Liturgical News
News & Updates
Registration Link –> Annual Christmas Party 2024 Registration (New) Active until 25-Nov-2024
Confirmation Classes ✨
Confirmation preparation classes will begin in just a few weeks, and parents of registered children will receive details soon. If you missed previous announcements, there’s still a final opportunity to enrol. If your child is 13 or older and has already received Holy Communion, they’re eligible to join this year’s Confirmation preparation.
How to Register: Download the registration form from our website here. Please email the completed form to Elizabeth at internationalcommunity@gmail.com or bwerzsebet@gmail.com. The sacrament will be celebrated later in 2025.
Updated on 16-Nov-24
Updated on 09-Nov-24
St.Thomas feast celebrated in St.Vitus Church on 15-Jun-2024
The Keralite Catholic community celebrated the feast of St. Thomas at St. Vitus Church in Hilversum on June 15th. Kerala, known for its lush landscapes and coastal beauty, is where St. Thomas, one of Christ’s twelve apostles, first introduced Christianity around AD 52. He established Christian communities, which laid the foundation for the Syro-Malabar Church. Modern Syrian Catholics of Kerala, descendants of these early converts, honor St. Thomas on July 3rd, commemorating his arrival and contributions. The community of the St. Thomas Christians from Kerala in the Netherlands celebrates the feast each year. This year, the celebration was held on June 15th in St.Vitus church, Hilversum. The celebration began with flag hoisting, followed by a Holy Qurbana in Malayalam, a procession with St. Thomas’s statue, and concluded with a community dinner and music night. The faithful carried a symbolic small arrow during the procession, reflecting St. Thomas’s martyrdom, embodying his enduring spiritual legacy.
The community hopes that the spirit of St. Thomas the Apostle continues to inspire and guide them as they navigate the paths of faith and service, with his words in mind: “My Lord and My God!”
Click the below link to watch the highlights from the feast
Video: St. Thomas Feast Celebrations in St. Vitus Church
Updated on 30-Jun-24
Transitioning to Our New Email Address
We are excited to inform you that we have officially migrated to a new email address – internationalcommunity@vitus.nl, effective immediately. Going forward, all communication will be initiated from this new email address. Rest assured, any emails sent to our previous mailbox will be seamlessly forwarded to the new one for the time being. We anticipate a seamless transition without any interruptions to our communication channels. Nevertheless, we kindly request your vigilance during this period. If you notice any discrepancies or if you haven’t received emails from us for an extended period, please take a moment to check your Spam folder. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support.
Updated on 29-Feb-24
First Communion children Lenten project
The First Communion Group of the International Community has initiated a Lenten project. They’re collecting donations of clean, used clothes and shoes to support children in several small villages in Bulgaria. The children seek your support in their mission of sharing and caring for others less fortunate. Donation boxes will be available during the upcoming Saturday Masses – February 24, March 2, March 9, and March 16. You’ll find these boxes conveniently placed by the table with the mass books. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children. All donated clothes and shoes will be carefully sorted and delivered to the Orthodox church in Hilversum before Easter, ensuring they reach those in need on time. Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let’s come together to spread kindness and make a positive impact this Lenten season.
Confessions
Confessions are typically available before the English Mass or by appointment with Fr. Dresme (email: pastoordresme@gmail.com) or Fr. Kaak (email: pastor@elroy.email). Additionally, there is an opportunity for confession after the 9:30 AM mass on Fridays.
New Email Address for International Community
Our email address is set to transition to internationalcommunity@vitus.nl soon. Beginning in March, all correspondence will originate from this new email address. Any emails directed to our current mailbox will be automatically forwarded to the new one. We anticipate a smooth transition without any disruption to our communication. However, please be vigilant and check your Spam folder if you haven’t received any emails from us for an extended period. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
International Community Noticeboard
This platform is initiated to keep all members updated on important information and liturgical events relevant to our community.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
📌 Admin-Only Messages: To maintain the quality of information shared, only admins are permitted to send messages in this group. This ensures that announcements are accurate and relevant.
👍 Message Interaction: While members cannot send messages, you can still engage with the content by liking messages with a thumbs-up emoji.
🔒 Privacy Protection: Your privacy is important to us. To ensure confidentiality, phone numbers are masked, preserving your anonymity while still allowing you to receive crucial updates.
📅 How to Subscribe: If you’re interested in joining this group, simply approach Elizabeth or Princil before or after the Saturday mass. They will be happy to assist you in subscribing to the group.
🌟 Let’s foster a sense of unity and collaboration within our international community through this platform. Together, we can stay informed and connected and strengthening our bonds in Jesus Christ!
Updated on 21-Feb-24
Confessions
Confessions are typically available before the English Mass or by appointment with Fr. Dresme (email: pastoordresme@gmail.com) or Fr. Kaak (email: pastor@elroy.email). Additionally, there is an opportunity for confession after the 9:30 AM mass on Fridays.
Confirmation
Preparation for Confirmation will commence in the autumn due to an insufficient number of candidates to start classes this January. In May, we will send out the registration form and provide more information.
Lent Season
The Lent season will commence on the 14th of February, marking a period of penance and reconciliation in the liturgical calendar. This time encourages us to strengthen our faith in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.
Updated on 29-Jan-24