Friday, January 26, 2007

Kampung Batu Gong Celebrates Feast Day

On 24th January 2007, the Iban Catholic community of Kampung Batu Gong, 17th Mile, off Kuching-Serian Road, albeit a small one, celebrated the feast of its patron, St Paul, with the celebration of Holy Mass and a fellowship meal.
Approximately 30 people-men, women and children, congregated on the (anticipated) feast of the Conversion of St Paul.
During the homily, Friar Joseph Goh OFM, the presiding priest, reminded the faithful of the importance of the Sunday obligation and the Sacraments. After the Mass, the chairman of the Village Catholic Committee, Mr Felix Endawie, thanked everyone for their presence. Thereafter, Friar Goh helped Felix to dispense simple presents to the children in conjunction with the feastday. The delicious fellowship meal that ensued lasted until about 9.30pm.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Focus on the Family

For the next 5 years (2007-2011), the Archdiocese of Kuching will be garnering its resources and energies on a pastoral programme called "Focus on the Family", in which Catholic families will be given special attention and emphasis in the life and ministry of the Roman Catholic Church. Part of the programme includes the following prayer, which is recited every weekend at St Ann:

O God, in the Holy Family, you left us a perfect model of family life, lived in faith and obedience to your will. We thank you for our family. Give us the strength to remain united in love, generosity and the joy of living together. Help us in our mission of transmitting the faith that we received from our parents. Open the hearts of our children so that the seed of faith, which they received in baptism, will grow in them. Strengthen the faith of our young people, so they might grow in knowledge of Jesus. Increase love and faithfulness in all marriages, especially those going through times of suffering or difficulty, and shed your grace and blessing on all families worldwide. United with Joseph and Mary, we ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, Our Lord. Amen.