Eucharistic Celebration ~ 4th Anniversary of the Diocese of Sandakan

Telupid : 15th October is a historical date for the Diocese of Sandakan. Four years ago, on this day 2007 saw the erection of the Diocese, carved out from the then Diocese of Kota Kinabalu and the Episcopal Ordination of Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom as the first Bishop of the Diocese.

Today's event, the 4th Anniversary of our Diocese and also the 4th Episcopal Ordination of Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom  bears a significant milestone as it marks a complete cycle of the anniversary celebrations. St Martin's Parish is the last parish but definitely not the least to host this event. The two-day event commenced with a banquet dinner at the Institut Perhutanan Sabah on the evening, 14th October 2011 with some 400 people attending the function.

The Eucharistic Celebration held at 9.00 am, 15th October at St Martin's Church was presided by Bishop Julius con celebrated by Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong of Keningau, Msgr Gilbertus Engan Vicar General of Keningau, Msgr Nicholas Ong Vicar General of Sandakan and Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan. Some 1500 faithful from within the Diocese and the Arch / diocese of Kota Kinabalu and Keningau attended the celebration. Also in attendance were 17 priests from the three arch / dioceses, 13 religious sisters from the congregation of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception led by its Mother General Sr Grace Deosing, a representative from the Daughters of St Paul, 11 seminarians from the Initial Year of St Peter's College and all Chairmen of the Parish Pastoral Council of the Diocese.

The Opening hymn 'Blessed be thy name of the Lord' sang by the 28-member Parish Choir led by Hildy Albert and joined by the resounding voices of the congregation set an atmosphere of sacredness for the celebration.

In his homily, Bishop Julius called on the people to reflect on how we had worked or failed to work together in our journey in search of God. We need to rely on faith, faith in God, centered in Christ to move forward as a community. As a member of His mystic body through the sacrament of baptism we are to live the virtue of the Gospel.

He urged the people to use their gifts / talents given by God and for God for the growth of the community / parish / diocese. We are to emulate the 70 disciples chosen and sent out to preach, leaning on Christ always and thus bore much fruit. We won't be able to go far if we depend on our own strength and wisdom. We need God in our daily life.

Before the recessional hymn, the new PPC Chairman Herman Soibon extended his sincere appreciation to all who had made it to the celebration. 

'We are happy to see so many people gathered here this morning. The Church is packed and the pews at both wings are fully occupied. It is a memorable and a historical day for St Martin.' 

He thanked the organizing committee headed by Albert Matussin for their commitment,  Fr Jasery the rector for his guidance, all BECs, ministries and individuals for the collaboration in ensuring the success of the event. 

Fr Jasery the rector, took the opportunity to welcome all from far and near who had taken time off to attend the function. 

'Today is a day where we gather to give thanks and praise to the Lord for His abundant blessings, continuous love, guidance and protection. We complete another fruitful year of existence.' 


He called on the people to reflect and evaluate their faith journey as individual, ministry, community and as a parish. He said that the heir-achy, the Bishop, the clergy and religious would not be able to function without the support of the lay faithful. The laity need to participate actively in their own ways and particular situations according to individual's charism in line with Bishop's motto, 'Serve one another with God's love.'


In thanking and praising God, Bishop Julius said four years had rolled by and called on the people to recommit and rededicate themselves preparing to face new challenges ahead. He touched on the progress of the Diocese over the years and how pieces are put in place for it to be operational and functional.

He said, 'BECs are coming around in all parishes. Responses from the people are encouraging. I am really proud to say that to date there are more than 120 BECs spread across the Diocese. People are beginning to see that BECs is a way of life in building communities and the basis for the Parish to grow for it encompasses the life of the people. My wish is that the community building through BECs will continue to flourish.'

He also emphasized on the Vision and Mission Statement for the Diocese which should have begun and reached out widely to the grass root. He hoped it will not take too long to come out with the Vision and Mission statement, supposed to be owned by all.

The construction of the Diocesan Pastoral and Worship Centre launched last October is nearing its completion. The funding of some RM3.5 million is close at hand. He also announced that the new hall for St Martin will commence next year.

Patrick Seah (left) receiving the plaque from Herman witnessed by Bishop Julius

It was officially announced that the 5th anniversary for the Diocese will be hosted by St Mary's Cathedral Parish. The PPC Chairman of the Cathedral Parish, Patrick Seah, received the plaque bearing the logo of the Diocese from Herman witnessed by Bishop Julius.

After the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Julius blessed the site for the proposed new parish hall located behind the Church.

Bishop Julius  blessing  the site for the new Parish Hall

Free lunch was served at the 11 stalls operated by the various BECs and thereafter the people were entertained to a host of presentations by members of the various communities and groups.


The faithful of St Martin's Parish had done a great job in hosting the 4th Anniversary of the erection of the Diocese and the 4th Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Julius. 

Bishop Julius, Bishop Datuk Cornelius (4th left front row) with clergy and religious

Bishop Julius and all catechists

PPC members of St Martin's Parish with Bishop Julius

Fr Jasery humbly put it, 'It may not be the best of anniversaries but the effort and co-operation of the people is enough proof that we are moving to become matured Catholics. May we bear much fruit through His blessings as a community centred in Christ's love.'

Soccom members in action 

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Let's Celebrate - 4th Anniversary of the Diocese of Sandakan

Telupid :  The Parish of St Martin, Telupid located in the central part of Sabah and some 150 km from Sandakan hosted the 4th Anniversary of the Diocese of Sandakan and the 4th Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom on 14th and 15th October 2011. The Parish with some 6,000 members, mostly of the indigenous people is the last of the four parishes in the Diocese to host the auspicious event, marking a complete cycle of the celebration rotated from parish to parish.

The two-day event kicked off with a banquet dinner at the Institut Perhutanan Sabah in the evening 14th October 2011. Some 400 people coming from across the four parishes, the Arch / diocese of Kota Kinabalu and Keningau attended the function. Also in attendance were Rt Rev Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong, the Bishop of Keningau,  Msgr Gilbertus Engan, the Vicar General of Keningau, Msgr Nicholas Ong, the Vicar General of Sandakan, Sr Grace Deosing, Mother General of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sister of the Immaculate Conception and Sister Anna Yap of the Daughters of St Paul.

The event commenced with a youthful and striking tamborine dance by members of  St Martin's Parish Youth Aspotolate to the accompaniment of an  appropriate song, 'Let's Celebrate' setting the joyial mood of celebration. In the midst of the song and dance, representatives from each parish brought forth their banner bearing individual parish logo to Bishop Julius, symbolically signifying and proudly declaring 'we are members of the body.'

The Organizing Chairman of the event, Albert Matussin in his welcoming speech extended his appreciation to all who had made it to the occasion.


"We are glad to have you, who had come from far and near to share  with us the joy of the 4th Anniversary of the Diocese of Sandakan and the 4th Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Julius."

He thanked Fr Jasery, the rector of St Martin for his guidance and advice, the organizing committee for their commitment, sponsors, members of the various BECs and individuals of the parish for making the event a reality.

"I didn't make this occasion possible. The Holy Spirit worked in us, and prompted us. He gave us the strength and wisdom, through our co-operation, journeying together for the good of His Kingdom. We made this possible through the grace of God"

Bishop Julius, accompanied by Bishop Datuk Cornelius, all clergy, religious, PPC Chairmen and the organizing committee went on stage for the cake cutting ceremony. The ceremony was accompanied by a beautiful and touching anniversary song rendered by Cikgu Laura Tiwon, following which dinner was served after grace.

In the course of the dinner, the Sandakan Catholic Women's Apostolate, the Cultural Club of a local School, the Sapagaya BEC of Lahad Datu, the Youth from Tawau and Sandakan presented graceful dances to the delight of the audience.

The 17-member of 'The Musical Chamber' of a secondary school presented a spiritual song, 'Sampai' with beautiful lyrics calling us, the faithful to discern and respond to God's Call. It was sang with much power and feeling by Cikgu Laura and Christopher, captivating the attention of the audience.

After the one and only lucky draw for clergy, won by Fr David Garaman of Tawau, the night's event ended with a Closing Prayer led by Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong.

It was indeed a beautiful celebration bringing together so many faithful, not just within the Diocese but within the region of Sabah which includes the Arch / diocese of Kota Kinabalu and Keningau. Such unity needs to be preserved for our Church to grow.

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MESYUARAT PERLANTIKAN KETUA PENYELARAS & PEMILIHAN AHLI KERASULAN WANITA KATOLIK KEUSKUPAN SANDAKAN BAGI SESI 2011-2013

AJP KWK (2011-2013) bersama Bapa Uskup Julius

SANDAKAN: Seramai 11 orang perwakilan dari keempat-empat paroki yang terdiri daripada Penyelaras, Setiausaha dan seorang lagi atas lantikan Paderi Paroki telah mengadakan Doa Rosari yang dipimpin oleh Sr. Appollonia Gumpu, fsic sebagai ahli kehormat Kerasulan Wanita Katolik Keuskupan Sandakan. Acara bertempat di Pusat Retret Keuskupan, Ulu Dusun itu disusuli dengan BBQ dan fellowship pada sebelah malam 9 September 2011.

Misa Kudus diselebrankan oleh Bapa Uskup

Pada 10 September 2011, doa pagi bersama Sr. Appollonia telah dimulakan. Dan seterusnya Misa Kudus yang diselebrankan oleh Yang Mulia Bapa Uskup Julius Dusin Gitom. Dalam homilinya, Bapa Uskup menyentuh tentang buah yang mencerminkan seseorang itu sesuai dengan kehidupannya. Berdasarkan Injil Lukas 6:43-49 “Tidak ada pohon yang baik yang menghasilkan buah yang tidak baik, dan juga tidak ada pohon yang tidak baik menghasilkan buah yang baik”. Oleh itu sebagai orang kristian kita telah diajar dan dididik untuk menjadi baik seperti Kristus. Dasar Kristian adalah dari iman yang hidup dari kehidupan. Dan Gereja Katolik seawal mulanya, sentiasa bersama dan berada dalam kehidupan manusia. Kita terus membangun dalam iman, kita sentiasa prihatin dengan keadaan semasa yang memerlukan bantuan dan doa. Di mana Bapa Suci sentiasa bersama-sama dalam setiap situasi yang terjadi di seluruh dunia. Itulah iman gereja kita yang berdasarkan Firman Tuhan yang hidup dan juga tradisi gereja. 

Selesai saja Misa Kudus, sesi bergambar bersama Bapa Uskup dan seterusnya mesyuarat untuk pemilihan AJP yang baru bagi sesi 2011-2013 bagi Kerasulan Wanita Katolik Keuskupan Sandakan. Yang Mulia Bapa Uskup memberkati mesyuarat ini dengan doa pembukaan. Dalam ucapan alu-aluan Yang Mulia Bapa Uskup melahirkan kesyukuran dan penghargaan beliau kepada komiti kerasulan wanita yang komited dengan pelayanan mereka.  Beliau juga menggesa agar komiti ini akan terus menyumbangkan apa jua bentuk pelayanan yang membuahkan hasil yang baik untuk gereja. 

Francis Tan menyampaikan 'Overview of DCWA'

Mesyuarat ini juga turut dihadiri oleh En. Francis Tan dari pejabat keuskupan. En. Francis Tan dalam sesi Overview of DCWA 2009-2011, telah memaparkan beberapa aktiviti dan program yang telah dilakukan oleh Kerasulan Wanita Keuskupan. Beberapa perkara telah dibangkitkan untuk renungan dan evaluasi bersama. Beliau juga menyentuh Artikel 4C objektif dalam garis panduan Kerasulan Wanita Katolik Keuskupan dan cara baru menggereja. 

Selesai saja rumusan dari En. Francis Tan, Bapa Uskup telah melantik Sr. Appollonia untuk mempengerusikan mesyuarat ini. Dan pemilihan untuk AJP baru sesi 2011-2013 dimulakan, di mana untuk Ketua Penyelaras adalah dilantik oleh Bapa Uskup dari antara empat orang ketua penyelaras peringkat paroki. 


Puan Annie Rokneh Jalani sekali lagi dilantik sebagai Ketua Penyelaras Keuskupan Kerasulan Wanita Katolik. Seterusnya, Ahli Jawatan Pelayan Kerasulan Wanita Katolik Keuskupan Sandakan bagi sesi 2011-2013 yang baru adalah seperti berikut:- 

Ketua Penyelaras:

01. Puan Annie Rokneh Jalani

(Paroki Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan)

Penolong Penyelaras:

02. Puan Evelyn Watson

(Paroki St. Dominic, Lahad Datu)

Setiausaha:

03. Puan Brenda De Guzman

(Paroki Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan)

Penolong Setiausaha:

04. Puan Easter a/k Nyalu

(Paroki St. Dominic, Lahad Datu)

Bendahari:

05. Puan Cecelia D’Souza

(Paroki Katedral St. Mary, Sandakan)

Penolong Bendahari:

06. Puan Nora Nicholas

(Paroki St. Martin, Telupid)

AJP:

07. Puan Roslinda Maria Praser

(Paroki St. Dominic, Lahad Datu)

08. Puan Teresita Ortiz

09. Puan Maria Kusnan (tidak hadir bersebab)

10. Puan Mary Stella Dey

(Paroki Holy Trinity, Tawau)

11. Puan Victoria Salati

12. Puan Arina Anggatis

(Paroki St. Martin, Telupid)

Puan Annie mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Bapa Uskup dan kepada semua yang hadir kerana sekali lagi mempercayakan tanggungjawab ini kepada beliau dan berharap akan terus mendapat kerjasama dari semua ahli. Yang Mulia Bapa Uskup dalam ucapan penutupnya mengucapkan tahniah kepada ahli jawatan pelayan yang baru dengan pesanan jangan jadikan kegagalan sebagai halangan untuk pelayanan Kerasulan Wanita, kerana kita yang merancang tapi Tuhan yang menentukan. Berpegang teguhlah kepada Tuhan kerana Tuhan sentiasa hadir. Mesyuarat diakhiri dengan doa penutup dipimpin oleh Bapa Uskup.

Brenda De Guzman

MCCBCHST Media Statement: Hudud is in conflict with Federal Constitution

Seminar Penyambutan bagi Kanak-kanak

LAHAD DATU: Seminar Penyambutan bagi kanak-kanak yang akan menyambut Komuni Kudus buat pertama kalinya telah diadakan pada 23hb hingga 25hb Sept 2011 di Paroki St. Dominic, Lahad Datu.

Seminar ini telah disertai seramai lebih kurang 105 orang kanak-kanak termasuk dari outstasi, yang dianjurkan sendiri oleh Para Pembimbing Pertemuan Minggu Gembira Bahasa Melayu Paroki St. Dominic.

Sesi pertama tentang Doa yang disampaikan oleh Sr. M. Rusiah Garuk, fsic.

Menjawab soalan yang diberikan dalam bentuk berkumpulan.

Menjawab soalan perseorangan.

Sesi bergembira ria...

Sesi bersama ibu bapa yang turut memberikan perkongsian dalam membimbing anak-anak dalam persediaan menyediakan diri anak-anak mereka dalam menyambut Yesus. 

- Soccom