Author Archives: Ken Wong

The camp, initiated by Father Rayner Bisius and supported by the liturgical committee, drew participants from St Joseph Church and its outstation chapels.

The four-day programme featured adoration, catechesis, sharing and group role-play, basic knowledge of altar server ministry, Way of the Cross, movie nights, and BBQ fellowship.

In his inputs, Fr Rayner explained the role and functions of the altar server ministry, terms and conditions, attitude towards service, basic understanding of the Mass, and the need for genuflection.

On Good Friday Mar 30, the participants joined the Way of the Cross up Pohumpung Hill Limbahau with the parishioners.

The following day Mar 31, the participants had a practicum related to altar server’s attire, sacred vessels, priestly vestments, and liturgical colours.

The camp concluded on Easter Sunday Apr 1 with sharing and evaluation supervised by Pesi Selingan, coordinator of the Papar liturgical committee.

A follow-up camp will be organised in June at Holy Rosary Church Limbahau.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The Catholic Church is the true Church
“I was a former minister in a Protestant Church.

“I started attending the Catholic Church in the middle of 2016. In Jan 2017, I attended a seminar by Permanent Deacon Sherman Quek on “What is the difference between Protestants, Orthodox and Catholics?”

“The seminar was an eye opening experience for me. Could it be that the Catholic Church of our forefathers is the true church after all and St Peter is the first Pope?

“I couldn’t wait to sign up for the RCIA but had to wait until June 2017 before it started. Initially, I struggled with the Marian dogma but have accepted it by faith. “I can’t believe how fast time has flown as now I am baptised, confirmed and have partaken in my first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. I was so excited!

“Last but not least, I am very grateful and thankful to God for leading me to the Catholic Church. Without Him, I wouldn’t have become a Catholic.

I would also like to thank my Godpa, Patrick, the RCIA coordinator, Lynn, and facilitators of St Peter’s Church. A very special thank you also to Fr Lionel, Fr Christopher Lee and Bishop Bernard Paul.

Finally, I would also like to thank my family for their love and support. God bless.” — Barnabas Khor, St Peter’s Church, Melaka

Stunned that Jesus died for all
“I got to know about the Catholic faith through my fiancé. I will be getting married this October. As I followed my fiancé to church, I got to know about Jesus Christ, and was very stunned to know that He died for me, and for everyone. There is definitely no other God who died for His people. I was very happy to be baptised this Easter. –Anikalah Ramu (Regina), Church of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam

A new beginning
“My journey through the RCIA programme was a wonderful experience. Each week, I looked forward to our RCIA meeting. The presentations by the team leaders and the group discussions gave me a new perspective on how I should handle the challenge of daily life.

“The Easter Vigil was an especially emotional moment for me as I was finally baptised as a Catholic. The Sacraments make me feel I have reached the end of a long search but it is truly the marked beginning of a new journey of spiritual growth and awareness.” — Ellen Hong, Sacred Heart Church, KL

It took time to become a Christian
“Knowing Jesus Christ is nothing new to me personally as both my parents came to know the Lord at a much later stage of their life. For me, to become a Christian was just a matter of time but it took me 45 years before I said yes.

“It all started when my wife broke down and cried on our way back home from a funeral service at St Joseph Cathedral. She told me it was time to know Jesus Christ and God Almighty. Somehow God had touched her heart.

“Even so, it took me another two months before we registered for our RCIA Class at St Joseph Parish centre, after so much pushing from my wife. We were granted a family baptism with my two lovely daughters. Hallelujah.

“And so as our baptism has just taken place, my hope is to understand and learn more of God’s Grace so I can share the Word of God with those who need it. Amen. — Jeffery Bay, Kuching. He was baptised together with his wife Gwen and their two daughters Summer (15 years old) and Dandeline (11 years years old)

God showed the right direction
“My name Rong Yao, given by my late grandfather, means ‘glory’. I was born into a Taoist family. However, growing up in the Taoist family background did not leave any strong impression in my life. I guess this was because I was not a true believer.

“I had made my first attempt at seeking the truth in religion during my high school days by stepping into the Holy Spirit Cathedral for the first time for my best friend’s baptism.

“Ever since, I have explored various religions until last year when I met the love of my life, who is a Catholic. Despite her not requesting me to convert to her religion, I was convinced that God has pointed me in the right direction and this was my calling. I took the step to follow the RCIA journey last July.

As time passes, I am being equipped with a stronger faith, knowing that God has always loved me unconditionally so that I can learn to love others and live my life the way that His only son, Jesus Christ has taught to us.” — Rong Yao Lim, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang

I am now more forgiving
“Throughout the RCIA journey, I have learnt more about God and came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. My life used to be very busy and I was easily distracted by other things. After attending RCIA, I started to pray and read the Word of God every day.

Even while at work, I would read and reflect on the Word of God during break times. Each night before I sleep, I would seek forgiveness from God for all my sins and ask for the strength to repent. I found myself learning to forgive others too. I am no more fearful like before. This I attribute to my learning to trust in God and his guidance. Praise and thank God for his love and mercy.” — Beatrice Chin Jing Yi, Miri

Attracted to the Catholic way of life
“I was always intrigued by Christians and their beliefs. My mother even remarked that Christians are the only people who pray for the good and wellbeing of others. My RCIA journey was fuelled by God’s calling through my colleague who noticed my interest in Christianity and was willing to guide me along to discover Catholicism.

“The many Catholics who have crossed my path appear to be joyful, have incomparable values, are community minded and have a warm relationship with one another. These are important traits for me as a person.

“I attended a funeral in a non-Catholic church and was dismayed that non-believing family members were not allowed to be near the deceased. This social stigma does not exist in Catholicism and the Church stays true to its meaning of being all inclusive and non-discriminatory.”— Sengeetha, Good Shepherd Church, Kuala Lumpur

Whole outlook on life has changed
“I was first introduced to the existence of God by my school teacher, but being raised in a Chinese Buddhist family, I only got to know more about Him 25 years later, through my neighbour! She is a Roman Catholic and she taught me and introduced me to the faith. Unfortunately, we lost touch with each other when I moved to another state, but my curiosity regarding the religion was still very strong.

“Over the years, the topic of becoming “Children of God” was discussed frequently in my family. With the encouragement of my family members, I started the RCIA last year to get a better insight of this religion. In the beginning, I was full of scepticism and doubt, but as the days went by and the sessions progressed, I began to feel the presence of God!! The Recollection gathering in Port Dickson especially gave me a deeper understanding of my relationship with God. Now, after my daily reading of the Word of God and my night prayers, I feel at peace and secure. It is a very wonderful feeling to be in the presence of God.

“My whole outlook on life has changed, and I give thanks to God for all the things I have received. With joy in my heart I praise our Lord and ask for God’s blessings to assist me in this daily journey towards eternity.” — Oh Phooi Leng, St Ignatius Church, Petaling Jaya

Felt that something was missing
“I have been married to a Catholic for 28 years and have been accompanying her to church occasionally over the years.

“A couple of years back, I started feeling that there was something missing in my life and was contemplating making the decision to join the RCIA programme. I drew some of my inspiration from the friendship we have with the priest, as well as the community.

“It has been an interesting journey over the past year and much harder than I had originally imagined. There were times through the journey when I questioned whether it was the right thing to do and, a couple of times, almost chose to give up due to problems that were consuming me either in the family or at work.

“I am glad that I stuck through it and I am very excited to see it through and join my new family.

“I want to say a very big thank you to the RCIA team who are so committed, Fr Martin Arlando, who is always so inspiring, my Godfather Rodney Gomez who is also a dear friend, and most of all, my wife Sharon who has been a shining light for me since the day we were wed.” — Simon Suresh Chandra, Church of the Divine Mercy, Penang

Thankful that I have been led to Christ
“RC I A helped me to deepen my understanding of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, as well as the wonders of his works on earth. I came to realise that to live my faith is to live the life of Jesus. My whole being should be in the presence of Christ and for Christ, only then will I be able to live according to the Word of God. I am most thankful to God that he has led me to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.” — Nathan Hung Wen Lih, Miri

It is the best decision I have ever made
“I was born in a Taoist family more than 30 years ago and was introduced to Christianity in 2012, when my senior in University invited me to a church in PJ. Back then, I was very sceptical about Christianity (because I didn’t even seek to know about it!) but I still accepted the invitation because I was going through one of the most challenging periods in my life, and I was thinking to occupy my time with some community activities instead of letting the devil work in my empty mind!

“It turned out that I was able to express (and release) the sorrow deep inside my heart and most importantly, I felt better from time to time! So, I started to attend church services on Sunday, listening to the pastor’s sharing, making new friends, singing as well.

“In 2013, I started a relationship with a beautiful, kind and cheerful girl, Elaine Chua, who is my so-called “ex-girlfriend,” a.k.a. “Wife” now. Looking back on all this, I think what happened is that God had actually arranged for us to know each other back in the year 2008, when we were working in the same company. Our friendship had provided us with a very strong foundation of trust and understanding of each other, and subsequently bringing us closer to each other.

“Since 2013, Sunday Mass has become an event where I spend time with Elaine, and together with God. The positivity shown by the community also attracted my attention and I started noticing the differences a Catholic could make, and this led me to step into the RCIA class in 2017.

“At first, it was really not easy to make such a commitment, and in fact, I was hesitating, wondering if this was what I want to commit myself to for the next nine months. Well, after a few classes, the new Sunday routine became easier for me. The RCIA classes were also not as boring as I thought they would be. Each session was not just about what is in the scriptures but sometimes also included the sharing (by the uncles and aunties) on the challenges they faced throughout the journey into the Catholic faith and how they overcame them.

“Looking back, I think making the decision to join RCIA was definitely one of the most important decisions I have ever made in my life!”

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. — Gregory Lim Huan Key, Church of the Holy Redeemer, Klang 

Finally found the meaning of life
“It is almost the end of my RCIA journey. Many things have changed in my life since the first day I signed up for this programme.

“My younger years were well-spent but never close to God in any way. Just recently, my life came to a roadblock and God, in His mercy and grace, showed me that He has never left my side —just like the story of the footsteps in the sand.

“After almost a year journeying through my RCIA, I have finally found meaning in my life. Waking up is with a purpose and going to bed I am thankful for each day.

I am also thankful to my facilitators for guiding me in my journey of discovering faith and meaning in my life. “I am also thankful for being able to have the chance to walk closer with God and I was very much excited for my Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.” — Pamela, Church of St Joseph, Kuala Lumpur

The Church has brought me closer to Christ
“My journey to Jesus began when I joined the RCIA. Before joining RCIA, my life was meaningless. After I joined the RCIA, I began to develop a greater interest to know more about Jesus Christ. I listened with great interest to the facilitators telling us about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us.

“My desire to know Jesus Christ became more intense when I began to attend the 6.00pm Mass after RCIA sessions. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was filled with prayers and hymns sung by the priest and congregation. The readings from the Bible really taught me a lot of things like the Ten Commandments that should be followed to be truly happy in life.

“The Church has brought me closer to Jesus Christ. In prayer, I can feel that Jesus Christ is guiding me throughout the day in every situation, good and bad. Prayers like the creed, and more importantly, the Lord’s Prayer, are my shield for protection against evil in life.

“Now I am baptised: I am fully God’s child, cleansed from sins and a full member of the Catholic Church. Praise the LORD!!” — Emma Patmanathan, Church of the Assumption, Petaling Jaya

Touched by Jesus who died for all of us
“I am an only son in a non-Christian family. I thank God that my father sent me to Catholic High School.This school has a church beside it. Every morning when I walked into school, I could hear the hymns being sung which made me feel tranquil.

“On the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2015, we Form 3 students were invited to attend a Mass for our upcoming PT3 Exam. I remember when I entered the church, I saw a man crucified on the cross and did not know why. I was very touched. After the Mass I asked my friends who the person crucified on the cross was and why he wascrucified. My friends told me that he is Jesus Christ and he died for our sins.

“Thus began my explorations. I found that no god is greater than Jesus who was willing to sacrifice himself for our sins. So I started to believe in Jesus and I bought my first Bible. I read the Bible and I know He is our Salvation who will lead us to eternal life.

So every morning, I started to pray in the church before I went to school. When I prayed, I felt very peaceful. What I prayed for he also answered me.

“In the middle of 2017, I met the priest and I joined the RCIA to know more about God. I was never absent, even when I was sitting for my SPM.

“Time has gone fast, I have completed my Form 5 and I passed with flying colours. Now, after my baptism, I am very happy that I have become a disciple of Jesus.

“Thanks God, Amen.” — By Lawrence Soo HR, Melaka

Thankful to have answered His call
“Wh a t started out initially as a requirement for me to embrace the Catholic faith became a journey filled with wonderful knowledge, rekindled my love for Jesus and has brought me so much closer to Him.

“Being brought up as a Christian all my life, I had many questions about the Catholic faith that I had hoped would be answered when I joined RCIA, but the Lord indeed has plans for me as he has opened my eyes and my heart to Him. Not only have my questions been answered, but He has reaffirmed, time and again, that He is indeed faithful and He has called me for this very reason.

“Through His grace, He has made this journey possible, even though there were obstacles in my way. He has given me a wonderful team of support from my loving family and friends and I could not be happier.

“Surely His mercies shall never end and I am so grateful and thankful that I have heard and answered His call.” — Joyce Ann Cheah, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

 

 

Some 114 members of the 18 diocesan ministries of the Malacca Johore Diocese assembled on Saturday, March 3 at the Chee Luan Khor Moral Uplifting centre in Kluang for a day of reflection.

The MJPT (Malacca Johore Pastoral Team) Assembly was the second held after the 2016 PMPC IV. It is among the many to be called by Bishop Bernard Paul as a way to reach the different levels of the people. This was also a follow up of the Post Synod #1 held in October 2017, the first year review after the 2016 PMPC IV, to assess the progress of the Diocesan Pastoral Thrust.

The day began at 9.00am with Lauds. A video of Bishop Bernard’s address at the Post Synod #1 was then screened, followed by a reflection based on the 3 “Burning” stories in the Bible: the Burning Bush (Moses), the Burning House (Esther) and the Burning Heart (Road to Emmaus).

Presented by a team from the Diocesan Animating Team (DAT), the reflection hopes to give members the experience of “Being Encountered”. This is the first phase of the Pastoral Thrust which emphasise the 4Es (Encounter, Enlighten, Empower and Evangelise) Spirituality to be carried throughout the whole year of 2018. This reflection will, in the 2nd half of the year, be developed into a multi lingual programme to be brought to the grassroots through a series of roadshows at parishes, BECs and groups via mobile teams.

The day continued in silent prayer with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a Q&A session.

One of the queries that surfaced was how the Diocesan thrust on the 4E is assessed. Bishop’s response was to ask members to realise that the 4Es is a process with some responding quickly while others may be slow. As Catholic-Biblical people, this process is a journey and the greatest sign is when we become evangelisers. We see fruits in our Ministries, Parishes, Diocese when we are evangelising – Catholics to Catholics. The second level is when there are open Churches/Ministries and openness to other faiths/cultures. A Church that is being renewed is a living Church that attracts. Evangelising is an openness to reach out. We become the 4th E, after having been through the first 3Es.

Bishop Bernard reiterated the call and message of the Post Synod #1. He specifically asked members to firstly evaluate whether their ministry is a market place or a house of God and prayer, encouraging them to restore the ministries and go beyond to build missionary teams.

Bishop Bernard’s final word was that help is available – from the clergy, Diocesan Office and even himself. Ministries need only ask. He stressed that ministries must be outward looking and advance by taking small steps.

The day ended with Eucharistic celebration.

Amongst the feedback was that members welcome such reunion of all ministries to reflect and share, to prioritise mission and purpose. Some felt the day helped to re-emphasise and refresh what and why they are called to serve as well to preservere when trials come their way. Others hope to see more definitive and specific tactical plans that can be pushed/driven to all ministries to help grow in line with the mission.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu called on Catholics to pray for their priests, that they may become priests who serve.

In making the call during the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on March 21, he said priests sometimes forgot the purpose of their vocation due to human weaknesses.

“We all had been consecrated through our baptism but, within this baptismal vocation, there is a call within a call for some of us to the priesthood.

“But this call within a call is not a call to go higher in position. However, we are all humans, many times we fail due to human weaknesses, and we tend to forget the purpose of our leadership,” he said.

Because of human weaknesses, he said, many priests want to be served instead of serving the community.

“God calls us to lead and we are also called to service; to serve the community and not to be served,” he pointed out.

He also said that the priests need the community to teach them to be better and to be humble.

That was why coming together, especially for the Chrism Mass, is important for the priests to rededicate, remind and to renew themselves to serve the community and to remain humble.

It was also important for the community to come together to pray for their priests to enable them to become better priests.

“You have so much to teach us because, as a community, you are priestly people, kingly people, prophetic people, so we also need to learn from you and be humble,” he said.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Ministry of the Poor (MOP) from the Church of the Holy Family (HFK) organised a memorial prayer service on Saturday, March 24 for the souls of all the priests (some of whom were former parish priests of HFK) buried in Kajang Catholic Cemetery.

There are currently 10 priests laid to rest in the Kajang Catholic Cemetery, namely: Frs Philip So (former parish priest), Leo Chang (former parish priest), Anthony Chan (former parish priest), Leonard John, Andrew Volle, Antoine Henriot (former parish priest and founder of MOP), Philips Muthu, Peter Kim SJ, Msgr Anthony Thomas and Edward Soosay.

The event kicked off with the members of MOP attending the 7.00am Mass (which was offered specifically for the departed souls of the priests) celebrated by parish priest Fr Surain Durai Raj and visiting Myanmar priest Fr Robert. Thereafter, the members as well as parishioners adjourned for a small fellowship before going to the cemetery for the memorial prayer service.

This is an annual Lenten project initiated in 2017. This is the second consecutive year that the prayer service is being held.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The faithful from all walks of life thronged St Joseph’s Cathedral Miri on March 21 for the Chrism Mass, where they witnessed the renewal of priestly vows by their beloved priests and bishop, as well as the consecration of the three Holy Oils.

Bishop Richard Ng, in his homily, stressed the importance of sharing in the vision of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. He shared his encounter with the Holy Father on February 8 during the Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei Bishops’ Conference’s Ad Limina visit.

According to Bishop Ng, the Pope came across as a very humble and kindhearted man who is concerned for the people.

He cited how, at one point during the meeting, the Pope got up and poured a glass of water for his translator. Stating that the Pope practices what he preaches, the Bishop Ng believes that he himself and the priests should emulate the Holy Father who is a pope for the people, that is, he has the good of the people in his heart. Thus, for Bishop Richard, a priest is one who is out there with the people, concerned for the welfare of the people and not afraid to sacrifice himself for the good of the people. The Bishop asked the priests to embrace the vision of Pope Francis, a vision that includes every single person, especially those who are in the margins of society, those who are suffering, those who have no homes of their own, those who are sick and dying. According to him, these are the people that we should have the greatest concern for.

Addressing the faithful, Bishop Ng pointed out that they, being the people of God, should also live this vision of Pope Francis. “Pray that our communities, our churches, our parishes will be filled with people who share the vision, faith and compassion of Pope Francis, especially in ministering to the poor and suffering. Pray for our priests, pray for more vocations, that our young people will have the courage and generosity to share in the vision of Pope Francis.”

After the homily, the priests of the diocese renewed their vows before the Bishop. This was followed by the blessing of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens, as well as the consecration of the Oil of Chrism. At the end of the Mass, the holy oils were distributed to the parish priests to bring back to their respective parishes.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SANDAKAN – St Mary’s Cathedral here hosted the monthly pastors fellowship on 4 Apr 2018.

The objective of the fellowship is to promote ecumenical unity among pastors of the different denominations in Sandakan.

In his welcoming speech, Father David Garaman welcomed the members and expressed his hope that through the gathering the members can empower one another, pray for each other, and especially for the coming 14th General Elections.

The gathering began with breakfast followed by praise and worship led by the BM CCR.

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

The next gathering will be hosted by the Methodist Church.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) of Holy Trinity Church here along with SSVP (St Vincent De Paul Society) and the Human Development Team (PHDC) made a joint outreach to some marginalised families in Bukit Gemuk, an isolated area in Tawau, on 18 Mar 2018.

This annual event was initiated by the CCR team. SSVP and PHDC have participated in this Lenten event since 2016.

The 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 the children of the 30 families. The programme is for all needy people regardless of race, background and religious beliefs.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

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.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese Diocese of Sandakan

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.

The prelate 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.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese Diocese of Sandakan