Diocesan Human Development Commission meet to plan for 2015

Dec 26, 2014

LAHAD DATU (Herald Malaysia): The Diocesan Human Development Commission, formed on January 18, 2014, held its second meeting, study and formation session, attended by 12 members from the four parishes and the diocesan pastoral office, on December 6 and 7 at St Dominic’s Church.

Francis Tan, in the absence of Sr Maria Dipal, rgs, the Chairperson of the commission, tabled the proposed year-long programme for 2015. It encompasses Catholic Social Teaching, Migration Awareness, Leadership and Team Building, Facilitation Training Session and Lenten Campaign. The target groups would be the BEC and Commission members of the four parishes.

The Diocesan World Day for Migrants and Refugees themed Towards a Better World was celebrated on 28th September at the Holy Trinity Church, Tawau. The celebration has promoted the church as a welcoming church, extending her arms to all people, accepting everyone without distinction. The host for the next celebration, themed Church without frontiers, Mother to all will be announced early next year.

The study and formation session on Dec 7 focused on the Joy of the Gospel : the 7 challenges from Pope Francis. Two challenges were discussed at length —Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm (# 80) and Let us not allow ourselves be robbed of the joy of evangelization (# 83).

The first topic was facilitated by Francis Tan while the second topic was by Shirley Joseph Dipal, the Secretary of the Commission. The rest of the challenges will be discussed at future meetings.