History of St Joseph Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Tampa
St. Joseph’s Syro Malabar Parish in Tampa
- Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath blessed the St. Joseph’s Syro Malabar Church in Tampa on May 7, 2011 and elevated the status from a Mission to a Parish. Thus St. Joseph’s Syro Malabar Catholic Church (SJSMCC) in Tampa came into existence as a parish. Bishop also appointed Fr. George Maliekal as the Vicar. Fr. George, Sr. Christi, and the parishioners continue to work hard and SJSMCC grows spiritually, socially, and financially day by day.
- Rev. Fr. Raphael Ambadan was appointed as vicar in January 2017
- Rev. Fr. Rajeev Valiyaveetil, the first priest from the parish and also one of the two priests ordained for the first time in the Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago, celebrated his very First Mass at St. Joseph’s Syro Malabar Parish in Tampa on June-10-2018
- St. Joseph’s Syro Malabar Parish purchased the single family residence in June 2018 for the residence of the vicar.
- His Excellency Mar Jacob Angaiyath, Bishop of the Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago blessed the newly modified front elevation of the church building in February 2019
- Rev. Fr. Rijo Cheerakathil was appointed as Vicar in July 2019. After a few months the Covid 19 pandemic has broken out in the country.
- During the pandemic in the year 2020 the Church was building was locked down for a period of 5 months. During this period, Fr Rijo initiated to make all the Liturgical services available to the parish members online via live streaming of Holy Qurbana and other liturgical services.
- He also initiated to celebrate the Tin Jubilee (10th anniversary) of SJSMCC in May 2021 and on this auspicious occasion, a multi-purpose concrete floored playground was blessed by His Excellency Mar Joy Alappatt, then Auxiliary Bishop of the Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. As part of celebration and gratitude Dr John Kozhimala was honoured for being the highest sponsor to buy the SJSMCC property at 5501 Williams Road.
- Rev. Fr. Roy Moolechalil was appointed as Vicar in March 2023. In 2023 he initiated the newsletter, Sunday Fellowship Lunch, CCD web application, Seniors Circle, and Cherupushpa Mission League. In 2024, church grounds were cleared and many sports and recreational activities were added for members.
- Rev. Fr. Jimmy James Paimpillil was appointed as Vicar in April 2025
Timeline and Key Milestones
1970–2000: Beginning
Syro Malabar Catholics from Kerala began settling in Central Florida, participating in Latin churches while forming prayer groups and celebrating Holy Qurbana occasionally.
2001–2008: Establishing the Identity
KCACF was formally incorporated, began regular liturgical and social activities, and developed a stronger community presence in the Tampa Bay area.
2007–2008: Layman Association to Church Entity
Steps were taken to transition from a lay organization to a formal Syro Malabar Mission, culminating in diocesan engagement and approval.
2010: Purchased the church property
First mass in the newly purchased location conducted on Oct 17th