SYCC HOSTS (FMCC) FELLOWSHIP of MALAYSIAN COVENANT COMMUNITIES ~ (DAY 1)

By Susanna Cordova
Sandakan : The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community of St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan (SYCC) successfully hosted the 3-day Fellowship of Malaysian Covenant Communities (FMCC) on the 1^st to 3^rd  of May at a prominent hotel in town. 202 participants from across the country attended this prestigious event. 

Nine Covenant Communities from all over Malaysia participated in the FMCC, viz. Sibu, Labuan, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Papar, Kota Kinabalu, Taiping and Penang as well as Sandakan.

On the first day, 1st May, the elders of the Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC), Bro. Michael Lee, Bro. Michael Lai and Bro. Philip Mosinoh welcomed all the participants from the various covenant communities at the frontage of the hotel from mid-morning till noon.

It was a great joy when His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom celebrated the Opening Mass for this fellowship at St. Mary’s Cathedral on the first day. 

Thereafter, the elders of the participating covenant communities paid a courtesy call on Bishop Julius at the Catechetical Room. During the meeting, the prelate urged members of the covenant communities to remain faithful and continue to serve God fervently, never lacking in zeal.

A welcoming dinner for all participants was held at the rooftop of the hotel after the Eucharistic celebration.

Larian Jogathon Yang Ke-4 Untuk Dana Dewan Ibadat St Dominic, Lahad Datu

Artikel oleh Farnandes Siprianus  dan

gambar oleh Arnoldus dan Farnandes 

Lahad Datu : Lebih kurang 100 peserta dari semua peringkat usia menyertai larian jogathon peringkat paroki St Dominic, Lahad Datu anjuran Komiti Pungutan Dana pada Jumaat 1hb Mei 2015. Larian jogaton tersebut bertujuan mengumpul dana untuk pembangunan Dewan Ibadat Paroki St. Dominic Lahad Datu.

Kumpulan pertama yang dilepaskan pada kira-kira 7.00 pagi dan diikuti kumpulan yang lain (mengikut kategori usia) telah melalui laluan sepanjang lebih kurang 5 km, bermula dari dataran terbuka St. Dominic dan berakhir di tempat yang sama.

Antara kategori dalam larian jogathon kali ini:

1.      Kanak-kanak 7-12 tahun

2.      Belia 13-20 tahun

3.      Belia 21-45 tahun

4.      Dewasa 46-55 tahun

5.      Veteran 56 dan keatas

Para peserta harus melalui 3 perhentian yang ditetapkan sepanjang laluan tersebut iaitu berdekatan dengan  Kedai Ken Loong Tyre, Taman Katak dan Restoran Raya.

Sdra Willie Binati, Timbalan Pengerusi Larian Jogathon 2015

Fr Marcellinus menyampaikan hadiah kepada para pemenang

Untuk menyertai larian jogathon kali ini, setiap peserta harus mengutip derma mengunakan Kad Pungutan Derma yang disediakan oleh penganjur. Hanya peserta yang berjaya mengutip jumlah yang ditetapkan mengikut kategori usia akan layak untuk menyertai larian jogathon ini. 

Fr Simon Kontou, Paderi Paroki menyampaikan 

hadiah kepada salah seorang pemenang

Pungutan minima bagi kanak-kanak 7-12 tahun ialah RM50 sementara bagi semua kategori yang lain ialah RM200. Semua hasil kutipan derma ini disumbangkan kepada Komiti Pembangunan untuk dana pembangunan Dewan Ibadat Paroki St. Dominic Lahad Datu.

Whom Shall I Send, And Who Will Go for Us?

By Sr Liza fsic and Seminarian Walter Milter

Tawau : God created human, each with a purpose. With love He formed us that we may grow to know, love and serve Him. Many of us are overwhelmed living in a  world filled with competition in education, pleasure and wealth, so much so that we become ignorant of the one beautiful plan that God wants us to be.

Holy Trinity Church, Tawau held a very significant moment in conjunction with 'Vocation Sunday' on 26th April 2015. The program was jointly organized by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, seminarians and the Tawau Parish Youth Apostolate. The program began at 11 am with an Opening Prayer led by seminarian Walter Milter followed by an action song staged by the Parish Youth Apostolate.

Some 70 parishioners comprising of youth and parents, attended the Vocation Sunday Gathering at the Holy Trinity Parish Catechetical hall.

The objective of the event is to raise awareness among parishioners about vocation and also to help young people to  have a better understanding on their vocations.

The first session began with an explanation on the meaning of the general term of vocation by Seminarian Walter Milter. He stressed that although everyone has a different vocation, all vocations actually have the same goal which is centred on the love of Jesus Christ. He shared, 'All of us are called in different ways, be it family life, single, religious. Indeed all vocations are wonderful for it is centered on the love of Christ. We are called to lead a life of holiness and righteousness.' Later, seminarian Walter explained about the call to the priesthood.

This  was followed by a guest speaker from Holy Trinity Family Life Ministry, Petrus Bernardus, who shared about family life. He spoke of the reality of today's families and also the challenges encountered. He said, 'We, parents are directly involved in guiding our children  to discern and to make wise decision especially when it comes to the spiritual call. Our prayers are needed that our children will be enlightened in their vocations.' 

Sr. Martha fsic and Sr. Anita fsic from the Congregation of FSIC had their own way to open the hearts of the parishioners to the call of religious life. Both shared on the wonders of being a religious sister in serving the Lord, the church and other communities.

Beside the talks, there were activities such as exhibitions, various slide  and video shows presented to give the audience a real picture of family life, priestly and religious life. Parishioners participated actively in the question and answer session. There were also sharings and action songs during the event. After the group photo, the session concluded with a closing prayer led by Sr Liza fsic. Lunch was served and the event came to a close at 2 pm.

Pelajar Lahad Datu Menyertai Program 'Keep in Touch Always'

Oleh Mazzdolyna

Lahad Datu : The Students' Ministry of St Dominic's Church telah menganjurkan program  Keep in Touch Always (KITA) pada 19 April 2015. Seramai 12 orang pelajar telah mengikuti program ini dan disertai 3 fasilitator iaitu sdri Mazdollyna M.E, Maureen Joy Kinsung, dan sdra Cecil Sylvester.

Program ini terbuka kepada pelajar lepasan SPM, STPM, pelajar tingkatan 4 dan 5, ibubapa dan umat yang berminat untuk mengenali dengan lebih lanjut mengenai budaya, isu-isu dan realiti kehidupan di kampus.

Para peserta yang terlibat cukup semangat menyumbangkan idea-idea yang bernas. Sesi pertukaran pendapat juga sesi input telah banyak membantu mereka tentang kehidupan di kampus yang penuh dengan cobaan dan godaan. Mereka perlu dilengkapi dengan maklumat agar mereka sentiasa bersedia menghadapi apa juga halangan ketika bergaul dengan 'rakan' baru. Kepercayaan serta pengetahuan akan menjadi perisai mempertahankan iman mereka.   

Program KITA telah memberikan inspirasi kepada para peserta dan dapat membantu mereka di alam kampus nanti. Semoga apa yang mereka belajar melalui program ini akan dipraktikkan agar iman Katolik mereka tidak tergugat apabila berdepan dengan apa juga situasi di kampus. Adalah dipercayai bahawa setiap kemahuan pasti ada jalan.

PERKONGSIAN SR VERONICA KANDAUNG FSIC, SEMPENA MINGGU PANGGILAN

Dikumpul dan disusun oleh Helen John

Saya sudah melayani sebagai sister dalam Kongregasi Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) selama 40 tahun. Sepanjang perjalanan melayani memang tidak dinafikan banyak cobaan dan godaan terutama pada masa globalisasi kini. Namun disebalik semua ini Yesus sentiasa menyertai saya dalam suka dan duka hidup melayani sebagai seorang biarawati.

Perkara yang menyentuh hati saya sepanjang melayani apabila saya melihat kesungguhan dan daya usaha para pembimbing yang bekerjasama dengan saya dalam membantu mereka yang belum mengenali Kristus melalui pelayanan sama ada dalam kelas Inisiasi Kristian Dewasa (IKD), Pertemuan Minggu Gembira (PMG) serta pelayanan yang lain. Begitu juga apabila saya melihat peserta yang kelihatan bersungguh-sungguh menyahut panggilan untuk mengikuti  Yesus dan setelah menerima sakramen terus mengikuti aktiviti yang diadakan di gereja seperti kumpulan koir, belia, warden dan sebagainya. Ini merupakan suatu perkara yang benar-benar menggembirakan dan menyentuh hati saya.

Harapan kepada semua belia agar  dapat berfikir dan berdoa bersungguh-sunguh untuk menyahut panggilan masing-masing sama ada hidup berkeluarga, membujang atau pun menjadi seorang religius. Apabila sudah membuat pilihan yang sesuai, buatlah yang terbaik kerana walau apa pun panggilan itu merupakan kehendak Tuhan seperti dalam 2 Petrus 1:10, 'Karena itu, saudara-saudaraku, berusahalah sungguh-sungguh, supaya panggilan dan pilihanmu makin teguh. Sebab jikalau kamu melakukannya, kamu tidak akan pernah tersadung.'

PERKONGSIAN DARIPADA SR. MARIA DIPAL KONGREGASI GEMBALA BAIK SEMPENA MINGGU PANGGILAN

Dikumpul dan disusun oleh Helen John

Saya merupakan anak ke-11 daripada 13 orang adik-beradik dari Kg. Kepayan Lama, Apin-Apin , Keningau. Saya terdorong melayani dalam Kongregasi Gembala Baik kerana Misi Rekonsiliasi dengan motonya “satu peribadi yang jauh lebih berharga daripada seluruh dunia.” Ini menyentuh saya kerana kita sangat berharga di mata Tuhan.

Sepanjang melayani sebagai biarawati saya merasa sangat bersyukur dan tersentuh  apabila dapat menjangkau  dalam situasi mencabar terutama wanita, belia/remaja, keluarga, komuniti migran dan sebagainya. Meski pun berhadapan dengan pelbagai rintangan dan cabaran dalam kehidupan namun dengan iman pada Yesus dan percaya bahawa Dia sentiasa berserta kita, saya tetap dan akan meneruskan perjuangan demi Dia.

Setiap insan mempunyai misi dalam hidup masing-masing oleh sebab itu kita harus mencari dan menghidupi panggilan itu agar ia lebih bermakna bukan sahaja pada kita tetapi juga bagi orang lain . IBR 3:15 “pada hari ini, jika kamu mendengarkan suaranya, janganlah keraskan hatimu.”

Harapan saya kepada semua belia, “carilah dan hidupilah panggilan-mu kerana ia merupakan satu kurnia daripada Tuhan yang sangat berharga.”

MINGGU PANGGILAN DI KATEDRAL ST MARY SANDAKAN

Berita dan gambar oleh Helen John

SANDAKAN – Lebih daripada 2,000 umat hadir dalam Misa Kudus sempena Minggu Panggilan pada Ahad 26hb April yang diselebrankan oleh Rev. Fr Sunny Chung. Dalam homilinya beliau berkata, Yesus, Gembala Baik sentiasa mencari domba-domba yang tersesat sehingga sanggup memberikan nyawanya demi untuk keselamatan domba-dombanya. Persoalannya adakah kita mendengarkan suara Gembala Baik ataupun kita mendengarkan suara duniawi yang mengelirukan?

Begitu kita, mengikuti Yesus memang terlalu banyak tentangan, cobaan serta cabaran yang dihadapi namun jika kita menumpukan perhatian, pendengaran dan kehidupan serta sanggup memikul salib pasti kita mendapat keselamatan daripada Gembala Baik iaitu Yesus Kristus di dalam kehidupan syurgawi.

Minggu ini, kita juga diingatkan bahawa kita dipanggil untuk menjadi gembala kepada kawanan-kawanan domba yang dipercayakan pada kita sama ada dalam keluarga, komuniti gereja, pekerjaan dan mereka yang berada di sekeliling. Marilah kita renungkan bersama adakah selama ini kita sudah menjadi gembala baik pada semua domba-domba yang dipercayakan pada kita?

Pada akhir homilinya, Fr Sunny mengajak umat untuk berdoa khasnya kepada muda mudi agar lebih banyak lagi yang sanggup menyahut panggilan menjadi gembala di ladang Tuhan.

Selesai misa pada tengahari, umat khusussnya para belia dan ibu bapa meninjau pameran promosi panggilan disediakan oleh para Seminarian, Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) , Sister-sister Gembala Baik (RGS) dan Brother St. Gabriel (SG).

Brother Joseph Philip sg

Sr Appollonia Gumpu fsic

Sr Maria Dipal rgs

Seminarian Stanley

Acara dimulakan dengan doa pembukaan oleh Brother Joseph (SG). Seterusnya sesi perkongsian mengenai panggilan dan sejarah kongregasi masing-masing yang disediakan oleh Brother dan Sister. Seramai 70 orang belia dan ibu bapa yang turut serta menjayakan program ini. Pada akhir sesi, mereka dijemput untuk menikmati makanan dan minuman ringan. 

Program 'Minggu Panggilan' berakhir pada pukul 2 petang dengan doa penutup dipimpin oleh Rev. Fr. Sunny Chung.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Combined Altar Servers' Camp

Documentation Team

Sandakan : A three-day trilingual (English, BM and Mandarin) Altar Servers' Camp from 19th – 21st March 2015 was organized at St Mary’s Cathedral Sandakan. The camp, facilitated by Rev Fr Sunny Chung attracted 98 participants from St Mary’s Cathedral, St Joseph’s Church, St. Mark’s Church, St. Paul’s Church Ulu Dusun and Our Lady Of Fatima Church, Beluran.

The camp began with a welcoming speech by Fr Sunny, followed by an ice-breaker session. The Opening Mass was presided over by Fr Sunny. After which it was followed by a BBQ dinner. Also in attendance were the Parish Priest, Fr. Thomas Makajil and the PPC Chairman, Pilis Malim.

The theme 're-ignite the spirit of serving and to build friendship' was chosen for the long awaited camp.  Many Altar Servers commented that they have never had such a big camp before.  Usually, such camp was organized at church level but this time around it was organized at the parish level involving all churches.  

The theme is self-explanatory and clearly projected the real purpose of the camp. Likewise, the input sessions given by Fr. Sunny had moved us to recommit ourselves to serve better. 

At the second day of the camp, the first input session entitled 'Vocation to a Special Ministry' was  to encourage all the Altar Servers to realize their identity and they are all called to be special ministers of the Altar.  Altar servers are not there at the Altar just to fulfill their duty but most importantly, they are called by God like other ministers to bring all the believers closer to God through their actions. 

After realizing their true identity and their calling, they were introduced to the 'Patron Saints for Altar Servers' – Saint John Berchmans, patron saint of Altar Server and St. Tarcisius, the martyr of the Eucharist.  The patron saints are there not only to guide them in their ministry but also to set an example of faithfulness and self-giving in the ministry on which they are called to.  

   

The third input session, called 'Back to Basics' stressed on the task as an Altar Server at the altar and recognizing the sacramental utensils used in the liturgical celebration.  At the last day of the camp, all participants were called to observe on how they would serve when they are back to their respective churches, so that all Altar Servers will have a similar way of serving at the Altar; yet still changeable according to the circumstances and settings of each church.         

All participants had a great time during the three-day camp. They had the opportunity to know more friends, having a lot of fun through games and a new perspective of their ministry as an Altar Server.   

Some Sharings;

'I am very happy that I am able to participate in this camp. From this camp, I learnt a lot about the role of Altar Servers during Mass. I am especially glad to get to know many friends from the different language group. I am looking forward to the next one.' ~ Desmond Loo (SMC- CCC)

'I am truly happy to be able to attend this camp. With the initiative and guidance of Fr Sunny Chung, the 3-language group of Altar Servers were able to come together and spent 3 days in the camp. From this camp, I am able to understand better the role of an Altar Server. Through talks, sharings, games, etc., I learnt about the joy of serving as Altar Server. It is my hope that this camp will be held annually.' ~ Allan Francisco Tsen (SMC- CCC)

'I am extremely happy to make new friends from the different churches in our parish. I am glad to learn that so many young people are serving as Altar Servers. I pledge to continue serving the Church as long as I am needed.' ~ Anthony Sin (SMC-CCC)

'I am very happy to have attended this camp. From the camp, I learnt about the roles of an altar server in the Mass. At the same time, I got to know many new friends.' ~ Jonathan Chin (SMC-CCC)