Our Sister Parish: Corpus Christi Jalchatra

In 2009, Christ the King established a sister parish relationship with Corpus Christi Parish in Jalchatra, Bangladesh.  Corpus Christi is also staffed by priests and religious from the Congregation of Holy Cross in Bangladesh, and it serves the people of the Garo tribe in northern Bangladesh.  Corpus Christi Parish encompasses 25 villages and serves about 8000 Catholics.  Their ministries include:

  • Liturgy: Daily Mass; sacramental preparation; religious education for adults and children; retreats for adults, youth and teachers.
  • Education: 15 primary schools, 2 junior high schools and 1 high school, plus several vocational training programs
  • Economic Development Initiatives: Credit Union; economic development seminars; small farm loans
  • Health Care Initiatives: primary health care; midwife training and antenatal care; AIDS seminar; programs to improve drinking water
  • Social Initiatives: youth conferences; social leadership seminars; Justice & Peace Committee (assisting people whose right to keep their tribal lands is being threatened)
Through this sister parish relationship, we plan to raise funds to support the work of Holy Cross at Corpus Christi Jalchatra.  However, we strive to build a relationship that goes beyond fundraising, a mutual relationship where our two parishes can grow in faith by learning about each other.  Our Parish Twinning Committee works with several parish and school groups on projects that deepen our relationship with Corpus Christi Jalchatra.

“As disciples of Jesus we stand side by side with all people. Like them we are burdened by the same struggles and beset by the same weaknesses; like them we are made new by the same Lord’s love; like them we hope for a world where justice and love prevail. Thus, wherever through its superiors the congregation sends us we go as educators in the faith to those whose lot we share, supporting men and women of grace and goodwill everywhere in their efforts to form communities of the coming kingdom.”

— Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, paragraph 12