Fr Simon Kontou heads the Bible Commission

Soccom

Sandakan : Fr Simon Kontou, the parish priest of St Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu was made the Chairman of the Diocesan Biblical Commission as announced by Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom DD, the Bishop of Sandakan during its inaugural meeting held  at Ulu Dusun Retreat Centre on Saturday 25th February 2012

Front  L-R: Sebastian Francis, Richard Lobinjang, Ezechiel Kunti, Bishop Julius Gitom, Fr Simon Kontou
Back L-R : Anthony Kassim, Dominic Sintar, Marily Labasing, Mary Lee Esporton
Not in picture : Teodulfo Rosalia Jr.

The nine-member commission led by Fr Simon assisted by Richard Lobinjang of St Martin Telupid comprises of two members each from the four parishes of the Diocese. Mary Lee Esporton and Maryly Labasing, both of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau were appointed Secretary and assistant secretary respectively of the Commission..

 

In his welcoming address after the proclamation of the word, Bishop Julius extended his appreciation to all who had made the commitment to be present at the meeting. The commission, though planned very much earlier was not able to be formalized  due to unforeseen circumstances. He said that parishes should plan their activities in line with the program outlined by the Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei Regional Biblical Commission where Fr Simon had attended a few of its meetings.

The prelate called on the members to organize awareness programs within the parish to instill on parishioners the importance of the Word, the living bread - reading, hearing and living it. He said, 'Ignorance of the Scripture is ignorance of Christ'. Activities need to be relevant and interesting so that parishioners will have the urge to want to know more and read the Bible.

Fr  Simon shared on what the other dioceses are doing to promote the reading of the Word and representatives from the various parishes shared on Bible related activities held in their parishes. Much effort is needed to promote a healthy habit among parishioners the passion of reading the Bible for in Jn 6:68 says 'Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' Several activities for the year such as the Bible Sunday and sharing on the Pope's message in conjunction with Bible Sunday would be the main focus of all parishes. Other related activities will depend on the creativity of each parish.

TUKAD of HTC HOLDS PRAYER AND DISCERNMENT WEEKEND

JCK- SOCCOM TAWAU

New line-up of TUKAD 2012 - 2013 

Tawau : More than 40 members of TUKAD ( TINIMUNGAN UMAT KADAZAN DUSUN ) Pastoral Community of Holy Trinity Parish gathered for a one-day Prayer and Discernment Session on Saturday 25th February 2012 at St. Stephen Church,Tass to prepare themselves spiritually in this season of Lent.

TUKAD, formed in 1998 is now 14 years of age. Apart from faith formation, the session also provided the opportunity to enhance the sense of belonging, not only as a community but more so as a Church. Members are committed to attend such session, started since 2004.

Edward Nuing the current TUKAD Chairman, proclaimed the Word of God taken from Luke 5:27-32 themed, 'I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance'. Also in attendance were Fr. David A. Garaman, the spiritual advisor for TUKAD, Sr. Rusiah fsic and Sr. Marysia fsic. 

Edward in his sharing admitted that there were many challenges in their faith journey living as a community since its inception. Through the grace of God, the community survived and had overcome trials and tribulations. The community has come up much stronger, more united and more committed.

Thadeus, a pioneer of TUKAD shared that members are involved in various church groups such as BECs, Neo-Catechumenal Way, Bible Sharing, CCR and other Church Social mission work. TUKAD is very much involved in Parish activities that include;

1. Celebrating Mass once in two months

2. Thanksgiving Mass for Harvest – yearly

3. TUKAD Family Day – yearly

4. Rosary group house to house ( rosary month ) through BECs.

5. Preparation for Christmas and Easter celebrations

Francis Kamuntah in his sharing 

Sr Rusiah fsic facilitated the session on group discussion, personnel reflection and group reporting on journeying together as a community.

Fr. David Garaman summed up the program based on the overall discussion and resolution made. He highlighted five important aspects that TUKAD should focus on that involves the adult and youth:

1. The Tradition and Culture : to maintain the traditional value and to pass it on to the next generation such as the “ kadazan language “ which projects the Kadazandusun identity.

2. Faith formation - need to organize continuous formation program so that members are better formed and transformed.

3. Youth and children - The youths are advised to draw up activities in line with the TUKAD program or to involve actively in Parish Youth activities. The youths are also encouraged to discern prayerfully on their vocation call as priests and religious

4. Family - continuous faith renewal so that families are built on strong foundation and placing Christ as the central point of their lives. 

5. Leader - Committee members of TUKAD need to be the model in leadership for the youths to learn and to experience so that they will grow up as good leaders and willingly serve in the church. 

The Prayer and Discernment session ended with a Thanksgiving Mass celebration presided by Fr. David Garaman. In his homily, he remind all members to be humble in their service just like Christ who came not be served but to serve.

Mari 'menjamu' persahabatan yang santai...

SANDAKAN- “Let’s hang out!” begitulah tema yang diberikan sempena program belia yang diadakan khas untuk jururawat pelatih di Kolej Kejururawatan Sandakan yang dikendalikan oleh Tim Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan (KBK), Sandakan.

Pada 19 Februari 2012 (ahad) lalu, seramai 81 orang jururawat pelatih Katolik termasuk dominasi berlainan menyertai program ini. Tujuan program ini dilakukan adalah untuk menjangkau para belia yang sedang melanjutkan pelajaran khususnya jururawat pelatih yang berada di Sandakan. Selain itu, matlamat program ini juga adalah untuk membina persahabatan diantara para jururawat pelatih dan Tim KBK.

Program bermula dengan lagu-lagu pujian dan penyembahan yang dipimpin oleh Saudari Anna Teresa dan doa pembukaan oleh Saudari Venessa Julian. Selepas itu, ‘tembok’ diantara para jururawat pelatih dan tim KBK dipecahkan dengan sesi Ice Breaking. Para belia dapat berkenalan antara satu sama lain dan secara langsung dapat membina hubungan persahabatan antara sesama.


Terdapat beberapa games yang disediakan antaranya adalah “Die” dan “Act it Out!” Melalui sesi ini, para belia dapat membina semangat kerjasama antara jururawat pelatih.

Sementara itu, light refreshment juga disediakan dan doa dilakukan oleh Saudari Aquelaria Clarice. Semasa menikmati light refreshment, Saudari Anna menggunakan masa tersebut untuk berkenalan dengan setiap jururawat pelatih. Program diteruskan dengan games dan action song yang sangat menghiburkan.

Program berakhir pada pukul 10 malam dan doa penutup dipimpin oleh Sr Lilian Unsoh, FSIC.

Sememangnya program ini sangat bersesuaian dengan jiwa para belia pada masa sekarang iaitu aktiviti yang “relax” dan “santai” tetapi pada masa yang sama memberi sukacita kepada para belia dan mesej yang ingin disampaikan juga tercapai. Tambahan pula, program seumpama ini merupakan pertama kali diadakan untuk para belia di Kolej Kejururawatan Sandakan. Tidak dinafikan kekuatan program ini dapat menarik minat para belia untuk mendekatkan diri dengan Yesus melalui hubungan persahabatan yang terjalin kerana para belia dapat ketawa,bercerita,menyanyi,makan dan bergembira BERSAMA-SAMA.

Oleh itu, para belia dari Kolej Kejururawatan sangat mengharapkan lawatan ini diteruskan dan pastinya susulan lawatan akan datang “I Have A Dream” dinanti-nantikan.


Venessa Julian
Photo oleh Bro. Bell dan Schoffal Charles Moiji

UMAT KATOLIK DISERU BERTOBAT DAN PERCAYA KEPADA INJIL

Soccom Sandakan, aag

Sandakan – Umat Katolik Katedral St. Mary Sandakan memulakan Musim Pra-Paska dengan merayakan Misa Kudus Hari Rabu Abu pada 22 Februari lalu.

Misa Hari Rabu Abu yang dirayakan oleh Fr. Anthony Mikat dalam homili beliau memperingatkan para umat untuk merenung erti ‘ASH’ iaitu ‘Almsgiving’ – menderma kepada mereka yang memerlukan; ‘SACRIFICE’ – berkorban dalam melakukan pelayanan; dan ‘HOLINESS’ – berusaha menghidupi kehidupan sebagai seorang Kristian untuk mencapai hidup yang kudus.

"Koyakkan hatimu dan jangan pakaianmu."
Yoel 2: 12-18

"Damaikanlah dirimu dengan Allah. Sekarang inilah hari yang tepat."
2 Kor 5:20-6:2

"Bapa mu yang melihat yang tersembunyi akan membalasnya kepadamu"
Injil Matius 6:1-6. 16-18

Penggunaan abu dalam liturgi berasal dari jaman Perjanjian Lama. Abu melambangkan perkabungan, ketidakabadian, dan sesal / tobat. Sebagai contoh, dalam Buku Ester, Mordekhai mengenakan kain kabung dan abu ketika ia mendengar perintah Raja Ahasyweros (485-464 SM) dari Persia untuk membunuh semua orang Yahudi dalam kerajaan Persia (Est 4:1). Ayub (yang kisahnya ditulis antara abad ketujuh dan abad kelima SM) menyatakan sesalnya dengan duduk dalam debu dan abu (Ayb 42:6). Dalam nubuatnya tentang penawanan Yerusalem ke Babel, Daniel (sekitar 550 SM) menulis, “Lalu aku mengarahkan mukaku kepada Tuhan Allah untuk berdoa dan memohon, sambil berpuasa dan mengenakan kain kabung serta abu.” (Dan 9:3). Dalam abad kelima SM, sesudah Yunus menyerukan agar orang berbalik kepada Tuhan dan bertobat, kota Niniwe memaklumkan puasa dan mengenakan kain kabung, dan raja menyelubungi diri dengan kain kabung lalu duduk di atas abu (Yun 3:5-6). Contoh-contoh dari Perjanjian Lama di atas merupakan bukti atas praktek penggunaan abu dan pengertian umum akan makna yang dilambangkannya. (sila klik pautan untuk bacaan selanjutnya http://ratnaariani.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/rabu-abu-asal-mula-perayaan-penggunaan-abu-p-william-p-saunders/ )

Pada tahun ini setelah projek menaiktaraf bangunan Katedral dilakukan, kelihatan kehadiran umat menghadiri Misa Kudus bertambah terutama sekali pertambahan umat dalam Misa Kudus Bahasa Malaysia.

Mengakhiri homilinya, Fr. Anthony mengingatkan para umat bahawa abu yang diterima mengingkatkan kita semua untuk merenung erti musim Pra-Paska, bertobat dan tekun berdoa memohon rahmat Tuhan agar dapat menjalani musim puasa dengan penuh makna.

Homili Rev. Fr. Anthony Mikat. 

SERUAN BERTOBAT DAN PERCAYA PADA INJIL

Pra-paska disambut oleh umat katolik dengan penuh hikmat dan bijaksana. Individu yang menyahut seruan pertobatan dan pantang merenung hubungannya dengan Allah. Pertobatan yang disertai dengan Roh Kudus dapat memperbaharui, memulihkan, membangkitkan dan menyembuhkan pribadi serta hubungan sesama manusia.  Disamping banyak berdoa dan berpuasa, perbuatan seperti melawat mereka yang menderita di rumah kebajikan, hospital dan penjara melambangkan kasih sayang sesama manusia. Ringkasnya umat Katolik harus terus memainkan peranan dalam tanggungjawab sosial. 

Pra-paskah selama 6 minggu adalah masa untuk merenungkan keberadaan diri sebagai rupa gambar Allah yang tercela untuk disempurnakan. Selama masa ini umat Katolik mengikuti upacara Jalan Salib pada setiap hari Jumaat. Minggu Suci bermula pada Minggu Palma, seterusnya Perjamuan Tuhan, Sabtu Suci dan kemuncaknya adalah pada hari Minggu Paska iaitu Kebangkitan Tuhan Yesus Kristus yang telah mengalahkan maut. Umat Katolik bersukacita dan berpesta merayakan kemenangan ini.

Peraturan puasa dan pantang semasa pra-paska menurut Ajaran Gereja Katolik dapat dirujuk dalam web ini. Di sini

PESAN BAPA SUCI BENEDIKTUS XVI UNTUK MASA PRAPASKAH 2012. Di sini

“Dan  marilah kita saling memperhatikan supaya kita saling mendorong dalam kasih dan dalam pekerjaan baik“ (Ibr 10:24).

ST. MARK’S LENTEN RECOLLECTION : FAITH & BELIEF

DaliusLL

Sandakan : In conjunction with the Lenten season, a series of recollections, seminars and talks are being planned by St Mary's Cathedral of Sandakan. St. Mark's Church, a sub parish, situated some 32 km from the cathedral hosted the first Lenten recollection with a talk on “Faith and Belief” on 25th February 2012 from 08.30am – 3.00pm. The talk was organized by the OFS (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis, formerly known as the Secular Franciscan Order).

The OFS is an order of the Roman Catholic Church, a community of laity men and women who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.  Secular Franciscan makes a public profession, living their secular lives with their jobs and families and dedicates their lives to the teachings and ideals of that order. As for this parish, the order was canonically established on 26th  September 2010 and currently there are 26 professed members headed by Helda Laurencius (local minister).

The recollection was conducted in Bahasa Malaysia, with Sr. Appollonia Gumpu fsic as the facilitator and speaker. 51 participants attended the recollection day and some came from as far as Ulu Dusun and Bukit Garam. The morning session was divided into 2 parts, the first one was on the rosary prayer of the seven sorrowful of Mary and the second part was the talk on Fasting and Abstinence. The main objective of the recollection  was to help the participants to grow closer to our Lord and prepare ourselves to celebrate the paschal mystery with minds and hearts renewed. In the afternoon session, the participants were divided into several groups  of 2 – 3 members to reflect on what fasting and abstinence meant to them.  A few selected groups were called to share their reflections with the others participants.

The ending of the day's recollection was quite a challenge to all the participants to imitate Christ's passion through prayer outside the church compound. The participants , in a highly meditative state of prayer were able to endure the hot and blazing afternoon sun.  Stanley William, a second year theology seminarian who is on pastoral exposure led the prayers of the station of the cross. 


The recollection ended with a group photo taken at the grotto, followed by light refreshment.