The Catholic Filipino Pastoral Community of HTC celebrates its 25th anniversary

Present and Past Chairmen of FPC with Msgr Ong and Fr Phillip

The Catholic Filipino community of Holy Trinity Church, Tawau celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of their pastoral community (FPC) on the Feast of Santo Nino (Feast of the Infant Child Jesus) with a thanksgiving mass at 10.30 am on Sunday, 17 January 2010 followed by a lunch fellowship and presentations at the parish hall.

Presenting the 'ako ay Pilipino' song

Chairman of the Filipino Pastoral Community, Rufino Pontillas explained to the gathering that initially the community was established to look after the welfare of the Catholic Filipinos who had come over to Tawau from the Philippines looking for a better livelihood.

However over the years, the community has grown much, and now is very actively involved in many aspects of parish life including Sunday school, music ministry, Catholic Women's Apostolate, CCR, and even has leaders in the Parish Pastoral Council. Indeed most of them have put Holy Trinity Church at the center of their lives in Tawau.

He thanked all at Holy Trinity parish for their generous support over the years, especially the three parish rectors for the last 25 years.

He thanked Fr Tung for “planting the seed of the community in 1985”, Fr. Cosmas Lee for “fertilizing it into a big fruitful community”, and Msgr. Nicholas Ong for “further nourishing it through the formation of the many BECs in the community”.

Msgr Nicholas addressing the community

In his message to the FPC members, the Rector Msgr. Ong commended the community in having succeeded in turning a small parish group in 1985 into a large vibrant parish pastoral community that is able to integrate so well into the mainstream of the parish life here.

However, he cautioned,” While it is important to celebrate, it is even more important to continue the process of serving and faith deepening.”

A lucky draw winner

Performers from HTC Tawau

A presentation from the FPC of SDC Lahad Datu

Clara, receiving a souvenir from Rufino on behalf of her late father, being the first Chairman of the FPC, HTC

A contestant with her singing talent

Program for the afternoon was indeed eventful, with singing competitions, lucky draw, dancing, and presentation of excellence awards.

The veteran members of FPC St Peter, Kunak

The representatives of FPC St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan

This was also the first time the celebration was participated at diocesan level, with groups coming from Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and even Keningau.

Marcus Chin