Rev Sunil Kadaparambil is currently completing his Uniting Church studies, and joins Frontier Services in the Cunnamulla Patrol.

After being a Catholic priest for nine years in India, and then nearly three years in Australia, Sunil, who has always had a passion for mission, joined the Uniting Church.

“From my childhood onwards I had a dream to become a missionary, and at age 15 I joined the seminary for priesthood training.”

Rev Sunil has a particular connection with remote Australia. “That was the main reason for me joining the Uniting Church and Frontier Services: to work in remote Australia. The Uniting Church is open. I felt it worked for the community, is open to all people and welcoming to all cultures.”

He has also worked in jail ministry and was involved in Ecumenism in Mumbai, and was a coordinator there. “Social or charitable activities present the best opportunities to establish good relationships with other religions. After all, we are all the creation of the same God.”

Rev Sunil said with a smile “The Indian name Sunil means joy or happiness.” He added that he is often called Sunny because he likes to smile. “I am a happy person.”

Sunil has been involved in every community that he’s worked in. “I like to be involved in the community” In India he started St Thomas’ School in Mumbai “When I left, there were over 2,000 children at the school.”

More recently in his parish in Goulburn, Sunil began a youth group “I put the word out for youth to come and play soccer. The first week there was just one person. Slowly, the number grew as each week passed.” By the end, there were 21 kids involved.

Rev Sunil likes sport and thinks it’s a great way to connect with younger people. He not only plays soccer and volleyball, but is a bit of a cricketer. Sunil said that he’s more of a batsman but can still bowl okay and looks forward to playing locals.

“I’m excited to meet everyone in Cunnamulla Patrol,” said Rev Sunil. “Frontier Services does some wonderful work, especially in the outback. That is the area I can help: practically. Where there is need.”

Welcome to the Frontier Services family