In 2020, SMC to focus on family

Jan 09, 2020

IPOH: St Michael’s Church (SMC) parish assembly on Jan 5, came up with several proposals for 2020.

In tandem with the Penang Diocesan theme, Sent with Joy to heal, each BEC will have to come up with at least one outreach programme each, and these must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebased in nature.

The parish also hopes to set up a Family Ministry in 2021.

Throughout 2020, it will invite counsellors to the parish to give talks about family life, and therapeutic counselling.

Selected individuals will then be sent for training in Penang.

“The family is very important, as it is the foundation of our faith life,” he said.

Around 300 people attended the assembly, and many had brought their children with them.

The parish assembly began with the enthronement of the Bible, and a verse from Luke 10:17-20 was read.

In addressing the children, Fr Anthony Liew welcomed the little ones, saying that it was important for the children’s voice to be heard, as they are part of the family of SMC.

“Little children, make your voices heard, and speak up. Youths, you are welcome to participate in all the activities planned, and also in the Friday Silent Adoration and Mass,” he said.

Fr Liew said there will also be a talk given  on the Healing Aspects of the Mass.

“This year, concentrate on the mission given to you.

“We are sent out in pairs, so we can discern what is God’s will and there are a lot of people who need God.

“There is an urgency for us to go out to them.

“It is God who will touch them, not us. If they don’t respond to your invitation, then don’t worry because we are still God’s instruments despite their response,” he said.

“I thank God for your participation throughout last year to nurture in us, a sense of home in SMC.

“Migrants are not called migrants but as our family of brothers and sisters.

“I hope the concept of SMC as our home  will be instilled in us and will be the foundation for further participation in the parish,” he said.

He said parishioners must keep in mind that they must work together as one BEC, organisation or church.

“This is  important, so that we can be empowered in Jesus’ name.

“Also don’t count how many people have been converted, or keep track of your key performance index.

“As long as even one soul is touched, we should be joyful,” he said.

Other proposals include reaching out to the needy and lapsed Catholics, having an  Inter BEC day, providing transport for the elderly to and fro church, medical checkups and medical talks, and an exhibition on church history.

The Story of the Saints will also be highlighted.

During the second half of the parish assembly, the parishioners gathered in their respective BECs and discussed ideas and suggestions.

Afterwards, each person had to answer a questionaire on what they thought was the best outreach programme for SMC, and how it would bring joy and healing to the recipient.

Fr Liew also said the parish has arranged for talks on Holy Week,  given by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha, from April 1 - 4, a parish formation on May 1, and the SMC family day on Merdeka Day.

There will be a grand celebration of St Michael’s Feastday starting with the triduum Masses from Sept  29 till Oct 2,  followed by SMC’s 130th Vigil with procession around town.

On Oct 4, there will be SMC’s 130th anniversary Reunion Dinner. There is currently a competition to compose a song for SMC (in English and Mandarin) by parishioners.

The song may be either an expression of  love for SMC, SMC as our Home, St Michael our patron saint or simply thanking God for his faithfulness.

The deadline for the composition is Mar 3, 2020.

Finally, at 7.00pm that same night, the parish held their appreciation dinner for parishioners, who serve in church ministries.