PASSION SUNDAY SYMBOLIZES LIFE

By: Julita Kantod

Holy Trinity Parish Tawau entered the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday, on both 24^th and 25^th March, with a palm procession and Eucharistic celebration.

Some 800 parishioners gathered for Sunset Mass, whereas on Sunday, the number had increased to a thousand, waving palms which later were blessed by the priest.  These occasions were presided over by Msgr. Nicholas Ong.

Palm Sunday marked the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It is a time for all the faithful to solemnly prepare for the Easter Triduum and the resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. “Palm, the green colour symbolizes life and faith, ” says Msgr. Nicholas Ong on his homily. The Passion of Christ brought us freedom from the slavery of sin. Through His passion, death and resurrection, we have been saved; a victory that defeated the devil and save us from eternal condemnation” he said.

On Palm Sunday, we also celebrate Jesus Christ the King, a Messianic King. He is the humble King who sacrificed Himself on behalf of us, sinners. Palm Sunday commemorates the moment Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem, the city that rejected and crucified Him. Likewise, it is also a reminder to open our hearts so that Jesus can enter and be the King in our lives. In His triumphant entry, we are able to shout Hosanna to the King of Kings each time we encounter our own Paschal mystery.

CHRISM MASS CELEBRATED WITH JOY

Front row: L-R Fr. Christopher, Fr. David, Bishop Julius, Msgr. Nicholas, Fr. Sunny

Second row: L-R Romo Roling Mujur, Fr. Phillip, Fr. Stanley, Fr. Marcellinus, Fr. Simon

Third row: L-R Romo Geradus Janga, Fr. Thomas Makajil, Romo Yohanes Baptista Aloysius Koten, Romo Leo Odulfus Wodo Mabha

Sandakan: Rt. Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, the Bishop of Sandakan celebrated the Chrism Mass, concelebrated by all the nine priests of the Diocese and four Indonesian visiting priests at St Mary's Cathedral on 23th March 2018. The tri-lingual mass was attended by more than a thousand parishioners.

His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom in his homily, hopes that all parishioners will continue to be faithful in their communion with God and with one another, and also by supporting all the priests. “Pray for us the priests that we will remain faithful in saving souls. We should constantly be thankful to God for the life that Christ has given to us. The Vision and Mission belongs to God, but we, as children of God, must co-operate in implementing it”. 

Bringing forth the vessels of oil to be consecrated

After the homily, the clergy renewed their priestly commitment and unity with the Bishop. This was then followed by the blessing of the three Holy Oils: the Oil of the Sick, Oil of the Catechumen and Oil of the Chrism.

Renewal of their Priestly vows

SANDAKAN PASTORS FELLOWSHIP MONTHLY GATHERING

Article and photo by St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Office

Sandakan – Sandakan Pastors Fellowship monthly gathering was held on April 4^th, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan. This monthly gathering is to promote unity and strengthen bond among Christian Pastors and Ministers in Sandakan.

The Parish Priest, Fr. David A. Garaman expressed his gratitude and welcomed all members for the gathering. The session started with breakfast followed by praise and worship assisted by BM CCR.

The host cum Parish Priest, in his welcoming speech, hoped and encouraged members that through the gathering members can empower one another, pray for each other and especially for the coming 14th General Election.

Members were divided into groups for group sharing on their respective Easter Celebration and experience. The fellowship ends with intercessory prayer led by Archdeacon Yong from St. Michael’s Anglican Church.

At the end of the session Fr. David thanked the members and hope to see all again in the next gathering at the Methodist Church.

ST. MARY CATHEDRAL PARISH CELEBRATES PALM SUNDAY

Article by Romeo Barintang
Photo by SOCCOM

Sandakan: St. Mary’s Cathedral marked the beginning of the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday at the Saturday Sunset mass, 24th March 2018. The same mass will also be celebrated on the following Sunday morning.

The parishioners assembled at the front porch of the parish hall where the palm branches were blessed by the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Christopher followed by a procession to the main entrance of the Cathedral.

Fr. Christopher in his homily, shared the Gospel reading where Peter, the disciple of Jesus, would deny Him twice before the cock crows three times. After listening to what Jesus says to him, Peter replied that he will not act so.

He called upon all to reflect on our sins and the times our faith lapsed. Despite all that, God's love which is greater than our sins, restored us through his passion and death on the cross.

Fr. Christopher concludes his homily by reminding that the church is a gift granted to us. Jesus will never turn away anyone who repents because we are the children of God.

Palm Sunday Celebration in BM

Palm Sunday Celebration in Bahasa Malaysia was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom at St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan on Sunday, 25th March 2018. It also commemorates the World Youth Day (WYD), with the youth of St Mary's who actively participated during the Eucharistic mass as Choir, readers and wardens.

Palm Sunday in BM at St Mark's Church, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Christopher on Sunday, 25th March 2018  

“The church is the body of Jesus. If we criticize the church in a wrong way then we also criticize Jesus. We are churches. If we realize we are the church, and so we admit we are the children of God”. Fr. Christopher Ireneus.

ANNUAL LENTEN VISIT

By Mary Marclyne Rendal

Tawau : 14 children from both the English and Bahasa Malaysia Children Liturgy of the Word of Holy Trinity Church, accompanied by their facilitators, headed to St. Jude Semporna on 11^th March 2018 for their 4th annual Lenten Visit.  Sr. Mary Martha Jonik fsic, the spiritual adviser was pleased and delighted to accompany the group as a sign of support and encouragement.

Michael, the PPC chairman of St. Jude together with Ms. Maria, the Sunday School animator, with 50 other members, comprising teachers, children and youth were at hand to warmly welcome the team from Holy Trinity.

The event commenced with an Opening Prayer led by Sr. Martha fsic followed by self-introduction by facilitators of Holy Trinity Children Liturgy and facilitators of St Jude Sunday School. Sr Martha fsic then presented a session on the season of Lent, the meaning of Lent and how it is observed by Catholics.

The facilitators taught the children a few hymns for the Lenten season. They had a great time singing the hymns. The children from St Jude and Holy Trinity participated in interactive games. It set an excellent platform for the children to get to know one another.

The Holy Trinity Children Liturgy Team gave some goody bags to the children of St Jude, while St. Jude prepared refreshment for all present.

Though the visit was brief but the interactive activity has established good relationship bond among the children of both churches. Such visit is commendable as it brings people of the same faith closer to one another.

LENTEN CHARITY

By: Sheila Fernandez

Tawau: The Lenten Season is an opportunity to be more generous to those less fortunate. It is an occasion to reach out to the weaker strata of society. We are called to share the blessings we have received from the Almighty.

Pope Francis in this year’s Lenten message shared, “When we give alms, we share in God’s providential care for each of his children. If through me God helps someone today, will he not tomorrow provide for my own needs?”

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Holy Trinity Church along with SSVP (St. Vincent De Paul Society) and the Human Development Team came together to assist in alleviating the burden of some marginalized families in Bukit Gemuk, one of the isolated areas in Tawau on 18^th March 2018.

This annual out-reach event was initiated by the CCR team. SSVP and PHDC participated in this Lenten event since the last two years. This indeed is a calling for close cooperation and collaboration between church ministries. It is a way forward in realizing our vision, ‘Christ-centred community serving one another with love.’

The joint-groups provided 30 boxes of mineral waters and 30 boxes of groceries containing food for daily use and toiletries. There were also goody-packs for all children of the 30 families. The program is for all needy people regardless of race, background and religious beliefs.

It is a blessing to be able to contribute to the less fortunate. Such Corporal Work of Mercy, in providing for their material needs is a reflection of the unconditional love of Christ.

DISCOVER THE REALITY OF THE EARLY YEARS OF MARRIAGE

By: Julita Kantod

Tawau : Marriage is a beautiful and unique journey. It is a combination of unpredictable learning and management processes to create a strong love base. Early marriages show that some couples are strong enough to paddle forward and some need support and guidance from older couples.

After being inspired by several chapters from Amoris Laetitia (AL), the Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau held a one-day seminar for 8 young couples married between 5 to 7 years in Bahasa Malaysia on 17th March 2018 from 7.30am to 3.30pm in the Church Basement Room. The event began with the Enthronement of the Bible.

The seminar aimed to make couples more aware on the current challenges that may affect the family life. It will also strengthen their relationship bond and together as a couple shall face with courage and confidence in managing their marriage.

The talk encompasses the Awareness and Formation session;

Awareness Session :

1. Family and current Issues affecting the family : Internet, Individualismand communication (extracted  from Amoris Laetitia chapter 2 – Joy of Love)

Formation Session :

1. Insight into parenting   - proper education to children

2. Love and forgiveness in the family – chapter 4 of AL

3. Spirituality in Marriage – chapter 9 of AL

The awareness session was jointly facilitated by Francis Clement and Petrus Bernadus. Both sessions begin with group discussion / sharing on their real challenges experienced during their marriage.

Some pointers touched on addiction, misunderstanding, isolation, suspicion, hidden relationship, health issues, communication, poor parenting and safety.

Part 2 of the Awareness Session was presented by Petrus Bernadus on the culture of individualism.

Marriage is built from two people and not as an individual. The presence of their children will make the home more alive and meaningful.

Pointers gathered on their real life experienced caused by individualism in the family include the hardening of hearts, detachment, stress and hurt, dominance, pride, insecurity and poor communication.

The Formation Sessions were presented by Sr. Julita Joseph on the Spirituality of marriage, Mario Domingo on the Love and forgiveness in marriage and Julita Kantod on the insight into parenting.

The 3 topics presented allowed participants to reflect and recall on their own married life journey. The following were the gist of the sessions;

· love in the marriage conquered every imperfection that may arise in the family

· Christ-centred family will not be easily shaken by the outside world but strengthened by the power of Christ’s light

· parenting is an opportunity to raise up God’s children according to God’s want and that is to make our children know the personality of Christ.

In winding up the Seminar, Julita, the Chairperson of the Family Life Ministry, encouraged the participants by saying, “as a young married couple, you must learn and observe how other senior couples live their married life, do not be ashamed to seek for advice, guidance or support from them in order to sustain your marriage.”

Participants are inspired and committed to protect and sustain the beautiful meaning of family especially in their relationship as husband and wife. They acknowledged that such seminar should be continued for it is a rich source of information and above all it affirms the couples.

The Seminar ended at 3.30 pm with a Prayer for the Family.