Inaugural assembly of Miri’s Diocesan Pastoral Council

Mar 27, 2024

By William Gan
February 3 marked a historic moment for the Diocese of Miri as it hosted its inaugural gathering and Annual General Meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC). Over 40 representatives, under the leadership of Bishop Richard Ng, assembled at the St Francis Centre for this important event.

All 14 parishes were represented at the AGM by their parish rectors, chairpersons, secretaries, or treasurers of the parish councils. In addition, catechists, chairpersons of eight diocesan commissions, and representatives of religious sisters were also in attendance.

The day started with an opening Mass at the nearby Carmelite Chapel at 8.00am. Appropriately, the readings of the day were about King Solomon asking God for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil, and about Jesus taking pity on “sheep without a shepherd” and setting out to fulfil this need despite already being so tired.

The meeting convened immediately after Mass. Bishop Richard called to order the inaugural AGM of the Miri DPC with an opening prayer. All participants introduced themselves and Bishop Richard provided the history and context of the DPC, explaining that this council is mandated by the Church’s Code of Canon Law.

The aim of the Miri DPC is “to project and concretise the vision of the local Church as a communion of God’s people with their active participation in the life and mission of the Church”. The DPC has a consultative vote per Canon 514 and its main role is to study and make proposals for resolution of issues for the bishop to deliberate on and decide.

Bishop Richard then presented the Statutes of the DPC. The Statutes (with a small addition relating to Care of Creation) were approved by him, which was supported by a majority show of hands. Election of the office bearers to the DPC by secret ballot followed.

After a short tea break, the delegates re-convened to discuss two projects for the diocese, guided by the theme given by the Bishop Richard, Into the Deep (Lk 5:1-11). Four breakout groups brainstormed over the theme for ideas for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Diocese in 2026 and the Pastoral Plan of the Diocese in line with its Vision and Mission statements.

The delegates then re-grouped in a plenary session where the various proposals were presented and recorded for subsequent deliberation by the board of the DPC later.

The AGM ended with a closing thanksgiving prayer and blessing by Fr Joseph Ding, Rector of Sungai Asa parish. After lunch, delegates headed home to their respective parishes. --Today’s Catholic