’ guild
The catholic schools
The syllabus in the schools
Welfare activities for the teaching and non teaching staff
Association to express views and grievances – revival of teachers’ guild
Transparency in administration - minimum wages
Democracy in appointment –
Issue of appointment order on completion of stipulated probationary period
Welfare activities like group insurance leave facilities,
Setting up of diocesan level education committee
Separate committees for primary education and higher education
with due participation of laity, teachers
Establishment of community colleges under laity leadership in addition to existing one
Establishment of a technical college at diocesan level – e.g. Kottar Diocese
Ensuring at least one from each diocese to get a seat in St John’s Medical College, B ‘lore
Diocesan level registration of qualified teachers and on teaching staff from among the Catholics
As done now in Palayamkottai and Kottar dioceses
Routing of school level petty works contracts through diocese to Catholics of the locality, diocese
Petty civil works, uniform supply, tailoring work, supply of text books, text notes, stationary items, electrical and plumbing works, etc etc
Review of general economic well being of Christians
Surveys of economic status
Review of multipurpose society’s role in comparison with the diocese
Rejuvenation of diocesan level committees like laity, social and justice, non formal education, educational etc to inculcate the social messages of the Gospels
Inter acting with non Christian forums and educational institutions like educational counseling, personality and leadership development etc

To wind up the experience and to reaffirm the basic Gospel values, a Eucharistic celebration was held. During the celebration, once again members shared their experience on the meet. ‘ a source of inspiration’, ‘An offering to God’, ‘like Jesus we should give us to the betterment of society’, ‘like attending a real BCC meeting against the soft coated anbiyam’, ‘offer everything to god in prayer and he shall answer our prayers’, ‘as source of consolation and sustenance’ etc.

Sara Christie and Arul offered thanks to Rev M C Michael and all the participants for having braved the rains. Arul praised the positive approach of MC and thanked him for being with us. The members thanked Joan and John children of Sara and Arul for their wonderful hospitality. They also wished birthday wishes to Joan Deepa and Santa Maria 16th October and John Divyan 31st October. Antony Fernandez suggested that all the members could go to MC’s place for the next meeting. However, no decision was taken about the next meeting and the venue. The date stands good as 2nd October. The members with their family started to leave carrying the memories to be kept alive until next year.

I would like to thank Arul, Sara, Deepa and Divyan for playing the excellent hosts for the family get together.

With best wishes


(Gnanaraj T X)
OLD NO 9 NEW NO 17 APPA DURAI FIRST ST, AYANAVARAM, CHENNAI 600023 044 6460659 944937659
x_g_raj@yahoo.co.uk








My presence shall go before thee (Ex 33.14)

T X GNANARAJ IMMANUEL
OLDNO 9 NEW NO 17 , APPADURAI FIRST ST
CHENNAI 600023
DT: 06.09.2006
Dear friends,

I greet to you all in the name of Jesus, the liberator. For the last four years, some of the ex YCS, AICUF, YCW and DYC members who are still active in various social fields, have been meeting once in a year as family in the presence of Rev M C Michael, former YCS National Chaplain in the house of the members. This arrangement was made to rededicate us for the causes for which we spend our precious youth and as role models for our children. Our children ought to know those ideals for which their parents lived and we thought that such family get to gather will help them. For our convenience sake Oct 2nd was chosen as date for the gathering. This year also it is planned to hold the annual family meeting. I discussed with M C and he has agreed. Mr Jayaseelan has offered his house at Goverdhana Giri Avadi for the get together. I extend the invitation to you to participate in the gathering. .

Rev X T Selvaraj, Secretary, Commission of Laity, CCBI Centre, Bangalore and Rev James Victor, Tuticorin, besides M C Michael, former YCS National Chaplain will be attending as of now. In fact it is that M C suggested for inviting Rev Claude former AICUF National Adviser from Bangalore.
We cordially invite you join the family get together.

Date: 2nd Oct 2006
Day: Monday ( Govt Holiday- Gandhi Jayanthi & Vijaya dhasami)
Time: 11 a m to 4 p m

With regards and love

(Gnanaraj)


PS: NO 23 BHARATHI NAGAR, GOVERDHANA GIRI, AVADI,CHENNAI
From Avadi Railway / Bus station: on the way from Avadi to Poonamallee
62 Redhills to Poonamallee
Bus stop: Goverdhana Giri, 3rd stop from Avadi market
65 D Ambattur Industrial Estate to Poonamallee
Bus stop: moorhty nagar 2nd stop from Avadi market








â¡ êÍè‹ àù‚° º¡ð£è„ ªê™½‹
ò£ˆ 33.10
î£ «ê ë£ùó£x ð â 9/ ¹ â 17
܊𣠶¬ó ºî™ ªî¼,
Üò¡¹ó‹, ªê¡¬ù 23
ªêŠ 23, 2006
ï£ê«óˆÉ˜ ï£òè¡ Þ«ò²M¡ ªðòó£™ õ£›ˆ¶‚èœ!

êÍèˆF¡ ðô G¬ôèO™ ªî£ì˜‰¶ êÍèŠ ðE ÝŸK õ¼‹ º¡ù£œ YCS, AICUF, YCW DYC àÁŠHù˜èœ °´‹ðñ£è àÁŠHù˜ i´èO™ ݇´‚ªè£¼ º¬ø èì‰î 裇´è÷£Œ º¡ù£œ YCS «îCò Þò‚°ï˜ ðE â‹ C ¬ñ‚«è™ î¬ô¬ñJ™ Ü‚«ì£ð˜ 2‹ «îF î õ¼A«ø£‹. M¬ô ñFŠðŸø õ£Lð è¬÷ â‰î ô†CòƒèÀ‚è£è ªêôM†«ì£«ñ£ Ü«î ô†CòƒèÀ‚è£è ñ ñÁܘŠðEŠ¹ ªêŒò¾‹ ï‹ Hœ¬÷èœ ïñ¶ ô†Còƒè¬÷ ÜP‰¶ Üõ˜èœ õ£›‚¬è¬ò õ°ˆ¶‚ ªè£œ÷¾‹ Þ‚ °´‹ð Mö£ ãŸð£´ ªêŒòŠ ð†´œ÷¶.

Üî¡ð® Þ‰î ݇´‹ Ü‚«ì£ð˜ 2‹ «îF ªê¡¬ù, Aö‚°‚ èìŸè¬ó„ ꣬ô, cô£ƒè¬ó, â‹ñ£¾v â¡ø ÞìˆF™ ¬õˆ¶ ï¬ìªðø àœ÷¶. èì‰î ܇´è¬÷Š «ð£ô Þ‰î ݇´‹ cƒèœ °´‹ð«î£´ èô‰¶ ªè£œ÷ Ü¡¹ì¡ ܬö‚A«ø£‹.

«îF: Ü‚«ì£ð˜ 2‹ «îF
: 裉F ªüò‰F ñŸÁ‹ Müò îêI - Üó² M´º¬ø
«ïó‹: 裬ô 11 ñE ºî™ ñ£¬ô 4 ñE õ¬ó
õN; F¼õ£¡IΘ «ð¼‰¶ G¬ôòˆFL¼‰¶ Aö‚°‚ èìŸè¬ó„ ꣬ôJ™ Í¡Á A e ªî£¬ôM™
ñ£ñ™ô¹ó‹, M T H îƒè‚ èìŸè¬ó, ªê™½‹ â™ô£ õNˆîìƒèÀ‹, «û˜ ݆«ì£‚èÀ‹
îì‹ â‡ 19 «ð¼‰¶ GÁˆî‹ - C¡ù cô£ƒè¬ó,T D N F¼ñí ñ‡ìð‹ ܼ«è Þì¶ ¹ø‹
â‹ñ£¾v ªî£¬ô«ðC ⇠044 24490253 - F¼ ݇†¼
Ü¡¹ì¡ õ£›ˆ¶‚èÀì¡


ºAô£, A«óv, î£ «ê ë£ùó£x
H ° àƒèÀ‚°ˆ ªîK‰î º¡ù£œ YCS, AICUF, YCW DYC àÁŠHù˜è¬÷ ܬöˆ¶ õó¾‹
âˆî¬ù «ð˜ ðƒ«èŸè õ¼A¡øù˜ â¡ð¬î º¡ Æ®«ò ÜõCò‹ ªîKM‚辋
܉«î£E çªð˜ù£‡ìv 9444006334/ «ü£êçŠó£x 9443326295/ ë£ùó£x 9444937659


THE FIFTH FAMILY GET TOGETHER ON 2nd OCTOBER 2006
AT EMMAUS, NILANGARAI, CHENNAI

The annual family get together of Christian Association for Lay Leadership (CALL) was held on 2nd Oct 2006 in EMMAUS, NILANGARAI, CHENNAI hosted by Armstrong, Pauline & Oscar Romero. Members braved the distance form their residences and reached the place at 12 Noon. The meeting was informally started at 12.15 pm by introducing the members. The following members were present: Rev M C Michael, Dheepam, Jeyarani, Akila, Amuthan (Jayaseelan), Antony Fernandez, Gnanaraj, Josephraj, Sara Christie (Arul, John), Armstrong, (Pauline, Oscar Romero) Lazar (Desdemona, Emi), Angelis ( Sushila, Sherin, Stefi),

Invited but Expressed Inability: Rita (Devanesan, Sneha) Tanjavur, A P Rayan (Jennifer), Sheila (Martin, Niranjan, Kathy), R J Rajkumar, Rosario Joseph (Mohana, Rex) Fr James Victor Tuticorin , Mirunailini, Rev Sr Marian PBVM
Assured To Attend but Not Attended: Xavier (Anne), Dheesmas( Sesammal, Tony, Celine),
Unable to contact: Paul Doss
Emmaus is the residence for those diocesan priests who come to Chennai to do studies. It is a serene and cool place with lawns, meadows, circular training hall, small and compact chapel and residential rooms and cottages plus the refectory. It is located in Nilangarai, (ice factory bus stop, near PDN Kalyana Mahal, near Subiksha shop on the way to Mamallapuram, on the eastern side in the East Coast Road) , about 7 KMs from Tiruvanmiyur Bus Depot. Rev M C and Armstrong were first to reach the place ahed of others. Then Lazar & family arrived Thereafter, members started arriving dribs and drabs. The first programme was customary self-introduction. During the introduction, two new invitees, i.e., Lazar & family, Angelis & Family introduced themselves. In addition, Pauline, spouse of Armstrong and his son Oscar Romero were introduced. Members shared their personal details like family and their work area and how they are still contributing to the formation and social action at their own pace and resources.
Gnanaraj explained the purpose and objectives of the gathering.
to make our children aware of the ideals for which their parents gave their precious youth
to be role models to our children
to share one year experiences, sorrows, agonies, victories, failures, ventures etc
to plan concretely where intervention can be made as individuals, as groups, as members of organizations, associations, movements
To revive and revitalize the link among the various catholic youth and workers organizations

To encourage the children to exhibit their special talents Emi, Sherin and Amudha were invited to share some dance steps of Bharath Natyam. Mr Josephraj clicked away such memorable steps with his digital camera.

a delicious lunch was offered at 1.00 pm. By the time, special invitees Smt Saraswati Retd HOD, Dept of Sociology, Queen Mary’s’ College, Chennai and her husband Shri Viduthalai Rajendran, co founder of Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam arrived to share the lunch. At 2.00 pm, Mr Josephraj introduced them as humanists and non believers who are engaged in promoting human values in social life. Though CALL is a believers group dedicated to promote Gospel values, these two personalities are non believers yet engaged in struggle for protecting the human values specially of the oppressed and downtrodden i.e. Dalits and OBCs. It is sign to note because a good number of persons outside the church are struggling to uphold the human and secular values other wise in Christian parlance known as Gospel values of truth, justice, love etc. The sharing turned on the role and mission of EVR Periyar in Tamil Nadu. Shri Rajendran said that it is a good sign that many groups outside the original Dravidar Kazgagam, like the feminists, humanists, pro reservationists, nationalists, communists, socialists and even church groups are praising the role and mission EVR Periyar in Tamil Nadu. Thus, the legacy of EVR Periyar in Tamil Nadu has grown out of the party and has spread to many groups. At 3.00 pm, the personal sharing and the tasks before the groups were discussed.

1. As a continuance of the 2005 resolutions, the follow up of the case of precarious position of teachers in the catholic schools and the review of saffronised syllabus were taken for discussion. The revival and rejuvenation of Diocesan Catholic Teachers’ Guild is underway and three to four meetings were conducted by Mr Antony Fernandez. Regarding the review of saffronised syllabus Ms Sara Christie was requested to take photocopies of the subjects and send them to Mr Jayasilan to conduct a review for on ward transmission to Shri Rajendran for raising it in appropriate social and political forums.

2. For the current year, Gnanaraj suggested that Educational and Career Guidance in grassroots level is very essential. The catholic community of todays is not the same as it was a decade ago. Despite the official apathy and discrimination by the catholic educational institutions, the blunt refusal by the official church to face the existential issues of the catholic community, acrimonious attitude by the church on the poor Catholics, the catholic community on its own staggered and walking steadily. It has realized that the catholic children have to educate themselves and compete in order to be salt of the earth, light of the world and leaven of bread ( Matthew 5: 13 & 14) However, the parents, the children as well as persons at the parishes are not properly informed. Hence, educational and career guidance at parish/vicariate (cluster of parishes)/school for the catholic children is essentially needed. The Diocesan Laity Commission through the network of Catholic Renewal Movement of India, Catholic Union and other outfits can conduct such guidance meetings once in a month. The active participation of CRMI, CU and other outfits is a prerequisite.

3. The training for catholic women for self-employment is very much needed. The emerging women’s desk needs such training for creation of self help groups among catholic women. The Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation, Guindy offers free training courses for women entrepreneurs. Mr Armstrong volunteered to link the women’s desk with the Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation, Guindy. Mr Antony Fernandez is to coordinate the work for good results.

4. In general, entrepreneurs among Catholics is very rare. If the community is to sustain the economic gains achieved recently, it is essential that new and young entrepreneurs come forward from the catholic community. It is a boon for India that 47 % of its population is youngsters between the ages of 14 to 35. Such a feat does not exist in any other country in the world perhaps except China. However, the 80 % such youths reside in villages and need technical training so that they can be gainfully employed. The Business Processing Outsource (BPO) requires skilled youths to work.

5. To introduce the internet to the catholic community as a source of information and a source of livelihood
6. To sustain, guide and animate youth movements like YCS/YSM, AICUF, YCW, DYC etc through dynamic and critical intervention.

To wind up the experience and to reaffirm the basic Gospel values, a passage from the New Testament –Matthew chapter 5: 3 – 11 verses (Beatitudes) were read and M C reflected on these lines. When every one in society wants to compete and defeat others, here is a group of people willing to share and promote the human values. Such efforts do really have the blessings of the divine. For Jesus he went about doing good things among the needy during his corporal life. Two meaningful songs apt for the occasion “õó‹ «è†´ õ¼A¡«ø¡ Þ¬øõ£ â¡ °ó™ «è†´ ܼœõ£«ò£ î¬ôõ£: ð¬è Å›‰î ñùF¡ ²õ¬ó â™ô£‹ ࡠܼ÷£«ô î蘂A¡ø õó‹ «è†A¡«ø¡ “â™ô£‹ î¼A¡«ø¡ ⡬ù»‹ î¼A¡«ø¡ Hø¼‚è£è õ£›õF™ ï£Â‹ ⡬ù«ò àñ‚°ˆ î¼A¡«ø¡: HøK¡ ²¬ñ¬ò ²ñ‚è ⡬ù»‹ î°Fò£‚°õ£Œ” were sung by all. Ms Pauline sang the concluding song “∶¬í ï¡Á ∶¬í ï¡Á å«ó F¼„ê¬ðò£Œ õ£›õ¶ ∶¬í ï¡Á”.

Mr Gnanaraj thanked Rev M C Michael who despite his occupation as Parish Priest was wiling to travel and be with us inspiring. Further, he thanked all the participants who have made it and who could not make it to the gathering special thanks was offered to Mr Armstrong, Ms Pauline and their son Oscar Romero for hosting the meet. Fr Patrick and the caretaker of Emmaus were also thanked. Mr Antony Fernandez thanked Mr Gnanaraj for writing to all and contacting over telephones and finally caused us to meet and have a wonderful day. Mr Deepam suggested that all the members could go to MC’s place for a meeting. The date stands good as 2nd October. The members with their family started to leave at 5.30 pm carrying the memories to be kept alive until next year.
Birthday wishes to Joan Deepa and Santa Maria 16th October and John Divian 31st October.
This is draft minutes and members are requested to return the draft with corrections, additions, and deletions.

With best wishes

(Gnanaraj T X)
co ordinator x_g_raj@yahaoo.co.uk , 9444937659
[1] ICICI: Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India. A premier development bank now branched off to many activities on finance, insurance and loans.
[2] YCW & CWM Young Christian Workers and Catholic Workers Movement