SHC holds briefing for parish group leaders and representatives

KOTA KINABALU – As part of its journeying together, Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish here held a briefing for all group leaders and representatives on 2 March 2017 at its parish centre.

Around 150 representatives from the 70-odd groups/ministries/communities turned up for the briefing.

Those present were briefed by Monica Kong of the Parish Finance & Property Council on the proceeds collected during the fundraiser held on July 31 last year, the ongoing major renovations of the parish centre, and plan to acquire a new generator for the cathedral parish complex.  She asked for cooperation and understanding from all present.

In his turn, Jason Joenoi, chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, reminded all present about the upcoming weeklong parish fiesta (June 19-25).  A parish-level Pentecost rally will be held earlier on June 1-4 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal worldwide.

In its fourth year, the parish fiesta will continue with its theme Oneness in Heart and Spirit for the Parish Family.  As in the past, it will highlight the spiritual (triduum, Masses), physical (sports such as football and badminton matches), infotainment (movie night), with focus on special groups such as the clergy (Solemnity of Sacred Heart is also World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests), the sick (Mass for the sick with anointing), and families (family night, family carnival).  There will also be a blood donation drive (love of neighbour).

Archbishop John Wong, as pastor of the cathedral parish, stressed to those present to see the church as a home.  As such, they should take care of the premises and facilities as they would their own homes.  He admonished them to observe the guidelines in the use of facilities, to ask permission from the pastors before inviting outside speakers for seminars/talks, and to contribute to and promote Sabah’s only Catholic paper.

Both Joenoi and Abp Wong stressed on the need for all to cooperate and collaborate in the journey ahead as did Father Rhobby Mojolou the emcee.

The briefing concluded with a videoclip on Jesuit Father James Martin’s “Be Kind” mediation for the Lenten season before the final prayer-blessing by the prelate.