Catholic Student Movement (CSM) of SMK Konven St Cecilia Organizes a Spiritual Camp

Article and photos 
by CSM Teachers, 
SMK Konven St. Cecilia, Sandakan

Registration and briefing session

Sandakan : During the school academic year of 2015, various efforts have been undertaken to enhance learning and improve academic performance. The response was very encouraging. It is equally important that students develop a balanced growth, spiritually, emotionally and physically. In the light of that, the Christian Student Movement (CSM) took the initiative to organize an interactive activity for the Christian students of SMK Convent St.Cecilia.

The 2-day annual CSM Camp, themed, “It is I, be not afraid”(Matthew 14:27) was held on 11^th-12^th July 2015 at SMK Konven St Ceciia. The event was coordinated by Jamini Francis, the teacher-in-charge of the said movement. A total of 78 participants, including representatives from the Chinese Christian Group participated in the camp. The event was graced by Rev Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral.

Group photo with Fr Thomas, rector of St Mary's Cathedral, Cecilia Polo, Chairperson of the School Board of Governors, Board members and CSM teachers

The camp is aimed at uplifting the spirit among students to stay strong while faced with tribulations in life in line with the theme. It is also an opportune occasion for Christian teachers and students to renew and refocus on their spiritual standing. The camp is an excellent platform to promote interaction and build up  solidarity among  believers.

At the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Soo Tian Hock the principal of SMK Konven St Cecilia gave a welcoming address. This was followed by the official opening and blessings by Fr Thomas Makajil. Madam Cecilia Polo, the Chairlady of the School Board of Governors (SBOG), presented a token to the priest. The event was sponsored by the SBOG.

The Opening Ceremony

The session of the day began with the Bahasa Malaysia spiritual input session facilitated by Mr. Adaris Moses Sintan in the morning and Puan Lena Petrus in the afternoon. Both are enthusiastic speakers from St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral. Pastor Fiona from the Calvary Church and Pastor Amos from SBC Church conducted the Chinese spiritual input session in the morning and afternoon respectively. The activity of the day was dubbed 'Explorace' and ended with 'Agape' in the evening.

Spiritual input session in BM and Chinese

Sharing session (BM and Chinese)

For the second day, praise and worship was conducted by Ps Julios Ubara from Seventh-day-Adventist Church. The activity continued with sharing by students and the camp concluded at 4.30pm. The closing ceremony was graced by the school principal, Mr. Soo.

Praise and Worship 

Ice Breaker session

'EXPLORACE'

Agape Night

Group sharing 

Closing Ceremony

Puan Jamini Francis, the teacher-in-charge of the Christian Student Movement expressed her sincere appreciation and gratitude to God Almighty for His abundant blessings and to all the wonderful participants for their unwavering effort in making the camp a memorable event. She also thanked the School Principal, the SBOG, all dedicated CSM teachers and all individuals who had supported and contributed to the event.

The final day of the program. 
Till we meet again. 
God bless us all always.