Objectives of our Sunday School
Our Sunday school takes care of the spiritual nurturing of the children, by bringing them up in the knowledge and fellowship of Jesus Christ. The classes are conducted and the Textbooks are prepared in English. The classes which range from Preparatory to 12th are divided into four main categories. 1. Bethlehem (Preparatory Classes), 2. Nazareth (Classes1-3), 3. Galilee (Classes 4-10), 4. Tabore (Classes 11 & 12). The Secondary level education concludes by 10th class and a certificate is awarded, Sunday School Final Certificate (SSFC) to the successful candidates. Higher Secondary course is for another two years.
1. Children raised in this program are taught the spiritual values of Orthodoxy and the rich customs and traditions of the Indian culture.
2. Our Sunday School, equipped with the latest and best teaching aids, a sound yet flexible curriculum, and staff by qualified teachers, has the following three goals:
3. To educate our children spiritually and morally, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the faith and traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Church
4. To develop in our children the habit of attending church regularly, studying the Scriptures, and participating conscientiously in the worship and sacramental life of our church
5. To cultivate in our children a Malankara Orthodox conscience and devotion to our ideals and to prepare them so that they become faithful and devoted dynamic members of our church, our community, and our country
This ministry is to provide a broad overview of the content, history and practice of our faith. We will look at the Scriptures, and very specifically at the Gospels, as well as focus on understanding the liturgy, worship and sacramental life of the Church. We will also discuss personal spiritual disciplines, stewardship, Christian moral values, the development of the virtues and faithful living.
Classes
Given that children may be of different ages in their classes at school, the Sunday School has grouped its children according to age to maintain continuity across groups. The minimum enrollment age is three years old and runs through age 18.
Hours
Students are required to be in the church building by 01:00 p.m. and remain until they have been dismissed by their teacher (usually around 01:45 p.m.).
Curriculum
The Sunday School curriculum is tailored to meet children’s spiritual needs across various ages. For the younger children, the curriculum tends to focus on the child’s individual needs and deals with Christianity in general terms. The curriculum flexes to the children’s interests and desires making the learning process enjoyable and fun. For the older children, the curriculum becomes more systematic, but drives the students to voice their own thoughts and opinions. The subject matter is primarily centered on the religious traditions in the Malankara Orthodox Church, but will frequently apply religious learning to real-world situations and events. The goal for our older children is to help them apply the fundamentals of Christianity in their life journey and everyday interactions.
Through the year, the Sunday School has the following activities :
Talent Competitions
OVBS: We organise the OVBS for the children of our parish each year with many sessions of classroom learning and multiple music/drama sessions. Our children enjoy the delightful songs, some intense learning sessions and unlimited food during these days.
Besides this, the Sunday School students put up effective presentations, wonderful skits and other performances at all important events such as the Parumala Perunal, Christmas, Parish Day and other such celebrations.
God has bestowed his blessing upon our Sunday School to play an important role in bringing up our children as spiritually oriented and morally upright citizens!
Activities
Student Dedication
The Student Dedication is held on the first Sunday of the beginning of the school year. A special service will be held and children will be able to participate in different parts of the service.
Sunday School Day
Sunday School day is a special service held on the first Sunday of November. Similar to the Student Dedication.
Ways That Parents Can Help
The Sunday School
1. Plan to be in church at on time. Arriving at church late is sending a message to our children that it is not important to be on time for God. Just as we must be on time for school, work, and social events, we should also be on time for church each week.
2. See that your child comes to class prepared with books, homework and reading assignments, etc.
3. Discuss the lesson in the car or at home and let them know that the lesson is an important one that needs to be remembered.
4. Practice the faith at home, observe fast days and schedule family prayer time. Children are great imitators – what they see you do, you will see them do.
Teaching Staff
The program is run by over 30 dedicated volunteer teachers and staff, many of whom are graduates of the program themselves. The staffs bring a variety of backgrounds to further enrich the Sunday School program. We are proud to have teachers who are very dedicated and exemplify Christian values. We are very proud of each and every one of them.
Our Teachers
| Head Teacher | Bincy Binu |
| Sunday School Secretary | Saju Chacko |
| Teachers | Pre-KG – Janet Varghese / Mariam Jomin KG – Nisheta Annie Thomas / Linda John / Mariam Jomin Grade 1-Roshini Bijo / Annamma Mathew Grade 2- Jinu Ajith / Elizabeth John / Leah Susan Thomas Grade 3-Susan Mathew / Shincy Varghese / Leah Susan Thomas Grade 4-Mereena Mathew / Ruby Jose Grade 5-Aneesha Thampi / Dia Mary Biju Grade 6-Rosily Biju / Laly Mathew Grade 7- Ditty Shain / Josheela Koshy Grade 8- Elizabeth Sunitha George Grade 9-Sasmol George / Jobitha Prince Grade 10- John Mathew / Nisha Kurian Grade 11- Rincy Joshy / Jobin Prince Grade 12-Bincy Binu / Sona Andrews |
| Cover | Deepthimol Jacob Mercy Chacko Abel Jacob Aaron Saju |