Coppell/Frisco - Mar Joy Alappatt, Bishop of St. Thomas Syro Malabar Eparchy, Chicago, USA has inaugurated the first extension at Saint Alphonsa Catholic Church, Coppell, Texas as part of expansion of the Syro-Malabar Mission in North Dallas.

Mar Joy Alappatt has initiated the mission activities centered around Frisco with this inauguration. The event began with Holy Mass and other spiritual events this Saturday afternoon at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco. Mar Joy Alappat was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass, concelebrated by Fr. James Nirappel, vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Syro-Malabar Forane Catholic Church, Dallas and Fr. Mathews Kurian Munjanath, vicar of St. Alphonsa Catholic Church, Coppell Texas.

Extension Mass will be celebrated every Saturday afternoon at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco.

The Syro Malabar Eparchy of Chicago was established twenty-two years ago. A total of 52 dioceses and 34 missions are currently functioning under the Eparchy.

Mar Alappatt urged believers to assume a strong and steadfast role in nurturing the church, which was founded on the profound faith professed by Peter. He emphasized that the remarkable growth of the Eparchy in US is a living testament to the enduring power of faith.

Fr. Mathews Kurian Munjanath Vicar Fr. Mathews Kuryan expressed his gratitude to all involved in making this event possible.

The program and liturgy arrangements were handled by Parish Council members, Peter Thomas, Abraham P. Mathew, Sabu Sebastian, George Thomas (Secretary), as well as representatives from the Frisco Unit, Reno Alex, Ranjit Talakottoor and other members of the Parish Council.

Liturgy Coordinators, Jacob Aalappuram and Tommy Cherian were responsible for the Liturgical arrangements.