St. John’s Church

Established : 1980 Patron : St. John, the Evangelizer Address : St. John’s Church, Banda Road, Near District Jail, Fatehpur - 212601 Telephone : 05180 -228292 Religious : Congregation of Jesus (CJ) A Brief History St. John’s Church, formerly known as SnehNiketan Catholic Mission was situated at 92 Patel Nagar, Fatehpur. The late Rev. Fr. Joseph D’souza was the first priest to visit this place. Due to a call from Dostpur village, the place which he had already visited had to be given up. St. John’s Mission, Fatehpur had a challenging beginning. It was on 15 the Nov, 1980 Rev. Fr. Edward Goveas along with Fr. Denis D’Souza visited Biland Village, 8Kms away from Fatehpurat the instruction of Most Rev. Baptist Mudhartha the Bishop of Allahabad. Both Fr. Edward and Fr. Denis (Brother of Fr. Alex D’Souza) stayed in Biland village for one year. Thereafter they moved on to Fatehpur city where Dr. TejMansingh allotted them a place on rent. They began their mission by visiting the sick in the hospitals and visited families in Bindiki as well. It was in the year 1984 the Congregation of Indian Missionary Society was asked to take care of Fatehpur Mission. On 24th Nov, 1984 Rev. Fr. MariadasIMS became 1st IMS member to arrive Fatehpur.He stayed with Dr. TejMansinghfor 2 years. Fr. Dayanand IMS took over the reins from Fr. Mariadass in July 1986. In June 1987 a small plot was purchased by the members of IMS from Mr. Babu Charles. And that is how SnehNiketan Mission came into existence. Holy Mass was offered for the people of God in the small room in snehaniketan. There were 4 families and a few nurses from kerala working in the local hospital. Rev. Fr. Anand also joined Fr. Dayanand in serving the people of Fatehpur. In July 1989 Rev. Fr. ArvindarrivedFatehpur and served the people of God in Fatehpur mission. He rendered his dedicated service to the people of Fatehpur until 1st July, 1995. Meantime Fr. Sudeep also was here from July 1991 to July 1992. A new chapter in the history of Fatehpur mission began when Fr. Prem Anthony arrivedFatehpur on 9th July, 1993. On 23 July, 1993 almost 4 acre land was bought in the name of Allahabad Diocese Education Society and was registered. On 2nd July 1994, Fr. Walter Santosh joined Rev. Fr. Prem and Fr. Arvind in Fatehpur. During the time of Fr. Prem IMS, Fatehpur mission has achieved important milestones. In the year 1997 Fr. Walter Santosh was made incharge of the mission. Rev. Fr. Amardeep came to Fatehpur to assist Fr. Santosh in the year 1997. On 22nd May, 2000 Fr. Santosh was transferred and Fr. Amardeep became the incharge of the mission. On 26thJuly, 2001 Fatehpur Mission was blessed because Rev. Sisters from IBMV congregation(presently CJ) came to serve Fatehpur mission and to render their service in the newly opened St John’s School at Jail Road. Sr. Fernanda, Sr. Beena, Sr, Joyce and SrSunitawere the first members. Since then the chapel was shifted to St. John’s school campus. On the 16th of February Bishop made his pastoral visit to Fatehpur and confirmed 18 adults. Meantime Fr. Raj Kumar joined to assist Fr. Amaranth. On 13th July, 2006 Fr. Dhyanchand was welcomed to Fatehpur as an incharge of the mission. FrDhyanchand remained only for 2 years in Fatehpur and handed over the responsibility of taking care of the mission station to Rev. Fr. Arvind IMS with effect from 20th January, 2008. On 3rd January, 2009 BhumiPujan was performed for the new church. Most Rev. Isidore Fernandes was the main celebrant. On 29th January, 2009 foundation Stone was laid for the new church building in St. John’s school campus, Near New Tehsil, Jail Road, Fatehpur during the pontificate of Pope Benedict the Sixteenth. Thanks to all the priests from IMS congregation who have taken utmost care in catechizing the faithful in Fatehpur by administering sacraments, through pastoral visits, and by organizing prayer meetings, retreats in the families and in the church. Another chapter in the history of Fatehpur mission began when Most Rev. Isidore Fernandes took over the mission from Indian Missionaries Society on 22nd June 2010. The IMS handed over the station to the diocese as they built their own school along the main road, in Fatehpur. Fr. VipinD’souza became the first diocesan priest incharge of Fatehpur Mission near Jail Road. He continued vigourously the good work began by the IMS priests. Thanks to all the sisters who have become part of this mission and whose continuous prayerful support has helped the miniature church of Fatehpur to grow tall. At present, in 2013, the church has 16 active families, a dynamic parish council, devout altar servers’ association and energetic youth association and a charismatic prayer group of our youth. May the church in Fatehpur grow spiritually.

St. John?s Church, Banda Road, Near District Jail, Fatehpur - 212601