MINISTRIES AT THE CATHEDRAL
We at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta, cordially welcome all who grace our threshold, whether in devout worship or curious exploration. Consecrated in 1847 and dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle, this Cathedral stands as the Mother Church of the Diocese of Calcutta, a testament to enduring faith. Within these hallowed walls, history resonates deeply, yet it is far surpassed by the vibrant, living faith that continues to transform the lives of ordinary individuals even today. Here is an opportunity to encounter the Divine, to experience a space meticulously crafted to inspire awe and reverence. For those who gather in worship, this Cathedral remains a conduit of spiritual power and grace.
May your time within these sacred precincts be richly blessed. Following the worship, we invite you to join us for fellowship tea in the porch, a moment to share in community and conversation.
THE PASTORATE COMMITTEE
The Pastorate Committee looks after the spiritual welfare and temporal concerns of the Cathedral and its congregation, staff and other regular worshippers. The Pastorate Committee works in close co-ordination with the Bishop of Calcutta, Presbyter-in-Charge and Associate Presbyter to ensure the orderly functioning of all affairs of the Cathedral.
The Pastorate Committee members are elected from among the congregation in accordance with the Constitution of CNI. They are prayerfully committed to upholding the doctrines, traditions, and liturgical practices of the Church, while fostering the spiritual growth and well-being of the Cathedral community, as well as the well-being of the people beyond the Cathedral. The Committee oversees matters related to worship, Pastoral Care, Evangelism, Church Property, Finances, and activities of all other ministries functioning at the Cathedral. In all its decisions and actions, the Pastorate Committee seeks to serve faithfully, guided by Scripture and prayer, to glorify God and build up the Body of Christ in unity and love.
CATHEDRAL SOCIAL SERVICE
HOW CSS BEGAN
In April, 1963, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Mother Church under the Diocese of Calcutta, initiated the mission of serving the marginalised in the urban areas of Calcutta, and Cathedral Social Service was formed under its Social Service Wing, widely known as CSS. The primary vision set at that time was to ”Show God’s love to those who are still unaware of it”.
One of the landmark initiatives taken was in 1967, when a small school was opened as CSS Non-Formal Primary School, at the premises of Bhowanipur Cemetery, Kolkata. Children of the families living in the underserved neighbourhoods, parents working as vegetable vendors, individuals working as domestic helpers – all belonged to a low socio-economic background. Irrespective of their caste, creed or colour they were brought to study in this school.. In the beginning, in addition to imparting primary education, a free clinic was also introduced to provide consultation and medical assistance to the school children. Besides these initiatives, milk and food were also distributed among the children
Subsequently, a similar second CSS Non-formal Primary School was started at St Paul’s Mission School, Scott Lane, Sealdah, Kolkata, with a similar mission. Children from destitute families living in the vicinity were enrolled in the primary school for basic education. Both these schools continue till today in serving the community with a dedicated team of teachers and coordinators.
THE WAY FORWARD
After that, CSS expanded its outreach programs, including financial assistance for poor and deserving students pursuing further education, donations to old age homes, and Social Service activities through its Vocational Training Centre, among others.
At these Non-Formal schools, students receive Mid-Day Meals on school days. Elderly students who complete their education at CSS schools and have an aptitude and willingness to pursue further education are sponsored to complete their studies. Their tuition fees, books, uniform, and study aids are all part of this sponsorship, and in some special cases, some students are also provided with patronage for computer training.
The CSS also runs a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) where women and young girls are trained in textile handicrafts such as embroidery, tailoring, soft toy making, doll making, art & craft decorations and applique and patchwork to make them self- reliant. Products from VTC are displayed at the Cathedral Souvenir Corner within the Cathedral premises.
Expenses for all the outreach programmes come primarily from the donations given by the Cathedral Members, Cathedral Women’s Fellowship for Christian Services (another Ministry of the Church), through various fundraising events and activities hosted by the congregation, well-wishers of the Cathedral, donor institutions, and from the Cathedral‘s own Fund. CSS requires more and more such donations to strengthen its mission.
If you wish to contribute to any of these causes, please click here.
SUCCESS STORIES
Debu Halder had his primary education at Scott Lane, one of the CSS Non-Formal schools. He went on to attain a degree from Ashutosh College, Kolkata and then completed a multimedia animation course. He currently works as a choreographer - a passion which he has successfully turned into a profession.
Poulami Majhi’s academic journey began in our CSS Scott Lane Non-Formal Primary school. She completed Class X from St. Ninian’s High School and Class XII from United Missionary Girls’ High School, Kolkata. Following high school, she completed a BA in English Honours from Women’s Christian College, Kolkata and an MA in English from Calcutta University. She currently tutors economically disadvantaged students.
CATHEDRAL FRIENDSHIP CENTRE (CFC)
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, consecrated in 1847, is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Calcutta (CNI). The Cathedral community seeks to welcome and embrace all God’s people through the ministry of the Cathedral Friendship Centre (CFC), offering love, hope, peace, and healing
VISION
That all who enter St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Cathedral Friendship Centre (CFC) may experience peace, healing, restoration, and renewed hope in life.
MISSION
To set up a Friendship Centre with a mission to extend a friendly and supportive atmosphere to visitors who experience emotional or spiritual distress, through free and frank listening and conversation.
What we do?
The Cathedral sees many visitors each day, including those who are troubled and come to the Church seeking comfort, hope, and peace. While the Church has always been a place of prayer and pilgrimage, it became evident that there was a need for a ministry that actively engaged with people seeking more than quiet reflection.
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In 2012, recognising the growing emotional and pastoral needs of the city, the Cathedral congregation felt called to respond—to be more than an architectural landmark, and instead, a living, compassionate presence in the heart of Kolkata.
Who we are serving?
CFC welcomes everybody irrespective of caste, creed and background for counselling needs.
CFC offers free counselling, primarily in the form of pastoral care and mentorship, or lay counselling, to congregants and sometimes the public. These sessions focus on spiritual guidance, grief, or life struggles. While free, these services are typically not provided by licensed mental health professionals and are best suited for spiritual, emotional, or life-related struggles rather than severe, long-term mental health disorders.
Experienced volunteers are present at CFC who will lend their ear to problems ranging from an individual going through stress, low self-esteem, grief and bereavement, relationship and family problems, dealing with chronic illness, job-related issues, life transitions, marriage counselling, parenting issues, dysfunctional family patterns, addiction, gender identity concerns, self-discovery or sexuality issues.
Counsellors reach out to such people who seek their help, willing to accompany them on their journey of life, helping them understand themselves and overcome their agony and pain. CFC also provides referrals to licensed, faith-based counselling professionals where they feel required. Counselling provided is free of cost from 11 am to 5 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, certified counsellors are present to extend their support.
BECAUSE WE CARE
Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
Visiting Hours: 11.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (Wed-Fri)
CONTACT: 033–2223 2802
Email: cathedralfriendshipcentre@gmail.com​
TESTIMONIES OF VISITORS AT CFC
I am Jayita, pursued my study in the medical faculty I learnt about St Paul’s Cathedral from my friend and I came here one day in the year 2024, I found from the Cathedral notice board about Cathedral Friendship Centre, where persons with emotional imbalance and not finding comfort can visit and share their pain with befrienders who are voluntarily attached to this Centre, who extend their time in a loving and frank manner and in a friendly environment to such needy visitors like me. I started visiting and discussing about my relationship with a friend and the resultant objections and reservations of my parents. This agony was disturbing my peace of mind and my studies as well. I regularly visited the Centre, and through regular counselling with the Befrienders, I gained confidence and direction. This paved the way to focus on my studies. Finally, by regular prayer to Almighty God and spontaneous guidance at CFC , I completed my medical studies. I have also been able to regain the loving relationship with my parent Today, I feel proud to share that I have been blessed with a Government Job offer in my medical profession. I really feel blessed to be associated with Cathedral Friendship Centre
I am Snehasish and have been visiting Cathedral Friendship Centre since August,2020, when I was pursuing my school studies. I was lacking confidence and purpose in my life. Many friends and relatives were taking me for granted. They thought that I was good for nothing; I could not achieve anything in my life. I regularly visited CFC and received guidance on all positive thrusts, and today I completed my school studies, BCom and MCom. By God’s Grace and guidance from CFC and the blessings of my mother, I am now blessed with a job at an IT firm and enjoying my life. Thanks to the divine work CFC is doing for the people in actual need.
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICES (WFCS)
The Ministry of Women’s Fellowship unites women members of the English and Bengali-speaking worshippers of the Cathedral. It unites women of all ages to grow spiritually, support church projects, advocate charitable initiatives and play a prominent role in major events and activities of the Cathedral.
WFCS regularly meets on the first Sunday of each month to plan its activities and events for the month, which include spiritual and community development, through the church with the help of other Ministries of the Cathedral. To fulfil such goals, WFCS organises fundraising fetes, ‘bring & buy’ sales, porch sales – where women bring home-cooked meals and sell to the parish, the proceeds of which are used to fund various causes. Other activities involve old-age home visits, orphanage visits, cottage prayer meetings, Bible studies, family retreats, visiting the sick and elderly in the parish and cultural activities to promote environmental protection. It also participates in events of the Women’s Fellowship at the Calcutta Diocese level and the CNI, Synode level.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Sunday School Ministry is an educational ministry held in a place of worship for toddlers, children and teenagers. Scheduled to be taken during the main Sunday Worship simultaneously, classes are divided according to age-specific groups – toddlers, juniors, primary, seniors, and teens. It is open to children aged 3 to 14 years.
Our Sunday School teachers are well-trained members of the Cathedral adept in teaching children the word of God and lessons from the Bible in fun and engaging ways. Instead of formal lectures, teachers often use Bible stories, arts and crafts, music, games, and discussions to teach Christian values and life lessons. Sunday school gives children the opportunity to learn about Jesus through appropriate Bible study material and the Sunday school curriculum, along with singing beautiful choruses, doing fun activities and caring for them spiritually.
Children are also encouraged to make beautiful presentations of their songs and Biblical stories in the form of play and recitals during regular Sunday worship, Easter and the Nativity season. Through regular interactions with other children and stage exposure, these children build confidence, resilience and grow their faith through the word of Christ.
The Cathedral Sunday school also organises VBS (Vacation Bible School), a dynamic, week-long summer program focused on teaching children about the Bible through games, crafts, colouring, music, and skits. VBS, held once a year, is conducted for children of all ages to give them a unique opportunity for learning, fellowship, and service.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
The Bible highlights the time of YOUTH as a stage of immense strength and potential, as written in the Proverbs: Chapter 20, Verse 29 – “The glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old.” It is also emphasised that harnessing youthful energy for productive, honourable purposes, seeking wisdom, discipline and parental as well as spiritual guidance, rather than wasting it.
Through youth fellowship, young members in the Cathedral grow up as spirited, energetic, innovative individuals who, through their vibrancy and enthusiasm, morally and spiritually honour and glorify God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Following the words of the Bible, the Youth Fellowship of St Paul’s Cathedral is highly active and involved through participation in the Worship services on the Last Sunday of each month, where they are asked to lead the congregation in prayer, worship and intercession.
Other annual activities organised by the Youth Fellowship include:
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Inter-Church Football Tournament on Independence Day every year
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The Inter-Church Music and Dance competition is held annually
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Putting up stalls at the annual Cathedral Carnival and helping with logistics
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Assisting at the Nine Lessons Carol Worship
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Arranging and assisting at various Christmas programmes of the Cathedral
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Carol Singing & Cottage Prayer
​Their participation in all such activities is spontaneous and voluntary, to inculcate spiritual and social fellowship. Their mission is to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for young people to grow in their faith, serve others, and build meaningful relationships with one another, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their formation and activities are as per the Constitution of the Diocese of Calcutta under the Church of North India.
Throughout Christ’s principles, young people are called to live purposeful, disciplined lives rather than just giving in to reckless desires. Matthew Chapter 5: Verse 14 says – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill can not be hidden.”
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
As per the Bible, there are four principles of STEWARDSHIP: Ownership, Responsibility, Accountability and Reward. The ownership of His creation, under stewardship, means God has created everything and owns everything. He has created humankind to work as a Steward of all His creation.
As such, Stewardship Mission at the Church is responsible for fostering a culture of spirituality, fellowship, utilising the resources like time, talent and treasure, principles of women and financial resources entrusted to the congregation by God, besides educating members and worshippers on Biblical Stewardship, encouraging them to view and utilise them for God’s purpose.
Accordingly, a Stewardship Sub- Committee at St. Paul’s Cathedral is formed with members of the Cathedral in terms of the Constitution of the Diocese of Calcutta (CNI). Members of this Sub-Committee regularly meet to plan and implement Stewardship, evangelical, and spiritual activities amongst its members and worshipers.
The Stewardship Committee endeavours to organise area-wise house visits to encourage members and worshippers and also find ways and means in raising and sharing resources while educating the members in Christian Stewardship and responsible church membership to lead the Cathedral towards the goal of selfreliance and fulfilment of its mission, witness and service for the world for the Kingdom of God's righteousness.
As it is written in the Bible, “For an Overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” (Bible: book of Titus: Chapter: 1, Verses: 7-8).
CATHEDRAL CHOIR
The purpose of a church choir is to lead in congregational singing and act as singing servants to help the broader congregation engage in musical worship.
The Cathedral Choir is a dedicated team of our members and worshippers sharing their talent in music and singing during worship. Under the guidance of the choir director and the able accompaniment of the organist, they render soulful melodies, leading the congregation in singing with all enthusiasm and spiritual reflection, thus making a perfect ambience for a sacred and soulful worship experience.
​The Cathedral Choir also participates in various Inter–Church programmes and competitions in the Diocese of Calcutta and has received many accolades.