HTC RECOLLECTION FOR CAROLLERS: “PREPARE YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE OUR SAVIOUR AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS”

By:  Mario Domingo  

Holy Trinity Parish Tawau: The 6-day, house-to-house, Christmas carolling of Holy Trinity Parish shall kick off on Sunday, 10th December and ends on Friday, 15th December. This year around, there are 11 carolling groups from the main church and 12 groups from the BECs. The annual event is the combined effort of all communities from the four languages and other groups in the church.

A short recollection was held on the 3rd December, at 11.30am to 1.20pm, organized by the Home Carolling Committee. A Catechesis entitled “PREPARE YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE OUR SAVIOUR AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS” in preparation for the house-to-house carolling was then given by Julita Kantod. The short recollection was well attended by some 200 carollers together with cluster coordinators and the carolling committee. Basically, the input shared provided the carollers to prepare themselves first, spiritually and mentally, as heralds in bringing the Good News to our neighbours and friends. It was also an opportunity for them to understand and reflect on the mystery and deeper meaning of Christmas.

The Catechesis began with an open question to reflect: “Why do you believe in Christmas and what do you believe in it?”  In her message, she encouraged them to come to a time of Advent, a time for a spiritual preparation for the coming of our saviour Jesus Christ. “Every day is an Advent", she continued “and Christ will be revealed when He comes again. Indeed, it is a mystery; it requires faith to believe”. “Christmas is not about all the “celebration” itself, but as Christians, we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, the Son of God. Knowing that a God came down to man through Mary should fill our hearts and homes with love, joy and peace of our Saviour.” she said. Christmas and the Nativity will be meaningful in that perspective.

“With an honest and humble preparation, especially during this recollection, one will experience a conversion of the heart where Christ can make His room with us and in our family” she added. She then concluded her input by wishing everyone “happy carolling” and encouraged them to become His good instruments in spreading the Good News which all began with a proper spiritual preparation.

The catechesis ended with some words of encouragement from Andrew Kiat, the Chairman of the Home Carolling Program, as well as the PPC Chairperson, followed by announcements and a closing prayer.