FLM OF HTC CONDUCTS OUTREACH PROGRAMME

By Julita Kantod

Tawau : As part of their pastoral plan, the Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Parish conducted an outreach programme in one of the furthest outstation under Holy Trinity Church; St. Mark Serudong Laut, Kalabakan on 25 July 2015.

St Mark Serudong Laut is located about 230 kilometres from the town centre. The surrounding areas are huge oil palm plantations and smallholders. It takes some 6 hours for a round trip on rough, hilly gravel road. St. Mark Serudong is visited once or twice a year by the priest.

Nine members of the Family Life Ministry set out as early as 5.30 am and arrived at St Mark at 8.30 am.

The Family Life Ministry took the challenge to share with the local parishioners on the Gift of Marriage and to prepare a few couples for marriage blessing.

60 parishioners, mostly Indonesian immigrants and a few locals participated in the event. According to the elders, there are more than one hundred parishioners who frequent St Mark's Chapel. They long for  pastoral visits by priests, religious and lay leaders. 

The day's event covered the following topics;

• Gods plan on marriage by Petrus Bernadus
• Communication in marriage by Sabinah Masitol
• Economy in the Family by Sylvester Doket
• Intimacy in marriage by Mario Domingo
• Marriage, family and natural family method by Julita
• Briefing on marriage blessing by Melvin Lajanti

The outreach program has indeed brought much awareness to members of St. Mark, Serudong Laut regarding marriage and family issues from the Catholic perspective. They had the opportunity through group discussions to look into the reality of their family life. 

The visit has uplifted their spirit. They were grateful for the concern shown by members of the Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Church.

The event ended at 2.00 pm with a closing prayer followed by a group photo session.