Malacca Johore Diocese News Update #102

September- October is Retreat Time for all ministries and church organisations. It is a time to slow-down, ask what the Spirit is saying to us, allow the Spirit to show us our obedience and resistance.

Sep 23, 2022

Greetings and Peace Dear People of God We have a new cardinal. the HERALD print edition is back. “We are Malaysians”, a musical video is out. England mourns the passing of their Queen. Tommy Thomas explained the workings of the Pardon Board.

The Federal Constitution remains the supreme law of Malaysia.

A Thought for the Week:
Success? Today at 7.00am, I woke up feeling ill, but decided I needed the money, so I went into work. At 3.00pm I got laid off. On my drive home I got a flat tire. When I went into the trunk for the spare, it was flat too. A man in a BMW pulled over, gave me a ride, we chatted, and then he offered me a job. I start tomorrow.

Jobs come, jobs go but we cannot be careless with our family, friends, health and faith. They are irreplaceable.

Announcements for this Week

1. September- October is Retreat Time for all ministries and church organisations. It is a time to slow-down, ask what the Spirit is saying to us, allow the Spirit to show us our obedience and resistance. We stop, look and go. Do we do that?

2. On September 16, the MJD’s Creation Justice Commission launched The Protec Campaign Year 3, with the theme: Stop Plastic Pollution at St Theresa Church, Masai, together with the parish’s “GO GREEN” initiative.

3. Feast day of St Padre Pio - The Capuchin Community of Ulu Tiram celebrated their novena and feast from Sept 22 to 25.

4. The Minister says that wearing masks is no longer mandatory indoors. In Malacca and Johore, the public are encouraged to wear masks at crowded places such as night markets, stadiums, malls and houses of worship.

a) For MJD, as advised by the JPN, the wearing of face masks at worship and gatherings is a requirement.

b) Keep the fundamentals:
-- Wearing masks is encouraged;
-- Sanitising and health precautions continue;
-- Church-goers with flu or COVID symptoms should refrain from attending;
-- Avoid communion in twospecies for now.

c) The dispensation from Sunday Mass obligation is still in force till further notice. This week’s

Question and Query.
Q asks: How do we face uncertainty?

1. Uncertainty is often centred on worries about the future and all the bad things you can anticipate happening. It can leave you feeling hopeless and depressed about the days ahead, exaggerate the scope of the problems you face, and even paralyse you from taking action to overcome a problem.

2. The Seven Strategies to Face Uncertainty
#1. Practise Acceptance. Stop resisting. Acceptance is about meeting life where it is and moving forward from there.
#2. Practise Self-improvement. Invest in yourself. Invest in your body, mind or spirit to lead a better life and contribute to the world.
#3. Practise Self-care. Find healthy hobbies and recreation to comfort one’s self.
#4. Practise Mindfulness. Don’t believe everything you think. Be aware of your thoughts — the worst case scenarios, toxic words and thoughts, negativity. Discard them.
#5. Practise Presence. The opposite of uncertainty is not certainty; it’s presence. Instead of imagining a scary and unknown future, listen to your breath. Return to the centre.
#6. Practise Self-Rescue. Stop looking for others to rescue us. Stop complaining. Take responsibility. Do not be trapped in narratives that leave us feeling angry, helpless, and paralysed and hoping that other people will save us from our misery.
#7. Practise Discernment. Find meaning and purpose. When it is scary or uncertain out there, knowing what meaning we have for others and having a sense of purpose enables us to endure.

“Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. ...live in the question.” ? Rainer Maria Rilke,

We celebrated Malaysia Day on Sept 16. Continue to believe that we are a 3G nation, blessed with GRACE, GOODNESS and GOODWORKS. The call of God for all Malaysians is to connect with the 3G within. Pray for a Better Malaysia. God Bless.

Bishop Bernard Paul
September 16, 2022