Bringing good news and cheer to one and all

Jan 03, 2025

Church of St Jude, Rawang
RAWANG: The parishioners of the Church of St Jude celebrated their first parish-level Christmas party since the MCO on December 15.

The celebration, organised by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), headed by Christine Vincent, brought together people from diverse backgrounds, uniting them in a spirit of fun, food, friendship, and fiesta.

With strong support from the entire committee, particularly Zone coordinator Michael Devadass and his assistant, Diana Rayan, they meticulously laid the groundwork for the celebration. They engaged with all Zones and Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) coordinators to ensure widespread participation from the parish.

“The full backing of our parish priest made this event possible. His encouragement motivated us to organize even more activities for both children and adults,” said Michael.

A standout feature was the collaboration with the Parish Integral Human Development Ministry (PIHDM), which helped include migrants in the festivities. Generous donations from parishioners ensured that every migrant child received several toys or cherished pre-loved items, while adult migrants were also generously gifted. Thanks to the PIHDM’s initiatives, the presence of migrants infused an extra warmth and community spirit into the day.

The youth took the lead in organising thrilling game stalls. The highlight was undoubtedly the dunk tank, where parish priest Fr Vincent Thomas and our home-grown seminarians bravely took the plunge into cold water, much to the amusement of the crowd.

The evening was further enlivened by uplifting performances from members of the Tamil, Chinese, and Bahasa apostolates.

In his speech, Fr Vincent emphasised the significance of different communities — East Malaysians, migrants, and locals — coming together to share in the joy of the celebration. He highlighted how the diverse backgrounds of the community members reinforced the notion that we are indeed stronger together. He also praised the parish for its overwhelming turnout, which contributed to the event’s resounding success.

As families departed with cherished memories, a lingering hope for future joyful gatherings filled the air, reminding everyone that together, we can create magic during the holiday season. --Mercy Almeida Stellus

Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Klang
KLANG: The Our Lady of Lourdes Senior Citizen Ministry (OLL SCM) recently celebrated their Christmas Luncheon at the New Bagan Restaurant on December 15.

Approximately 60 members attended the event, embracing the festive spirit by dressing in shades of green and red, the chosen theme for the occasion. The luncheon was filled with joy and laughter, featuring games, quizzes, and lively carolling. The atmosphere was charged with the essence of Christmas, thanks to the charming decorations, twinkling lights, and cheerful carols drawing everyone to sing along.

The celebration included wine and fruitcake, followed by spirited renditions of Christmas carols and engaging games. The delicious food delighted all, and the festivities continued for about four hours. By the end of the event, everyone left with smiles on their faces, armed with thoughtful gifts and party packs to remember the joyous occasion.

Church of St Joseph, Sentul
SENTUL: The Church of St Joseph celebrated its annual Children’s Christmas Party with the theme Sharing God’s Love Through Giving on December 15. The dedicated organising committee began preparations three months prior, with the blessing of parish priest, Fr Frederick Joseph, embarking on a mission to raise funds and gather donations through weekly breakfast sales, along with the generosity of donors and sponsors.

Approximately 540 children, including catechetical students, members of the Myanmar community, Educare participants, and children under the purview of the PIHD, along with their parents, attended the joyous event. Residents from St Mary’s Home and Joy Home joined the celebration.

The event also marked the 56th sacerdotal anniversary of Msgr James with a cakecutting ceremony. Adding to the excitement, Santa Claus and his santarinas made a delightful appearance, captivating the children with a lively dance. The programme continued with performances by catechism students and vibrant displays from the Myanmar and Sri Lankan communities, showcasing the unique talents that embody the spirit of Christmas.

A highlight of the event was a skit performed by the children, conveying the true meaning of Christ’s birth, followed by an engaging clown show that kept the children entertained. Various games filled the day with fun, and the sumptuous food was enjoyed by all.

The celebration continued with carolling, filling the air with Christmas cheer. This was followed by the distribution of beautiful gifts, bringing immense joy to the children. The event concluded with a magical snow show, leaving the children in awe and creating unforgettable memories of joy and festive cheer. --John Bosco Morais

Church of St Aloysius, Mantin
MANTIN: A joyful Children’s Christmas Party, organised by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and PHID, had children from FINs (Friends In Need) who were especially excited to be part of this merry-making.

The celebration kicked off after Mass, featuring a delightful breakfast and potluck contributed by parents, setting a warm tone for a day filled with joy and fellowship. The Vincentians led the opening segment with lively songs.

The Nativity play was a standout production, directed by T. Marie Ashely, offered a refreshing twist on the traditional story of Christ’s birth. What made this performance truly special was the enthusiastic involvement of the pupils, who not only delivered heartfelt performances but also significantly contributed to the script. Their unique perspectives ensured that the story resonated with today’s generation, bringing the timeless themes of hope, love, and faith to life in an engaging and relatable way.

Adding to the morning’s charm, children from Kampung Belihoi, dressed in white, performed action songs that were both beautiful and inspiring, captivating the hearts of everyone present. Their joyful energy exemplified the unity and shared spirit of the occasion.

The catechism children further enriched the celebration by singing a selection of songs that filled the atmosphere with warmth and reverence. Their innocent voices echoed the joy of the season and reminded everyone of the significance of the Nativity story.

The festive spirit was palpable as the children engaged in various activities, received gifts, and enjoyed the company of friends and family. The event beautifully highlighted the essence of Christmas — sharing love and spreading joy to those around us. --Selva Manogary