Malaysian Catechetical Commission holds meeting in Keningau

The Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC), with Bishop Cornelius Piong as Episcopal President, met in the Keningau Diocesan Retreat Centre in Tatal on 25-28 Jan 2016.

Feb 04, 2016

KENINGAU:  The Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC), with Bishop Cornelius Piong as Episcopal President, met in the Keningau Diocesan Retreat Centre in Tatal on 25-28 Jan 2016.

Discussion focused on the ongoing formation of catechists, integrating aspects of personality development, spirituality, knowledge and skills.  Every arch/diocese will prepare a complete module of catechist formation to be presented and discussed at the next meeting scheduled in October this year.

The Malaysian Catechetical Series, published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia and used in stages since 2005 was discussed.  Looking at the changes in the world today brought about by modernisation, catechists encounter much difficulty with the present Series and face a challenging task to make their weekly catechesis more attractive and effective.  The MCC will conduct a research study on the current situation concerning the young generation of today to find a better way of catechising that is relevant and according to the needs of this generation.  Fr Alvin Ho SJ from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur will prepare the material to facilitate this research to be carried out by the Diocesan Catechetical Commission.

Topics deemed relevant for young people but not covered in the MCS may be delivered during camps, recollections or faith formation sessions outside the Sunday School hours. Sr Maria Chan FMM shared about Good Shepherd Catechesis for pre-schoolers.

Materials used for RCIA in both BM and English were also discussed at some length. The materials in BM that were prepared by the Sabah Catechetical Commission Team of the arch/dioceses in Sabah under the guidance of Bishop Cornelius Piong, are ready to be put on a trial run this year before publication. Those interested may contact Sr Dariah FSIC, Catechetical Commission of Kota Kinabalu.

Catechetical week will be celebrated on 18 September 2016 with the theme ‘Merciful as the Father is Merciful’ (Lk 6:36), chosen in line with the Year of Mercy.  Fr Simon Yong SJ from the diocese of Melaka-Johor will prepare the reflection on the theme.

Election of office bearers of the MCC followed, and before dispersing, members of the MCC visited Sosopon Hill, a place of pilgrimage where there is a Holy Door of Mercy in the new Church. Members also visited the Catholic community at St Blasius Church, Magatang, Keningau,

The next MCC meeting will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur on 10-13 Oct 2016.--kkdiocese.net