ST. ALPHONSA Community Baltimore

Our Parish

St Alphonsa Parish History

The history of St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Baltimore is a story of faith, perseverance, and community growth. From its humble beginnings as the Indian Catholic Society of Baltimore in 1987, through its development as a Syro-Malabar Mission, to its establishment as a parish church in 2014, the community has remained committed to preserving its Syro-Malabar heritage while nurturing future generations in faith. This journey reflects the dedication of clergy, families, and parishioners whose collective efforts have shaped the vibrant parish we celebrate today.

Parish History

Our journey of faith

1987–2004

INDIAN CATHOLIC SOCIETY OF BALTIMORE

The roots of the Baltimore Syro-Malabar community began with the Indian Catholic Society of Baltimore on February 1, 1987. Guided by dedicated spiritual leaders including Rev. Dr. Antony Plackal VC, Fr. Mathew Maniankery (Trinitarian), and Fr. George Kallampally, the community grew steadily in faith and fellowship. A memorable milestone was the participation of the Society during the visit of Pope St. John Paul II to Baltimore in 1995, where members proudly represented their Indian Catholic heritage. These early years laid the spiritual and organizational foundation for the future Syro-Malabar community in Baltimore. On March 13, 2001, His Holiness Pope John Paul II established the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. Mar Jacob Angadiath was appointed as its first bishop, and his Episcopal Ordination took place on July 1, 2001.

2004–2014

SYRO-MALABAR MISSION OF BALTIMORE

Following the establishment of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago in 2001, the Baltimore community was formally organized as the Syro-Malabar Mission of Baltimore under the leadership of Fr. George Kallampally and later Fr. James Nirappel. Beginning with approximately 75 families, monthly Holy Qurbana was celebrated in several churches, including St. Anthony of Padua, Most Precious Blood, and St. Gabriel Church. Under Fr. James Nirappel’s leadership, the mission expanded its pastoral activities, established a finance committee, organized parish wards, and began planning for a permanent church, marking a significant period of growth and preparation. On July 24, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Mar Joy Alappatt as the Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese.

07/26/2014–Present

ST. ALPHONSA SYRO-MALABAR CATHOLIC CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

On July 26, 2014, the Baltimore Syro-Malabar community achieved a historic milestone with the dedication of St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church under the leadership of Fr. James Nirappel and the blessing of Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath. Subsequent pastors, including Fr. Seby Chittilappilly, Fr. Wilson Antony Kandankery, Fr. Robin Areeparambil CST, and Fr. Josey Kollamparambil, continued to strengthen parish life through spiritual, educational, and community-building initiatives. Today, the parish serves more than 147 registered families and over 110 Sunday School students, offering daily and Sunday Holy Qurbana, catechetical programs, youth and family ministries, cultural and language education, senior ministry, and active faith formation. St. Alphonsa Church continues to preserve the rich Syro-Malabar tradition while nurturing future generations in faith, culture, and community.

Parish Leadership