JUST A TOUCH OF LOVE

By Julita, SOCCOM Tawau
Tawau : Some 60 senior citizens of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau, gathered on 14th November 2015 for a social fellowship from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm at the Parish Basement Hall. The annual event was organized by the Parish Pastoral Care and Outreach Group of Holy Trinity Church Tawau.

The Parish Pastoral Care and Outreach Group has been organizing the event for the past 10 years. It is a part of their mission to reach out to the elderly in order to sustain and enrich their spiritual need. In this corporal work of mercy, it is hoped that the younger generation will be more concerned and act to reach out to the elderly community.

The program began with a welcoming address by Theresa Lee, a committee member of the Pastoral Care and Outreach Group followed by a song presentation from the committee members and the seniors.

Also in attendance were Msgr. Nicholas Ong, Fr. Johnny Raju, Sr Martha fsic, Sr Liza fsic, Sr Anita fsic and members of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Msgr. Nicholas Ong expressed his gratitude and thanks to the members of the Pastoral Care and Outreach Group for their unceasing effort to reach out to the elderly. This is part of what he said, 'I am happy to see that there is such a program dedicated to all the elderly. It should be continued, to awaken in us, the responsibility to always respect and care for the aged. Without them we are not here today. They have contributed tremendously to society and the church in the past. We must remember and treasure their great sacrifice.' 

This year around, the event was celebrated at the new Support Centre, renovated in early March with contributions from individual parishioners and well wishers. It is located at the Basement of the Parish Hall, formerly a Sunday School classroom. The centre has a homely environment; a spacious living area with a television set, kitchen and a nearby toilet. The centre is open from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm on Thursday to Saturday. 

The purpose of the centre are ;

• To provide a conducive space for the elderly to meet up with one another
• To provide spiritual and social support to the elderly 
• To develop a sense of belonging 

As scheduled, every Thursday will be the Bible Sharing program. Friday and Saturday are free time for social interaction, spending time with each other; playing  scrabble, cards, personal sharing or even going out for home visit.

The elderly who participated in this activity are very grateful to the effort of the community and the church in providing a place for them to meet up, to avoid being lonely at home. Spending time with those in the same situation, exploring their aging process together and living in a community is a healthy practice. Parishioners who are free are invited to spend time with the elderly, to support and extend care to them.