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