About St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Mission · Columbus, Ohio
St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission in Columbus, Ohio, is a growing community of Malayalee Catholics who gather to worship, nurture their faith, and serve others. Founded in 2008, the mission began with a small group seeking to preserve their liturgical and cultural traditions through Malayalam-language Mass. Today, it serves over forty families and offers both Malayalam and English Masses, along with a wide range of ministries including CCD, youth movement, choir, and charitable outreach. The mission is rooted in the Syro-Malabar Church tradition and celebrates the Solemn Birth of Blessed Mary annually with cultural festivities.
- Established
- 2008
- Patron
- The Solemn Birth of Blessed Mary
- Rector
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Koola CMI
Why belong here
Join a welcoming, culturally rich community that offers meaningful worship, inclusive ministries for all ages, and active service to the local and global community. From CCD education to youth pilgrimages, choir programs to charity drives, members grow spiritually while serving others. The mission celebrates its heritage through annual cultural events like the Perunnal feast and supports causes like flood relief and medical aid in Kerala.
Mass times at St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Mission
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- During Adoration
- After Sunday Mass
- Upon Request
Adoration times
- First Monday of the month at 7:00pm
History
The mission began in 2004 with a small group of Malayalee families seeking to preserve their liturgical and cultural traditions. The first Malayalam Mass was held on Easter Sunday 2004. The mission was formally established on February 24, 2008, by Mar. Jacob Angadiath. It has since grown under the leadership of several Mission Directors, including Rev. Fr. Johnsty Thomas Thachara, Rev. Fr. George Punjakunnel, and currently Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Koola CMI, who took charge in January 2020.
Ministries
The mission offers a wide range of ministries including CCD, youth movement, choir, family apostolate, and charitable outreach. The Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) was first started under Fr. Kanattu and focuses on grooming future leaders. The mission also has a children’s choir called 'Angelic Voices' and various pious associations like Senior and Junior Altar Servers.
- CCD
- Youth Movement
- Choir (Angelic Voices)
- Family Apostolate
- Senior Altar Servers
- Junior Altar Servers
Faith Formation
The mission provides engaging and interactive Christian education for all age groups, including CCD for children. The CCD program was initiated under Rev. Fr. Jo Pacheriyil and is supported by the community. The mission also offers catechetical instruction and spiritual formation through its ministries and regular liturgies.
- CCD for children
- Catechetical instruction
- Spiritual formation through ministries
Sacraments
The mission celebrates the Holy Qurbana (Eucharist) in Malayalam every Sunday at 4:30pm and in English once a month for CCD students. The sacrament is central to the community’s worship and spiritual life. The mission also offers confession during adoration, after Sunday Mass, and by appointment.
- Holy Qurbana (Malayalam) every Sunday at 4:30pm
- Holy Qurbana (English) once a month for CCD students
- Confession available during adoration, after Mass, or by request
Community & Outreach
The mission is deeply committed to serving the wider community through charitable activities such as YWCA Charity Dinners, Blood Drives, and Winter Jacket Donation Drives. It also supports needy families in Kerala through financial aid for medical and educational needs. In 2018, the mission organized 'Columbus Sings for Kerala' to fund home rebuilding after floods.
- YWCA Charity Dinner
- Blood Drives
- Winter Jacket Donation Drives
- Support for Kerala flood victims
- Financial aid for medical and educational needs
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Fr. Johnsty Thomas Thachara2008-2020
First full-time Mission Director
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Koola CMI2020-present
Current Mission Director, appointed January 2020