Serving God and community through worship, education, and fellowship.
Children & Youth Education
Our Sunday School meets every Sunday at 5:00 PM (6:30 PM on 3rd Sunday), with 51 enrolled students taught by 7 dedicated teachers and 4 assistant teachers. Classes begin with 30 minutes of common worship, singing and activities, before splitting into individual classes. Headmistress: Mrs. Somol P. Mathew.
Classes span Nursery through Young Adult, using the Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam curriculum. Lessons are conducted in English and Malayalam, nurturing children in both their faith and their cultural heritage. Formal assessments are held in July and December.
Every Sunday
5:00 PM (6:30 PM on 3rd Sunday)
51 Students
Nursery through Young Adult
Annual Highlights
Vacation Bible School
Annual program in October. VBS 2024 theme: "GoPro" — 66 participants, held 10–12 Oct at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Cardiff.
Annual Prize Giving
Recognising students for faithful attendance, scripture memorisation, and excellence.
Children's Day & Nativity Play
Special celebrations including the beloved Christmas nativity performance.
Bible Quiz Competitions
Inter-parish and diocesan scripture quizzes encouraging deep engagement with the Bible.
Fellowship Activities
Monthly Bible Study & Prayer
Regular gatherings for in-depth scripture study and corporate prayer.
Annual Youth Retreats
Weekend retreats for spiritual renewal, fellowship, and leadership development.
Community Service
Volunteering and outreach initiatives serving the wider Newcastle community.
Inter-Parish Youth Meets
Competitions, conferences, and fellowship events connecting Mar Thoma youth across Australia.
Youth Fellowship
Yuvajana Sakhyam — meaning "Youth Fellowship" in Malayalam — is the official youth wing of the Mar Thoma Church, active globally. The Newcastle chapter brings together young adults aged 18–35 in a vibrant community of faith, friendship, and service.
Through monthly meetings, Bible studies, retreats, and social service projects, Yuvajana Sakhyam equips young people to live out their faith boldly — rooted in the ancient tradition of the Mar Thoma Church while engaging dynamically with contemporary life in Australia.
Women's Fellowship
Sevika Sanghom — the women's fellowship of the Mar Thoma Church — was established globally in 1919, making it one of the earliest organised women's ministry movements in the Indian church. The Newcastle chapter carries forward this century-long tradition of women gathering in prayer, service, and fellowship.
The fellowship meets monthly for prayer meetings, Bible studies, and community care activities. Members visit elderly and sick parishioners, prepare and host parish meals, and coordinate pastoral support for families in need.
Sevika Sanghom plays a central, irreplaceable role in the life of our parish. Its ministry of prayer and care forms the heart of our community.
Ministry Highlights
Monthly Prayer Meetings
Gathering in prayer for the parish, the wider church, and the world.
Pastoral Care Visits
Visiting and supporting sick, elderly, and isolated members of the parish.
Annual Retreat
A dedicated retreat for spiritual refreshment, reflection, and fellowship among women.
Est. 1919 — Global Ministry
Part of a worldwide network of Mar Thoma women's fellowships with over 100 years of faithful service.
Mission Activities
Monthly Bible Study & Prayer
Held every 2nd Sunday jointly with the Sevika Sangham, studying books of the Bible in depth.
Parish Convention
Organised the first Parish Convention on 21–22 April 2025, led by Rev. A.T. Zachariah — a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship.
Community Support
Supporting families in need locally and globally, including charitable donations and prayer for those affected by crisis.
Parish Mission
The Edavaka Mission is the outreach and evangelism arm of our parish, focused on gospel proclamation, community service, and spiritual renewal. It works closely with the Sevika Sangham, jointly leading monthly Bible study and prayer meetings held on the 2nd Sunday of each month.
The mission organised our first Parish Convention in April 2025, bringing the church together for two days of worship, teaching, and fellowship that left a lasting impact on church members. Representative: Mrs. Preemol Jacob Puthenpurackal.
Parish Life
Sunday Holy Qurbana at 6:30 PM — the ancient Syrian Eucharistic liturgy at the heart of our worship.
Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association — participating in gospel outreach and mission activities locally and globally.
Special feast day celebrations with extended liturgies, carols, and parish gatherings marking the great Christian festivals.
Annual all-parish retreat for spiritual renewal, fellowship, and discernment as a community of faith.
Active participation with other Newcastle churches in joint worship, community service, and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Practices every 4th Sunday monthly. Performs at all major services including Easter, Christmas, and the annual Carol Service. Choir Master: Dr. Abe Mathew.
Join Us
Come join us any Sunday. Whether you are new to Newcastle, new to faith, or simply looking for a welcoming church home — you are always welcome at St. Mark's.
Contact Us