Our Parish History

The story of Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Catholic Parish

OUR STORY

During the period of 1986–89, a few Syro-Malabar Catholic families moved from the Bay Area to Sacramento in search of better opportunities. As the community gradually grew in size, the families came together frequently for prayer meetings and social gatherings and reached out to local Indian priests serving in adjacent dioceses to cater to their spiritual needs.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Nechikat was one among the first priests who extended his help to the growing community. Rev. Fr. Jose Karikattil joined the Sacramento Diocese in 1994 and upon request, he frequently offered Holy Qurbana in the Syro-Malabar Rite. In 2000, Rev. Fr. Mathew Rappuzha was appointed to the Sacramento Diocese and he too availed his services to the Syro-Malabar community.

In 2009, Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, with the approval of Bishop Jaime Soto, established a Syro-Malabar mission in Sacramento. The facilities of St. Peter's Parish stood out as a suitable location to hold regular services.

In December 2017, St. Peter's Church, with all its facilities on 5.1 acres of land, was purchased and rededicated. On December 2nd, 2017, in the presence of bishops, priests, guests, benefactors, and parishioners, Most Rev. Mar Jacob Angadiath rededicated the mission as the Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Catholic Parish — the 43rd parish of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago.

Under the spiritual guidance and directives of our vicars, the community has grown in all dimensions, with over 110 registered families and approximately 150 children attending catechism classes. In October 2019, a fundraising program (Pooram Stage Show) was organized for building a Parish Rectory. The parish continues to flourish as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and service in the Sacramento region.

2009
ESTABLISHED
110+
FAMILIES
150
CCD CHILDREN
5.1
ACRES
OUR VICARS & DIRECTORS
Rev. Fr. Naduvelichalungal
2009
Rev. Fr. Naduvelichalungal
FIRST DIRECTOR
Officially appointed as the first Director of the Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Mission, Sacramento, inaugurating the community's formal establishment under the Diocese of Chicago.
Rev. Fr. Johnykutty Puleessery
2010
Rev. Fr. Johnykutty Puleessery
FIRST RESIDENT DIRECTOR
Appointed as the first Resident Director in December 2010. With his vast pastoral experience, he nurtured the community in faith and fellowship through spiritual retreats, “Agape” — the annual parish festival, and parish picnics.
Rev. Fr. Velamparambil
2017
Rev. Fr. Velamparambil
VICAR
Led the parish through the historic purchase and rededication of the former St. Peter's Church in December 2017. Later transferred to St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Church, Orlando, Florida.
Rev. Fr. Jobi Joseph Chelakunnel MCBS
2018
Rev. Fr. Jobi Joseph Chelakunnel MCBS
VICAR
Welcomed as the new vicar in July 2018. Under his spiritual guidance and directives, the community grew in all dimensions with 110 registered families and about 150 children attending catechism classes.
PAST TRUSTEES
Mr. Joseph Payyapilly
Mr. Joseph Payyapilly
TRUSTEE
2009 – founding trustee
One of the first trustees of the mission, helping establish the community's foundation.
Mr. Geo Kadavelil
Mr. Geo Kadavelil
TRUSTEE
2009 – founding trustee
One of the first trustees, chosen alongside Mr. Payyapilly to steward the new mission.
Mr. Wilson Nechikat
Mr. Wilson Nechikat
TRUSTEE
2019
A devoted trustee, working diligently to safeguard the spiritual well-being and unity of our parish community.
Mr. Baiju Kannappilly
Mr. Baiju Kannappilly
TRUSTEE
2019
A pillar of support, ensuring the responsible stewardship of resources for the greater good of our church.
PRIESTS WHO SERVED OUR EARLY COMMUNITY

Before the formal establishment of our mission, several priests selflessly served the growing Syro-Malabar community in the Sacramento region, celebrating the Holy Qurbana and providing spiritual guidance to families far from their homeland.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Nechikat
Rev. Fr. Thomas Nechikat
EARLY COMMUNITY PRIEST
1986 – 2000s
One of the first priests to extend help to the growing Syro-Malabar community in Sacramento.
Rev. Fr. Jose Karikattil
Rev. Fr. Jose Karikattil
SACRAMENTO DIOCESE
1994 onwards
Joined the Sacramento Diocese and frequently offered Holy Qurbana in the Syro-Malabar Rite upon request.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Rappuzha
Rev. Fr. Mathew Rappuzha
SACRAMENTO DIOCESE
2000 onwards
Appointed to the Sacramento Diocese and provided spiritual services to the Syro-Malabar community.