CONFIRMATION AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TAWAU

Bishop Julius and Fr David with the Bahasa confirmands 

Tawau : Having completed the children's initiation classes, some 99 confirmands received their confirmation on Sunday, 20th November 2011, the Solemnity of Christ the King, last Sunday in ordinary time before the week of Advent, 27^th November , 2011. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Julius, con celebrated by Fr David Garaman, the assistant rector.

The confirmands were mainly from the Bahasa, English and Chinese sections of the Sunday School, Holy Trinity Church with others coming from out stations including St. Jude's Semporna. The Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, assisted by Fr David Garaman, .

In his homily, the prelate shared about the gifts of the Holy Spirit that strengthen and empower us to have faith, hope and love in spreading and defending the faith as true witnesses. It is to perfect in us that which was begun in the Sacrament of baptism.

The confirmands and the congregation at large were called to reflect on the contribution in full and active mission of service to the Church. Each should strive to utilize one's talents, time and treasure in serving Christ through direct involvement in any spiritual activity, service to the poor and marginalized as a sign of living the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit.

'Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit'

The prelate urged all members to place more effort in evangelization in fulfilling our mission by sharing the Good News with others. We are to be caring and responsible to one another,  as well as our eagerness to  grow and experience God’s love  that we may be more obedient and submit to the Spirit, the ruler of our lives.

He concluded his homily by saying, “ by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit during Confirmation, I hope that you  will continue to live in the love of  God our  eternal King, live in communion with all brothers and sisters moving forward to Him and acknowledging Him as our King"

With confirmands from out station

With confirmands from out station

With the Chinese confirmands

With the confirmands from St Jude, Semporna

Proceeding to  the Parish Hall, L-R : Bishop Julius, Mario, the PPC Chairman and Fr David

After the prayer after Communion, Bishop Julius continued with the ceremony of decommissioning  of the Sacramentary which was to be used for the last time. It had served the community well for many years. Fr David Garaman will commission the new Sacramentary (the Third Edition of the Roman Missal) on the first Sunday of Advent.

Bishop Julius with Sunday School teachers

A memorable occasion

The celebration ended at 10.45am followed by light refreshment with Bishop Julius, all the newly confirmed, parents and all Sunday School teachers.

JCK –Tawau SOCCOM