MJD News Update #16

A group of tourists were travelling through a very beautiful country of lakes and mountains and green fields and rivers. But the shades of the bus were pulled down.

Nov 14, 2020

Greetings and Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you, dear People of God.

1.0 A Thought for the Week: No more wonders or no more wondering?

A group of tourists were travelling through a very beautiful country of lakes and mountains and green fields and rivers. But the shades of the bus were pulled down. They had no idea of what was beyond the windows of the bus. And throughout their journey they were squabbling over who would have the seat of honour in the bus, who would be applauded, who would be well considered. And they ended their journey without seeing anything. (Anthony de Mello)

Something for us to consider. Many of us are like that. We miss out on so many lovely sights because we are too preoccupied with the hassles. We find this in the Church, the nation and the world. We miss out on the diversity, the multi-colours, the multi-sounds and the multi-expressions. Have you ever  envisaged what heaven or God’s Kingdom would be like? We might get what we may dislike or despise here on earth. G.K. Chesterton once said: “We are perishing for lack of wonder, not for lack of wonders.” 

2.0 Announcements for the week:

2.1 The planned programmes of the Deliverance Exorcism Office (DEO) and the Annual Clergy Discernment have been suspended for the time being. The Deliverance Exorcism Office can be contacted for appointments via the hotline, +601111206110, which is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm4:30pm.                         

2.2 The second part of the first Online National Assembly of the Caritas Malaysia was concluded today. The Caritas Way of Doing Charity will impact the dioceses of Sabah, Sarawak and Semenanjung. Pope Francis is reminding us that “A Church  without charity does not exist.”     

2.3 Responding to the CMCO Guidelines for the period Nov 8 - Dec 6, the Malacca Johore Diocese has outlined what is approved and not permitted:

a) The Approved:

––Masses and services or prayers that comply with the CMCO requirements.
––Weddings and funeral services or masses that are limited to 30 persons, with ample space and distancing, etc.

b) The Unpermitted: 

––Receptions or celebrations or gatherings for engagements or weddings in the church premises.
––Seminars, workshops, courses, conferences, public talks, catechism classes and BEC Gatherings have been suspended.
–– Those aged 70 years and above, and 12 years and below, are recommended “not to be allowed”.

 2.4 Facilities and times for Confessions must be continued. Display signage at confessionals and notice-boards. Priests are expected to be available 30 mins before mass at their confessional points or be available in the office for those who have made appointments.

2.5 There will not be any Advent Penitential Services. The Vicariates have arranged Advent Confessions for each parish on the appointed day and time.

2.6 Advent RCIA Rite of Acceptance can be held on the 1st Sunday of Advent if the parish is ready and SOPs are in place.

Bishop Bernard Paul
November 13, 2020

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