Brief History of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Arul colony

In 1984, the Capuchins purchased a 2-acre plot in Ramanthapur for a Study House near St. John’s Regional Major Seminary. However, after establishing their Major Seminary in Janampet, Eluru Diocese, the Ramanthapur location was no longer needed. Fr. Adolph Kannadipara OFM Cap, the Regional Superior, then tasked Fr. Oswald Pratap OFM Cap with finding another site. In 1990, they acquired 47 cents of land in Arul Colony, Kapra Municipality, Secunderabad and obtained permission from Archbishop Samineni Arulappa to establish a Capuchin Friary. They subsequently built a Priests’ Residence and a Church.

On 4 March 1990, the parish was officially erected in honour of St. John the Baptist, with pastoral care entrusted to the Capuchins. At the time, it served six sub-stations with approximately 170 Catholic families. A contract with Archbishop Arulappa was signed on 9 November 1990, appointing Fr. Oswald Pratap as the first Parish Priest. Until the Church was completed, Mass was celebrated in the Arul Colony Community Hall. The Priests’ Residence, “Capuchin Seva Sadan,” was blessed on 22 January 1992, followed by the construction of the new Parish Church and a Grotto of Mother Mary.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church - Arul colony is the only Capuchin church in Hyderabad, India.

OFM Cap. Former Priests In-Charge

• Fr. Oswald Pratap – August 1990 to May 1996
• Fr. Cherian Palukunnel – June 1996 to April 1997
• Fr. Manuel Munduvelil – May 1997 to August 2001
• Fr. Cherian Palukunnel – November 2001 to April 2006
• Fr. Cherian Chemplany – May 2006 to April 2011
• Fr. Francis Kolli – May 2011 to April 2014
• Fr. Chinnappa Payarda – May 2014 to 23 October 2014
• Fr. Cherian Palukunnel – 24 October 2014 to 2017
• Fr. Madanu Lourdu Showry – 2017 to 2020
• Fr. Samuel Arugolanu – 2020 to present

Discover Our Ministries – Serving God, Serving Community!

Sunday School & Children's Ministry

Our Parish Sunday School is a vibrant faith formation ministry dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth of our children. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, we strive to instill in them a deep love for God, the Scriptures and the Sacraments. Through engaging lessons, prayer and interactive activities, we guide our young ones to grow in faith, develop Christian values and embrace their calling as disciples of Christ.

Youth Ministry

Our Parish Youth Ministry is a dynamic and faith-filled community committed to guiding young people on their spiritual journey. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, we seek to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, Scripture, fellowship and service. Through engaging discussions, retreats and faith-based activities, we empower our youth to grow in faith, develop strong Christian values and actively participate in the life of the Church. With the support of our parish community, we strive to nurture a generation of faithful disciples who live out their faith with passion and purpose.

Lectors Ministry

Our Lector’s Ministry is dedicated to proclaiming the Word of God with reverence, clarity and faith. As stewards of Sacred Scripture, we strive to bring the living Word to the hearts of the faithful, allowing it to inspire, instruct and transform lives. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, we commit ourselves to prayerful preparation, spiritual growth and the faithful transmission of God’s message. Through this ministry, we seek to deepen our understanding of Scripture and serve as instruments of God’s grace in our parish community.

Altar Servers Ministry

Our Altar Servers Ministry is a sacred and joyful service dedicated to assisting at the Holy Mass and liturgical celebrations. Rooted in the Catholic tradition our altar servers play an essential role in enhancing the beauty and reverence of the liturgy. Through dedication, discipline and prayerful service, they grow in faith, deepen their love for the Eucharist and develop a spirit of humility and commitment to God.

Music Ministry

Our Music Ministry is dedicated to glorifying God through the sacred gift of music, enhancing our liturgical celebrations and deepening our connection with the Divine. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Catholic Church, we offer our voices and instruments in service to the Lord, helping to lift the hearts of the faithful in prayer and worship. Through hymns, chants and contemporary music, we celebrate the beauty of liturgical music, which is central to the Church's worship and forms a bridge between the sacred and the earthly. Our ministry fosters a spirit of reverence, unity and joy.

Intercessory Prayer Ministry

The Parish Intercessory Prayer Ministry is a devoted group of prayer warriors who come together to lift up the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ, our diocese and our nation. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of intercession, we believe in the power of prayer to bring about healing, transformation and God's grace. With hearts united in faith, we pray for the intentions of others, seeking God’s guidance, mercy and peace for individuals, families and communities. Through regular prayer sessions and petitions, our ministry deepens our spiritual lives and strengthens the bonds of love and compassion within the Church and the world.