Category Archives: Apr 2018

From the Peninsular Bishops To Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful

In response to queries about the Holy Father’s comment that the Mass is free (“the Mass is not paid for, redemption is free. If you want to make an offering okay, but the Mass cannot be paid for”. General Audience, 7 March 2018), we would like to clarify that the practice of accepting mass offerings does not in any way contradict the above statement.

The Mass or the Eucharist represents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross (CCC 1366). In terms of the “price” for such sacrifice, it has already been paid by our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. In terms of us being the beneficiaries of that great sacrifice, it comes unmerited and without any further payment on our part. Thus, Pope Francis is right to highlight that the Mass, which is the sacrifice of Christ, has been and is always “free” in that we need not and cannot possibly make any additional ‘payment’ to that one eternal sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The Church cannot and will not impose any “entrance fee” for assisting at Mass.

The practice of Mass offerings, which is an ancient one that dates back to the early Church, does not constitute “paying” for the Mass. It is not a “fee” for the Mass, which is always free. According to Canon 945§ 1 of the Code of Canon Law, “any priest celebrating or concelebrating is permitted to receive an offering to apply the Mass for a specific intention”.

The purpose of Mass offerings stated in Canon Law (Canon 946) is: “The Christian faithful who give an offering to apply the Mass for their intention contribute to the good of the Church and by that offering share its concern to support its ministers and works.”

According to Blessed Pope Paul VI’s Motu Propio, Firma in traditione, the donors of Mass offerings “associate themselves more closely with Christ’s act of offering himself as victim and in so doing experience its effects more fully”.

The final and most important note is to remember that you are not paying for the graces from God (which are of infinite value and cannot be paid for). With that in mind it makes much more sense and is not something that should cause scandal.

Mass intentions are a great treasure of the Church and have a spiritual weight that is incalculable. For this reason, the bishops of Peninsular Malaysia would like to recommend to Catholics to continue this laudable practice, although we must constantly and judiciously be on guard against abuse.

Rt Rev Sebastian Francis, DD
Bishop of Penang

Most Rev Julian Leow, DD
Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur

Rt Rev Bernard Paul, DD
Bishop of Malacca-Johore – Herald Malaysia, 14 Apr 2018

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TANJUNG ARU – SM Stella Maris here kicked off its golden jubilee commemoration with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Stella Maris Church on 13 Apr 2018.

The Mass was presided by Msgr Primus Jouil and attended by past and present principals, teachers, students, representatives from neighbouring SM La Salle, the religious sisters, and La Salle Brother Peter Foo.

Other commemorative activities include an 8 am – 4 pm Open Day Exhibition on the school premises Apr 14 featuring photographs and memorabilia charting five decades of education;  Jubilee souvenirs and DVDs on sale, a carnival bazaar; and a mini musical concert.

A jubilee dinner will be held on Apr 28 at the Hakka Hall Likas while a Charity Run will be organised on May 5.

Located in Tanjung Aru with an area of 1.78 acres, the secondary school was opened by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) in January 1968 with three classrooms, a teacher room, an office and a toilet block.

The school for girls opened with 31 students up to Form 3 only due to lack of instructors and other physical facilities.  Those who passed Form 3 (Lower Certificate Examination) had to move to St Francis Convent to continue their studies.  However, in 1987 it was able to open classes for Forms 4 and 5.

Down the years the school developed by leaps and bounds.

A second two-storey block was built in 1986 to accommodate the increasing student population and in 1994 it went into a two-session school system: Forms 1 and 2 in the afternoon and Forms 3-5 in the morning.

In 1989 the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) was formed.  In the same year, the school magazine “The Guiding Star” was published under the supervision of PC Poh.

In 1991 the school parliament was formed under senior assistant Lee Wah Ban. It replaced the School Watchdog, a regulatory body formed in the 1970s under Margaret Chin.

The school website was launched in 1999 while the open hall was constructed in 2000.

Today the school has an enrolment of 790 students with 14 classrooms.  It is looking forward to the construction of a new school block with 24 classrooms so that the school will have a single session system.  The building committee is in the initial stage of preparing the development plan to be submitted to the local authorities.

“We hope to target the construction to begin in 2019 and completing in 2020 using the Industrized Building System (IBS),” said PTA President Zahara Ismail at the launching of the jubilee celebration on 13 Jan 2018.

Themed “Glorious Golden Years,” the launch was organised jointly by the Stella Maris Alumni and PTA.

Alumni president Irene George Mojinggol urged all ex-students to do their part and to pledge to the building of the new school block.

“Let us work towards a school that is completely and fully equipped with high technology and quality amenities, to maintain the school’s remarkable achievements since  its establishment, and to  strengthen its competitiveness to become successful leaders in the country,” said Mojinggol.

Among those who served as principals were Franciscan Sister Stella Chin (1968-1971, 1979-1981), Sister Aquinas Voon (1971-1978), Sister Alphonsus Low (1981-1988), Pauline Wong Mee Kiong (1989-1994),  Grace Gan Lee Ping (1994 – 2005), Clare Sikodol (2006-2009), Girly Tan (2010-2014), and Gertrude Jock (2014-2016).

The current principal is Goh Kui Liang (2017), the first male principal in the girls’ school.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – In his circular dated 11 Apr 2018, Bishop Bernard Paul of Melaka-Johor encouraged the faithful to vote wisely in the 14th General Elections scheduled on May 9.  He called on all to pray for the nation and to join PACA (Polling Agent-Counting Agent) as ways of expressing one’s desire for a better Malaysia.

Click below for the full text.
BBP Circular No. BP-2018-015-The GE14 is Here 20180411

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Around 131 representatives from Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and subparish of Church of Mary Immaculate turned up for the follow-up parish assembly at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here on 9 Apr 2018.

At this gathering, Dr Jeffrey Soon, coordinating chairman of the parish PAX committee, presented to the delegates the summary of the reports they had gathered from all the groups/ministries/communities existing in the parish since the first gathering on March 13.

Prior to that, Soon also gave a brief overview of how the three parish priorities – issues on family life, faith formation and reaching out to nominal parishioners – came about and how they are related to the three challenges of apathy, secularisation and islamisation as well as the archdiocesan pastoral thrust of “going inward, going smaller, and going outwards” highlighted by PAX Assembly 2015.

In his turn, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) chairman Jason Joenoi gave the overview from the PPC, highlighting the efforts to meet the needs of the parish, and calling on the groups to work together for the common good.

One of the issues highlighted during the Q&A session is the need to help the newly baptised to grow in their faith development which calls for the involvement of all the parish groups and communities.

The two assemblies were held in preparation for the archdiocesanwide Pre-PAX Assembly on May 1 at the SHPC.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PAPAR – Indonesian priest Romo (Rev) Eduardo Raja of Ende Archdiocese Flores gave a sharing on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs or Komuniti Kristian Dasar [KKD]) to Papar parishioners on 7 Apr 2018 at the Fr John Tsung Hall St Joseph Parish here.

The sharing was given during the Easter gathering after the Sunset Mass.

In his welcoming speech, PPC chairman Johnny Sitamin thanked the parishioners for their participation during the Holy Week celebrations,  Romo Eduardo’s ministry to the Indonesian migrant and local communities at the outstation chapels and estates in Papar and Limbahau.

In his sharing, the visiting priest told his audience that the Ende BECs (or Komunitas Umat Basis or KUB as it is known in Indonesia) were started in the 1950s under the Congregation of Santa Maria and became an official body in the 1980s, providing prayer services with gospel reading and reflections,  spiritual and economic community services.

Since 1987, the KUB has become a centre of generating and collecting ideas and discussion platform in dealing with all aspects of lives and thereafter stamped its direct involvement in pastoral activities.

The priest said the KKD works best in smaller groups of 10-20 Catholic families living in a neighbourhood that  know each other well, meeting weekly, praying, reading and sharing the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist, sharing problems encountered,  and  searching for possible solutions to these problems.

Romo Eduardo stressed the need for all the BECs to work together in ensuring that pastoral faith formation and development are in line with the archdiocesan vision and mission.

Prior to this sharing, the audience witnessed the Easter cake cutting led by Father Thomas Yip and rendition of the blessed birthday and congratulation songs accompanied by the choirs, parish pastoral councillors, catechist, Sister Juanah Saliun and her novices, and the parishioners.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PAPAR – St Joseph Parish here welcomed 77 new members into its parish family at Easter Vigil 31 Mar 2018.

The neophytes – 38 women and 39 men – received the Sacraments of Initiation administered by Father Rayner Bisius.

Earlier in the morning, the elect attended a brief recollection and rehearsal wherein Fr Rayner explained the four parts of the Easter Vigil: Liturgy of the Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

He also touched on the significance of the Paschal Candle, the Easter Proclamation, the nine readings, the Litany of the Saints, and the blessing of the baptism water.

In his homily, Fr Rayner likened the stone blocking the entrance of the tomb of Jesus to the loss of hope expressed by the three suffering women he had visited during Holy Week.  He urged the parishioners to allow Jesus to remove the stone which block one’s passage towards Christ through faith. – William Charles Mindus (SOCCOM Papar)

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The camp, initiated by Father Rayner Bisius and supported by the liturgical committee, drew participants from St Joseph Church and its outstation chapels.

The four-day programme featured adoration, catechesis, sharing and group role-play, basic knowledge of altar server ministry, Way of the Cross, movie nights, and BBQ fellowship.

In his inputs, Fr Rayner explained the role and functions of the altar server ministry, terms and conditions, attitude towards service, basic understanding of the Mass, and the need for genuflection.

On Good Friday Mar 30, the participants joined the Way of the Cross up Pohumpung Hill Limbahau with the parishioners.

The following day Mar 31, the participants had a practicum related to altar server’s attire, sacred vessels, priestly vestments, and liturgical colours.

The camp concluded on Easter Sunday Apr 1 with sharing and evaluation supervised by Pesi Selingan, coordinator of the Papar liturgical committee.

A follow-up camp will be organised in June at Holy Rosary Church Limbahau.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The Catholic Church is the true Church
“I was a former minister in a Protestant Church.

“I started attending the Catholic Church in the middle of 2016. In Jan 2017, I attended a seminar by Permanent Deacon Sherman Quek on “What is the difference between Protestants, Orthodox and Catholics?”

“The seminar was an eye opening experience for me. Could it be that the Catholic Church of our forefathers is the true church after all and St Peter is the first Pope?

“I couldn’t wait to sign up for the RCIA but had to wait until June 2017 before it started. Initially, I struggled with the Marian dogma but have accepted it by faith. “I can’t believe how fast time has flown as now I am baptised, confirmed and have partaken in my first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. I was so excited!

“Last but not least, I am very grateful and thankful to God for leading me to the Catholic Church. Without Him, I wouldn’t have become a Catholic.

I would also like to thank my Godpa, Patrick, the RCIA coordinator, Lynn, and facilitators of St Peter’s Church. A very special thank you also to Fr Lionel, Fr Christopher Lee and Bishop Bernard Paul.

Finally, I would also like to thank my family for their love and support. God bless.” — Barnabas Khor, St Peter’s Church, Melaka

Stunned that Jesus died for all
“I got to know about the Catholic faith through my fiancé. I will be getting married this October. As I followed my fiancé to church, I got to know about Jesus Christ, and was very stunned to know that He died for me, and for everyone. There is definitely no other God who died for His people. I was very happy to be baptised this Easter. –Anikalah Ramu (Regina), Church of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam

A new beginning
“My journey through the RCIA programme was a wonderful experience. Each week, I looked forward to our RCIA meeting. The presentations by the team leaders and the group discussions gave me a new perspective on how I should handle the challenge of daily life.

“The Easter Vigil was an especially emotional moment for me as I was finally baptised as a Catholic. The Sacraments make me feel I have reached the end of a long search but it is truly the marked beginning of a new journey of spiritual growth and awareness.” — Ellen Hong, Sacred Heart Church, KL

It took time to become a Christian
“Knowing Jesus Christ is nothing new to me personally as both my parents came to know the Lord at a much later stage of their life. For me, to become a Christian was just a matter of time but it took me 45 years before I said yes.

“It all started when my wife broke down and cried on our way back home from a funeral service at St Joseph Cathedral. She told me it was time to know Jesus Christ and God Almighty. Somehow God had touched her heart.

“Even so, it took me another two months before we registered for our RCIA Class at St Joseph Parish centre, after so much pushing from my wife. We were granted a family baptism with my two lovely daughters. Hallelujah.

“And so as our baptism has just taken place, my hope is to understand and learn more of God’s Grace so I can share the Word of God with those who need it. Amen. — Jeffery Bay, Kuching. He was baptised together with his wife Gwen and their two daughters Summer (15 years old) and Dandeline (11 years years old)

God showed the right direction
“My name Rong Yao, given by my late grandfather, means ‘glory’. I was born into a Taoist family. However, growing up in the Taoist family background did not leave any strong impression in my life. I guess this was because I was not a true believer.

“I had made my first attempt at seeking the truth in religion during my high school days by stepping into the Holy Spirit Cathedral for the first time for my best friend’s baptism.

“Ever since, I have explored various religions until last year when I met the love of my life, who is a Catholic. Despite her not requesting me to convert to her religion, I was convinced that God has pointed me in the right direction and this was my calling. I took the step to follow the RCIA journey last July.

As time passes, I am being equipped with a stronger faith, knowing that God has always loved me unconditionally so that I can learn to love others and live my life the way that His only son, Jesus Christ has taught to us.” — Rong Yao Lim, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang

I am now more forgiving
“Throughout the RCIA journey, I have learnt more about God and came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. My life used to be very busy and I was easily distracted by other things. After attending RCIA, I started to pray and read the Word of God every day.

Even while at work, I would read and reflect on the Word of God during break times. Each night before I sleep, I would seek forgiveness from God for all my sins and ask for the strength to repent. I found myself learning to forgive others too. I am no more fearful like before. This I attribute to my learning to trust in God and his guidance. Praise and thank God for his love and mercy.” — Beatrice Chin Jing Yi, Miri

Attracted to the Catholic way of life
“I was always intrigued by Christians and their beliefs. My mother even remarked that Christians are the only people who pray for the good and wellbeing of others. My RCIA journey was fuelled by God’s calling through my colleague who noticed my interest in Christianity and was willing to guide me along to discover Catholicism.

“The many Catholics who have crossed my path appear to be joyful, have incomparable values, are community minded and have a warm relationship with one another. These are important traits for me as a person.

“I attended a funeral in a non-Catholic church and was dismayed that non-believing family members were not allowed to be near the deceased. This social stigma does not exist in Catholicism and the Church stays true to its meaning of being all inclusive and non-discriminatory.”— Sengeetha, Good Shepherd Church, Kuala Lumpur

Whole outlook on life has changed
“I was first introduced to the existence of God by my school teacher, but being raised in a Chinese Buddhist family, I only got to know more about Him 25 years later, through my neighbour! She is a Roman Catholic and she taught me and introduced me to the faith. Unfortunately, we lost touch with each other when I moved to another state, but my curiosity regarding the religion was still very strong.

“Over the years, the topic of becoming “Children of God” was discussed frequently in my family. With the encouragement of my family members, I started the RCIA last year to get a better insight of this religion. In the beginning, I was full of scepticism and doubt, but as the days went by and the sessions progressed, I began to feel the presence of God!! The Recollection gathering in Port Dickson especially gave me a deeper understanding of my relationship with God. Now, after my daily reading of the Word of God and my night prayers, I feel at peace and secure. It is a very wonderful feeling to be in the presence of God.

“My whole outlook on life has changed, and I give thanks to God for all the things I have received. With joy in my heart I praise our Lord and ask for God’s blessings to assist me in this daily journey towards eternity.” — Oh Phooi Leng, St Ignatius Church, Petaling Jaya

Felt that something was missing
“I have been married to a Catholic for 28 years and have been accompanying her to church occasionally over the years.

“A couple of years back, I started feeling that there was something missing in my life and was contemplating making the decision to join the RCIA programme. I drew some of my inspiration from the friendship we have with the priest, as well as the community.

“It has been an interesting journey over the past year and much harder than I had originally imagined. There were times through the journey when I questioned whether it was the right thing to do and, a couple of times, almost chose to give up due to problems that were consuming me either in the family or at work.

“I am glad that I stuck through it and I am very excited to see it through and join my new family.

“I want to say a very big thank you to the RCIA team who are so committed, Fr Martin Arlando, who is always so inspiring, my Godfather Rodney Gomez who is also a dear friend, and most of all, my wife Sharon who has been a shining light for me since the day we were wed.” — Simon Suresh Chandra, Church of the Divine Mercy, Penang

Thankful that I have been led to Christ
“RC I A helped me to deepen my understanding of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, as well as the wonders of his works on earth. I came to realise that to live my faith is to live the life of Jesus. My whole being should be in the presence of Christ and for Christ, only then will I be able to live according to the Word of God. I am most thankful to God that he has led me to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.” — Nathan Hung Wen Lih, Miri

It is the best decision I have ever made
“I was born in a Taoist family more than 30 years ago and was introduced to Christianity in 2012, when my senior in University invited me to a church in PJ. Back then, I was very sceptical about Christianity (because I didn’t even seek to know about it!) but I still accepted the invitation because I was going through one of the most challenging periods in my life, and I was thinking to occupy my time with some community activities instead of letting the devil work in my empty mind!

“It turned out that I was able to express (and release) the sorrow deep inside my heart and most importantly, I felt better from time to time! So, I started to attend church services on Sunday, listening to the pastor’s sharing, making new friends, singing as well.

“In 2013, I started a relationship with a beautiful, kind and cheerful girl, Elaine Chua, who is my so-called “ex-girlfriend,” a.k.a. “Wife” now. Looking back on all this, I think what happened is that God had actually arranged for us to know each other back in the year 2008, when we were working in the same company. Our friendship had provided us with a very strong foundation of trust and understanding of each other, and subsequently bringing us closer to each other.

“Since 2013, Sunday Mass has become an event where I spend time with Elaine, and together with God. The positivity shown by the community also attracted my attention and I started noticing the differences a Catholic could make, and this led me to step into the RCIA class in 2017.

“At first, it was really not easy to make such a commitment, and in fact, I was hesitating, wondering if this was what I want to commit myself to for the next nine months. Well, after a few classes, the new Sunday routine became easier for me. The RCIA classes were also not as boring as I thought they would be. Each session was not just about what is in the scriptures but sometimes also included the sharing (by the uncles and aunties) on the challenges they faced throughout the journey into the Catholic faith and how they overcame them.

“Looking back, I think making the decision to join RCIA was definitely one of the most important decisions I have ever made in my life!”

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. — Gregory Lim Huan Key, Church of the Holy Redeemer, Klang 

Finally found the meaning of life
“It is almost the end of my RCIA journey. Many things have changed in my life since the first day I signed up for this programme.

“My younger years were well-spent but never close to God in any way. Just recently, my life came to a roadblock and God, in His mercy and grace, showed me that He has never left my side —just like the story of the footsteps in the sand.

“After almost a year journeying through my RCIA, I have finally found meaning in my life. Waking up is with a purpose and going to bed I am thankful for each day.

I am also thankful to my facilitators for guiding me in my journey of discovering faith and meaning in my life. “I am also thankful for being able to have the chance to walk closer with God and I was very much excited for my Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.” — Pamela, Church of St Joseph, Kuala Lumpur

The Church has brought me closer to Christ
“My journey to Jesus began when I joined the RCIA. Before joining RCIA, my life was meaningless. After I joined the RCIA, I began to develop a greater interest to know more about Jesus Christ. I listened with great interest to the facilitators telling us about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us.

“My desire to know Jesus Christ became more intense when I began to attend the 6.00pm Mass after RCIA sessions. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was filled with prayers and hymns sung by the priest and congregation. The readings from the Bible really taught me a lot of things like the Ten Commandments that should be followed to be truly happy in life.

“The Church has brought me closer to Jesus Christ. In prayer, I can feel that Jesus Christ is guiding me throughout the day in every situation, good and bad. Prayers like the creed, and more importantly, the Lord’s Prayer, are my shield for protection against evil in life.

“Now I am baptised: I am fully God’s child, cleansed from sins and a full member of the Catholic Church. Praise the LORD!!” — Emma Patmanathan, Church of the Assumption, Petaling Jaya

Touched by Jesus who died for all of us
“I am an only son in a non-Christian family. I thank God that my father sent me to Catholic High School.This school has a church beside it. Every morning when I walked into school, I could hear the hymns being sung which made me feel tranquil.

“On the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2015, we Form 3 students were invited to attend a Mass for our upcoming PT3 Exam. I remember when I entered the church, I saw a man crucified on the cross and did not know why. I was very touched. After the Mass I asked my friends who the person crucified on the cross was and why he wascrucified. My friends told me that he is Jesus Christ and he died for our sins.

“Thus began my explorations. I found that no god is greater than Jesus who was willing to sacrifice himself for our sins. So I started to believe in Jesus and I bought my first Bible. I read the Bible and I know He is our Salvation who will lead us to eternal life.

So every morning, I started to pray in the church before I went to school. When I prayed, I felt very peaceful. What I prayed for he also answered me.

“In the middle of 2017, I met the priest and I joined the RCIA to know more about God. I was never absent, even when I was sitting for my SPM.

“Time has gone fast, I have completed my Form 5 and I passed with flying colours. Now, after my baptism, I am very happy that I have become a disciple of Jesus.

“Thanks God, Amen.” — By Lawrence Soo HR, Melaka

Thankful to have answered His call
“Wh a t started out initially as a requirement for me to embrace the Catholic faith became a journey filled with wonderful knowledge, rekindled my love for Jesus and has brought me so much closer to Him.

“Being brought up as a Christian all my life, I had many questions about the Catholic faith that I had hoped would be answered when I joined RCIA, but the Lord indeed has plans for me as he has opened my eyes and my heart to Him. Not only have my questions been answered, but He has reaffirmed, time and again, that He is indeed faithful and He has called me for this very reason.

“Through His grace, He has made this journey possible, even though there were obstacles in my way. He has given me a wonderful team of support from my loving family and friends and I could not be happier.

“Surely His mercies shall never end and I am so grateful and thankful that I have heard and answered His call.” — Joyce Ann Cheah, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

 

 

Some 114 members of the 18 diocesan ministries of the Malacca Johore Diocese assembled on Saturday, March 3 at the Chee Luan Khor Moral Uplifting centre in Kluang for a day of reflection.

The MJPT (Malacca Johore Pastoral Team) Assembly was the second held after the 2016 PMPC IV. It is among the many to be called by Bishop Bernard Paul as a way to reach the different levels of the people. This was also a follow up of the Post Synod #1 held in October 2017, the first year review after the 2016 PMPC IV, to assess the progress of the Diocesan Pastoral Thrust.

The day began at 9.00am with Lauds. A video of Bishop Bernard’s address at the Post Synod #1 was then screened, followed by a reflection based on the 3 “Burning” stories in the Bible: the Burning Bush (Moses), the Burning House (Esther) and the Burning Heart (Road to Emmaus).

Presented by a team from the Diocesan Animating Team (DAT), the reflection hopes to give members the experience of “Being Encountered”. This is the first phase of the Pastoral Thrust which emphasise the 4Es (Encounter, Enlighten, Empower and Evangelise) Spirituality to be carried throughout the whole year of 2018. This reflection will, in the 2nd half of the year, be developed into a multi lingual programme to be brought to the grassroots through a series of roadshows at parishes, BECs and groups via mobile teams.

The day continued in silent prayer with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a Q&A session.

One of the queries that surfaced was how the Diocesan thrust on the 4E is assessed. Bishop’s response was to ask members to realise that the 4Es is a process with some responding quickly while others may be slow. As Catholic-Biblical people, this process is a journey and the greatest sign is when we become evangelisers. We see fruits in our Ministries, Parishes, Diocese when we are evangelising – Catholics to Catholics. The second level is when there are open Churches/Ministries and openness to other faiths/cultures. A Church that is being renewed is a living Church that attracts. Evangelising is an openness to reach out. We become the 4th E, after having been through the first 3Es.

Bishop Bernard reiterated the call and message of the Post Synod #1. He specifically asked members to firstly evaluate whether their ministry is a market place or a house of God and prayer, encouraging them to restore the ministries and go beyond to build missionary teams.

Bishop Bernard’s final word was that help is available – from the clergy, Diocesan Office and even himself. Ministries need only ask. He stressed that ministries must be outward looking and advance by taking small steps.

The day ended with Eucharistic celebration.

Amongst the feedback was that members welcome such reunion of all ministries to reflect and share, to prioritise mission and purpose. Some felt the day helped to re-emphasise and refresh what and why they are called to serve as well to preservere when trials come their way. Others hope to see more definitive and specific tactical plans that can be pushed/driven to all ministries to help grow in line with the mission.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu called on Catholics to pray for their priests, that they may become priests who serve.

In making the call during the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on March 21, he said priests sometimes forgot the purpose of their vocation due to human weaknesses.

“We all had been consecrated through our baptism but, within this baptismal vocation, there is a call within a call for some of us to the priesthood.

“But this call within a call is not a call to go higher in position. However, we are all humans, many times we fail due to human weaknesses, and we tend to forget the purpose of our leadership,” he said.

Because of human weaknesses, he said, many priests want to be served instead of serving the community.

“God calls us to lead and we are also called to service; to serve the community and not to be served,” he pointed out.

He also said that the priests need the community to teach them to be better and to be humble.

That was why coming together, especially for the Chrism Mass, is important for the priests to rededicate, remind and to renew themselves to serve the community and to remain humble.

It was also important for the community to come together to pray for their priests to enable them to become better priests.

“You have so much to teach us because, as a community, you are priestly people, kingly people, prophetic people, so we also need to learn from you and be humble,” he said.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online