Dissolution of Parish Pastoral Council Holy Trinity Church

Out-going Parish Pastoral Council members with Fr David and Msgr Ong (seated 2nd and 3rd left respectively)

Tawau : The Parish Pastoral Council of Holy Trinity Church established 14th April 2009 was officially dissolved in their final meeting on Tuesday, 17th May 2011 after having served a full two-year term. Msgr Nicholas Ong, the rector expressed his appreciation to all members for their dedication and commitment in serving the Church for the last two years. He commended the members for putting in much effort in realizing the pastoral thrust of the Diocese, that is to build community through the set up of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).

The meeting provided the members the opportunity to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their two-year term of office. In their sharing, many council members felt the difference of pasturing under the new diocese with its focus on basic ecclesial communities. Currently, Holy Trinity Parish has some 43 BECs whose members are very much involved in Church activities.

Many councilors also experienced the challenge of not having enough committed members in their ministries. Not many are willing to step forward to offer their 'gifts' for the Church. And He said to them, 'The harvest is great but the labourers are few" Luke 10 : 2. The challenge of not having enough 'labourers' should not remain an obstacle for moving forward. The question that we need to ask is, 'Why are the laity not responding?'

Mario proclaiming the Word of God

Some expressed the view that not enough time was given over the past two years in discerning more on the diocesan vision and mission statement which should be gathered from proposals and suggestions from the grass-root levels working through BECs, Ministries and Church Groups.  

Others felt that PPC should strive to build better relationship among members through  informal social gatherings. Continuous dialogues with Parish Groups / Ministries / Communities would provide a platform for better and effective relationship building paving the way for a stronger and united parish community.

The younger members were thankful to be invited to the last council meeting as it provided a good venue for them to experience first hand, the working of the PPC.

In his closing remarks, PPC chairman Mario Domingo thanked everyone for their support, encouragement and understanding for the past two years. This has made his task easy.

Msgr. Nicholas Ong told those present not to get too concerned with the pace in the formulation of the diocesan vision statement, as this would eventually materialize with time. In this regard, he agreed that discernment sessions would be an important element in the process of attaining the diocesan vision.

'With the completion of the new parish building, place for discernment will not be a problem,' he said. Finally he encouraged the councilors not to forget the importance of the Eucharist and the Word of God in performing our ministries as we depend on the grace of God at all times.

He later declared the council dissolved and at the same time announced the formation of the ad hoc committee that will oversee to the election of the next council.

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