SABAH CATECHETICAL WORKSHOP IN KENINGAU

Sr Veronica fsic (4th from right) and the participants from the Diocese of Sandakan

 Keningau : A catechetical workshop on RCIA process, organized by the Diocese of Keningau was held at the Tatal Retreat Centre in Keningau over the weekend, 8^th and 9^th October 2010. The said workshop, facilitated by Fr Bonniface Kimsin, the Chairman of the Malaysia Catechetical Commission  (MCC) is aimed at getting feedbacks from the participants regarding the present resources, methodologies and approaches as well as exploring new ways to improve on the process.

107 representatives from the 3 arch/dioceses attended the workshop. The Sandakan Diocese, led by Sr Veronica Kandaung fsic was represented by 17 facilitators from  its four parishes of Tawau, Lahad Datu, Telupid and Sandakan.  


The event began with a Eucharistic celebration in the evening 8th October, presided over by Rt Rev Datuk Cornelius Piong, the Bishop of the Diocese of Keningau and con celebrated by Fr Boniface Kimsin, Fr Ambrose Atang and Fr Bonaventure Unting.

The Sisters rendering a song

The workshop proper began with Fr Boniface Kimsin relating the background of the RCIA process, implemented in Sabah some 22 years ago. The facilitators used the African based Lumko resource book ever since -'Journeying Together' as their training manual and reference. He also presented a paper on 'New Evangelization' and the need to review the related resources  according to the local settings.

Group discussion

  

The workshop provided the participants a platform to articulate the weaknesses and strength of the RCIA process. They shared their views on reviewing the important aspects of the said process and were focussed on the need to have better references and approaches that suit the current local needs.

The outcome of the workshop shall be compiled and  further deliberated on by the Malaysia Catechetical Commission represebnatives from Sabah on 30th November 2010 at the Catholic Diocesan Centre in Kota Kinabalu.

There is a need for new or at least revised ways and methods of evangelization and obviously this is going to pose great challenges. The workshop had opened a new horizon for the participants, giving them  light and hope to move on serving the Lord.

Bishop Cornelius in his winding up speech

In winding up the event, the prelate expressed his appreciation to all the participants for their positive contributions during the workshop sessions. He called on them to be well prepared in all lessons and well equipped with the tools and skills in carrying out the great mission of evangelization.

Raymond Wong