“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”. Acts 2:42
The early Christian community lived in profound unity – praying together, sharing their faith, breaking bread and serving one another with joy. Inspired by this sacred model, the KudumbaKoottaymas were established to bring the same spirit of communion and fellowship into every Christian home. They draw inspiration from the life of the Early Church, which reminds us that faith is lived most authentically in community. As St. John Paul II affirmed, small Christian communities are “a sign of vitality within the Church, an instrument of formation and evangelization, and a solid starting point for a new society based on a civilization of love”.
Christian families are a living reflection of divine communion. Within the family, faith is learned, love is practiced, and life is shared. The Kudumbakoottaymas serve as the living expression of this reality – small groups of families within each parish who come together to grow in faith, fellowship and mission. These koottaymas embody the heart of the Church, becoming channels of evangelization and faith formation. Within each koottayma, members gather to pray, share the word of God, build relationships, and serve others in love. Through these practices, families live the model of the early Church – ‘one heart and one soul in Christ’. In this way, the Church becomes a living network of relationships, grounded in Christ’s love, that nurtures the spiritual, ecclesial, and cultural growth of all the faithful. Guided by the spirit of the parish as one family, the Eparchy of Kanjirappally seeks to unite the families in love, faith and mutual care.
Acknowledging our strong existing foundation and the pioneering efforts of Bishops, priests, and pastoral leaders at the Eparchy, Forane, and Parish levels, the Department of Kudumbakoottayma, Eparchy of Kanjirappally, continues to strengthen the kudumbakoottaymas through renewed leadership, engaging activities, and active parish participation. These koottaymas aim to revitalize parish life, foster intergenerational transmission of faith, and cultivate deep relationships within the Church. Ultimately, they stand as a testimony of faith, love and unity – renewing families, enlivening parishes and strengthening the entire Church to be a radiant witness of Christ’s transforming love.
Contact Us:
Director: Rev. Fr. Thomas Venmanthara
Department of Kudumbakoottayma
Eparchy of Kanjirappally, Kerala, India
Email: kkoottaymakanjirappally@gmail.com
Phone: 9400908342
