The Pastoral Milieu of Punjab – Rajasthan
There are 34 parishes and 17 quasi-parishes under the pastoral care of the CST Fathers in Punjab – Rajasthan.
The parishes are:
| Jalandhar Diocese | Jaipur Diocese | Ajmer Diocese | Faridabad Eparchy |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's Church, Moga | St. Thomas Church, Ferozepur City | Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Madar | Little Flower Station, Zira |
| St. Mary's Church, Faridkot | St. Mary's Church, Sikar | St. Paul's Catholic Church, Jaisalmer | Little Flower Syro-Malabar Station, Sadiq |
| Little Flower Church, Guruharsahai | Little Flower Church, Churu | . | St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Mission Station, Mudki |
| Sacred Heart Church, Jalalabad | Little Flower Church, Jhunjhunu | . | St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Mission Station, Paniwala |
| Little Flower Church, Fazilka | St. Mary's Church, Khetrinagar | . | St. Mary's Nativity Syro-Malabar Station, Malout |
| Little Flower Church, Sri Muktsar Sahib | St. Francis Xavier's Church, Bikaner | . | Little Flower Syro-Malabar Station, Gidderbaha |
| Holy Cross Church, Danewala | Little Flower Church, Nokha | . | Little Flower Syro-Malabar Station, Kot Shamir |
| Sacred Heart Church, Malout | Little Flower Church, Hanumangarh | . | Little Flower Syro-Malabar Station, Bathinda |
| Infant Jesus Church, Sikhwala | Sacred Heart Church, Sri Ganganagar | . | Little Flower Syro-Malabar Station, Raman |
| St. Thomas Church, Ferozepur City | Little Flower Station, Kesrisinghpur | . | . |
| . | Sacred Heart Church, Suratgarh | . | . |
Major Pastoral Associations and Activities
The Little Way Association: This is the official Theresian sodality started and rolled by the CST Fathers in Punjab – Rajasthan Mission. This was originally thought to replicate the famous ‘Mission League’ in Kerala. There are a number of programmes organized under the aegis of this association and it helps to instil piety and devotion to St. Little Flower in little children.
The Little Way Rally: This is one of the most beautiful events in the pastoral milieu of the CST mission in Punjab – Rajasthan. Organized under the Little Way Association, it brings the entire children of all CST parishes of Punjab together. It leaves a spectacular visual feast before one’s eyes by getting innocent little children in colourful attires divided parish-wise and marching pass around the vicinity of Little Flower Catholic Church, Sri Muktsar Sahib on the occasion of the feast of St. Little Flower.
Muktsar Mela: This event also plays a vital role in affirming the ecclesial identity of people from different strata of life as one believing community. They come together, celebrate the Lord’s supper together, dine together, share faith together and with a sense of oneness return to their homes. By and large, this mela is also a witnessing of the Christian identity of the faithful before the general public.
Theresian Army: As the name suggests, with all charisma and dynamism of an army this association worked for harnessing the enormous youth energy of the mission. Children whose primary faith formation was completed in the Little Way Association by default became members of the Theresian Army.
Vincent De Paul: This association was a trendsetter not only among the CST parishes but also among the entire Jalandhar Diocese as such! It reminded the Church in Punjab about its clarion call to proactively respond to the unsettled poverty among the poor faithful.
Jyoti Catechetical Fest: Jesus does not teach young people, from afar or from without, but from within their very youth, a youth he shares with them. Hence, it is important to make the youth today believe that God shares with their youth. And so dawned the Jyoti Catechetical Fest in the pastoral sky of the CST mission in Punjab-Rajasthan! The uniqueness of the fest is its integrated approach to the upbringing of the Catholic youth of the mission.
Jyotir Vachan Mega Bible Quiz: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ!” thus urges St. Jerome the father and doctor of the Church the believers to engage in the serious and proper study of the Scriptures. This initiative was introduced in view of moulding up a believing community with strong faith and genuine piety.
Epphatha the Retreat and Healing Ministry: This ministry aims at the upkeep of faith formation. As the official retreat ministry of the CST mission in Punjab – Rajasthan, Epphatha conventions are held occasionally at each parish of the mission, giving spiritual solace and mental deliverance to the poor flocks who are weary by their daily worries.
Fr. Basilius Memorial Carole Singing Competition: This event could be reckoned as a double bill as it stages a carol singing as well as an indirect promotion of the life and mission of Fr. Basilius Panat CST the founder and inspiration of the Little Flower Congregation (CST Fathers). The competition is held separately for Punjab and Rajasthan zones. The secular recognition of the Carol singing is an add-on merit that helps the mission to reach beyond the limits of religious boundaries.
Summer Camps: Summer camps are organized parish-wise for children and youth. They help to gain pastoral intimacy with them and serve as a medium to enter into the delicate task of moulding the future. Summer camps include counselling, career guidance, awareness campaigns and youth animation etc…