With a view to building up happy Christian families that constitute stable societies in the Diocese of Kalyan, the Family Apostolate was formed on 12th February 1992 with Fr. Varghese Manavalan as its Director. This department has been organizing multitudinous activities for the all-round Christ centred personality development of the youth aspiring for married life.
‘Remote Preparation for Marriage’ helps the youth to acquire clear and sublime views on marriage. The marriage preparation course is a three-day residential programme held every month at the ARC, Panvel. The department also conducts ‘Marriage Enrichment Programme’ – EKAM which is an ongoing formation service for the couples to help them strengthen their spousal love.
Another noteworthy activity of the department is the online Parenthood Preparation Programme which helps the couples to be good parents who, in turn, would train their children to lead an ideal married life. Apart from all these, the Family Apostolate arranges seminars on parenting where classes and discussions are held on the practical aspects of parent-child relationship and all-round growth of the children. Every year the Family Apostolate felicitates the couples who celebrate silver and golden jubilee of their wedding. Every year Family Apostolate conducting a Matrimonial Meet called Vaivahika Sangamam/ Bachelors & Bachelorettes Meet, a get together of prospective Catholic brides & grooms along with their parents an opportunity to evaluate many proposals in a single venue.
Under the leadership of former directors Fr. Varghese Manavalan, Fr. Benny Thanninilkumthadathil and Fr. Boby Mulackampilly, Fr. Shaji Parickappallil, Fr. Shaibu Paul Malethadathil the Kalyan Eparchy Family Apostolate (K.E.F.A) has made big strides in many allied areas of Christian family life in the Diocese of Kalyan. Also Fr. Siby Kochuveetil, Fr.Liju Irattakuzhakkal and Fr.Lijo Velliyamkandathil, Fr. Kiran Eluvathingal, Fr. Bibil Punnakathadathil, Fr. Danoop Chungath, Fr. Tony Kochuveethil, Fr. Jackson Attichirayil has made substantial contributions towards the growth of Family Apostolate as the Asst. Directors.
Under the patronage and guidance of Mar. Thomas Elavanal, presently the Kalyan Eparchy Family Apostolate (K.E.F.A) is led by the team of Fr. Paul Kunduparambil (Director), Fr. Joemon Kurushingal (Asst Director) and Sr. Caroine A.O (Animator).