SYCC extends welcoming hands to students

SANDAKAN – The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) of St Mary’s Cathedral here held a fellowship for the MRSM and Sekolah Seni students of SMK Elopura  on Sunday 19 June 2016.  SYCC was responding to the call of Christian hospitality, always extending a hand to welcome others into the fold.

This time around, SYCC shared about ‘The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy,” the message of which has a great impact on the students. The talk was facilitated by Michael Lai, an elder of the community. He emphasised on the importance of the word ‘Mercy.’

Pope Francis stressed that the Holy Year of Mercy is to respond to the world’s need for a ‘revolution of tenderness’ from which ‘justice and all the rest derives.’ We are used to hearing bad news, cruel news filled with violence and to even horrifying atrocities which offend the name and life of God as they contradict  the teaching of the faith.

Michael also explained the three themes in the document: First is the understanding of God’s Mercy, second is to perform pilgrimage as an ‘impetus conversion,’ and third is justice and conversion.

STAY (Star of Yahweh Covenant Community Youth) conducted a very touching and moving activity. First, it was about a conversation with Jesus entitled “Jesus Online” where there were pre-written dialogues by Jesus and in which the youth personally responded to Him. The activity was adapted from the recent SYD-4 programme held in Tawau, which was participated by STAY members. Besides this, a short movie was shown, which impacted many and moved them to tears as they reflected on its message in their own personal experiences.

The sharings from the students were very encouraging and taught them a lot about being merciful to others especially to their own family members.

There were also games for students to strengthen their relationship bond and a praise and worship session to uplift their spirits.

Prior to the activity proper, lunch was served to the students and members of the community. This get-together connects people, the students and SYCC members. The community is committed to share God’s love and mercy, reaching out to students who are away from home, and is a commitment to serve the parish community at large. – Susanna Cordova