A fruitful parish assembly at SMC

Feb 28, 2025

By Jennifer Duarte
The parish assembly held at the Church of St Michael (SMC) on February 16, saw a packed hall of engaged parishioners. Prior to the assembly, parish priest Fr Aloysius Tan had encouraged the faithful to attend the event during weekend Masses.

Fr Aloysius emphasised the importance of each parishioner’s involvement, stating, “The participation of every parishioner can promote the growth of the parish, and every parishioner can make a contribution to the parish. Nothing is insignificant. Only by working together can the parishioners live out God’s mission.”

The gathering highlighted the parish’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among its members.

Msgr Jude Miranda, chairman of the Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Team, served as the guest speaker at the assembly. In his address, he emphasised two key themes for the parish community. Firstly, he spoke on the importance of embracing the mindset of “a synodal community” within the Catholic Church. He encouraged the faithful to journey together as the People of God, walking side by side, listening to one another, and discerning the Holy Spirit’s guidance in their shared mission.

Secondly, he urged the congregation to broaden and deepen their understanding of the image of the “tent,” which has held significant meaning throughout history. Drawing from the Book of Exodus, he reminded the assembly that the Tent of Meeting was where God and mankind encountered one another. Today, he explained, the “tent” is the Church, and each member of the Church is a living reflection of God’s presence among us.

Following Msgr Jude’s address, participants at the parish assembly divided according to language groups (English and Mandarin) for a deeper, more reflective experience. The assembly broke into smaller groups of eight to practice “Conversation in the Spirit,” focusing on listening and discerning together.

Focusing on two key areas — Church and Society — participants were invited to engage in spiritual conversation around two thoughtprovoking questions: ‘How can we make our Church more meaningful as we journey together as a community?’ and ‘Keeping the spirit of Synodality, how can our society be more united despite the differences and challenges we go through in life?’

This exercise allowed the parishioners to share insights, deepen their reflections, and foster a sense of unity as they listened to one another in the spirit of discernment.

After hearing representatives from each group share their conclusions, Msgr Jude summarised the three fundamental needs for the parish’s growth: 

• Building Relationships: We must grow in relationship with one another, valuing each other, as strong relationships reflect God’s presence in our lives. 

• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: The parish must be a place where everyone feels welcomed, included, and united, fostering a spirit of community. 

• Increased Parish Involvement: It is essential to create platforms that allow parishioners to engage more actively in ministry and contribute to the parish’s mission.

Fr Aloysius expressed gratitude to the parishioners for their active participation in the assembly, emphasising that despite our differences, being present and engaged was the key. “We can listen, share, and participate with one another to achieve communion,” he said.

Building on the ‘Conversation in the Spirit’, Fr Aloysius proposed focusing on discipleship in parish life and living out our Christian witness. He outlined a three-year plan for the parish: 2025 — The jubilee year, marking the 135th anniversary of the church’s founding. This year will focus on preparation and celebration; 2026 — The year of training and nurturing new members and 2027 — The year of celebrating the mission of the parish.

He concluded by stressing that, by 2027, all parishioners — especially the youth and those currently uninvolved — must be formed and engaged in ministry. He encouraged more individuals to step up as new leaders within the parish