Ulangtahun ke-2 Keuskupan Sandakan - Pandangan Umat

1. Apakah makna bagi diri anda sebagai seorang umat untuk Sambutan Ulangtahun kedua Keuskupan Sandakan?

2. Apakah harapan anda pada Keuskupan Sandakan untuk tahun-tahun akan datang?

Merlyn Barrios

50, F, Filipino

Tawau, Sabah

"Pertama sekali, saya sangat gembira dan bangga sambutan telah diadakan di paroki kami, Gereja Holy Trinity. Saya gembira saya berpeluang bersemuka dengan para Paderi, Religius dan para umat dari sekitar Sabah. Selepas 2 tahun, KKD telah terbentuk di setiap paroki di bawah naungan Keuskupan Sandakan. Untuk pengalaman sendiri, selepas terlibat secara aktif dalam KKD, hidup saya menjadi lebih baik. Hidup saya pada sebelumnya agak kosong dan banyak masalah. Saya hampir berputus asa sehingga saya mengenali KKD. Ia telah memberi saya dan keluarga saya banyak faedah terutama melalui perkongsian Alkitab Suci yang membuatkan saya kini benar-benar bersyukur di mana keluarga saya semakin mendekati Tuhan. Umat dalam kelompok KKD pula saling berkongsi masalah dan menyelesaikannya bersama seperti sebuah keluarga besar dalam masyarakat setempat."

"Setiap umat dalam Keuskupan Sandakan mempunyai tanggungjawab untuk menyebarkan Khabar Gembira kepada orang lain yang belum mengenal Yesus Kristus, Tuhan dan Juruselamat kita. Maka, saya berharap bahawa semua umat akan sentiasa hidup dengan penuh keimanan Kristus dan saling memberi sokongan kepada satu sama lain. Pada masa akan datang, saya berharap agar komiti-komiti Paroki akan menganjurkan lebih banyak aktiviti-aktiviti kebajikan seperti melawat orang sakit di hospital, di rumah-rumah mereka dan juga melawat rumah orang tua-tua. Kita harus melayani mereka dengan memberi cinta kasih Tuhan, memberi perhatian dan meluangkan masa untuk mendengar luahan isi hati mereka selain memberi hadiah-hadiah bagi menceriakan mereka. Saya juga berharap bahawa Keuskupan Sandakan akan menjadi lebih kuat serta teguh untuk tahun-tahun akan datang."

Petrus Boki

76, M, Timorese

Tawau, Sabah

"Saya rasa teruja kerana perayaan ini mendapat sambutan yang baik di mana semua umatnya merasai kesyukuran bersama. Saya dapat melihat umat dari pelbagai bangsa menghadiri hari penting bagi Keuskupan Sandakan. Ia membawa makna bahawa kita bersatu sebagai satu Gereja dalam Keuskupan Sandakan. Saya juga gembira kerana selepas Keuskupan mencapai 2 tahun, terdapat ramai generasi muda yang menyertai banyak tim pelayanan dalam paroki kita secara aktif."

"Harapan saya untuk Keuskupan Sandakan pada masa akan datang ialah lebih ramai orang yang datang untuk menyertai Gereja kita untuk mengetahui dan mendalami iman Kristian Katolik supaya mereka juga dapat mengalami keEsaan dan Cinta kasih Tuhan yang tidak berbelah bagi."

Holy Trinity Church Celebrates Diocesan Day

The Diocese of Sandakan celebrated her Diocesan Day and also the 2nd Episcopal Ordination of her bishop with a 2 day celebration on 16th and 17th October 2009 at Holy Trinity Church Tawau.

The fellowship dinner

The celebration started with a fellowship dinner at the parish hall the evening of the 16th October 2009 during which each of the 4 parishes of the diocese gave a sharing of its pastoral experience since the erection of the diocese.

While St Dominic Church Lahad Datu gave a power point presentation of its pastoral life along Basic Ecclesial Community principles, the other parishes shared how their parishes had started building their own basic ecclesial communities.

The Eucharistic Celebration

The Eucharistic celebration at the main church the following day was led by Bishop Julius Gitom concelebrated by Archbishop John Lee, Bishop Cornelius Piong and priests from all the 3 dioceses of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.


In his welcoming speech at the lunch fellowship after the mass, the rector Msgr. Nicholas Ong remarked that the presence of bishops and priests from all 3 dioceses of Sabah clearly showed that we are indeed all united as an ecclesial love community within one universal church. He wishes to see more young people participating in the BEC meetings of the parish in the hope that some may respond to the call for vocation.


In his address, Bishop Julius Gitom said that the diocese had established the basic physical diocesan structure during our first year of erection, and all the parishes had elected their parish pastoral councils by the second year. In addition, the various main diocesan apostolates had been set up during the second year.

Cake cutting and presentations

Noting from the sharing that the parishes of the diocese were not homogeneous, each in its different stages of maturity and pastoral development, he called on all the faithful to work closely together with the priests and religious to start the work of building up a vibrant diocese in which the diocesan vision of servitude prevails.


Archbishop John Lee who flew in the morning for the Eucharistic celebration, expressed his happiness of being able to share the joy of the young diocese’s celebration at a parish he once pastured in the 1970s.

Keningau Diocese’s Bishop Cornelius Piong was equally happy with the event. He went on to advise us to be focused and go through the proper procedure in working with our bishop toward the diocesan vision.

St Dominic's Church the next host

Fr. Simon Kontou, Rector of St Dominic Church Lahad Datu, whose parish will be the host of next year’s Diocesan Day celebration, believes that Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) are essential for the diocese to grow but cautioned that proper modules should be formulated for each parish. He was impressed by the work done here but hopes to do it differently next year at St Dominic.

Fr. John Wong of the KK Diocesan Centre came with his troupe of 9 aspirants to get some pastoral exposure.



For Fr Jalius Sading, Sr Florence and Sr. Anita who had previously served at Holy Trinity, it was down sweet memory lane.


For the parishioners at Holy Trinity, we were proud to have hosted this diocesan event. We were able to know our other parishes better through our sharing. This should help us to feel that we are indeed members of one big family of love, faith and unity.


Marcus chin

Ulangtahun yang kedua Keuskupan Sandakan

Khamis, 15hb Oktober 2009 bakal menjadi satu lagi tarikh bersejarah bagi Keuskupan Sandakan dan Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom sebagai Bapa Uskup pertamanya. Tarikh ini menjadikan genap 2 tahun terbentuknya Keuskupan Sandakan dan pentahbisan Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom sebagai Bapa Uskup.

Demi hari yang berbahagia dan penuh kesyukuran ini, Bapa Uskup mengambil inisiatif untuk merayakannya bersama para staf Keuskupan dan staf dari pejabat paroki Katedral St Mary, Sandakan dengan menjemput mereka ke majlis ringkas makan tengah hari sempena ulangtahun. Turut hadir memeriahkan majlis ialah Rev Fr Thomas Makajil, Rev Fr Paul Lo dan Sr Appollonia Gumpu, fsic.

Tujuan Bapa Uskup mengadakan sambutan ini ialah sebagai tanda terima kasihnya terhadap para kakitangan turut sama berusaha membantu merealisasikan impiannya bagi menjadikan Keuskupan terus teguh, bertahan dan berkembang. Selain itu, yang paling penting setakat 2 tahun ini ialah Tuhan yang Mahakuasa terus menerus melimpahi berkatnya serta mengutus pelindungnya agar segala cabaran dan dugaan sewaktu proses perkembangan Keuskupan dapat dilalui dan ditangani dengan baik.

Marilah kita mohon kepadaNya agar segala Visi dan Misi Keuskupan Sandakan dan impian murni Bapa Uskup kita, Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom menjadi kenyataan pada tahun-tahun yang mendatang.

AMEN.

2nd Anniversary of the Diocese of Sandakan

Grace before meal



Cutting the anniversary cake

Today, 15th October 2009 marks the 2nd anniversary of the erection of the Diocese of Sandakan and also the 2nd anniversary of Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom's episcopal ordination as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan.

The fellowship meal

Fr Thomas Makajil, rector St Mary's Cathedral and his assistant Fr Paul Lo, Sr Appolonia Gumpu fsic, the Cathedral parish and diocesan staff gathered to celebrate the occasion with a fellowship lunch. The gathering was initiated by Bishop himself as an appreciation to the staff for their commitment and contribution in helping to realize the vision of the diocese.

Tomorrow, 16th October 2009 will be the official diocesan level '2 in 1' celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the erection of the diocese and the 2nd anniversary of Bishop's episcopal ordination. The celebration will be held at Holy Trinity Church Tawau with a fellowship dinner followed by the Eucharistic celebration the following day. Most Rev Datuk John Lee, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu and Rt Rev Datuk Cornelius Piong, Bishop of the Diocese of Keningau are expected to attend the said function.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to our Diocese and Bishop Julius Episcopal Ordination!

Blood donation drive at HTC Tawau

Checking potential donors

A PPC member responding to the campaign

Tawau : Parishioners of Holy Trinity Church did their part by donating their precious pints of blood in a blood donation drive organised by the Tawau Red Crescent Society at the parish hall on 4th October 2009. A total of over 20 pints of blood were collected from participants.

A senior parishioner

A younger parishioner

In a recent parish pastoral council meeting, it was suggested that this blood donation drive be made into a yearly event.

Marcus Chin HTC Tawau

CWA of HTC Tawau celebrates their 37th Anniversary

Msgr Nicholas Ong, the religious and CWA members

Tawau : The Catholic Women's Apostolate of Holy Trinity Church celebrated their 37th anniversary with a thanks giving Sunset mass on 26th October 2009 followed by a fellowship in the parish canteen with invited parish pastoral councilors and the rector Msgr. Nicholas Ong, and his assistant Fr Philip Muji.

The CWA of Holy Trinity Church has always been regarded as the 'back bone' of parish celebrations and fellowship. Throughout the year they have often offered their services and cooking skills to the various parish group activities for very little budget, even at times subsidizing them with free-of-charge dishes.

Let's dance

Singing to their hearts' delight

So it is fitting that they 'take a break' at their anniversary night for some good food, music, dancing and fellowship.

Marcus Chin HTC Tawau

A routine inspection of Church buildings

The rectory of OLF Beluran

Renovation work to the interior of the rectory

Sandakan : Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of St Mary's Cathedral, Peter Thien, Chairman of the Property Committee, Suzanna Hon, Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Sylvester Ho the Administrator made a routine inspection of Church/chapel buildings of the Parish yesterday 13th October 2009. The coming together of the various arms of the Cathedral Parish is a good sign of collaboration in solving issues confronting the Church. This visit is the follow up of the previous visit on 28th September 2009.

Work in progress at St Paul's Church

Discussing the next course of action

A closer look at the damage

Peter Thien the spokesman said that they are satisfied with the progress of repair and upgrading work to the said buildings. The said work is expected to be completed by mid November. The site for the proposed one badminton court community hall for St Paul's Church has been identified. Work on the said hall is expected to commence within the year.

They are at the midst of finalizing the award of tenders for repair work for St Emmanuel 's Chapel Jaya Bakti, Nativity Chapel Pelantong and St Peter's Chapel Sungai Manila. Work proper will begin early next month.

The local parishioners are grateful that the Cathedral Parish is looking into the needs of the people. The established close working relationship among the various bodies of the Cathedral enable them to look beyond especially to the wider needs of the Church. The Cathedral becomes an 'umbrella' to all other sub parishes and outstation both on pastoral care and temporal needs.

Article by DS and photos by Sylvester Ho

HARI ULANGTAHUN KELAHIRAN BAPA USKUP JULIUS YANG KE-52

Hari ini, 14hb Oktober 2009, Bapa Uskup kita, Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom menyambut hari kelahirannya yang ke-52. Semua staf Pejabat Keuskupan Sandakan bersama-sama meraikan hari besar ini.

Menyanyikan, "Selamat hari jadi..."

Meniup lilin

Marilah kita memohon kepada Tuhan agar melimpahi berkat ke atas Bapa Uskup yang kita kasihi dengan menganugerahkan baginya kesihatan yang baik dan karunia kepimpinan berwibawa agar Gereja-gereja yang berada di bawah naungan Keuskupan Sandakan menjadi semakin teguh serta terus melayani sesama dengan KasihNya selaras moto Bapa Uskup Kita.

AMEN.

Memotong kek

SEMUA STAF KEUSKUPAN SANDAKAN MENGAMBIL KESEMPATAN INI MENGUCAPKAN, "SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI ULANGTAHUN KELAHIRAN, BAPA USKUP!"

foto oleh Bell

CATECHETICAL SUNDAY

Group photo with Bishop Julius D. Gitom who celebrated the Mass on the day.

CATECHETICAL SUNDAY

Part of the team making their pledge in front of the Altar.

CATECHETICAL SUNDAY

Catechetical sunday was held during the sunset mass on the 19-09-2009 at the St. Mary's Cathedral. Facilitators from the sunday schools & RCIA participated in the Mass. As usual whilst voluntary, the facilitators also pledge their loyal service in front of God's people.

BEC PRELIMINARY MEETING

Participants attended a preliminary meeting of the BEC on the 03-10-2009 at the Fr. Mulders Catechetical Centre. Mr. Joseph Dek gave a briefing to the participants assisted by Ms. Mary Alex Dek. Most of the participants are from the Bahasa Malaysia speaking community of St. Mary's Cathedral & St. Mark's Church.

Rite of Profession and Admission into SFO

Sandakan : St Mary's Cathedral Parish of Sandakan witnessed for the second time the rite of profession and admission of members into the Secular Franciscan Order at St Mark's Church Mile 12, Labuk Road yesterday 12th October 2009. 8 members took the profession of life commitment, 1 took the temporary profession for a year and another 7 underwent the rite of admission into the order. Today, the same rite will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Church of Beluran where 5 members will take the profession of life commitment and another 8 to be admitted into the order.

The lector from among one of the newly admitted SFO members

Fr Thomas Makajil, the celebrant of the Eucharistic Celebration

Members professing their life commitment

Newly admitted members receiving the bible

Sr Appolonia fsic pinning on the SFO emblem to one of the members

Presentation

Receiving Holy Communion

All smiles from the 7 newly admitted members

Dympna Richard sfo the local Minister of Holy Rosary Limbahau Fraternity and six other members were present to witness and render their moral and spiritual support to the local fraternity. The canonically established SFO fraternity of Holy Rosary Limbahau being the mother fraternity is the sponsor of the two emerging fraternities of the SFO of St Mary's Cathedral and Our Lady of Fatima Church Beluran.

Professed members with Fr Thomas and Sr Appolonia fsic

Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of St Mary's Cathedral celebrated the Eucharistic celebration attended by all SFO members and their family members, well wishers, supporters and parishioners of the local community.

Dympna Richard sfo

Dympna Richard in an interview session had this to share. " I am indeed happy to see that the membership had grown tremendously over the years since its inception in 2004. It is an indication that people are drawn into the way of life of the founding father, St Francis of Assisi '. Today there are 36 full members in the St Mary's Cathedral fraternity and 25 full members in Our Lady of Fatima fraternity.

Brenda D Guzman sfo

Brenda D Guzman sfo who had just underwent the rite said she had gone through the process of faith formation for the last 4 years before deciding to profess full commitment. She went on to say, 'I am inspired and am deeply touched by the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi. I hope to continue to grow and mature in faith through living the Gospel '.

Martin Edward sharing his life journey

Members are called to stay together living humbly the Franciscan way of life. They are called to serve the Lord, collaborating with all other communities/ministries in the parish as well as with the local diocese in building His Kingdom.

The local fraternity and Holy Rosary Limbahau fraternity

After the rite of profession and admission, the faithful adjourned to the hall for a dinner fellowship. They also celebrated the feast day of Sr Appolonia Gumpu fsic, the Spiritual Assistant of the local fraternities which falls on today 13th October 2009. Also present at the function were Sr Francis Mani fsic, the Spiritual Assistant of the Sabah SFO steering Committee, Sr Lilian Unsoh fsic and Sr Lilianna Gubud fsic.

Adriana Sampog sfo

Adriana Sampog sfo, the protem local minister in her welcoming address expressed her sincere thanks to all who had made the effort to lend them support especially the SFO members from their mother fraternity of Holy Rosary Limbahau, Papar. She also took the opportunity to congratulate the newly professed members and the newly admitted members into the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO). She also said that the rite of profession and admission is a sign of strong commitment in living the Gospel value according to the teachings of their patron Saint, St Francis of Assisi.

The dinner reception

Among those who came to give their support were John Baptis, Chairman of the PPC, Peter Thien, Chairman of the Property Committee, Annie Rokneh, Chairperson of the Diocesan Catholic Women's Apostolate and leaders of the various communities and ministries.

Article by DS and photos by Bell