Syro Malabar Catholic Congress
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The Syro Malabar Catholic Congress (SMCC) is the lay association in the Saint Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. It is operating under the Constitution and Bylaws canonically approved by His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath, the Patron. His Eminence Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil is its Grand Patron. SMCC has a National Spiritual Director appointed by the Patron. Presently Rev. Fr. Roy Kaddupil is the National Spiritual Director.
SMCC was formed as the fulfillment of a long cherished desire of many Syro Malabar Catholics in North America who were doing extraordinary service to the Church in their own localities. It was necessary to have a national forum for all these volunteers to come together and equip themselves for better service to the Church.
This need was in the forefront of those who initiative for the first convention in Philadelphia from August 13 to 15 1999. It was publicized and planned that a national convention. However the formation of the organization was delayed until January of 2000 to ensure wider participation of all Syro Malabar units in North America. After informing and inviting all known Syro Malabar units in North America and with a constitution and bylaws that underwent repeated revisions, the organization was formed on January 22, 2000. In the same year SMCC was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a not-for profit corporation with provisions for establishing chapters in other States.
The Decree of Second Vatican Council on Laity encourages the lay people in the Church to engage in lay apostolate not only as individuals but also as groups and organizations to achieve specific objectives of the apostolate. According to the Canon Law lay people have the right to organize association, create its bylaws and elect its officials. However, its bylaws must be approved by the Bishop; and its Spiritual Director must be appointed by the Bishop.
As a lay association SMCC's role is to participate in the mission of the Church. Lay people are called upon to fulfill their mission in the Church and in the world.
SMCC's aims and objectives are formulated taking into consideration the twofold nature of lay apostolate. Some of the major aims and objectives of the organization are:
1. To provide a common forum for Syro Malabar Catholics living in North America to coordinate activities for the advancement of Syro Malabar Catholic community in north America.
2. To introduce the young people in the community to the spiritual heritage of Syro Malabar Church.
3. To work for the advancement of Syro Malabar Church in America,
4. To engage in charitable activities to help the disadvantaged in the community.
5. To work closely with the hierarchy to achieve the mission of the Church.
6. To engage in civic and political education of Syro Malabar Community and to develop lay leadership.
The Syro Malabar Catholic Congress has chapters in the various parishes and missions under the jursidiction of the Saint Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. They include:
Chicago, Illinois Detroit, Michigan Carol Springs, Florida Dallas, Texas Bronx, New York City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Houston, Texas
The current organization composes of:
Grand Patron: His Beatitude, Major Archbishop Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil Patron: His Excellency Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath Pastoral Advisors: Rt. Rev. Msgr. George Madathiparampil (Vicar General of Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago) & Rev. Dr. Roy Kaduppil (Chancellor)
National Executive Committee: President - George Joseph Kottukappally Vice Presidents - Abraham Kanji & Dr. Jose Antony Kanattu General Secretary - Paul Koola Joint Secretary - Rosamma Theniamplackal Treasurer - Thomas M. Thomas Join Treasurer - Betty Minattoor
Board of Directors: Chairman - Dr. Oommen Joseph Vice Chairman - Chacko Thyparampil Jojo Thomas Mathew Thoyalil Paulose Perumattom Dr. Joseph Nidiry Savy Mathew Paul Francis George Joseph Kottukappilly
SMCC has national executive committee and a Board of Directors elected for a two-year term. Each local chapter has its own executive committee.
