InterDenominational Christmas Carol Service at Bumbok

On December 17, 2006, the spirit of Christmas was overwhelming at the Chapel of St. Maria, Kampung Bumbok when more than 600 Christians from the various denominations from the village congregated there for the joint Inter-Denominational Christmas Carol Service. This was the fourth year in a row such activity was run on rotational basis by the villagers made up of Catholics, Anglicans and Seventh Day Adventists.
Leading the congregation were Friar Moses Yap OFM, from St. Ann’s Parish and Pastor Andrew Ganya from the Seventh Day Adventist. Also present were the community and church leaders from the various denominations.
The organising Chairman, Mr. Jose Geda who is also the Secretary of St. Ann’s Parish Council, in his welcoming address informed that the theme for this year’s ecumenical function was ‘Family Of Faith’ and hoped that this would further galvanise the Christians in the village to remain steadfast in their Christian faith.
The service was concluded with a fellowship.

Contributed by Robert Josem

NB: My apologies for the mixup in the photos in the previous post. Webmaster

Merry Christmas from the Friars and New Parish Council of St Ann

The Parish Friars and the new Parish Coucillors (2006-2008) would like to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year.

Seated from left: Jose Geda (Secretary:Bumbok), Kevin Jindes (Vice Chairman:Praya), Robert Josem (Chairman:Semeba), Friar Joseph Goh OFM, Friar Moses Yap OFM.
Standing from left: Leslie Mangan (Assistant Secretary:Garung), Edwin Limleng (Assistant Treasurer:Sira), David Madek (Treasurer:Tijirak). Friar Gerard OFM could not be present for the photo-taking.

Sunset Mass gets a Facelift

Friar Derrick Yap OFM, a friar-in-formation was in town for a retreat. Towards the end of the retreat he kindly consented to teach the organist of St Ann's Sunset Mass, Ms Clare Kiing, new scores for Mass.
The photo shows the both of them practising at the make-shift Children's Liturgy room.

Annual General Cleaning 2006

In good old-fashion tradition, friars and staff spent 2 days turning the parish office upside down and cleared cobwebs and clutter. Photos show Sr Anna, catechists Stephen adn Emily hard at work.

Annual Staff Dinner 2006

The staff, catechists and their families had a grand time at a simple restaurant at 17th Mile on 19th December 2006 to celebrate Christmas. It was the parish's way of saying THANK YOU for all the hard work they had done. Friars Gerard Victor, Michael Goh, Moses Yap and Joseph Goh OFM were also present.
We also celebrated the birthdays of catechists Stephen and Emily that evening.

A Little Help from A Brother-Parish

The parish of St Ann was very priviledged to host the visit of more than 60 youths and adults from the parish of St Mary of the Angels (SMOTA), Bukit Batok, Singapore. Both parishes are Franciscan. The SMOTA group managed to visit the Catholic Memorial and Pilgrimage Memorial Centre at Mt Singai, as well as stay for a brief period over at Kampung Gayu, Padawan, before helping out with the Children's Christmas Party on Sunday, 17th December.

St Ann & Elizabeth Kiing's Charity Gala An Occasion of Joy

The 26th of November, a Sunday, was truly a memorable day! The much-publicised Charity Gala in the form of an International Fashion and Jewellery Show saw the turnout of approximately 600 people, including YB Aidan Wing and Ms Kiing, the event organiser. Many mothers, housewives and non-professional male and female models took to the catwalk, parading clothes, jewellery, cookware and other items which were put up for sale and auction. After the show, all the participants mentioned how happy they were, and how satisfying and gratifying the whole event was for them. The Gala helped raised RM25000 for the new St Ann's Complex. Thanks EK Team!
The EK Team is thinking of a new project next year. The secret's not out yet, but let us know if you want to be kept informed!

More Roadshows

Kampung Timurang and Kampung Subang were the most recent villages to have been visited by St Ann's Complex Committee to explain the new project.

Special Meeting

Friar Joseph Goh OFM, Mr Robert Josem, parish council chairman of St Ann, the catechists and members of the sub-parish of St Michael, Teng Bekap, met at 11.00 am at Teng Bekap to discuss the upcoming Confirmation Mass. Various tasks were deliberated upon and delegated during this meeting.

Batu Gong hears about the New Complex

One of the smallest and youngest outstation member of St Ann's Parish, the Catholic community of St Paul, Kampung Batu Gong, 17th Mile, Off Kuching-Serian Road, were treated to a powerpoint presentation after Holy Mass on Tuesday, 14 November 2006.
The team of Mr Hillary Manggi and Mr and Mrs Jane Joge gave a presentation to the community of some 50 Catholics in the Iban language. Mr Manggi spoke at length on the need to support the project, and its impact on the future of the Catholic community of this parish.

Taman Sri Muhibbah Celebrates Feastday

On Saturday, 11th November, at 8.00 pm, approximately 100 Catholic residents of the housing estate/flats at Taman Sri Muhibbah, 13th Mile, celebrated the feast day of their patroness, St Elizabeth of Hungary. In the celebration of Holy Mass presided by Friar Joseph Goh OFM, with catechist Sr Hilda Paim SSFS visiting, the importance of regular attendance at Sunday mass was highlighted. After Mass, a potluck dinner was held.

Roadshow Comes To A Close

For the last 3 months, members of the St Ann's Complex Committee have been trudging up to the villages and visiting housing estates, armed with a laptop and an LCD projector to explain the new St Ann's Complex project. The members had been travelling up to 2 or 3 times a week with the priests. Seeing as some of these villages are quite a distance from the parish, their efforts have not been small feats! The photo shows Ms Ani Solep addressing the Catholic community of St James at kampung Tatuk, situated near the Indonesian border, about an hour's journey by car from St Ann's. By the end of November, the parish would have covered almost 50 villages and housing estates. It is our earnest hope that all our parishioners are well informed of this project and consequently, give their unwavering support.

On 15th October 2006, more than 300 candidates, young and old were confirmed at St Ann's Baruk by Archbishop John Ha.

International Fashion & Jewelry Show - Charity Gala

On Sunday, 26th November 2006, between 11am to 3pm, St Ann and Elizabeth Kiing Beads and Accessories and Friends will be jointly organising and hosting a Charity Gala at Crown Imperial Hall, Crown Square, off Jalan Pending (Thian Court, 3rd Floor), Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. There will be a fashion show, jewelry sales and a LOADS of FUN!!!!, all for a good cause--for the new St Ann's Complex.

Tickets, enquiries:
St Ann 082-611757
Ms Dyah/Ms Kiing (Fran) 082-450040, 012 8550703

Come and support this worthy cause!

Liturgical Committee's Pilgrimage

On Wednesday, 25 October, the Liturgical Committee of St Ann, comprising mainly lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and office-bearers, made a half-day pilgrimage to the Catholic Chapel of St Gerald Majella, Kampung Sentah, 17th Mile, Off Kuching-Serian Road. The pilgrimage was carried out on a very simple manner, with the members making their up to the chapel which is situated in a village atop Mount Sentah. After half an hour of rest, they participated in a Celebration of the Eucharist presided by Friar Joseph Goh OFM. Also present were Fr Paul Mark OCSO and Mr Gabriel Chong who were visiting, as well as Mr Robert Josem, the Parish Council chairman and his wife, Sylvia. The Chairman of the Catholic community at Sentah, Mr Patrick Nomina, delivered a short speech to introduce the community to the pilgrims. After the Mass, a fellowship meal was shared by all present.

Helping the Faithful Departed this November

Eager to help the souls of the faithful departed? The month of November is traditionally a month dedicated to the souls of those who have died, chiefly our departed families, friends, benefactors and relatives. St Ann provides a service for those who wish to commemorate their deceased loved ones, through the offerings of holy masses.

Confirmation Seminar at Teng Bekap

On Saturday, 21 October 2006, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, more than 150 Confirmation candidates attended a Seminar as part of their spiritual preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in November. The seminar was held at the sub-parish hall of St Michael at Teng Bekap, Padawan Road, just before the border to Kalimantan, Indonesia. Persons leading the seminar and giving input sessions were Srs Anna and Hilda SSFS, catechists Stephen Jawum and Emily Ayu, as well as Friar Joseph Goh OFM. Friars Gerard and Joseph Goh heard Confessions from the candidates for approximately 3 hours later that afternoon.

International Jewelry And Fashion Show CHARITY GALA

On Sunday, 26th November 2006, between 11am to 3pm, St Ann and Elizabeth Kiing Beads and Accessories and Friends will be jointly organising and hosting a Charity Gala at Crown Imperial Hall, Crown Square, off Jalan Pending (Thian Court, 3rd Floor), Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. There will be a fashion show, jewelry sales and a LOADS of FUN!!!!, all for a good cause--for the new St Ann's Complex.
Tickets, enquiries: Fran 082-450040

Confirmation Seminar at Chapel of St Francis Xavier, Kampung Seratau

From 7 am to 6.45 pm, on Sunday, 8 October 2006, the 4 catechists of St Ann gathered approximately 300 Confirmation candidates in the chapel of St Francis Xavier, Kampung Seratau for an obligatory seminar prior to Confirmation due on Sunday, 15th October, 2006, at St Ann's Baruk. Srs Hilda and Anna, and catechists Stephen and Emily, as well as Fr Joseph Goh delivered 5 talks during the seminar, touching on the Holy Spirit. Then from 2.45 - 6.45 pm, Frs Gerard Victor and Joseph Goh heard confessions for the 300+ candidates!

Feast of St Francis in Kampung Bidak

The kampung chapel of St Francis of Assisi, Kampung Bidak, Borneo Heights Road, was blessed by Friar Joseph goh OFM, at 7.00 pm on 7 October, 2006.

Happy Feast of St Francis of Assisi!

Today, St Ann's Parish celebrates the solemn feast of St Francis of Assisi. St Ann, the Grandmother of Our Lord is the principal patron, but St Francis is equally lauded as a patron, as the parish is cared for and ministered by Franciscan Friars (OFM). Our prayer for all who visit this Blog is: "May the Lord bless you and keep you" (Blessing of St Francis).

Celebration of Sub-Parish of Teng Bekap

The area under the pastoral care of St Ann is so HUGE that a sub-parish was created many years ago for a vast majority of Catholics living in the Padawan Area (en route to the Indonesian border of Sarawak!). Here, special functions are held, meant for Catholics who would otherwise find it somewhat difficult to drive down to St Ann's at 10th Mile. The sub-parish is under the patronage of St Michael the Archangel. This year, the nearest Sunday to the feast fell on 1st October. More than 200 Catholics from the Padawan vicinity, including many chairmen of the Village Church Committees attended a celebration of Holy Mass presided by Fr Joseph Goh OFM, which began at 8.300 am. During the homily, Fr Goh spoke about the existence of angels, and their role in the life of Christians. A cake cutting ceremony was also held after the Mass.