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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Welcoming New School Board of Governors

By DS
Sandakan : The School Board of Governors (SBOG) shall be collectively responsible for the proper government / management of the school in accordance with the provisions of the Instrument of Government of Government Aided Schools. They shall uphold and maintain the ethos, special character and traditions of mission schools under their purview during their tenure as members of the SBOG. St Mary's Cathedral Parish has five mission schools, two secondary and 3 primary, located at the Catholic Mission Education Complex some 5 kilometres from town. 
L-R : Maureen Lai (Headmistress), Rose Solibun, Alice Wong and Raymond Wong
Alice Wong, the out-going Board Chairperson of St Cecilia Convent Secondary School as well as St Mary Convent Primary School handed over duties to the in-coming chairpersons of the said schools, this morning 12th November 2013.
L-R : Mr Soo (Principal), Alice Wong, Cecelia D'Souza and Raymond Wong
Rose Solibun, the former School Head of St Mary Convent Primary School will assume duty as the new Chairperson of the SBOG for the school while Cecelia D'Souza a former student will head the SBOG for St Cecilia Convent Secondary School for a three-year term, 2013 - 2016. The handing over ceremonies for both SBOGs were witnessed by Maureen Lai, headmistress of St Mary Convent Primary School, Soo Tian Hock, Principal of St Cecilia Convent Secondary School and Raymond Wong, the out-going Board member.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

New School Board of Governors for SK St Mary Labuk, Sandakan

DS
Sandakan : Today, 9th November 2013, the School Board of Governors of SK St Mary Labuk, a Catholic Mission Primary School located along Jalan Labuk, some 5 kilometers from town changes hand. The event was witnessed by Caroline Neubronner, the headmistress of the said school.
L-R : Peter Lo, Francis Tan, Michael Lee, Caroline Neubronner,
Alice Tan, Henry Wong and Ronald Andrew
Mr Henry Wong, the out-going Board Chairman who has served some ten years, handed over his duty to Miss Alice Tan, the incoming Chairperson. He hoped that the new Board would continue to contribute towards the well being and preserve the essential identity and ethos of the school. The line up of the new Board members who will serve a term of three years, 2013 - 2016 are, Chairperson : Alice Tan, Secretary : Jama, Treasurer : Kelvin Kong, Committee : Ronald Andrew and Jacqueline Chung.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Closing of the Year Of Faith

Article by DS
Photos by Bell
Sandakan : The Diocese of Sandakan officially closed the Year of Faith during a Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, 6th November at St Mary's Cathedral. The event was held earlier as it was not possible to have all clergy present on the actual date, on the Feast of Christ the King, 24th November, the designated date set by the Universal Church. Taking advantage of the presence of all priests for the bi-monthly priests meeting, it would be fitting and convenient to have the event held this day. As for parishes, it is hoped that appropriate program would be arranged to commemorate the said event on the stipulated date.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan concelebrated by Msgr Nicholas Ong and eight other priests, including two new priests from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, Fr Sunny Chung and Fr Johnny Raju, recently assigned to the Diocese of Sandakan.
In his homily, Bishop Julius recalled the launching ceremony of the Year of Faith held last year at around this time. The prelate cited what the Holy Father had said about the Year Of Faith that it is important to witness to our faith. We cannot accept that the salt has become tasteless or the light lighted but kept hidden as in the Gospel of St Mark. He also cited the Samaritan woman who comes close to Jesus drawing life from the source of the living water as in the Gospel according to John. He believed that the Year Of Faith has been a moment of grace for all, an opportunity to respond to God's grace and made the most of it through faith based / spiritual activities and living our relationship with Jesus Christ.
We profess our faith in Him through baptism. We are to testify and actualize God's love, our faith through charity to society as reflected in the first reading ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Love cannot do the neighbor any harm; so love fulfils the whole law.’ We may close the Year of Faith but in reality we must not stop practising and spreading our faith. We continue to live our daily life following the Gospel value, continue to practice our faith so as to be living witnesses. We are to live beyond the 'Year Of Faith.'
One example of the many challenges we encountered is the verdict of the word ‘Allah’. Quoting from the recent media statement from the Malaysia Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) the verdict is not only disappointing but humiliating to all adherents of the faith. The year of faith has strengthened us, our courage has risen in facing the challenge. The response of which reflects our personal relationship with our Lord.
Our initiatives in the Year Of Faith especially with the pilgrimage has in a way enhances our faith. The Cathedral Parish has received more and more pilgrims from other parishes in the arch / diocese of Kota Kinabalu and Keningau. This will make us aware how the early missionaries came to lay the foundation of our faith and how it spread. It has given us opportunities to know our faith and to build our faith.
In relation to the Gospel reading, the close of the Year Of Faith is the beginning of the building process of our faith – building tower of our faith and that calls for proper foundation and planning. The basic of which is communion with the Lord and with one another.       

Right after Mass, parishioners adjourned to the Parish Hall for a dinner fellowship.

Monday, November 4, 2013

BLESSING AND OPENING OF ST. JOSEPH'S CHAPEL INDERA SABAH TAWAU

Julita, SOCCOM Tawau
Tawau : Holy Trinity Parish, Tawau is again blessed with another new Chapel which was officially opened and solemnly blessed on Sunday, 20th October, 2013 which happened to be Mission Sunday.
St. Joseph's Chapel of Indera Sabah is another new outstation chapel located about 28km from the main Parish. A few Kadazan Dusun families that formed the local community had been staying in the area since 1995. As per record, shared by Bro. Gelord Emol the EMC in charge of the zone said that  the estimated 6-acre land was developed  some 18 years ago ( plantation ) through the generosity of several local Kadazan Dusun residents.

He also shared that the efforts to obtain the land titles for the local community initiated by Mr Eric Tan yielded fruitful results. After many years and with the increasing number of local faithful along with foreign workers ( mostly Timorese ) there was an urgent need to have a  place of worship. With God's providence through the guidance and support of Mr Eric Tan, the intention to build a chapel was brought to the attention of the Parish Priest.
The rite of solemn blessing of St. Joseph's Chapel which can accommodate about 100 people was graced by Fr. David A. Garaman. The 100 parishioners who were present to witness the ceremony, apart from the local community, came from Holy Trinity Church, St. Paul Balung, St. Stephen Tass and St. James Ranggu. Among the invited guests were the religious sisters, the PPC chairman, EMCs and a few lay leaders.
Sunday Mass, presided over by Fr. David Garaman, followed immediately after the official opening and solemn blessing. In his homily, Fr. David invited all present to be united and make the new blessed Chapel as their home to pray together. Beside building family relationship bond,  members of the local community were urged to strive and make an effort to build their personal relationship with the Most High through gathering and prayer. 'As we celebrate Mission Sunday today, let us acknowledge that faith requires response, it should be shared with others, particularly with those who are in need and those yet  to know Christ. Be consistent and persevere in prayers and that through prayers we are strengthened by God in our faith' he said.
'May this house of prayer accommodates your necessity in deepening your faith by participating in the celebration of the Liturgy.' He then concluded his homily by saying, 'we should be thankful that our faith is based on Christ Jesus.' 
After Holy Mass, Fr David planted a red palm tree at the compound, symbolizing the planting of faith among the parishioners in the locality.
Fr David presenting a certificate of appreciation to the family of Mr Eric Tan
During the fellowship, the PPC Chairman, Mario Domingo in his address to the attendees said that, 'Faith is hope and trust. What we believe must be put into visible action so that God will be glorified in all circumstances. Through this hope we will continue to serve and spread the wonders of God's mercy and love.'
Fr. David in his address to the people,  stressed on the importance of defending the faith, and always be grateful for all the blessings given by God. He said, 'On behalf of Holy Trinity Parish, we would like to thank the individuals, families, company and all those who were involved in the process of building St. Joseph's Chapel. We thank God for His generosity shown through you, may God continue to bless you abundantly. It is the hope of every priest that all people of God  will strive to increase in faith and obedience to the word of God. We hope that this Chapel will serve as a home for all to assemble for prayers.'

The event ended at 5.00 in the evening with a fellowship dinner.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Testimoni Kursus Alpha Pusingan Enam Bahagian 3 / Akhir

Petrus B. Tupang
(Belia KBKI)
Shalom! 
Dengan berbesar hati saya ingin mengongsikan pengalaman saya sepanjang penyertaan Kursus Alpha dari minggu pertama hingga minggu terakhir yang berlangsung di Pusat Retret Keuskupan Sandakan, Ulu Dusun baru-baru ini.

Pengalaman dan pengajaran yang diperolehi dalam kursus ini cukup bermakna dalam hidup saya melalui hati saya dan Roh Kudus yang saya alami

Selama saya menyertai program ini, saya dapat rasakan yang diri saya berasa lebih tenang dan dapat belajar dengan lebih mendalam di mana yang paling mengujakan saya ialah adanya rakan-rakan yang bersama saya dapat berkongsi dan belajar mengenali antara satu sama lain tentang konsep Kristianisasi. Kami turut berkongsi mengenai Roh Kudus.

Peluang yang telah saya perolehi amatlah bermakna bagi saya dan tentunya rakan-rakan yang lain turut merasakan yang sama.
 



Dalam nama Yesus, saya mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada pihak penganjur yang berusaha mengendalikan program ini dengan jayanya walaupun dengan pelbagai cabaran. Namun, ternyata Roh Kudus itu hadir dalam diri kami sehingga program ini berjalan dengan lebih berjaya. Amen! 


 Karolina Ose Wolor (16 tahun)
(Belia, KBKI)
Salam damai Kristus! 
Saya berterima kasih kepada pihak Tim Pelaksana Kursus Alpha kerana memberi peluang kepada saya untuk memberikan testimoni saya.

Selain dari melalui ajakan teman-teman untuk menyertai Kursus Alpha ini buat pertama kali, saya percaya bahawa bimbingan Roh Kudus lah yang mendorong saya untuk menghadiri kursus ini sampai ke minggu yang terakhir.

Banyak juga pengalaman yang bermakna saya telah alami dan sudah tentu tidak dapat saya lupakan. Pengalaman saya sewaktu didoakan oleh Kakak Aronika semasa sesi “Pelayanan Doa” benar-benar membuat saya tersentuh dan terharu. Saya juga amat menghargai bagaimana saya dapat mengenali siapakah Roh Kudus melalui kursus ini. Saya dapat merasai kehadiran Roh Kudus sepanjang mengikuti kursus ini terutamanya sewaktu Retret Hujung Minggu. Inilah perkara paling bererti buat diri saya yang baru ingin bertumbuh dalam iman.

Sebelum menyertai Kursus Alpha, saya mempunyai banyak masalah peribadi dalam hidup. Tetapi, selepas menjalani kursus ini, masalah saya perlahan-lahan, sedikit demi sedikit menjadi semakin ringan dan tidak lagi memberi tekanan atau bebanan yang hebat buat diri saya. Saya percaya bahawa kekuatan itu telah saya ketemui dan terima daripada Roh Kudus untuk menangani masalah tersebut dengan cara yang diajarkanNya kepada saya melalui kursus ini. Saya berasa amat bersyukur kerana kini saya boleh mulai merasa ‘bebas’ dari belenggu masalah harian. Saya juga merasa telah menjadi ‘orang yang baru’.

Saya amat berharap dan berdoa agar saya dapat menghadiri lagi pusingan Kursus Alpha yang seterusnya. Pada masa itu, saya turut berharap agar dapat membawa teman-teman baru terutamanya mereka yang belum begitu mengenali Kristus. Mohon doakan saya! 


Terima kasih sekali lagi dan Tuhan memberkati.

Alleluia! Amen!


 Arlene Abel Paulus
(The Forerunners Ministry) 

Sebagai seorang penceramah, bukan mudah berdiri di hadapan orang ramai. Hendak dijadikan cerita, permulaan penglibatan saya di program YA adalah salah seorang peserta yang tidak terfikir pun hendak mendalami iman saya sebagai Katolik. Puji Tuhan, kerana cinta kasihnya terhadap diri saya, Dia telah membuka pintu hati saya untuk mengikuti program YA yang pada awalnya saya cuma “ikut kawan, kasi senang hati kawan”. 

Bagi saya secara peribadi, mengongsikan kelemahan diri saya bukanlah sesuatu yang menyeronokkan apatah lagi mahu mengakui bahawa iman saya itu lemah. Sifat ego terlalu tebal dalam diri pada ketika itu.


Berbekalkan pengetahuan yang saya pelajari dari program YA yang sangat santai dan bersahaja ini, iman saya sedikit demi sedikit berkembang dan berakar sehinggalah saya dipelawa untuk menjadi salah seorang penceramah bagi program YA setelah mengikuti program tersebut berulangkali kerana ianya sangat seronok dan mudah difahami.


Walaupun bukan mudah untuk saya menerima pelawaan itu, namun kerana cinta kasih Yesus terhadap diri saya yang lemah ini, membuatkan saya sanggup dan mahu menjadi saksi Kristus yang hidup.

Saya percaya, dan sesungguhnya percaya bahawa Roh Kudus telah membimbing saya sepanjang penglibatan saya dari permulaan perjalanan iman saya.

Kerja Tuhan itu sungguh halus, tulus dan penuh kasih sayang sehingga saya sendiri tidak menyedari akan perubahan yang berlaku ke atas diri saya.

PUJI TUHAN! ENGKAU SUNGGUH DAHSYAT! 







 Kathrine Tupa
(Liturgi Sabda Kanak-kanak)
Shalom semua...

Pengalaman saya mengikuti Kursus Alpha ini amat menyeronokkan. Apa yang belum pernah saya tahu, kini saya sudah tahu dan apa yang belum pernah saya alami, kini sudah saya alami. Semasa hari pertama mengikuti Kursus Alpha saya berfikir, "Apa yang akan saya dapat melalui Kursus Alpha ini?" Saya menjawab kepada diri sendiri, "Tunggu dan lihat." 

Sepanjang saya mengikutinya, saya dapat merasakan ada damai sukacita di dalam jiwa saya dan yang paling saya sukai ialah perbincangan dalam kumpulan (berkongsi), menyanyikan lagu pujian dengan segenap hati dan dapat berkenalan antara satu sama lain. Saya merasa sangat bahagia, sangat damai dan tenang.






Apa yang membuat saya tersentuh sepanjang kursus ini adalah satu tayangan video tentang kasih seorang ayah terhadap anaknya. Air mata saya terus mengalir setelah melihat video itu. Kesemua video yang mereka tayangkan sememangnya benar-benar menyentuh hati saya.

Melalui kursus ini juga saya dapat melepaskan segala bebanan yang saya pikul selama ini dan meluahkan segalanya yang terbuku di dalam hati saya. Semasa Retret Hujung Minggu, saya mendapat peluang untuk melepaskan segala-galanya dan menyerahkan semua permasalahan saya kepada Yesus. Saya menangis di depan salib Yesus. Pada masa itulah saya merasa bebanan yang saya pikul hilang, ditambahkan lagi dengan iringan lagu-lagu pujian yang sangat merdu. Terasa badan saya sangat ringan. Itulah keajaibannya Yesus.

Pada petangnya pula, sangat best sebab ada permainan:) Permainannya belum pernah saya main tapi amat menyeronokkan! Kami juga dapat bersama-sama bersantai sambil makan aiskrim yang enak!!
Saya juga dapat merasakan kehadiran Roh Kudus pada sesi waktu malam. Sepanjang sesi berjalan, saya merasakan kehadiran Roh Kudus di dalam tubuh saya. Pada mulanya, saya menutup mata. Tidak lama kemudian, terlihat satu cahaya yang terang dan seluruh tubuh saya diangkat. Diangkat sangat tinggi hingga naik melintasi awan dan langit. Tangan saya dipegang seorang lelaki saya tidak kenali pada mulanya. Saya sangkakan itu cuma satu ilusi tetapi apabila saya kongsikan kepada Kakak Arlene, dia memberitahu saya bahawa itu adalah Roh Kudus yang membawa saya kepada Yesus. Saya terkejut! Saya berasa sangat bersyukur kerana akhirnya saya dapat merasakan sendiri kehadiran Roh Kudus.

Banyak lagi yang saya dapat melalui Kursus Alpha ini dan tahun depan saya pasti akan mengikutinya lagi. Saya berharap agar lebih ramai yang mengikutinya pada tahun depan. 

Sekian.

Puji Yesus! Alleluia!!

Members of DYA meet up again!

DS / st
Front row L-R : Victoria, Esther and Leazrinna
2nd row L-R : Sharon, Felsa, Harry, Yusvina and Anna
3rd row L-R : Javy, Schoffal, Fr. David Garaman, Bertram and Joennie
Tawau : Members of the Diocesan Youth Apostolate meet up once in every three months and this is the last for the year 2013. The 10th recollection and 15th meeting was held in Tawau on October 25th to 27th and was attended by ten members and three youth leaders representing each parish in the Diocese of Sandakan. The recollection was facilitated by Anna Amandus, the coordinator for the Sandakan Diocesan Youth Apostolate.

The recollection commenced with a mass celebrated by Fr. David Garaman, the Spiritual Director of the Apostolate. In his homily, he mentioned about stewardship. Each and everyone of us is a steward and God has entrusted us with the gift of faith. Therefore as youth ministers in the Diocese, we are entrusted to take care not only of our own faith but the faith of the youths who are living in a world confronted with a multitude of challenges. 

During the recollection, we were given two questions and we took our time to share and listen to one another. The team has been journeying together for the past four years. We realized it is important to listen and to know how each one is doing in the ministry and in life. It was a fruitful moment for everyone, as all of us shared our experiences either good or bad.

On the next day, we had our 15th meeting. Through the meeting, we were able to discuss and focus on urgent and important matters for next year's plan. Two main projects for the first quarter of 2014 will be the 3rd Youth Leader's Camp which will be held in February in Lahad Datu and the 'Keep In Touch Always' (KITA) program, meant for school leavers who will further their studies away from their hometown, to be held in April. 

Although not all members were able to make it to the recollection and meeting, we still could feel their presence. The 11th recollection and the 16th meeting will be held in Lahad Datu from April 4th to 6th 2014.

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