Questions
What families ask us first
Straight answers to the questions that come up at our counters every week. If yours is not here, telephone the office — someone will answer it properly rather than send you a form.
The Centre
Who we are and how we work
What is Chavara Family Welfare Centre?
It is a family welfare institution founded in 1996 under Chavara Cultural Centre, Kochi, and managed by the CMI Fathers. The Centre helps families find suitable alliances, holds the Chavara Family Meet, conducts family welfare seminars and publishes a family periodical.
Who runs the Centre?
A director appointed from the CMI congregation, assisted by an executive director and trained staff at each regional office. The Centre has been run by priests and lay professionals together since it opened.
Is the Centre only for Catholic families?
No. Families from every denomination of the Christian community use the Centre, including Syro-Malabar, Latin, Syro-Malankara, Knanaya, Jacobite, Orthodox, Marthoma, CSI and Pentecostal. Our service for candidates with disabilities is open irrespective of religion.
Does the Centre guarantee a marriage?
No honest institution can. What we undertake is a verified register, careful suggestions, patient follow up and staff who will tell you the truth rather than what you would like to hear.
Registration
Joining the register
How do we register a candidate?
Visit any of our offices during working hours with the candidate's details, photographs and identity proof, and an executive will complete the registration with you. Families who cannot travel can begin by telephoning the head office in Kochi.
Do you take a commission on the marriage?
Never. The Centre is against commission based services and the role of middlemen in marriage. Charges are one time, published in advance and the same for every family. No success fee of any kind is collected.
Is identity proof compulsory?
Yes. A record is activated only after identity proof is submitted and checked. It is what allows us to tell families honestly that the details in our register have been verified.
What happens to our personal details?
They are held by the Centre and used to suggest suitable alliances. Contact details are shared with another family only when both sides agree. We do not sell or rent records, and a registration can be withdrawn on request.
Can we register from outside India?
Yes. Families in the Gulf, Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere register and follow up through the Kochi head office by telephone and email, usually with a relative in Kerala assisting with meetings.
Is there a provision for candidates with disabilities?
Yes. Candidates with disabilities or special needs are registered free of charge and the registration stands until the marriage takes place. This service is open to candidates of any religion, caste or creed.
Seminars and conduct
Everything else
Will you conduct a seminar in our parish or college?
We do, as part of our responsibility to society. Write to the head office with the institution, the audience and the dates you have in mind, and the programme will be planned around what you need.
Is this a dating service?
No. Our services are strictly for marriage purposes. Introductions are made between families, with the consent of both, and casual contact is not what the Centre exists for.
How do we raise a complaint?
Speak to the manager of the office concerned, or contact the head office in Kochi on +91 484 40 80 333 during working hours. Complaints about staff conduct are taken seriously and answered.