苦難聖枝

(山打根訊) 山打根聖瑪莉主教座堂今天舉行苦難聖枝，慶祝救主耶穌榮進耶路撒冷城，拉開聖周的序幕。
教友們一早聚集於堂區活動中心，等待神父祝聖聖枝，再依序排列跟隨大隊遊行進入聖堂。教友們手持聖枝揮動，彷如昔日耶穌進入聖城一般， 民眾皆站立於兩旁熱烈歡迎。

Misa Kudus Hari Minggu Palma/Sambutan Hari Belia Sedunia Ke-29 Peringkat Paroki Sandakan

Oleh CHRISTINA LASIUS

SANDAKAN: Kerasulan Belia Paroki Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan akan mengadakan sambutan Hari Belia Sedunia yang ke-29 Peringkat Paroki (World Youth Day) yang bertemakan "Orang Yang Miskin Dihadapan Allah, Kerana Merekalah Empunya Kerajaan Syurga" (Mat 5:3). Hari yang sama juga upacara Pengutusan dijalankan bagi sekumpulan belia yang melayani dalam Kerasulan Belia Paroki.

Hari Belia ini diadakan pada setiap tahun yang mana kiranya sudah 2 tahun Kerasulan Belia Paroki Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan tidak merayakannya dan pada tahun ini hasil daripada perbincangan Kerasulan Belia Paroki, Fr. Sunny Chung serta Sr. Lilian Unsoh, FSIC, Hari Belia Sedunia yang ke-29 ini akan dirayakan bersamaan dengan Minggu Palma iaitu pada 13 April 2014. Sambutan Hari Belia Sedunia pada tahun ini juga merupakan sesuatu yang lebih menarik yang mana Kumpulan Belia CCC (Chinese Coordinating Committee) turut menyertai dalam sambutan ini. 

Misa Kudus Hari Minggu Palma/Sambutan Hari Belia Sedunia Peringkat Paroki akan diadakan pada 13 April 2014, jam 9:30 pagi bertempat di Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan

Terdapat pelbagai persiapan serta pengaturan program yang telah dilakukan untuk sambutan Hari Belia Sedunia yang ke-29 dan pengutusan KBP serta Minggu Palma. Antara persiapan berikut adalah:

 29 Mac 2014, Sabtu

Rekoleksi yang bertujuan untuk persiapan setiap individu dalam pelayanan seterusnya penubuhan KBP Sandakan

7 – 9 April 2014, Isnin - Rabu

Triduum - Persiapan Rohani bagi kejayaan penganjuran Hari Belia Sedunia yang ke-29 Peringkat Paroki

13 April 2014, Ahad

8:00 am Para Belia/semua umat berkumpul di Dewan Paroki

9:30 am > Pemberkatan Daun Palma bertempat di Dewan Paroki/Perarakan menuju ke Katedral

                > Misa Kudus/Perutusan Tim Belia

11:00 am Para belia berkumpul di Dewan Paroki

11:30 am > Time of Life

                  > Ice Breaking/Team Building

12:00 pm Makan tengahari

12:30 pm Time of Life

12:45 pm > Sesi Input: Mesej WYD oleh Fr. Sunny Chung

                  > Group Discussion (Small Group)

                  > Group Discussion (Big Group)

2:30 pm   > Nyanyian Lagu-lagu Rohani

                  > Para Liturgi/Doa Penutup

                  > Bergambar beramai-ramai

                  > Gotong-royong

                  > Sampai berjumpa lagi!

Secara kesimpulannya, objektif program ini dilakukan adalah untuk:

i) Mengumpulkan semua Kerasulan Belia Paroki dan merayakan Hari Belia Sedunia tahun 2014

ii) Persiapan untuk Minggu Suci di samping memahami erti sebenar Salib

iii) Bersatu teguh, saling menyokong dan sentiasa mendoakan semua belia dalam Kerasulan Belia Paroki

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT IN MARRIAGE

By Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Telupid : Married life appears ordinary but has many challenges experienced by all married couples. Denying the needs of spiritual enrichment in their journey as husband and wife or as a family will surely lead to confusion and frustration. This will lead to strained relationship within family members.

There are many ways to reach those in need of the opportunity for healing and reconciliation. One such activity is the 'Spiritual Enrichment in Marriage' - a seminar that focus on issues of marriage and the responses with spouses.

The Diocesan Family Life Commission (DFLC) team led by Julita Kantod, the Commission chairperson conducted a two-day 'Spiritual Enrichment in Marriage' seminar on the 4th and 5th April 2014 at St. Martin's Church, Telupid.

56 participants ( 27 married couples and 2 single mothers ) attended the seminar. The sessions aim to provide awareness to the couples in discovering their  level of relationship and spiritual needs in their journey as a family. Participants would be enlightened on their obligation as a 'domestic church' and their calling to serve freely and joyfully for the church.

The Seminar began  with the Bible Enthronement on Friday evening, 4th April followed by an overview on the seminar by Julita. The first input session was facilitated by Teodolfo from St. Dominic's Church Lahad Datu on 'God’s plan on the vocation of marriage'.

Rev. Fr. Jasery Gabuk,  the  rector of St. Martin's Church Telupid facilitated the second session on the Church Teaching on Family. 'God is love and his love is live' and that's what a family is called for to share the love of God. The family must be protected, to be continually and spiritually enriched', he said. The Church taught us that the family must take heed in treasuring and respecting lives,  reject abortion and euthanasia, living in communion with others peacefully, participating in sustaining solidarity. Such values if practiced will bring forth 'New Life' where there will be no more pain, suffering, grieve, hatred, revenge but unity and love. He also stressed on the importance of caring and respecting  all living things, God's creation.

Other topics covered during the seminar included the following;

Responsibility of the Husband and Wife ~ Jocelyn  
The responsibilities of both husband and wife are most needed not only to discover their priority and focus in life but in opening ways for their generation ( children ). This aspect seems to be neglected and taken for granted by most parents.

Challenges in Marriage ~ Julita
 Facing challenges in marriage without the strength from God is like facing the opposite flows of a river without the skill of swimming. Challenges never end but problem will disappear once its settle. We have to face challenges in order to make sure it will not shift to a problem.

The Global Impact on Family ~ Adaris
Globalization has a strong impact on today’s family environment. It involves culture, tradition, economy, education and many more. If allowed to take root it will illiminate the original culture and social life both adult and children. A prayerful life and sustaining our faith is the key to overcome all these influences. Having good knowledge and control in handling the usage of social communication could be one way of our self resilience specially to help the young.

Communication in Marriage ~ Melvin Lajanti
Studies and testimonies prove that marriage without communication ends up in separation. Communication is the “ bridge” between two different peoples to reach and to meet each other's  needs. Neglecting this important skill will destroy the relationship between husband and wife, between children and other members of the family.

Sacredness of Sex in Marriage ~ Mario Domingo

The beauties of sex in marriage seem to be deviated from its main purpose. Marriage concerns sex , though true but how do we live our life of it. Another important matter that both parents need to understand well is the intimacy / sex in marriage which mean a pure and the highest communion between husband and wife in order to create another life ( pro creation ). It should be respected and honoured by both with faithfulness. Sex before and having another sex outside marriage is sinful and breaks the communion between husband and wife.

 

The reconciliation session took place in the afternoon led by John and Jocelyn. The prayer of forgiveness in the reconciliation moment showed that couples are really in need of renewal in their spiritual life.  The personal reflection on their attitude towards each other brought them to a beautiful reconciliation at the end of the session.

In winding up the seminar, Julita shared on the wonders of marriage through the blessings of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. God is present in each marriage. 

The seminar ended with a thanksgiving mass presided over by Fr. Jasery followed with an agape dinner hosted by the PFLM of St Martin, Telupid.

.H.e.l.l.o. .J.e.s.u.s.

Disediakan oleh : Fettwinda Sipaan
Jurugambar : Jackson Julie Ansim

Tawau, 23 Mac –Tim Penganjur YMG di Paroki Holy Trinity Tawau, sekali lagi telah menjalankan program Youth Monthly Gathering (YMG) kali ke-30 yang bertemakan Hello Jesus. Program ini sekali lagi mengajak para belia khususnya untuk melibatkan diri dalam program anjuran gereja yang dikendalikan oleh para belia untuk belia. YMG merupakan salah satu program bulanan yang dianjurkan sebagai satu landasan perkongsian maklumat serta sebagai salah satu cara untuk membina dan menjalin hubungan persahabatan yang baharu. Bersempena dengan musim pra-paskah, tema Hello Jesus telah dipilih kerana objektif YMG ke-30 adalah untuk membawa para belia merenung persiapan yang mereka lakukan untuk menyambut Hari KebangkitanNya. Seramai 50 orang belia dengan kehadiran Sr. Anita Philip fsic dan Seminarian Stanley William telah bersama-sama menjayakan YMG pada kali ini yang telah bermula pada jam 1.30 petang dan berakhir pada 4.30 petang.

Bertempat di bilik atas dewan HTC, para belia telah berkumpul di hadapan dewan sekitar jam 12.30 tenghari. Ianya disusuli dengan taklimat ringkas dan doa singkat dipimpin oleh Kak Jurgen. Sejurus selepas taklimat, para belia dalam suasana doa dan hening beratur berdua-duaan sambil menyanyikan lagu “Sentuh Hatiku”. Sepasang demi sepasang melangkah naik ke bilik atas dewan dan disambut dengan pemberian skrol di hadapan pintu masuk yang telah dihiasi cantik sebelum mengambil tempat duduk masing-masing.

Seterusnya, sebelum sesi bermula, semua belia diajak berlutut dan sekali lagi Kak Jurgen memimpin doa pembukaan. Program YMG dimulakan dengan dua tayangan video yang berkisarkan tentang 10 pesanan Cinta Kasih Yesus kepada umatNya, iaitu 10 perintah Allah dan klip video tentang Yesus tidak pernah meninggalkan kita apabila kita memerlukan Dia. Selepas itu, para belia diminta membuka skrol yang telah mereka terima terdahulu semasa di pintu masuk. Skrol tersebut merupakan surat daripada Yesus. Setelah para belia membaca dan merenung intipati surat Yesus, mereka dikehendaki untuk membalas surat tersebut sesuai dengan pengalaman peribadi yang mereka telah alami sendiri. Selesai menulis surat, rakan belia bersama-sama melutut dan menyerahkan ungkapan peribadi mereka melalui doa dalam sesi penyerahan. Suasana pada ketika itu, sangat hening dan konsep taize telah diserapkan untuk membantu belia lebih menghayati perjalanan sesi yang sedang berlangsung.

Selesai sesi penyerahan, katekesis singkat yang telah dikongsikan oleh Kak Selvia meneguhkan lagi objektif YMG ke-30 ini. Antaranya ialah ajakan untuk mempraktikkan Ajaran Gereja Katolik dalam kehidupan seharian agar menjadi teladan kepada masyarakat secara amnya disamping menyahut seruan pada musim pra-paskah ini iaitu berdoa, berpuasa dan beramal. Sebelum program YMG berakhir, sesi terakhir ialah sesi “Speak Up” atau sesi perkongsian dalam kalangan belia yang hadir tentang hasil yang telah mereka capai melalui YMG ke-30 ini. Antaranya perkongsian yang telah disampaikan ialah apakah perasaan mereka semasa mengikuti YMG ke-30 ini, perkara yang telah menyentuh hati mereka sepanjang sesi berlangsung serta apakah tindakan yang akan mereka lakukan sepanjang musim prapaskah supaya kesedaran yang mereka kecapi kekal dan dapat dipraktikkan dalam kehidupan seharian.

Selesai sahaja sesi perkongsian, program YMG pada kali ini diakhiri dengan doa penutup yang dipimpin oleh Kak Esther diikuti dengan sesi bergambar dan seterusnya minum petang di kantin gereja. Semoga program YMG ke-30 ini dapat membantu para belia menyedari dan lebih memahami tentang musim prapaskah dan menghidupinya dengan tekun.

AJK KKD Paroki St Martin Telupid Diutus

Oleh Lawrence Matusin

Para AJK KKD sedang melafazkan ikrar di hadapan Fr. Jasery.

TELUPID – Seramai 34 ahli Komuniti Kristian Dasar (KKD) telah menyatakan keinginan untuk melayani di Paroki St. Martin, Telupid di hadapan para umat beriman pada 6hb April 2014, Minggu Ke-5 Musim Pra-Paska.

“Di dalam kehadiran Allah dan umatNya, kamu akan menyatakan keinginan kamu untuk melayani Tuhan sebagai AJK KKD di Paroki ini,” kata Fr. Jasery Gabuk selaku Paderi Paroki.

Fr. Jasery menjelaskan bahawa peranan dan tanggungjawab melayani bukan hanya sekadar di pusat paroki sahaja tetapi juga di seluruh paroki dengan kesaksian nilai-nilai kristiani kepada sesama manusia.

"Tanggungjawab pelayanan ini adalah para ahli haruslah membentuk diri terlebih dahulu melalui kefahaman Katekismus Gereja Katolik dan mengamalkannya dalam kehidupan harian,” jelasnya.

Di dalam ikrar ini mereka menyatakan kerelaan untuk melayani dengan komitmen yang tinggi dalam pelayanan KKD disamping berjanji melayani dengan semangat pelayanan Kristus sebagai gembala. Mereka juga berjanji untuk bersaksi dengan nilai-nilai kegerejaan sentiasa dibimbing Roh Kudus agar diberi kekuatan sambil didukung dengan doa daripada seluruh komuniti.

Celebrating Chrism Mass At St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan

By DS

Front row (L-R) : Fr Marcellinus, Msgr Nicholas Ong, Bishop Julius, Fr David, Fr Thomas Makajil
Back row (L- R) : Fr Sunny Chung, Fr Simon Kontou, Fr Philip, Fr Jasery Gabuk, Fr Johnny Raju

Sandakan : The Right Reverend Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of Sandakan and all the nine priests in the diocese, gathered for the annual blessing of the oils at the tri-lingual Chrism Mass in St Mary's Cathedral, yesterday 3rd April 2014. These oils will be distributed among the parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Sandakan for use throughout the year. At this special Mass, all priests renewed their priestly promises during the Eucharistic celebration.

Priestly people, Kingly people, Holy people.

God's chosen people, sing praise to the Lord.

The entrance procession was accompanied by the hymn on 'Priestly People.' Bishop Julius in his opening note said that we gathered because we are specially chosen by God. Priestly people are not merely confined to the clergy. All baptized faithful are in fact priestly people, called to live a life of holiness. For that, we are grateful to God.

In his homily the prelate touched on the institution of the Eucharist where Jesus commanded His disciples, 'To do this in memory of me.' Throughout the ages we, the church gather to commemorate that institution. Today at Chrism Mass, we commemorate that institution in a special way. Missing Chrism Mass is missing one of the most solemn and significant liturgies of the Catholic church.

Due to geographical and pastoral factors, Chrism Mass is celebrated today instead of the traditional morning of Holy Thursday, where all priests, Bishop and the lay faithful could attend. Their presence, priests and Bishop is testimony of their sharing in the consecration of the one priesthood of Christ. They share in the sacred office of teaching in building up and sanctifying the people of God. Their coming together is testimony of unity.

The Eucharist, the prelate continued is celebrated not just on Sunday but daily. It is a special sacrament, a gift to the church meant to sustain the life of the faithful so that they can strive to live a holy life. In this respect, the Eucharist and the blessed oils are closely related to the life of the ministerial priesthood. He reminded his brother priests to recall their priestly pledge taken during their ordination; strive to live a life of holiness, discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching and to remain faithful steward of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and all other liturgical rites.

To the faithful, he urged them not just to pray for their priests but to stay close to them, using their charism to serve the church. Their support will make priests better shepherds, striving to be Christ-like. He continued to say, 'We are very grateful to all of you for your trust, love and support. Please come forward to offer your service. Together we will build up the church.'

It is during this Chrism Mass that the Bishop will bless the Oil of the Catechumens, which is imposed on those preparing for baptism, the Oil of the Sick used for those seeking the anointing and the Sacred Chrism for baptism, confirmation, ordination, and consecration of altars and church buildings. The oils will be used throughout the year signifying the vibrancy of pastoral activities of the church. All the nine priests con celebrating the Eucharistic celebration, extended their hands toward the vessels containing the oils as Bishop Julius did the rite of blessing and consecration.

The Commissioning Of The Diocesan Education Commission Members

By DS
Photos - Julita and Jerome

L-R : Cecila D'Souza, Mary Benitez, Sebastian Jude Francis, Philip Lee, Msgr Nicholas Ong,  Francis Tan, Mario Domingo, Rose Solibun and Jerry Lo

Tawau : The 11 members of the Diocesan Education Commission appointed 1st December 2013 convened its inaugural meeting on 29th March 2014 at the Conference Room, Holy Trinity Church and the formation session on 30th March 2014 at St Ursula Convent Secondary School. 

Commission members comprise all Chairpersons of the 10 School Boards of Governors in the Diocese and two other appointed lay members. Philip Lee, the Chairman of the DEC for the 2nd term, chaired the meeting. Those attending the meeting were Francis Tan (Executive Secretary of the Diocese), Jerry Lo (Chairman, SBOG SK St Mary Town and SM St Mary Sandakan), Rose Solibun (Chairperson SBOG SK St Mary Convent Sandakan),Cecilia Polo D'Souza (Chairperson SM St Cecilia Convent Sandakan), Mary Benitez (Chairperson SBOG SM Holy Trinity Tawau), Mario Domingo (Chairman SBOG SM St Ursula Convent Tawau), Sebastian Jude Francis (Chairman SBOG SK St Dominic Lahad Datu), Kelvin Kong (Treasurer SBOG SK St Mary Labuk, Sandakan) and Theresa Chong (Principal, SM St Ursula Convent Tawau). Also in attendance was Fr David Aloysius Garaman, the assistant parish priest of HTC.  The meeting touched on the following;

• Organizational Structure of Christian Mission Schools in Malaysia
• Federation of Councils of Christian Mission Schools Malaysia (FCCMSM)
• Malayan Christian Schools' Council (MCSC)
• Sabah Christian Schoolss' Council (SCSC)
• Sarawak Christian Schools' Council (SCSC)
• Sandakan Diocesan Education Commission (DEC)
• The Instrument of Government of Government Aided Schools
• Roles as Diocesan Education Commission Member / School Board of Governors

L-R : Mario Domingo, Mary Benitez, Jerry Lo, Francis Tan, Sebastian Jude Francis,  Cecilia D'Souza, Rose Solibun and Philip Lee

Members were commissioned during the Sunset Mass of the 4th Sunday of Lent also known as Rejoice/Joyful Sunday on 29th March 2014 presided by Msgr Nicholas Ong. Members pledged before God, in the presence of the presiding priest and the congregation of their willing service and commitment in response to the needs of Catholic Mission Schools. May the newly commissioned members receive the grace of God to be good stewards to what has been entrusted to their care. 

The formation session on 30th March 2014 was held at St Ursula Convent Secondary School. Msgr Nicholas Ong was also present during the session. The following issues were deliberated at great length. The outcome of which shall be forwarded to the Mission Authority for perusal and endorsement;

• Physical addition to and improvement / renovation works on existing structures
• Standard procedures on the usage of Government grants
• Building up strategic reserve funds
• Appointment of Head Teacher / Senior Assistant
• Set up a data base of Catholic teachers
• Teaching of Bible Knowledge
• Set up of Non-Islamic Religious Clubs 

The meeting and formation session were lively and fruitful with a great sense of openness. At its conclusion, Commission members are now clearer about the expectation as regards to their position in the DEC and SBOGs. The next meeting is scheduled in September at St Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu.

STRENGTHENING MARRIAGE THROUGH MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : Marriage life somehow becomes the one issue that is being neglected. Most married couples or family take marriage life for granted. They are unaware of the need to be renewed spiritually. The Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau organized a one-day session on 'marriage enrichment' for 14 married couples at St. Stephen Tass Ranggu, one of the outstation chapels of Holy Trinity Parish.

On Saturday 29th April 2014, 7 couples from the Family Life Ministry shared their experiences on marriage life. They shared on the different aspects of marriage life with the hope that the couples will realize their current relationship with their spouse and take the opportunity to strengthen the sense of understanding, accepting and forgiving one another. Participating couples are expected to experience some form of spiritual renewal. This would help them grow in faith and strengthen their marriage life.

Topics covered included the following;

• God's plan in the gift of marriage on the original meaning of Holy Matrimony instituted by Christ Himself by Melvin
• The Sacrament of Marriage on the beautiful salvation that God offered to the married couple through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony by Linda
• The responsibility of husband and wife on the 'forgotten' obligation as parents and also as husband and wife by Jocelyn
• The need of Communication in married life ~ a 'sudden touch' to the heart of all couples where most of this important values are being neglected.
• The sacredness of sex in marriage ~ a 'sensitive' presentation on the deep meaning of the intimate relationship between husband and wife by Mario Domingo
• Prayer of forgiveness in the reconciliation process showed that couples are really in need of renewal in their spiritual life. This session led couples to personal reflection on their attitude on forgiveness and acceptance. The lack of which is a contributing factor to misunderstanding in their marriage journey.

Three couples stepped forth to share on the struggles and problems they encountered throughout their marriage journey. In moments of pain and hurt, they turn their eyes to God and the vow they professed before the Lord during their marriage - 'I promise to be true to her / him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her / him and honor her / him all the days of my life.'

In winding up the day's session, Julita presented a brief summary on the wonders of marriage. Marriage is a gift and no matter what environment or circumstances faced by the couples in the family, they must first put their hope in God, the giver of all spiritual needs.

Married couples are invited to put their faith in Christ, the author of marriage. They are to journey together to be the witness of the loving Father to other couples, just as Christ has loved the Church.

Participants shared that they were privileged to attend the session and it was beneficial to their marriage life. They were inspired by the honest sharing and input by the team members..The seminar ended at 4.00 pm.