Holy Family Church – Pavunjur Mission

Holy Family Parish

Pavunjur, is situated about 20 kms., from Madurantakam, and about 100 kms from Chennai. The Parish and the High School are situated on 2.5 acres of land (1.5 with patta and the rest is government land). There are about 350 families in Pavunjur, mostly farmers, a few merchants and a few government employees. Most of the people were bonded labourers till a few years ago, and find it difficult to fend for themselves. Holy Family Parish was under the Diocese of Chennai-Mylapore, and in the year 1979, Pavunjur was made a separate parish. In 1984, a High School was started. In 2003, the parish was brought under the Diocese of Chingleput, and handed to the Salesians.

Current Situation

The Parish comprises more than 800 Catholics in 170 families, divided into 8 anbiams. The Legion of Mary has 15 women, while the Association of altar boys has 20 boys and 20 girls. Palayam and Nedumaram are the sub-stations. Mass is offered everyday at 7.00 a.m. in the main parish. Catechism classes are conducted by the Sisters every Sunday in the main centre and in both the substations. Sunday oratory is also conducted in Nedumaram. As a way of direct and indirect evangelization, religious films and films on moral values are screened almost every evening in the neighbouring villages. Bibles are also distributed at a very nominal price. The anbiams are animated by the Sisters regularly once a week. Weekly prayer services are also organized in the main parish centre and in Palayam. Discussions and sharing on the Word of God and family visiting are also done. There is a parish council which meets regularly once a month, and tries its best to function effectively, given the numerous problems and difficulties prevalent. Eight evening study centres: 2 in Pavunjur, 2 in Periyakuppam, one in Palayam, in Velikadu, Pacchapakkam and Pinnakandai, cater to the educational needs of more than 800 children of the neighbourhood. These centres are looked after by the Sisters, with lay collaborators appointed to assist the students. The High School, managed by the Salesians, has a total of about 570 (85 Catholics) students from Stds. VI to X, with 10 teaching staff members. The present situation is not very encouraging: parents do not feel the need of educating their children; many youngsters are reluctant to leave the village to get good jobs; teachers are not very cooperative and there have been quite some conflicts with some parishioners in the past year.

Holy Family Church
Pavunjur,
(Via)MATHURANTHAKAM,
Kancheepuram Dist,
603 312.
Cell – 98424 11974