Over a thousand attend Apologetics Seminar

INANAM – On the weekends of  26-27 Feb and 4-5 Mar 2016, the parishioners of St Catherine Inanam, Holy Family Telipok and Good Shepherd Manggatal  attended a two-part  Apologetics Seminar, hosted by St Catherine Pastoral Council and various communities of the parish.    The seminar, conducted by the Apologetics Team from Sacred Heart Cathedral and headed by Dr Jeffery Soon, managed to attract an unexpectedly large crowd of over 1300.

The term ‘apologetics’ is taken from the Greek word apologia which means to ‘make a defence.’  It has come to mean the way in which a follower of Christ defends their faith: Christianity. Catholic apologetics is the defense and explanation of the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church. In an increasingly diverse society, followers of Christ need to be equipped to be able to explain why they have the hope that they have, with gentleness and respect. (Ignatiusinsight.com)

The participants included catechumens, candidates for confirmation and candidates for first holy communion.

Through the seminar, the parishioners were made aware of the various issues affecting the church and their faith, and be equipped with the right strategies to respond with a better understanding of their own faith.

Having a better understanding of the faith also leads to an appreciation of other faiths which indirectly paves a way for a closer relationship with them. The presence of assistant priest Fr Paul Lo throughout the seminar set a fine example for others to follow in the pursuit of improving the knowledge of one’s faith and to be able to answer for one’s faith. – Michael Guntili