ST ANN PRE-GAWAI CELEBRATIONS

This year 2010, the pre-gawai committee decided to celebrate the Pre-Gawai celebrations in a more cultural and ethinc manner. These photographs truly speak about our Dayak-style celebration on 21 May 2010:

Earth Hour 2010

The youth of St Ann parish got together on 27 March 2010 to commemorate Earth Hour. When the lights went off at 8.30 pm, they began with a Taize style prayer service to praise and thank God for the gift of Mother Earth. And they were also joined by other youths, family members and youths from the neighbouring parish. This event which began in St Ann last year continues to reflect the charism of the Franciscan friars in Kuching, in our care for the environment.

Matthew 25: 33 - 40

The parable put forth by Jesus remains a great challenge for all his followers. As the Body of Christ, we are called to serve the poor, the marginalised and the rejects of our modern-day society.

The Home of Peace, located some 3 kilometers from St Ann Parish, comes under the care of St Ann parish. On 20th February 2010, we began with a Mass celebrated in the Home of Peace's Chapel. The parishoners from the nearby Taman Landeh and Taman RPR Landeh came to attend the Mass and support the residents. It was a good turnout by the parishoners from the two Tamans who will have to gradually take ownership of their commitment to the Home of Peace and also respond to the challenge of Jesus' parable in the Gospel of Matthew.

Our presence as parishoners of St Ann certainly made an impact on the residents, the SSFS sisters ministering in the Home and Alvin (Administrator). The celebration of Mass at the Home of peace will soon become a regular feature where the Mass will be celebrated on the first, third, fourth and fifth Saturdays of every month.

You are invited to join us at the mass and experience the joy of serving the Lord's poor.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF HOLY FAMILY CHAPEL IN BETONG

A small delegation of parishoners and two friars drove up to Betong to witness the official opening and blessing of the Holy Family chapel in Betong.

The journey began on Friday afternoon and the group stayed over at Our Lady of Peace parish for the night, under the generous hospitality of Fr Patrick Heng.

Next morning we set out for Betong and arrived at the chapel and was told to be aware of the slippery road leading to the Betong Chapel. Fortunately, we arrived safely at the chapel and joined in the celebrations. The other friar who arrived at the scene, in the morning, was Friar Joseph Lee. He was picked up in the early hours of the morning so as to be on time for the ceremony.

Deacon William Lee was part of the delegation that arrived one day earlier and this trip was his first to Sri Aman. He played his role as a deacon by assisting Bishop John Ha during the ceremony.

After the mass we made our way back to St Ann Parish and it was quite an experience for all of us to be there and witness the official opening and blessing of the Holy Family Chapel in Betong.

Deacon William Lee from Singapore

On 1st December 2009, Deacon William Lee arrived in Kuching to help out in the parish. His presence at the parish came as a great surprise where at times God, in his mysterious ways, has a different plan for each individual. Importantly, one has to always be open, positive and take up the new challenges before him/her in the building up of God's kingdom

Although Deacon William is not fluent with the languages spoken in the Kota Padawan area like Biatah Siburan, Iban and Bahasa Malaysia, he has shown his determination to work alongside the parishoners and taken part in some of the sacramental demands of his ministry as a deacon for example once he had to do an emergency baptism at Kuching General Hospital for a new born twin baby.

The parishoners of St Ann have benefited from his presence and have become familiar with this simple Punggol-Teochew speaking boy from Singapore.

Hopefully Deacon William will enjoy his ministry among the Bidayuhs and Iban parishoners and experience the mysterious "hand of God" working actively in his life at this point of time.

CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN - ST ANN PARISH

The parish of St Ann has become champion once again for the second year running in the 2009 Kota Padawan Beauty and Landscape Competition. A small delegation went to SK Pangkalan Empat to receive the award.

This award continues to affirm our identity and charism as Franciscans, who are called to care and appreciate our Earth and the Environment.

The huge challenge before us is to help people become aware of the importance and care of the environment which is given as God's gift to the human race. As stewards, we have the responsibility to ensure that the future generations will also enjoy the beauty and gift of God's creation.

ST ANN FEAST SALES AND DINNER

2009 has been an extraordinary year in the history of St Ann where the parish did very well in terms of the feast day activities

We are indeed blessed to have so many generous and warm hearted people to come forward and help out with the activities. The hard work and sacrifice continue to show the willingness of people and benefactors to become truly part of the feast day event.

The visitors from Singapore also added colour to the event and were surprised by the ethnic and cultural display at the food fair.

May the Lord continue to bless everyone for doing their part in big as well as in small ways for making this feast day event and dinner an extraordinary and memorable one.

Friar Gerard
Rector St Ann

St Martha Kampung Garung celebrates feast day

Last Sunday, July 19, 2009, St. Martha’s Chapel, Kampung Garung, Jalan Puncak Borneo, Padawan marked a milestone of sorts, its 38th anniversary. The faithful came early,filling up the chapel to the delight of the Rector of St. Ann’s parish, Friar Gerard Victor, OFM.
The Catholic community of Kampung Garung had every reason to be proud for from a humble beginning of only five families in 1971, the community has grown to its present number of 65 families.
Friar Gerard Victor, OFM reminded the community to emulate Saint Martha who was always mindful of the need of the family. When Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed,” he was not scolding Martha. Mary’s attention to hear what Jesus said was an example that we should emulate in seeking after Jesus. Thus, the community must support one another in their work and prayers.
Later, after the Mass, Friar Gerard Victor and the Chairman of the parish council, Mr. Robert Josem,joined the community with the cake cutting ceremony.
At the dialogue session, Friar Gerard thanked the community for their past support of St Ann’s fundraising parish sale and hoped that they would continue to support all the activities organized by the parish. After the dialogue session, the community and guests joined in a fellowship meal.

Feel Free To Visit Us

ST. ANN YOUTH APOSTLATE NEW GENERATION

St Ann Feast-day 2009

You are invited to join us for our St Ann celebrations on 26 July 2009 at St Ann Baruk. The celebration will begin with the feast-day Mass at 9 am, presided by Bishop John Ha. Some parishioners from St Mary of the Angels parish in Singapore will also join us in the celebrations.

Besides the feast-day Mass, we will also hold the annual Parish Sales at St Lucas center. There will be lots and lots of things to buy from Jungle produce to food to clothes to Religious Articles.

So make a date with us and come celebrate this feast-day together with us. May the good Lord continue to bless the parishioners of St Ann abundantly in our efforts to make God’s kingdom a concrete reality in today’s times.

There will be a special 9-day Novena at St Ann Baruk at 8 pm beginning from 14 July 2009 until 23 July 2009.



What is background to the story of St Ann?

According to the ancient story, Ann the mother of Mary, was born in Bethlehem, where, years later, Jesus would be born. She married Joachim from Nazareth in Galilee. Their marriage was blessed in many ways. They loved each other very much and over the years their love only grew stronger. The couple prospered when they moved to Jerusalem.

Joachim, a shepherd who owned a large herd of sheep, was given the task of supplying the temple in Jerusalem with sheep for its sacrifices from his flocks, which grazed in the hills nearby the city.

Unfortunately, after twenty years of marriage Ann and Joachim had no children. They prayed and prayed, and even vowed to dedicate to God any child they would have. Year after year they entered the Temple to plead with God for help. But no child came.

Once, when Joachim went to the Temple for the feast of Dedication, he overheard someone ridiculing him for not being able to father a child. Stung by the remark, he went out into the hill country near Jerusalem where shepherds tended his flocks and cried to God over his disappointment of so many years.

After many days there alone, pouring out the sadness in his heart before God, an angel appeared to Joachim in dazzling light. The vision frightened him, but the angel said:

"Don't be afraid. I have come to tell you the Lord has heard your prayers. He knows how good you are and he knows your many years of sorrow for having no child. God will give your wife a child just as he did Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and Anna,the mother of Samuel. Your wife Ann will bear you a daughter. You shall call her Mary and dedicate her to God, for she will be filled with the Holy Spirit from her mother's womb."

"I will give you a sign", the angel continued. "Go back to Jerusalem. You will meet your wife at the Golden Gate, and your sorrow will be turned into joy."

Meanwhile, Ann, not knowing where her husband had gone, grew anxious and afraid. She, too, was hurt that she had no children and felt as though she were being punished by God. Going into the garden, she noticed some sparrows building a nest in a laurel tree, for it was springtime, and she began to cry:

"Why was I born, O Lord? The birds build nests for their young yet I have no child of my own. The animals of the earth, the fish of the sea are fruitful, yet I have nothing. The land produces fruit in due season, but I have no infant to hold in my arms."

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord came to her and said,

"Ann, the Lord has heard your prayer. You shall conceive a child whom the whole world will praise. Go to the Golden Gate in Jerusalem and meet your husband there."

So she quickly went to the city gate. The two met there and embraced, and joyfully shared the news the angel had given them. Returning home, Ann conceived and bore a daughter, and called her Mary.

The schedule for the Novena at St Ann is as follows:

14/7 (Tue), 15/7 (Wed), 17/7 (Fri), 18/7 (Sat), 19/7 (Sun), 20/7 (Mon), 21/7 (Tue), 22/7 (Wed) and 23/7 (Thurs). There will be no Novena on 16/7.


You are most welcome to join us and be part of our celebrations leading to the Feast day of St Ann

Ground Blessing for St Vincent de Paul’s Chapel at Kpg Chupak

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit Kampung Chupak, a Bidayuh village at Mile 24, old Serian Road, famous for paddy cultivation in Kuching Division. My visit was to join the local Catholic Community for the Ground Blessing Mass and Ceremony for St Vincent de Paul’s Chapel.

The journey started at 7.30 AM from the Friary at 10th Mile and we made a short stop at Siburan Bazaar, Mile 19 where we had our breakfast. I accompanied the Rector of St. Ann’s Parish, Friar Gerard Victor, OFM and Mr. Francis Satim, the Chairman of the parish Family Life Ministry for the trip.

We arrived at the village at about 8.30AM. On hand to welcome us was Mr. Anthony Aton, the representative of the community and the person instrumental in the formation of the Catholic Community at Kampung Chupak.
Many other visitors from kampung Peraya, Kampung Sira, Kampung Simpok and other areas also came to show their support for the community at Kampung Chupak. Notable were Deacon Desmond, Catechist Emily Ayu, and Catechist Stephen Jawum.

The celebration of the Mass, the first ever for the village, was at the Village Community Hall in view of the large number of visitors. The members of the parish youth ministry from the Chapel of St Martin de Porres of Kampung Sira rendered marvelous support during the Mass with the music, commentator and readers.

In his homily, Friar Gerard Victor offered words to ponder when he said, "God gives us gifts and talents so help one another.” He expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the villages who have pledged their support in cash and kinds to help build the chapel. The villages that had pledged their support were Kampung Simpok, Kampung Peraya, Kampung Sira, Kampung Mesaan, Kampung Tijirak and Kampung Seratau. For this, he said there was reason to celebrate. He said, “Let us to-day celebrate with the community in Kampung Chupak as witnesses of Christ. It is indeed a happy day for the Archdiocese of Kuching.”

Immediately after the Mass, the congregation witnessed a simple but meaningful ceremony- the handing over of the land for the Chapel by the owner, Mr. Jirud anak Nayup to Friar Gerard Victor, the Rector of St. Ann’s Parish. Both parties signed and exchanged the agreement documents. After that, Mr. Richard Lubiam of Kampung Sira and Mr. Juni of kampong Simpok, as Chairman of their respective village handed over the donations to the representative of the new Chapel.

We made our way to the site for the proposed Chapel, about 250 meters away from the Community Hall, for the ground blessing ceremony. A slight drizzle during the blessing did not trouble us in any way and for some they came well prepared with umbrellas.

After that, we had a hearty fellowship meal before bidding good-bye.

Robert Josem

Charity Golf Tournament-update

The Organisers informed that the tournament, scheduled to be held on 25th July, 2009 is postponed to 29th August, 2009. The change of date was unavoidable, as the management had to give way for a State held function in conjunction with the Rulers Conference.

The tournament venue is the Sarawak Club Golf Resort at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan.

With the change of date, interested golfers could still register to participate in the tournament. Please contact Mr. Dominic Josip h/p No. 013-8019392.

Celebration Father's Day in St.Ann

kenny

Karaoke Competition

I've covers another St.Ann youth activities and you can find it here

kenny

Happy Father's Day

We at Gereja Katolik St.Ann would like to wish all father's worldwide a very HAPPY FATHERS DAY.

kenny

Kpg Sta’ang hosts Family Games Day

The Catholic Community in Kampung Sta’ang under Penrissen Zone, St Ann’s parish, had successfully hosted the annual family games day on May 9, 2009.
About 250 people from eight villages namely; Bangau, Batung, Bratan, Bunuk, Petag, Punau, Sikog and Sta’ang took part in the fun filled sport activities. On hand to witness the event were the Rector of St. Ann’s Parish, Friar Gerard Victor OFM, Friar Joseph Lee OFM and Mr. Robert Josem, chairman of the parish council.

Kampung Batung emerged the overall winner, Kampung Punau the runner-up, and Kampung Sta’ang clinched the third place. The event concluded with fellowship and prize presentation.

Earlier, Mr. Paul Noing, the organising chairman, in his welcoming speech reckoned that the event was a success. He attributed this to the full support of the host village, members of the Youth Ministry, Ladies’ Guild and village church committees under Penrissen Zone.

Friar Gerard Victor OFM expressed his joy witnessing the umat sharing their gifts and enjoying wholesome family activities. He also announced that next year Kampong Batung would host the zone level event.

In St. Ann’s Parish, the family games day is organised annually at the zone level, namely; Semeba, Penrissen, Siburan, Simpok and Padawan, as a community programme to promote kinship among the family members and community in general. This is in line with the broad objectives of the pastoral focus of the family. To encourage participation and leadership, villages under each zone take turn to host the event.

NEW BEGINNINGS IN KG SAMPUN

One historical moment for the community in Kg Sampun was 25th April 2009, when 22 RCIA candidates were baptized and 5 Anglicans were received into the Catholic Church. There was an air of festivity for the 27 new members as they were accompanied during the ceremony by choir members from the Carmelite Chapel and members of the Iban Apostolate from St Ann Parish. The congregation sang their hearts out and showed our unity as one Body of Christ.

After the celebration, there was sumptuous meal prepared by some of the parishioners and everyone ate to their hearts’ content. This celebration truly showed the spirit of being one and supporting each other as Church. Our new Catholics would have benefited from the presence and witness shown by the veteran members of the Catholic Church.

However the celebrations did not end with the meal but continued with another historical moment which was the blessing of the site for the new Chapel named after “Our Lady of the Assumption.”

May our Lady as patroness continue to guide and be with the people in Kg Sampun.

St. Ann's Youth Blog

A new blog have been created for all the youth in St.Ann's Catholic Church in support to promote any activities involving the youth in the parish. The Author is looking forward to build a special team in order to keep the blog up to date. Any suggestion regarding this,do email to the author himself at caynie_de@yahoo.com

Do visit us at http://santa-annayouth.blogspot.com and be part of us.

God Bless

Kenny

Charity Golf Tournament- early information

Remember the golf tournament that was held at the Sarawak Golf Club on 19th May, 2007 in aid of St Ann’s building project?



Well, this year the organizing committee headed by Mr. Dominic Josip will organize the tournament for the same reason on July 25, 2009 at Damai Golf Course. Overseas friends who have planned to come to Sarawak to join us celebrating the Feast of St Ann on July 26, 2009 can consider joining the tournament if they are golfers as well.

Followers of this blog will be updated with more information when they are made available by the organizing committee. However, feel free to contact Mr. Dominic Josip, h/p No. 013-8019392 for immediate information on participation rules and conditions.

For a start, here is the link to Damai Golf & Country Club.

Project Gift Coupon comes to a successful conclusion.

Project Gift Coupon, launched on July 27 last year during the Feast Day of St Ann, was officially closed on April 26, 2008. The Building Committee is pleased to announce that the project which had achieved its target was the result of the cumulative contributions from all of you, whoever and wherever you are.

Below are some of the pictures highlighting the events from the beginning to the end during the 8 months the project run.




This is the Gift Coupon that will help us to raise fund for building the new St Ann Complex.


Two young girls in Bidayuh Costumes who are members of the PYM from Kpg Bumbok, bring in the mock Gift Coupon to start the launching.


Fr Gerard Victor OFM, the Rector of St Ann, receives the mock Gift Coupon and thereafter hands it over to Archbishop John Ha for the official launching.


Archbishop John Ha hands over the mock Gift Coupon to the Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Robert Josem, to symbolise the responsibility of the parishioners to make the project a success.



Showing the mock Gift Coupon to the congregation.

Project Gift Coupon comes to a successful conclusion- part 2.

Fr Gerard Victor,OFM receiving monetary donations from Mr. Franky Heng.


A section of a large crowd coming to witness the draw during the closing ceremony- outside the Hall.


A section of the large crowd withnessing the draw- inside the Hall.



The organising Chairman, Mr. Sebastian Ramek, takes the mic at the closing ceremony.


The first group of PYM members from Kpg Semeba picking the lucky numbers.

Project Gift Coupon comes to a successful conclusion- part 3.

The members of the Parish Youth Ministry working hard to pick the lucky numbers.


The first prize, a Perodua VIVA Car, goes to.... Mr. Su-ut anak Seim!!!



Mdm Felicia Toh, wins the second prize, a Samsung 40" LCD Television set.


Mr. Alvin anak Dominic Josip, the third prize winner, receives the key of Modenas Kriss 100 from Fr. Gerard Victor, OFM.


Fr. Gerard Victor, OFM giving certificate of appreciation to Mr. Philip Siaw of Messrs Sin Thai Hin who donates the third prize, Modenas Kriss 100. Looking on is Fr Joseph Lee, OFM

Courtesy Visit to Honourable Datuk Michael Manyin

Recently, Friar Joseph Lee OFM led a five-member team to visit the Honourable Minister of Urban Development and Tourism, Datuk Michael Manyin at his office at 7th Floor, Baitulmakmur Building, Petra Jaya, Kuching. The other members of the team were the Deputy Chairman of St Ann’s New Complex Building Fund, Mr. Patrick Kiyok; Chairman of St Ann’s Parish Council, Mr. Robert Josem; Chairman of the Annual Community Dinner ‘09, Mr. Patrick Romas and Assistant Treasurer of St Ann’s Building Fund, Mr. Francis Satim.

The purpose of the visit was to express gratitude for the support and contribution of the Honourable Minister towards St Ann Church. We also took the opportunity to brief him on the progress of the fund-raising for the new St Ann’s Complex and to invite him to be the patron for St Ann’s Annual Community Dinner to be held on August 1, 2009 at Siburan Community Hall, Siburan.


Front row from left to right: Fr Joseph Lee OFM, YB Datuk Michael Manyin, Mr. Robert Josem
Back row from left to right: Mr. Francis Satim, Mr. Patrick Lomas and Mr. Patrick Kiyok