Youth Leaders Urged To Take A Personal Approach To Ministry
BUNDU TUHAN(CS Online).- Youth leaders were urged to take a personal approach in their ministry at the conclusion of the First Youth Coordinators' Conference held at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre here recently.
The conference, organised by the Kota Kinabalu Diocesan Youth Pastoral Team (DYPT) July 21-23, was held to orientate the newly-elected parish youth pastoral teams of the different parishes in the diocese.
About 150 youths participated in the conference with Sandakan sending the largest delegation of 12 members. Keningau Diocese also took part in the conference.
To prepare the delegates for the conference, the DYPT sent to the parish teams months ahead case studies of social situations frequently encountered in the parishes for their common review and approach in handling these situations.
The essence of youth ministry, as one of the facilitators, Dominic Lim, puts it, is in ministering to the youths by entering into their lives, listening deeply to what they are saying, establishing bonds of caring with them and working along with them.
Youth ministry, he said, "is not about programmes" but "people." When young people realise that the Church is concerned about them as a whole and not just about their disembodied souls, they begin to respond.
Whatever social situations they are in - be it being caught up in the spiral of worldly values contrary to gospel values, being victims of sexual abuse, being pressured to change one's religion for the sake of marriage or career, or being faced with the meaninglessness of life and traditional religion - the youth leaders need to realise they are dealing with people, not objects.
Youth leaders also need to be aware of their own problems, such as overinvolvement in church activities, failure to prioritise one's activities, lack of cooperation and collaboration among themselves, feelings of jealousy and envy that may arise within and among themselves and the tendency not to be involved in the lives of others ('none of my business' and 'what-can-I-do' attitudes).
It is only when youth leaders are willing to enter into the lives of the youths being ministered to that they can begin to speak the truth credibly among them and lead them deep into the mystery of Jesus.
To help the participants to shift their focus from being programme-oriented to people-oriented, they were divided into groups for sharing, discussing and analysing the situations (economic, social-cultural and spiritual) depicted in the six cases presented, which were then reported to the plenary assembly.
Lim then summarised the participants' experiences as the Pastoral Cycle (reality-social analysis-theological reflection-pastoral strategies).
To enable the participants to be rooted in the Word of God, they were taught Lectio Divina (divine reading), an ancient method of reading, contemplating and praying the Word that would equip them (if they take it to heart seriously) to live out the Word individually as well as a team.
In his address to the participants July 21, Vicar General Msgr Primus Jouil challenged them to listen and respond to the call of God to serve Him as priests and religious. He told them that since there are only two priests serving in the cathedral, they cannot respond to all the requests of the different groups/ministries for a spiritual director or adviser.
In the closing Eucharist July 23, Fr Thomas Madanan who came with the Tawau group, also challenged the participants to have the compassionate heart of Jesus as described in the gospel passage of the day.
He said that Jesus, when he heard about the death of his cousin John the Baptist, felt so grieved that he decided to withdraw to a deserted place in order to mourn his loss.
Yet when he saw the crowds looking so lost, he was "moved with compassion" for they were like "sheep without a shepherd," he continued.
Despite his own loss, his own grief, Jesus was able to reach out to the crowds and that, Madanan said, is our "model for service, for ministry."
The bishop's message, read out by Lim, exhorted the participants to work with the other parish ministries/committees such as Family Life Committee and Women's League in facing the problems encountered by the youths.
As a concrete activity, Facilitator Sr Terry Loukang fsic presented to the participants the SITA project toward the end of the conference.
SITA (Stay In Touch Always) is a project by the Malaysia Catholic Students' Council (MCSC) to help Catholic students intending or sent to study in Semenanjung and Sarawak and vice-versa to keep in touch with their families and parishes through the Campus Ministry Offices nationwide.
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Rectors Gather For First Meeting With Bishop, DPC And PPC
PENAMPANG(Irene Obon,CS).- Some 50 Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) members, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) chairmen and rectors gathered with Bishop John Lee October 25 at the Catholic Diocesan Centre (CDC) here.
This is the first time that rectors also attended the meeting.
The meeting started with the official prayer of the Church led by Catholic Pastoral Centre (CPC) Executive Officer Neil Mah.
In his welcome address, the bishop touched on building of the household of God. He encouraged those gathered to pray, discuss and listen that this purpose can be realised.
Diocesan Executive Secretary Dominic Lim then introduced the newly appointed DPC members, among whom were two women, Agatha Mogunjil of Penampang and Jocelyn Yeo of Labuan.
When interviewed during the coffee break, Mogunjil commented that it was the first for her to be at such a gathering. She felt that with the focus of the Church on family and youth, 'We are all in this together.'
Yeo said that we all share similar aims as Christians and as a member of the DPC she and Mojungil can contribute from the "woman's point of view." She feels honoured and hopes that she is able to deliver what is expected of her.
The other lay DPC members present were Henry Solibun of Sandakan, Waky Taim of Tuaran and Anthony Lim of Kota Kinabalu and Willie Jikiun of Dontozidon (newcomer).
Representatives from the clergy were Fr Cosmas Lee of Tawau, Fr Simon Kontou of Sandakan and Fr Fundes Motiung of Tanjung Aru.
Absent were John Duasing of Tawau and members of Council of Religious (who have yet to elect their representatives).
PPC chairmen were given five minutes to share about themselves and the direction taken by their parishes.
During the sharing of the PPC experiences, it became obvious that the local Church possesses rural, suburban and urban characteristics.
Therefore, the needs differ from one parish to the next. Some participants highlighted the dire need for physical structures; others the lack of commitment, especially of time among parish leaders.
Damian Lee, Pastoral Council Chairman of Sacred Heart Parish, gave a powerpoint presentation on the overview of activities and the parish council's direction in line with the Diocesan Organisational Pastoral Plan (DOPP).
He also briefly touched on PPC's role and function, promising the participants hard copies of the presentation later.
The rectors also had their say, but only after some prompting by Lee who voiced that the councillors need to know how the priests felt, what's on their minds and that they need to work as a team, "Let us relate and spend time together pastorally," he urged.
Thus prompted, the priests made their responses. Fr Cosmas Lee observed that while commitment from leaders poses a challenge, one can't force them to commit.
"Perhaps it is better to pray to give the faithful hope so that they can be excited (again)," he said.
He spoke briefly as he had to rush off to catch a plane. Catching him as he was leaving the premises, I asked what he thought of the gathering.
He expressed that the agenda was "not clear enough...there were too many things..."
Fr Ambrose Atang pointed out that reshuffling of priests per se posed little problems but the lack of continuity often results when the outgoing priest fails to "hand over."
He also ticked off Lee for being impatient waiting for the priests' responses and suggested that he prays to be a little more patient.
Fr Alex Sipanul appreciated the sharing which is helpful as the faithful journey toward the Vision and Mission set by DOPP. Though parishes may differ in their approaches it will always lead to the same end.
Msgr Primus Jouil wanted to know how best pastoral meetings can be shortened. In his 29 years as priest, he has yet to attend one that does not go beyond two hours.
Fr Thomas Makajil noted the struggles of the rural parishes in their need for buildings. This seems less of a problem in the urban areas.
Perhaps the parishes from the urban area can help out those in the rural area? A sharing of resources perhaps?
All too soon it was time to close. The bishop thanked everyone once again. He further stressed the need to build (God's household) and to work with joy.
"Pray for the grace so we can work and walk together as a family; we can iron out problems together," he said.
He also provided pointers on how those gathered could approach the various issues that require urgent attention in the parishes.
On the matter of commitment, he pointed out that if one is not renewed one cannot commit; Bishop and priests as well must work for the greater glory of God to build up his people.
Overall, the pastoral gathering succeeded in putting together a wide and large picture of the local Church and the state of it, enlightening those present about their needs, problems, activities and its many pastoral concerns.
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Advent Has Both Individual And Communal Dimensions: Bishop
PENAMPANG(CS).- In his Advent message, Bishop John Lee stressed that Advent has both an individual as well as a communal dimension.
"This year, let us consciously go through the season as a family and a community," he said.
By this, he said, we "share and listen to each other's experience of the Word of God."
"We can help clarify and remind each other of the meaning of Advent especially in the present context, and how we could welcome the Lord into our homes, convents and rectories," the bishop continued.
The bishop then stressed the need to spend more time in prayer and sacrifices.
"In so doing, we are restoring, renewing and strengthening our relationship with the Lord, and with each other as husband and wife, parents and children, siblings and extended family, and as fellow religious and priests," he pointed out.
He said that the Advent season is a reminder of "our journey as a pilgrim people of God" and that "our eyes are to look beyond the daily routine and anticipate the coming of our Lord."
"Advent," he continued, "is a time to live our Christian faith in eager hope."
He pointed out that the scripture texts in the four Sundays urge us to anticipate the coming in "full alert" : 'stay awake, pray at all times' (Lk 21:36)" and that the lesson in the parable of the ten bridesmaids (Mt 25:1-13) is a 'stern' reminder that 'He will come.'
In the waiting we are called to "make progress in holiness" (1 Thes 3:13), to become "pure and blameless for the day of Christ" (Phil 1:10), to "be happy in the Lord" (Phil 4:4) and to say to Him, "Here I am! I am coming to obey your will" (Heb 10:7), according to the diocesan head.
He concluded his message with the call to his flock to live and sustain the "selfless love" which Christ had lived through a family setting in "our own family and community" as we await His second coming.
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Sr Keyna Passes Away Unexpectedly
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Around 1,000 people turned up for the funeral Mass of Franciscan Sr Keyna Ginibun who passed away unexpectedly at the Sabah Medical Centre November 13 after a short illness.
The Mass on Nov 15 was concelebrated by 21 priests from both dioceses including Presider Bishop John Lee and Bishop Cornelius Piong.
In his homily, the bishop said that we should "rejoice" at her death as our faith tells us that she has gone home to the Father.
General Councillor Sr Germaine Angkangon delivered the eulogy.
Born on 27 Oct 1955 in Kinarut Town, Christina Jules Ginibun was the fourth child of Jules Ginibun and Augustina Sadatal.
She was baptised on 20 Nov 1955 by Fr Dapoz and confirmed on 16 May 1964.
The deceased entered the Franciscan congregation on 29 Dec 1975. She was clothed on 29 Nov 1976 and was given the name Sr M Keyna of the Sacred Heart. She made her first profession in 1978 and her final profession in 1985.
The deceased received her early education in SK Andrassy Tass Tawau and completed her Form Five in St Ursula Secondary School Tawau.
Before entering the convent, she taught at Holy Trinity Primary School Tawau for a year. She was an athlete and good in field games. Reading was her top priority and she loved travelling and meeting people. She was also gifted in singing and had produced two albums with her co-sisters.
After her first profession she worked for the late Bishop Fung as a general secretary in 1979.
She was appointed twice as Sister In-charge, first at St Francis Convent (2002-2004), then at St Joseph Convent Penampang (2005-2006).
In 1988 she completed her theological studies at St Peter's Pontifical Institute of Theology India.
Upon her return she was appointed Postulant Directress (1989-1994) and Directress of Temporary Professed Sisters (1995-1999). Among other courses she took were a training programme on Family Life Education (2001) at Chennai India and a two-year course on pastoral counselling at Fordham University New York (2003-2005).
Upon her return she was appointed to take charge of the Diocesan Christian Family Life Commission Office.
Before she fell sick, the deceased attended seminars on family life in Thailand (Jan 2006) and the Philippines (June 2006).
According to her companion Sr Liliana Gubod, Ginibun went down with flu in the Philippines and was coughing badly.
Returning to Sabah she was still coughing when she went to attend her father's 81st birthday on Aug 18. She got worse the next day and her family rushed her to the hospital where she was diagnosed to have lung cancer. It was a shock to everyone, including herself.
On Sept 17 Mother General Sr Grace Deosing flew to Tawau to fetch her back to Loreto Convent where she stayed for two weeks.
Her medical condition did not improve. During the last few weeks she was admitted to SMC thrice due to her difficulty in breathing.
Her condition deteriorated on Nov 11 and she coughed out fresh blood on Nov 12. She struggeld for breath and finally she died on Nov 13 at 9:15 am.
During her illness the sisters took turns to be with her. Throughout this period she showed great courage and indeed, she revealed an inner strength.
Even in her pain she tried to be cheerful and smile. She was able to receive all the necessary sacraments before her death.
She was buried at the Catholic Cemetery at Mile 4.5, Jalan Penampang Lama.
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Kudat HDC Organises Environmental Events
KUDAT(CS).- The Human Development Committee (HDC) organised a tree-and-flower planting campaign and flower arrangement competition at St Peter's Church here October 1.
In between the events there was a sharing on the traditions and customs of the Catholic Church by Organising Chairperson Dr Angeline Cheong.
The participants recited the rosary at the Bukit Maria Grotto within the church compound before having their dinner.
The objectives, said Cheong, were explained to the parishioners weeks before the occasion.
First, October 1 was chosen in honour of Our Lady as it was the beginning of the Rosary Month in the hope of encouraging the parishioners to commit themselves and their families to the daily recitation of the rosary.
Second, the chairlady continued, the planting of trees and flowers was to create more awareness, to preserve the environment, to beautify the church surroundings and to grow more greens for home consumption as a way of reducing food expenses.
Third, the flower arrangement competition was to improve the skills and art of flower arrangement for the church and to demonstrate that simple plants and cheap flowers can be beautiful if they are well arranged, Cheong said.
She said the simple dishes served during the meal was to show that simple food - cheap and easily cooked/affordable - can be balanced, nutritious and tasty.
Her sharing on the church traditions and customs touched on the proper behaviour and dressing while in church.
The following were some of the practices she highlighted and explained: using holy water to make the sign of the cross, the genuflection or bowing before the Blessed Sacrament, giving full attention during the Liturgy of the Word and the proper way of receiving Holy Communion.
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49 RGS Take Part In 2nd Leadership Formation Programme
LIKAS(CS).- God who works marvels was the theme of the thanksgiving Mass Oct 28 as 49 Good Shepherd Sisters from 15 countries of the Asia-Pacific region and Africa gathered at the Good Shepherd Convent Likas to praise and thank God for his boundless love.
The sisters participated in the RGS Asia-Pacific Leadership Formation Programme II Oct 17-Nov 21 on teamwork and leadership building using a wholistic and contextualised approach.
A week into the programme, the sisters had the thanksgiving Mass which was concelebrated by Frs John Wong and Michael Modoit.
It was an evening of rejoicing for many reasons.
Firstly, it was to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Good Shepherd Sisters' presence in Malaysia.
The congregation established its first house in Kuala Lumpur in October 1956 and opened a house in Sabah in October 1988.
Secondly, it was to renew the partnership in mission between the congregation and its Lay Associates of the Good Shepherd.
During the Mass, 49 sisters renewed their vows, six Lay Associates renewed their commitment and 13 volunteers pronounced their first commitment as Lay Associates of the Good Shepherd.
Thirdly, it was to praise and encourage the generous and persevering effort of 20 teenage girls from the St James Choir in Tenghilan who sang a few carols as a rehearsal before they proceed to Singapore and kuala Lumpur to sing some carols in November for a worthy cause.
Everyone was delighted and surprised to hear their wonderful singing.
After all the praises and congratulations, these girls from Asrama Gereja St James Tenghilan under the management of the Good Shepherd Sisters, said they were ready for any audience.
Their worthy cause was to raise funds for a hostel for the children in Pukak who have to walk a four-hour journey to and fro school every day.
The girls have enjoyed the comfortable facilities of their hostel so they wish to do something for their younger friends who are presently experiencing the hardships they themselves had undergone.
Furthermore, this worthy project has the full support of their parents who did odd jobs to contribute toward their travelling expenses.
The simple and yet meaningful evening is best summarised in the affirmation prayer of the "Community of Good Shepherd People":
"Together as Good Shepherd People, we commit ourselves to be a witness of the compassionate presence and love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd in our life and mission.
"As we journey side by side and stand by each other especially in our weak moments, empower us, O God, to support and strengthen one another as we express our mission through prayer and outreach services, sharing the gift of ourselves and our resources.
"Lead us, Lord, in Your footsteps to walk among the poor and marginalised. The way we live may be the only Gospel that the poor will ever experience. May the cry of the poor call each one of us forward to bring forth life."
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Impressions From A Pilgrimage In Kolkata
KOLKATA, GERMANY(Joshua Liew).-
I was surprised to have been chosen to participate in the Taize Pilgrimage of Trust in Kolkata Oct 5-9.
I guess that being in Germany for the World Youth Day last year, the thought of travelling again seemed like a far fetched idea to me.
Well, maybe God wanted me to go again, this time to a place so much different from the previous year's pilgrimage and certainly a different world and environment from my home.
I rememer during the drive from the airport to the school which accommodated us for the first few nights was a very tail-gripping experience.
Never in my life have I ever experienced such driving and such traffic. It was total chaos!
I was even thinking to myself that this would be big news were this to happen on Malaysian roads.
The smell there too was really bad. In some parts of the city it was just unbearable. I even told some of my team members that you cannot say you have smelt every single smell in the world until you have come to Kolkata!
Another thing that I realised was that the streets were so congested with people and they were practically everywhere.
Cars were overflowing with people, the little motor rickshaws had six to seven people, and they were everywhere on the road.
There wasn't any street which was empty. I also witnessed myself some people getting hit by passing cars which didn't even bother to stop but just continued on, leaving the person cursing, then continued going his way.
It was also shocking to witness cars being constantly hit at their sides. It was such a common thing that they didn't even use their side mirrors while driving. But despite the chaotic traffic and the overflowing of people on the streets, I was told that the number of fatal accidents over there is surprisingly low.
I must say of all the experiences I had, the impression that had the biggest impact on me was the number of homeless people in the city. I would say at practically every street corner there is a homeless person.
Although most of them did not or seemed not to be begging, how they live touched me. It seems to me that they only live for today as if tomorrow does not exist. I could really see that life does not mean anything to them by the way they sleep on the street.
I remember very well on my way back to my foster family we had to go on a flyover and right in the middle was a man sleeping there with his hand stretched out. Instinct will tell you that being there is very dangerous yet he just stayed there.
I remember going through a market where I had to pass some baskets. The stench was particularly strong there. In one of them was a very big plastic bag. Something big and long was wrapped there.Thoughts ran through my mind then that it might contain a body. It was frightening but the possibility was very real.
To me I did not feel God's presence there. Being on the streets just looking at some of the realities was actually heart wrenching. To tell the truth, I felt so uncomfortable just being there. I wanted to go home. I knew I would not be able to live under these conditions. It made me feel so sick. I guess now I know why these people are called the "poorest of the poor."
They did not have material things but worst, they did not have love. No one to love them and no one to love. Or else why on earth would they be outside, alone and homeless?
I guess that's why I did not feel God's presence among them.
Until someone does come and cloth them, feed them, nurse them, be with them, they will always be the naked, the hungry, the injured, the lonely.
I guess I would have to leave aside my fear, my pride, my comfort, my everything if I were to do that.
For Jesus did say once: "Whoever welcomes the poor welcomes me."
Through that simple loving act of caring as what Mother Teresa did in her lifetime, will one see Christ because one has loved someone. It is only then that one will see that God is love.
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SHC Filipino Community Celebrates 20th Anniversary
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The Sacred Heart Filipino Community celebrated its 20th anniversary at the parish centre here Oct 8 in a festival of dances, songs and lechon (roasted piglet).
The celebration began with the enthronement of the Bible followed by a tambourine/ribbon dance.
Spiritual Adviser Franciscan Sister Rita Chiew and Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairman Damian Lee were present to celebrate with the 200-odd members of the community, including members from Keningau and Labuan.
Romeo Tiama and Maria Hui did a good job in facilitating the occasion.
After the welcoming speech by newly elected chairperson Naty Doughty and the PPC chairman, there was the usual cake-cutting ceremony.
Members presented a number of Filipino dances such as Tinikling (Bamboo), Carinosa (Courting), Binasuhan (Candle), and Cha-cha/Line Dance to entertain the guests.
Rose Cabico sang a solo.
The dances were interspersed with lucky draws.
The highlight was of course the eating of the lechon which is a Filipino delicacy and a must in any Filipino celebration.
Fr Nicholas Ong dropped in briefly.
The celebration ended with the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr Jasery Gabuk during which the newly elected office bearers (2006-2008) were commissioned and installed.
The office bearers are as follows: Naty Doughty (chairperson), Erma Fernandez (vice chairperson), Bernadette Generalao (secretary), Rutelia D'Cruz (asst secretary), Mayette Gallardo (treasurer) and Andrea Sulit (asst treasurer).
Committee members are: Wendelyn de la Cruz, Gloria Yuag, Daisy Balogbog, Medelyn Cabales, Samuel Visande, Rosa Zamora, Mila Lee, Mayette Abad, Rolly Visande, Lily Silveo, Rustico Cribillo, Grace Pante, Mercy Bisario, Perla Mirafuentes, Marlyn Parcho and Cicily Pacolba.
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Vocation Retreat Nets 11 Participants
BUNDU TUHAN(CS).- Eleven young brave and aspiring men attended the annual vocation retreat organised by the Vocation Team at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre here.
Vocation Team members comprising Frs John Wong, Nicholas Ong and Bonaventure Unting facilitated the retreat Oct 13-15.
They were assisted by Fr Wilfred Atin, the Initiation Year (IY) students and the aspirants.
In his homily during the Opening Mass, Bishop John Lee said the organisers "can only conduct" various programmes such as Weekend Experiences, seminars or retreats to help the participants to discern their vocation but "the ultimate decision depends entirely on the participants themselves."
The protagonists are the participants, the bishop continued, and not the organisers because the organisers can "only offer guidance and help."
The bishop said that everyone, since his baptism, has been automatically roped into the community of God.
"Being a member of that community, one may be chosen to serve the community in the priestly ministry," the diocesan head said.
As an introduction, a powerpoint presentation on the life of the aspirants in the Catholic Diocesan Centre (CDC) and of the IY students was screened to enable the participants to get a feel of the first steps toward the priesthood after dinner.
On the second day, Atin and Unting helped the participants to reflect on the factors to be considered before making any decision.
They said that the person discerning his call should have an adequate understanding of what he is about to enter into.
The speakers told the participants not to worry too much about the uncertain future and urged them to have faith in God.
The obstacles and worries that will prevent them from entering will not cease, and unless they make up their mind to enter, one problem will crop up after another, according to the speakers.
They also advised the participants to pray so that God can intervene and guide them.
In between the talks, the participants were given time for personal reflection.
Each participant had time to talk personally to the priests present in the afternoon.
During the alloted interview time, the aspirants and IY students conducted a session for the waiting participants.
Through an open forum, interview and group sharing, the participants took the opportunity to clear any doubts they might have concerning their vocation.
The day concluded with a Taize prayer.
Four participants decided to enter the aspirancy next year at the end of the retreat.
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Know Your PPC Members
TELUPID PPC: Rayner A Yukin (chairman), Josais Masatar (vice chairman), Evelyn Edmund (secretary), Marcella Dasim, Jose James, Crispina Suibol, Nora Nikolaus, Helena Salati, Suinah Ongkin, Theresa Tapaling, Peter W Anun, Martinus Hera, Edgar J Ading, Denisius Alexander, Rony Elis, Eufronio Aguinaldo, James Miki, Hildy Boy Albert (TPP), Jack Mujis Dagok, Bro Matius, Marcus Apau
BUNDU TUHAN PPC: Martin Dalambun (chairman), Stephen Masry (vice chairman), Ester Justin (secretary), Ambrose Gunsalam (assistant secretary), Olga Zeno (treasurer), Joseph Akiu, Edward Ginsian, Michael Laiti, Joseph Eban, Fredoline Sipaan, Sr Martha Jonik, Jane J Sabin, Ambrose Philip, Suzana Joseph, James A Potoh
LIMBAHAU PPC: Valentine Madin (chairman), Lucianus Ng (vice chairman), Doris Cosmas (secretary), Adeline Alex (assistant secretary), Patricia Jalis, Debra V Mole, Fredoline Jominoh, Sr Florence Nemesius, Raymond Hiang, Jeffrey Epin Danu, John Puduk, Lawrence Kuting, George Gitom, Edward Lim, Stephanus Edwin, Loretta Magnus, Francis Gabriel
PAPAR PPC: Louis Gabriel (chairman), Dominic Lim (vice chairman), Judith Sideh (secretary), Mary Jimit (assistant secretary), Felicia Pesi Selingan, Maria Lotta, George Patrick, Petronella Munting, Rubin Julasim, Arnold Jr Augustine, Johanna Jungkil, Bonny Ahap, Lesley George, William S Gusiang, Rayner Juhim, Mikael W Darang, Peter Lee
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Upcoming Events...
Vocation Seminar 2007 at Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre
To be held from January 19 to 21. The main objectives are:
* To help young men discern their vocation and to encourage them to answer God's calling to the diocesan priesthood;
* To meet those who have the potential to become "aspirants" for the year 2007
Strongly Recommended for the Seminar are young men:
* Who have passed their SPM or other equivalent academic qualifications and are working;
* Who have completed their STPM and awaiting results or are now working.
Interested young men may get the form from their parish office and return the completed form to their parish priest before January 08.
Each participant will contribute a minimum amount of RM10.00 upon arrival at the BTRC.
For more information, please contact Fr John Wong (KK) at Tel: 088-712297 / 715017 Fax: 088-711222, or Fr Bonaventure Unting (Keningau) at Tel: 087-331154 / 339506 Fax: 087-335348.
Second Gaya Christmas Celebration 2006
Will be held from December 18 to 22, 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
Jointly organised by the Sabah Council of Churches and Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu. The theme for this year is "Peace, love, goodwill toward all people." It embraces the vision that "As Churches in Kota Kinabalu, we aspire to be connected with the community, showing respect and promoting favour toward one another as people created by God."
Daily programs as follow:
* Monday Dec 18:
-- Launching ceremony
-- Carols singing
-- Modern and cultural dance
-- Special presentation from Juvita Suwito
-- Hawkers' stalls along Jalan Gaya selling food, Christmas gifts, handicrafts, etc
-- Charity stalls
* Tuesday Dec 19:
-- KK Combined Choir performance
-- Song presentations
-- Carols singing
-- Hawkers' stalls along Jalan Gaya selling food, Christmas gifts, handicrafts, etc
-- Charity stalls
* Wednesday Dec 20:
-- Torch Puppeteers
-- Special Christmas presentation by Roger Wang
-- Cultural presentation
-- Dance presentation
-- Carols singing
-- Hawkers' stalls along Jalan Gaya selling food, Christmas gifts, handicrafts, etc
-- Charity stalls
* Thursday Dec 21:
-- Symphony Orchestra performance
-- Drama presentation
-- Cultural performance
-- Carols singing
-- Hawkers' stalls along Jalan Gaya selling food, Christmas gifts, handicrafts, etc
-- Charity stalls
* Friday Dec 22:
-- Carols singing
-- Hawkers' stalls along Jalan Gaya selling food, Christmas gifts, handicrafts, etc
-- Charity stalls
-- DBKK Choir singing Christmas songs
-- Special Christmas presentation by Sutera Trio
-- Dance presentation by Power House group
-- Carnival Finale with fireworks
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