First Advent at St Mary's Cathedral

Msgr Nicholas Ong with Fr Thomas and Fr Peter Kim

SANDAKAN : The first Advent Eucharistic Celebration Mass was con celebrated by Msgr Nicholas Ong, Fr Peter Kim, SJ and Fr Thomas Makajil at St Mary's Cathedral during sunset mass, yesterday 28th November 2009.

Lighting the 1st Advent candle

Msgr Nicholas Ong, rector of Holy Trinity Church Tawau was here to attend the formation seminar for PPC members while Fr Peter Kim, SJ attached to the Catholic Major Seminary in Yangoon, Myanmar was back home to attend the St Mary's Secondary School Class of 1955 - 1959 reunion event. Both priests were born in Sandakan.

In his homily, Msgr Nicholas Ong called upon everyone to stay awake, that is to be vigilant and pray always. Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ continues to come at every Christmas as well as His 2nd coming in glory and majesty at the end of time.

He urged everyone to be prepared as Christ instructed in the Gospel reading of the day. The people are to be constantly prepared watching that their hearts will not be hardened by self indulgence, pleasure and drunkenness, and the cares of the world. In other words, one must always be aware of the realities of the world and be prepared to face the challenges using the basic skill of life base on the teaching of Christ.

DS & photo by Bell

3rd and Final Day - Formation Seminar for PPC members

An input session by Bro John D' Cruz

SANDAKAN 29th November 2009 : Today, being the third and final day of the Formation Seminar for PPC members started off with an input session by Brother John D'Cruz on 'Institutional Church' and 'Community Church - a new way of being Church.'

He led the participants to be aware of the wave of movement from the conventional teaching which focused on result and work values to the new approach in learning which focused more on child development and life values. 'Facilitators' are needed to build up individuals and the communities.

Sandakan Parish Grouping

Telupid Parish Grouping

Lahad Datu Parish Grouping

Airene from Sandakan

Richard Lobinjang from Telupid

Albert from Telupid

Mario from Tawau

Participants were put into parish groups to share on development of BECs in their own parish. They went through the process of basic life skill in handling situations / issues which includes;

• Increasing awareness (conscious of the situation, the realities, the difficulties)
  
• Deeper reflection (knowing the life of Christ, a happier way to live,be a better person)
• Action possibilities (promote a better communion, bring out the values of Jesus Christ)

Msgr Nicholas Ong, Bishop Julius and Fr Thomas

The seminar ended with a concluding mass at the St Mary's Chapel, con celebrated by Bishop Julius , Msgr Nicholas Ong and Fr Thomas Makajil.

Bishop Julius in his homily

Bishop Julius urged everyone to be watchful, that is to be more aware of the realities happening within the Church, pray and meditate as well as to reflect deeply based on Christ's teachings before responding to the situations. In life process it is important to share the time, talents and treasure for the growth of the Church.

He went on to say, 'The seminar has just ended but actual work in building and sustaining Basic Ecclesial Communities in each parish will have to begin after this'.

Presentation of certificates

He expressed his appreciation to all who had contributed towards the success of the seminar.

SFO members helping in the kitchen

Shirley Joseph interviewing Esther Albert from HTC

Esther Alim Albert from HTC Tawau in an interview has this to say, 'I am glad that I have come to this seminar. The seminar is well organized. The facilitator had helped me to see things differently based on the teaching of Christ. It has enhanced my leadership skill.'

DS & photos by Bell & Sandra

Program Kepimpinan dan Motivasi Belia

Para peserta bersama Fr Simon

Lahad Datu - Pertama kalinya Team Pelayanan Belia KUK Felda telah menganjurkan "Program Kepimpinan dan Motivasi Belia KUK Felda dan St Gabriel Tungku" dengan bertemakan "Membentuk komuniti Di Mana Impian Yesus Terlaksana".

Sebahagian para peserta

Program ini diadakan di rumah ibadat Felda pada 21 Nov - 22 Nov 2009 dan seramai lebih kurang 50 belia yang berusia 11 tahun ke atas daripada KUK Felda dan Tungku mengikuti program ini.

Saudara Teodulfo Rosalia dari paroki St. Dominic adalah peceramah jemputan bagi program ini dan dibantu oleh beberapa ahli Team Pelayanan Belia Paroki.

Dalam program ini, peserta digalakkan untuk lebih banyak membuat renungan pada Injil Yesus Kristus. Dalam ceramah beliau, saudara Teodulfo juga banyak menyentuh tentang pelayanan sebagai seorang belia di gereja.

Beliau juga menggalakkan para belia untuk menjadikan program ini sebagai titik permulaan mereka dalam pelayanan mereka dan jangan takut untuk melayani.

Saudara Fabian Atong, pengerusi KUK Felda berpesan kepada Team Pelayanan Belia KUK Felda agar program seumpama ini dapat diadakan lebih kerap agar belia di KUK Felda dapat bertumbuh dalam pelayanan mereka.

Penyampaian cendera penghargaan kepada saudara Teodulfo dan wakil TPBP disempurnakan oleh saudara Fabian. Rev Fr. Simon Kontou menutup program ini dengan harapan setiap belia dapat bertumbuh dalam iman Yesus Kristus.

Laporan : Udin @ Kerulus

Gambar : Shirley Yong.

INNER HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION SEMINAR

The participants

Tawau : The English CCR & Filipino Community of Holy Trinity Church, together with the Diocesan Service Team of the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese, jointly held the above seminar on 8th November 2009.

With the theme “I am the Lord that healed Thee”, the seminar concentrated on unforgiveness, relationship problems, hurts and pain, hidden and shameful sins of previous life experiences.

The parish indeed felt very privileged to be able to hold this seminar in Tawau because it is usually held in Bundu Tuhan only. More than 200 people turned up for the seminar, with quite a number from Lahad Datu, Semporna and other outstations like Luasong and Bombalai.

From the seminar, many discovered the areas in their lives that needed to be healed.. Surprisingly, almost half of those coming for counseling were men.

Daniel Kong

The teams also gave an extra input and sharing session to the Filipino community on the importance of the word of God in their daily lives.

After the seminar, many of those attended felt that there was a need to have it again next year with a longer session instead of just a weekend, so that more time could be given for counseling.

The organizers were indeed very grateful to the team from Kota Kinabalu of Joseph Chee, Daniel Kong, Anthony Lim, Anthony Kong and Monica Kong, and also to the strong support of the rector Msgr. Nicholas Ong and his assistant Fr. Philip Muji for the success of this seminar.

Marialyn Morris.

2nd Day - Formation Seminar for PPC members

SANDAKAN 28th Nov 2009 : The second day of the formation seminar for PPC members continued with more mixed group sharings and discussions on two important topics:

• Living out the Gospel values and Community witness
• Practical life skills for building up the community

Participants had the opportunity to learn basic life skills and life process using pastoral methods in sharing their life experiences through being aware of the realities and the difficulties of living out the Christian faith. Together they made analysis of the reasons as to why such happenings exist.

They reflected on the life of Jesus in encountering such difficulties and they then responded to the situation.

The sessions of the day were designed to fall in line with the goal and objective of the seminar as well as the pastoral needs of the Diocese.

Day 1 - Formation Seminar for PPC members

Registration

Participants with Bro John D Cruz and Bishop Julius

SANDAKAN : A total of 45 PPC members comprising clergy, religious and lay members from the four parishes of the Diocese of Sandakan gathered at the Diocesan Meeting Room to attend the 3 day Diocesan Formation Seminar for PPC members beginning today 27th November 2009.

The main facilitator for the seminar is Bro John D' Cruz, the Lasallian Formation Director, based in La Salle Centre, Ipoh Perak. He taught for 17 years in schools and was attached to St Mary's Secondary School, Sandakan from 1971 - 1975. He is now fully involved in human development and special education for youth, especially the poor.

The session of the day began with the Enthronement of the Bible, proclamation of the Word taken from Luke 20:29-33, reflection and Opening Prayer led by Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of St Mary's Cathedral.

Bishop Julius in his welcoming speech said,'In moving ahead together, we need to pause to concentrate on the process strategically about parish vitality. Vibrant parishes do not just happen. We need pastoral excellence to steer us. We need competent and committed parish leaders of all level.'

John Baptis sharing his experience

Participants were divided into mixed groups to allow them to experience and develop the skill of building communities. The main topic of the day was on deeper understanding of BECs-a new way of being Church. They shared on the following;

• Common understanding of Christian life
• The realities of Parish life
• Difficulties in living out the Christian life
• Expectation of Community life

Tomorrow's sessions will be on;

• Living out the Gospel value and Community witness
• Practical life skills for building up Community
  

Courtesy Call

A.J. Wong, Fr Peter Kim SJ, Bp Julius, Fr Theo and Msgr Nicholas Ong

SANDAKAN : Fr Peter Kim Se Mang, SJ and Fr Theo M Feldbrugge, MHM who were here to attend the St Mary's Secondary School Class of 1955-1959 reunion event held on 25th November 2009 paid a courtesy call to Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom at the latter's office today, 27th November 2009.

Fr Peter Kim, SJ

Fr Peter Kim, SJ born in Sandakan had his early education at Holy Trinity School Tawau. He studied at St Mary's Secondary School in 1959 and then proceeded to Sabah College Kota Kinabalu. He was ordained Jesuit Priest on 10th December 1979. He served as rector of St Francis Xavier's Church, Petaling Jaya before getting involved in pastoral institutes in Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Kota Kinabalu and Johore. Currently he is now attached to the Catholic Major Seminary in Yangon, Myanmar.

Fr Theo M Feldbrugge, MHM

Fr Theo M Feldbrugge, MHM first taught in St Mary's Secondary School in 1956 - 1960. He was then assigned as Principal of St Anthony, Labuan from 1961 - 1963. From 1963 - 1967 he further his study in Dublin and Glasgow where he obtained his bachelor degree in geography and economics as well as a bachelor degree in education. He was pastor and principal of St Francis Xavier, Keningau from 1967 - 1975. After retiring from teaching, he served in New York, the Phillipines and Los Angeles. He is now a retired priest, residing in Holland.

Fr Thomas Makajil heads the Diocesan Pastoral Council

Bishop Julius presiding the meeting

SANDAKAN : The Diocesan Pastoral Council was officially established today, 27th November 2009 with Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of St Mary's Cathedral appointed as Chairman of the council.

The date of the meeting was chosen to coincide with the Diocesan Formation Seminar for PPC members from 27th - 29th November 2009 for the convenience of all Council members.

Bishop Julius presided the inaugural meeting which was held at the Cathedral Parish meeting room. In his welcoming address, he thanked all members for generously accepting the offer to sit as council members for a term of two years.

Seated: Francis, Fr Thomas, Bp Julius, Msgr Nicholas, Sr Appolo fsic

Standing: Albert, John, Henry, Mario, Thadeus and Willie Binante

The line-up of the newly established Diocesan Pastoral Council consists of the following;

• Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom as President
• Msgr Nicholas Ong (Holy Trinity, Tawau) as ex officio
• Sr Appolonia fsic (St Mary's Convent Sandakan)as ex officio
• Fr Thomas Makajil (St Mary, Sandakan) as Chairman
• Francis Tan (Diocesan Pastoral Office) as Secretary
• Henry Solibun (Diocese of Sandakan) as Committee
• Thadeus Sibir (Holy Trinity, Tawau) as Committee
• Willie Binante (St Dominic, Lahad Datu) as Committee
• Albert Matusin (St Martin, Telupid) as Committee
• Mario Domingo (Holy Trinity, Tawau) as Committee
• John Baptis (St Mary, Sandakan) as Committee
• Terrence Ngui (St Mary, Sandakan) as Committee
  

The meeting touched on the following issues;

• Demographic survey~progress and status of implementation
• Establishment of BECs~progress and process
• Diocesan delegates assembly

Henry Solibun was appointed to look into the planning and implementation of the proposed Diocesan delegates assembly scheduled to be held sometime next year.

Majlis Penutupan PMG Sesi 2009

LAHAD DATU, 15hb Nov 2009 (Sabtu)- Pertemuan Minggu Gembira Bahasa Melayu (PMG) St. Dominic telah mengadakan satu program Penutupan PMG bagi sesi 2009 yang telah berlangsung di Borneo Paradise, Lahad Datu pada 14hb – 15hb Nov 2009.

Program ini diadakan bertujuan untuk mengeratkan lagi silaturahim antara pelajar dengan katekis dan sesama. Ia juga dapat memupuk kerjasama antara satu sama lain di samping memupuk semangat keberanian dan keyakinan para pelajar PMG agar dapat menonjolkan lagi bakat mereka yang terpendam.

“Penutupan PMG ini bukan bermakna kamu tidak perlu lagi pergi ke gereja, tetapi kamu harus terus rajin ke gereja dan menyambung pembelajaran kamu pada tahun depan”, kata Rev. Fr. Simon Kontou selaku Paderi Paroki St. Dominic dalam ucapannya selepas mengadakan Misa Kudus di sini semalam.

Seramai lebih kurang 160 peserta termasuk pelajar dan pembimbing telah meluangkan masa untuk bersama-sama menyertai program yang telah disediakan oleh pihak penganjur itu sendiri. Antara acara yang berlangsung adalah seperti kuiz Alkitab, mencari harta karun, sukaneka dan konsert bakat.

“Saya dapat mengambil peluang ini untuk berkenalan dengan lebih ramai lagi rakan baru”, kata Reeyon Bryan, salah seorang peserta dari kelas 5.

“Saya merasakan ada kesatuan antara pembimbing dengan para pelajar melalui program ini”, kata Bernardita Roble, pembimbing kelas penguatan yang juga mengikuti program ini. Program berakhir selepas doa pagi dan senaman pagi.

Julie Hendrikus
SOCCOM SDC
Lahad Datu

Pendaftaran PMG, Penyambutan dan Penguatan - 2010

Gereja Katolik St Dominic, Lahad Datu

Pendaftaran

Perkara : Pendaftaran Semula dan Baru bagi Pertemuan Minggu Gembira

Tarikh : 6hb dan 13hb Disember 2009 (Ahad)

Masa : 10.30 pagi – 11.00 pagi (selepas Misa Kudus BM)

Tempat : Bilik Pertemuan Minggu Gembira (PMG)

Bayaran : RM10.00 (Ringgit Malaysia Sepuluh Sahaja)

Keperluan : Sila bawa bersama 'kad pelajar' bagi pendaftaran semula



Perkara : Pendaftaran bagi Penyambutan dan Penguatan

Tarikh : 11hb hingga 31hb Januari 2010

Masa : Waktu Pejabat

Tempat : Pejabat Paroki, Gereja St Dominic


Julie Hendrikus
Pejabat Paroki

Upcoming Events

St Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu

24th November ~ 14th December 2009

Date	Day	Time	Activities	Venue
24th November	Tuesday	7.30PM	Liturgical Committee Meeting	St Matthew’s Meeting Room
25th November	Wednesday	7.30PM	Eucharistic Ministers’ Meeting	St Matthew’s Meeting Room
30th November	Monday	7.00PM	Combined Requiem Mass	St Dominic’c Church
01st December	Tuesday	5.00PM	Advent Confession	Tungku and Felda
02nd December	Wednesday	5.00PM	Advent Confession	Madai and Kunak
03rd December	Thursday	7.00PM	Advent Confession	Silam
06th December	Sunday	2.00PM	Meeting between PPC members and BEC leaders and Church Group representatives	Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Room
09th December	Wednesday	4.00PM 8.00PM	Advent Confession	St Dominic’s Church
14th December	Monday	7.30PM	Parish Finance Committee Meeting	Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Room

Julie Hendrikus

Parish Office,

St Dominic's Church

Milik Yesus

Para penerima Komuni Pertama bersama Fr Thomas Makajil

Sandakan: Ahad, 22hb November 2oo9, seramai 41 kanak-kanak kini menjadi milik Yesus kerana telah layak menerima Sakramen Komuni Pertama di Gereja St Mark.

Adik Grettel sebagai pembaca pertama

Adik Darren, pembaca kedua

Fr Thomas Makajil, celebran Misa Kudus tersebut menyampaikan mesej yang penuh makna dalam kutbah beliau. "Kerajaan Yesus bukan di dunia ini tetapi ada dalam hati manusia yang mendengar kebenaran. Kristus ialah Raja Kerajaan Syurga."

Fr Thomas sempat merakamkan ucapan terima kasih atas kerjasama pelbagai pihak yang telah menjayakan upacara tersebut.

Pengerusi Kateketikal St Mark, Stephen Mariyoh berkata, ibubapa perlu menghantar anak-anak mereka belajar di kelas Pertemuan Minggu Gembira (PMG) seawal umur mereka mencecah 7 tahun (Tahap 1) agar mereka dapat mengikuti susunan Siri Pembelajaran PMG dari tahun ke tahun hingga ke siri ke-10.

Oleh Edna Umbun

1st Diocesan CWA Assembly

The delegates with Msgr Nicholas Ong

Tawau : The Diocesan Catholic Women's Apostolate held it's first general assembly and retreat with the theme 'Women of God's Own Heart' at Holy Trinity Church Tawau yesterday 19th November 2009 with an attendance of more than 80 members coming from the four parishes.

Annie Rokneh

Annie Rokneh, the Chief Coordinator in her opening address expressed her appreciation to the HTC Tawau CWA members under the leadership of Patricia Kuit for their concerted effort in making the assembly a reality. She hoped that the input sessions during the 3 day gathering will strengthen their faith.

Msgr Nicholas Ong

Msgr Nicholas Ong, rector of Holy Trinity Church in launching the event said that the fundamental role of the members is to build up the family units and come in communion to form the basic ecclesial communities (BEC) which is the pastoral thrust of the Diocese.

Session on CWA guidelines

The event shall cover the following input sessions:

• CWA guidelines and an analysis of membership and activities by Francis Tan
• Service based on the biblical text by Fr Jasery
• Women of God's own Heart by Sr Liza Augustine
• Women's spirituality by Sr Appolonia

Office bearers of the Diocesan CWA with Msgr Nicholas Ong

The Diocesan CWA members will take their pledge of commitment during the Sunset Mass tomorrow which will be celebrated by Msgr Nicholas Ong.

by DS

Pertandingan Street Soccer Youth 2 Jesus (Y2J)

Tarikh: 6/12/2009

Tempat: Tempat letak kereta Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan

(Gelanggang Bola Keranjang)

Masa: 10.45 pagi (Selepas Misa Kudus BM)

Menjemput para belia lelaki Katolik yang berumur 15 - 35 tahun khususnya dari paroki Sandakan bagi menyertai pertandingan ini.

Sila klik untuk melihat borang penyertaan:

ATAU

Untuk keterangan lanjut, sila hubungi:

Rodney: 019 843 7876

Kenny: 019 840 1249

Roland: 016 827 7378