II NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2024 DEEP PUBLISHED II

HIS GRACE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As a Bishop of Diocese, it is my honor and privilege to share this message with the beloved community of the Diocese of Durgapur. The teachings of Christ and the direction of the Holy Spirit bind our communal and individual spiritual journeys together. Our diocese is a lively tapestry of many skills and abilities that are all vital to establishing the earthly Kingdom of God. I urge you all to use your special blessings to help one another and create a climate of love and kindness. Let's not forget the significance of meditation and prayer in our spiritual lives. We gain comfort, direction, and the strength to handle any difficulty that comes our way via regular communication with God. In Let us embrace a renewed commitment to taking care of our diocesan family, helping those in need, and being kind as we proceed.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all forever.

Yours in Christ

The Rt. Revd. Sameer Issac Khimla

Bishop of the Diocese of Durgapur

WELCOME TO DIOCESE OF DURGAPUR

The history of the Diocese of Durgapur has a rich and dynamic heritage along with magnanimous memories. Three protestant denominations were involved in this area, namely Church Missionary Society (CMS), Methodist Missionary Society (MMS), and the American Baptist Mission. Thus, the missionary work in this area began about one hundred and seventy-two years ago. It is equally important to introduce the geographical territory of the Diocese of Durgapur. The total area of the Diocese is about 43,340 Sq.km. The Diocese covers the districts of Burdwan, Bankura, Purulia, Midnapore, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur. At present it consists of 33 pastorates; 209 churches and the total membership is about 29,948. This is basically the composition of the Diocese. West Bengal also comprises of a rich history of the Santal people who have been perennially on the move in search of food, shelter and above all dignity and respect. Jal, Jungle, Jamin and Janwar, were their fundamental assets. It was discovered that the Santals have their own language and literature, art culture and festivals. Several missionaries have contributed a lot towards the foundation of the Diocese of Durgapur. The tremendous work by the missionaries within the community people expounds the impression of their marvelous contribution that they have carried in West Bengal. Such a story has to be told and re-told time and again with great joy and honor.

Churches

Demography

Ancient

OUR PROJECT

List of Project under Diocese of Durgapur

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Service to God extends beyond the confines of one’s church and even pastorate, the Diocese of Durgapur began the Anti-Human Trafficking Program in 2011.

GOOD SHEPHERD EYE CLINIC AND HOSPITAL

Durgapur is a well-known industrial town in West Bengal. A side effect of industrialization is a rise in pollution levels. Therefore, the town’s populace suffers from a variety of diseases as a result of relatively high pollution levels.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The programme began in response to the needs of a small cluster of tiny village in the district of Bankura which lies within the episcopate of the Diocese of Durgapur. It is populated mostly by the tribal communities.

CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRES

We are blessed to be able to give nearly 100 children a safe and healthy environment in which they can grow and learn. We give our children the best of care, be it in terms of health via nutrition or medical check-ups, education etc.

OUR PRIESTS