Syro Malabar Catholic Congress
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 Mar Jacob Angadiath, the Patron. Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil is its Grand Patron. SMCC has a National Spiritual Director appointed by the Patron. Presently Rev. Fr. Vinod Madathiparampil 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 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:
Organizational goals
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 jurisdiction of the Saint Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. They include:
Chapters
Chicago, Illinois
Detroit, Michigan
Correl Springs, Florida
Coppell, Texas
Boston, Massachusetts
Bronx, New York City
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Houston, Texas
West Hempstead, New York
Rockland, New York,
East Millstone, New Jersey
Staten Island, New York
Santa Ana, CA
San Francisco, CA
Atlanta, GA
Baltimore, MD
Garfield, New Jersey
Pearland, Texas
Oklahoma
Congressional hierarchy
The current organization composes of:
Grand Patron: Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry Patron: Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath Pastoral Advisors: Fr. Antony Thundathil (Vicar General of Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago) & Rev. Dr. Sebastian Vethanath (Chancellor) Spiritual Director: Rev. Dr. Augustine Palackaparambil (Vicar Philadelphia Parish)
National Executive Committee: President - Mr. Savy Mathew Immediate Past President - Mr. Paul Koola Vice Presidents - Mr. Georgekutty Thomas Pullappally& Mr. Poulose Perumattam General Secretary - Mr. Syriac Kurian Joint Secretary - Mr. Cigil George Palackalody Treasurer - Mrs. Aleykutty Francis Join Treasurer - Mrs. Solly Abraham
Board of Directors: Chairman - Mr. Mathew Thoyalil Vice Chairman - Mr. Joseph Kanjamala George Mathew CPA Mody Jacob Lyssy Alex Vinson Palathingal Bose Kurian Savy Mathew (Current President) SMCC has national executive committee and a Board of Directors elected for a two-year term. Each local chapter has its own executive committee.