PERTEMUAN BELIA BULANAN KE-38 ( YMG Youth Monthly Gathering ) – TEMA : 'THE HEROES'

Artikel : Suzana dan Philipa
PYA Holy Trinity, Tawau
Tawau : Program YMG kini kembali lagi setelah berhenti sejenak semata-mata untuk memberi ruang dan laluan kepada persiapan dan pelaksanaan acara SYD ( Sabah Youth Day ) ke-4 yang berlangsung dari 6 – 10 Jun 2016.

Program ini telah dimulakan semula pada 17 Julai 2016 bertempat di Dewan Paroki dari 12.30 tengahari hingga 3.30 petang. Di anggarkan seramai 150 belia yang mengambil bahagian. Turut hadir adalah seminarian Raymond Lee.

Bertemakan 'The Heroes' antara objektif YMG-38  kali in adalah :

1. Membantu belia untuk membina hubungan persahabatan antara satu dengan yang lain.

2. Membentuk semangat kerjasama dalam satu kumpulan memandangkan masih terdapat belia belum dapat menyesuaikan diri dalam keadaan kerja berkumpulan atau berkomuniti.

3. Menyedarkan belia untuk mengenal dan meneladani ‘hero’ Kristus dan para Santo dan Santa.

4. Memberi pendedahan awal kepada para belia tentang pelayanan di gereja agar belia bersedia untuk menerima misi pelayanan gereja khususnya dalam pelayanan iman belia paroki. 
(Terdapat ramai belia yang berbakat, tetapi ada di antara mereka yang tidak mengetahui bahawa bakat mereka juga boleh digunakan dalam pelayanan di gereja. Oleh itu, pendedahan awal sangat penting untuk para belia.)

Program ini bermula dengan pendaftaran pada pukul 12.30 tengah hari disusuli dengan lagu puji-pujian dan penyembahan serta doa pembukaan. Semua peserta dibahagikan kepada beberapa kumpulan berdasarkan kepada aktiviti yang telah disediakan di mana setiap kumpulan dikehendaki untuk mencipta "Yell" sebagai tanda kesatuan kumpulan tersebut.

Aktiviti Pembentukan Pasukan (team building) di mana aktiviti ini benar-benar dapat membantu para peserta untuk bekerjasama dalam satu kumpulan. Selain itu, kreativiti peserta juga dapat dilihat apabila mereka berusaha dan bekerjasama untuk menjayakan aktiviti yang memerlukan sokongan dan dorongan setiap individu dalam pasukan.

Program diteruskan dengan acara utama iaitu “The Heroes”. Dalam aktiviti ini para peserta didedahkan tentang peribadi para santo/santi berdasarkan hasil dari pilihan nama para santo/santi yang telah disediakan. Contohnya, nama, asal usul dan apakah misi pelayanan hero tersebut.

Selepas itu, setiap kumpulan membentangkan hasil carian mereka melalui rakaman video dengan mengguna kreativiti kumpulan mereka masing-masing. Dengan ini, belia dapat pengetahuan secara tidak langsung tentang hero-hero Katolik sekaligus memberi kesedaran kepada belia bahawa “untuk menjadi saksi Kristus, tidak semestinya mereka yang berpelajaran tinggi dan mempunyai latar belakang yang sempurna.”

Seminarian Raymond memberi kesimpulan untuk keseluruhan program dengan soalan “siapa itu hero?”. Bagi pendapat seminarian, hero itu ialah seseorang yang melakukan sesuatu yang orang lain tidak dapat buat atau lakukan. Jadilah seorang hero dengan melayani, walaupun dalam perkara yang kecil dalam aktiviti Gereja. Melayanilah dengan kebolehan yang kamu ada” katanya.

Kemudian aktiviti diteruskan dengan “express corner”. Setiap peserta diberikan sekeping kertas. Kertas tersebut perlu dituliskan kata-kata yang boleh memberikan motivasi dan inspirasi untuk menunjukkan bahawa mereka juga adalah hero. Setelah itu, peserta diberikan masa untuk melawat pameran Kerasulan Belia Paroki (KBP) di suatu sudut dalam dewan.

Beberapa orang peserta yang sedar akan bakat yang ada dalam diri mereka, lalu mendaftarkan diri sebagai sub-tim dalam pelayanan yang mereka minati.

Program YMG ke-38 berakhir kira-kira pukul 3.45 petang  dengan doa Jubli Kerahiman. Seperti biasa, ia disusuli dengan sesi bergambar beramai-ramai dan sedikit makanan ringan untuk dijamu bersama.

PROGRAM ZIARAH DAN LAWATAN AMAL

Artikel oleh Martha Chia

Ranau : Catholic Teacher’s Guild (CTG) Sandakan telah mengadakan program ziarah ke Pintu Jubili Belas Kasihan Gereja St. Peter Claver, Ranau pada 2 Julai 2016. Program ini diadakan sempena Tahun Jubili Belas Kasihan. Melalui program ziarah, para penziarah, khususnya guru-guru dapat mendalami lagi panggilan Tuhan terhadap setiap individu. Rombongan ini telah diketuai oleh Sister Lilian Unsoh FSIC dan disertai oleh 43 orang yang terdiri daripada guru-guru dan ahli-ahli keluarga.

Sr. Caroline fsic memberi taklimat awal tentang program ziarah 

Fr. Nicholas Stephen memberi penerangan tentang Pintu Belas Kasihan

Perarakan ke Upacara melalui Pintu Jubili Belas Kasihan

Selain perarakan upacara melalui pintu Jubili Belas Kasihan, para penziarah telah melakukan pembaharuan janji pembaptisan. Upacara ini telah disempurnakan oleh Father Nicholas Stephen, paderi paroki Gereja St Peter Claver.

Selepas pembaharuan janji pembaptisan

Selepas selesai acara di Gereja St. Peter Claver, rombongan bermalam di Pusat Retreat Bundu Tuhan. Pada 3 Julai 2016, rombongan mengikuti Misa Kudus di Gereja St. Pius X, Bundu Tuhan. Selepas itu, rombongan CTG melawat ke rumah Kanak-Kanak Don Bosco. Semasa lawatan, rombongan telah menyampaikan sumbangan dalam bentuk makanan dan pakaian kepada kanak-kanak di Rumah Don Bosco. 

 

Lawatan ke Rumah Kanak-Kanak Don Bosco

CHRISTOPHER IRENEUS ORDAINED TO THE DIACONATE IN SANDAKAN

Article : Airene Anne A. Gumanas | 
Photos : Arthur Ambrose, Leonard Sabinus, Alex Tai, 
Albinus @ Fojintius John Rabi and Helda Joanna

Sandakan : Some 1,200 parishioners from across the Diocese of Sandakan converged at St Mary's Cathedral to witness the Diaconate Ordination of Christopher Ireneus on Monday, 18th July 2016 by Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, the Bishop of Sandakan. The ordination marks a historical milestone in the Diocese of Sandakan as Christopher is the third candidate to be elevated to the Holy Orders as a Deacon since the inception of the Diocese in 2007.

The Eucharistic Celebration was con celebrated by 11 other priests from the Dioceses of Sandakan and Keningau. Also present was Fr. Terry Burke, MHM, a Professor from St. Peter’s College, Sarawak.

Deacon Christopher Ireneus with his parents

Presentation of the Candidate by Fr. Thomas Makajil

The prelate in the rite of acceptance addressed the candidate, “as deacon you are to help the priests and the bishop in the ministry of the word, of the altar and charity showing yourself to be servant of all. With the help of God, you are to go about all these duties in such a way that you will be recognized as a disciple of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. You are a minister of Jesus Christ and you are to serve like the disciples and to do the will of God. Serve the people with love and joy.”

Promise of Obedience

Litany of the Saints

Laying of hands

Investiture with Stole and Dalmatic

Presentation of the Book of Gospels

Kiss of Peace - Peace Be With You

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

In his address to the people, the prelate said, "I am glad that you are here to witness this rare occasion, a cause of great rejoicing. We thank the Lord for his blessings for the gift of Deacon Christopher Ireneus to help ensure that the saving work of His son Jesus Christ will continue in his Church. Do journey with him, pray for him and don’t spoil him.”

Bishop Julius delivering his speech

The prelate extended his appreciation to the parents and family for giving one of their child to answer the Lord’s calling. He also thanked Deacon Christopher for responding to God's call and for his generosity, the formators of St. Peter’s College (Major Seminary) Kuching, Sarawak for their guidance, to his assistants, Fr. Sunny Chung and Fr. Stanley William Matakim and the Organizing Committee of this event and all those involved in one way or the other in making this day a momentous occasion.

Deacon Christopher with his parents and siblings

Deacon Christopher with his brother/sister-in-laws

Family and Relatives

In his speech, the newly ordained Deacon took the opportunity to thank the Bishop, his parents, teachers, clergy, religious sisters, spiritual director, rector, formators and professors at St. Peter's College Kuching, Sarawak for their prayers, support, advice, guidance and encouragement throughout his formation process to become a servant in Christ’s vineyard – sharing in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way.

“I have heard this call within my heart, despite my multiple sins and shortcomings, the call remains. Today I pledge to continue answering this call to the best of my ability, knowing that nothing is possible without God. Today is a day to celebrate – to celebrate the grace that God has given to us. I thank those who have journeyed with me throughout the years–supported me in prayer as well as through your friendship and love. Each person here represents a family, a faith community. I urge everyone of you to continue to promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood and religious life. Let those at home know that today you witness the glory of God’s abundant blessing. He has given us life to serve one another, and life in us is the glory of God (St. Irenaeus). As a human being, there will be a time of dryness, sinfulness and weaknesses. But I take courage from St. Paul, as he says, “For it is when I am weak that I am strong” (2 Cor. 12 9-12).

But I take courage from St. Paul, as he says, “For it is when I am weak that I am strong” (2 Cor. 12 9-12)

Deacon Christopher Ireneus became the 3rd candidate from the Diocese to be ordained deacon in the history of the diocese. Please continue to pray for him for his preparation to the priesthood. May God accompany our new deacon as he begins his diaconate service with the Diocese of Sandakan. God has granted us our prayer for more vocations. Continue to pray; ask, seek and knock as in Matthew 21:22, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Deacon Christopher Ireneus with Bishop Julius and the Clergy

With Bishop Julius and Sisters from the congregations of RGS and FSIC

 

St. Mary's Cathedral Altar Servers and the Choirs

Deacon Christopher with the Organizing Committee and friends

Deacon Christopher and Seminarians

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the faithful adjourned to the Parish Hall for a dinner fellowship.

Cake cutting ceremony

Fellowship at SMPC Hall

 

Our Newly-Ordained Deacon Christopher Ireneus

Christopher Ireneus, a 35-year old Dusun Labuk, hails from Kg. Kiabau, Telupid. He was born to Ireneus Anun and Rosinah Saleh. He attended primary school at SK Kiabau, Telupid, secondary school at SMK Telupid and transferred to SMK Sandakan. He continued his study in Uitm Shah Alam and worked briefly as a teacher before entering the Initiation Year in Kota Kinabalu.

Deacon Christopher Ireneus

He started his seminary life in 2008, at the Catholic Diocesan Center Kota Kinabalu, and thereafter to St. Peter's College, Major Seminary, Kuching. He was appointed Lector in 2012, Acolyte in 2013 and completed his pastoral immersion as a seminarian in 2015. He started his pastoral exposure in Holy Trinity Church, Tawau 2012, St. Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu, 2014, St. Martin’s Church, Telupid 2015. After having completed his faith formation, he was assigned to St. Mary's Cathedral.

PARTICIPANTS OF SYD-4 FROM ST DOMINIC GATHER FOR A THANKSGIVING FELLOWSHIP

By Mazdollyna Majalin 

Lahad Datu : 98 participants gathered at St Dominic's Open Hall on 11th July 2016 for a thanksgiving fellowship for the successful participation from the contingent of St Dominic's Parish at the 4th Sabah Youth Day held on 6th - 10th June at Holy Trinity Church, Tawau.  It was also an occasion to celebrate the great and wonderful relationship bond established among the participants during the preparation process and along the journey of SYD-4.

Also in attendance were the rector of the parish, Rev Fr Simon Kontou, the Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Patrick Chong, Willie Binati and Teodolfo Rosalia. 

Fr Simon Kontou mentioned that SYD4 is an excellent platform for the young people to be uplifted in keeping steadfastly and living out the Catholic faith. He urged the participants to never stop sharing and spreading the love of God among themselves and to others. Continue to be the light of Christ and be bearers of Christ's love.

Patrick Chong also believed that, the journey probably was not an easy one and could be tough at times but he called on the young people to keep praying the Holy Rosary prayer in order to be guided along the way.

Willie Binati, an anchor for Rakan Belia of St Dominic also expressed his gratitude to the members for their commitment, involvement and cooperation. With all the experience gained from SYD-4 and the blessings from God Almighty, he hoped that the youth would keep on living the Catholic faith and remain as the pride of the Church.

The day was filled with laughter and joy. All youth had a great time together sharing their joy through action songs. They also shared on their journey throughout SYD4, from the preparation stage till the event proper. Most importantly, it was the love of Christ that had sealed the strong bond of relationship among them.

The 4th Sabah Youth Day had set the momentum for the Lahad Datu Youth to spread the love of Christ. They shall be the catalyst of our Catholic faith and be sowers of love. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13 : 35)