SFS Catholic Mission, Bahalpur

Bahalpur, located in the taluk of Chapar–Salkocha, lies about 65 km east of the district headquarters of Dhubri in Assam. Although the parish was canonically erected on March 3, 2003, the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) took charge of the mission in 2004.

The first Parish Priest, Fr. Anto Joseph of the Diocese of Bongaigaon, served the mission from October 2002 to 2004. Through his initiative and dedication, the present land at Bahalpur was purchased and St. Jude School was started on January 22, 2003. In 2005, the school was renamed SFS School.

On December 26, 2004, Fr. Cherian Marottickathdathil, MSFS (2004–2010) assumed charge as the first Parish Priest under the MSFS congregation. He was assisted for a short period by Fr. Jose Karipadathu, and later joined by Fr. Cornelius Bara and Bro. Pretap Kerketta.

Over the years, several facilities were developed for the growth of the mission: the two-storey school building (2004–2009), a dispensary in 2006, a girls’ hostel in 2007, a convent for the sisters in 2010, and a boys’ hostel in 2014. In 2010, the parish was permanently entrusted to the MSFS by Most Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil, Bishop of Bongaigaon.

The parish, named after St. Jude, has about 1,850 Catholics from 429 families spread across eleven villages, including Adivasi, Garo, Bodo, Rajbongshi, and Santal communities.

The parish actively conducts various pastoral and social activities such as parish council meetings, Bible quizzes, marriage preparation programmes, youth animation programmes, Bible seminars for children, and preparation for First Holy Communion. The Youth and Women Commissions are also actively involved in parish life.

Hostel

A hostel for boys and girls was started along with the school in 2004 with 24 students, mostly from Adivasi communities. Until the girls’ hostel was completed in 2007, the girls were under the care of the Fathers.

A new boys’ hostel building was blessed and inaugurated on October 17, 2014, by the Superior General Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS. At present, the hostel accommodates more than 50 boys.

Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SH)

The Sisters of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus collaborate actively in the mission through pastoral, educational, and charitable services. Two sisters serve in the school, two are engaged in pastoral ministry, and one sister manages the dispensary. The sisters also run the girls’ hostel, providing care and guidance to the students.