On Sunday, 14 December, the parish grounds of the Church of St. Joseph came alive with laughter and the spirit of Christmas. In a remarkable collaboration rooted in unity, both parishes, Church of St Joseph & The Church of The Risen Christ, hosted a joint Children’s Christmas Party, bringing together children from diverse backgrounds for a day filled with joy, celebration, and hope with the theme – Spreading Joy, Sharing Hope- A Christmas for Every Child.

Registration began at 9.00 am, and by the time the programme officially commenced at 11.00 am, more than 500 children, accompanied by their parents had streamed into Dewan Msgr. Anthony Thomas. The children comprised from the catechetical ministry, Myanmar and the Sri Lankan Communities, and many underprivileged children from the Sentul area.

The celebration was officially declared open by Fr. Frederick Joseph, whose blessing filled the day with warmth and reverence, setting the tone for the festivities that followed.

The community also took a moment to honour Msgr. James Gnanapiragasam, remembering him with affection and gratitude as he marked his 57th Sacerdotal Anniversary, a milestone that reflects a lifetime of faithful service to the Church.

The programme unfolded with a lively blend of performances, interactive games, and festive entertainment that kept the children engaged from start to finish. This year’s entertainment segment was especially vibrant, featuring performances by the Catechism children and youths in both English and Tamil, heartfelt cultural presentations from the Sri Lankan community, and an energetic showcase by the KUBM group from the Church of the Risen Christ. Adding to the joy was a delightful clown show that had children laughing, cheering, and fully immersed in the festive spirit. Volunteers moved with purpose and joy, ensuring that every child felt welcomed and included.

A spread of delicious food awaited the children and their parents, lovingly prepared and served by parish volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration was the gift distribution, where every child received a present thoughtfully selected for their age group. The joy on their faces, captured the true essence of Christmas giving.

But the moment that truly stole the show was the snow party. Children danced, played, and reached out to catch the snowflakes, creating a scene of pure magic. It was a moment that transcended age and background, a shared experience of wonder that brought the entire community together.

Behind this successful celebration stood a dedicated organising committee led by John Bosco Morais, supported by 13 committed members from both parishes. Their months of planning, coordination, and teamwork ensured that every detail was executed with care.

Their efforts were further strengthened by the unwavering support of the various parish ministries, Communities & BECCOT who played a crucial role in raising funds through Sunday breakfast sales. The kindness and generosity of our parishioners made this celebration possible.

As the celebration drew to a close at 3.30 pm, the smiles, laughter and excitement of the children served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose and love. The Children’s Christmas Party was more than a celebration; it stood as a testament to unity, generosity, and the timeless message of Christmas, that the joy of Christ’s birth grows when it is shared, and the hope we offer becomes hope renewed.

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View photo album by Jason Silan of Risen Christ Church.

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