SMC plans for transformation

Jan 16, 2015

IPOH (Herald Malaysia): St Michael’s Church (SMC) is focusing on the transformation of self, family and society, through its parish pastoral plans this year.

The parish assembly began with a praise and worship session organized by St Theresa’s choir, and the enthronement of the bible.

Parish committee chairman Francis Fernandes gave an overview of last year’s project to help the Orang Asli.

SMC parish priest Fr Stephen Liew, in his speech, outlined this year’s projects following the theme: Discipleship towards the transforming of humanity.

The parish assembly was held at the parish hall, attended by 100 representatives of the parish.

SMC’s transformation project will be in three parts.

For the first four months, it will be on transforming self, the second quarter on transformation of family and the last on transforming society.

For the English-speaking parishioners, Fr Liew proposed that the Prodigal Son retreat, conducted by Dr Jeffery Goh, be held for parishioners at least three to four times this year.

The first Prodigal Son retreat is scheduled for Jan 31-Feb 1 at SMC.

Simultaneously, the Chinese-speaking parishioners will have the “Little Rock” programme which focuses on bible study.

For Family Transformation, the parish has proposed that each family pray the rosary together for the whole month of May. Each family must have family prayer together (with all members present) and a family meal together at least once a month.

For the transformation of society, Fr Liew said the parish will have a parish formation team to see to the spiritual and material needs of any plans proposed by the various ministries.

Together with this, Fr Liew also proposed the need for certain forums and talks on how to understand other religions.

“The plan is to have certain sessions on how our country is organized and run socially, politically and economically.

“With the parish formation team, we can do something to bring about awareness to people. Right now, many are not fully aware of these things,” he said.

Lastly, he said the BECs have a special mission this year.

They will have to organize the fellowship for the feastday Mass of St Michael’s, as well as prepare and hold the second triduum Mass at the BEC level.

The first and third of the triduum Masses will be held in Church.

Fr Liew said last year’s mission project for the Orang Asli had gone well, and so the ministry to the Orang Asli will continue as the main parish thrust this year.

“The bishop has agreed in principle that a Ministry to the Orang Asli will be included at diocesan level,” he said.

After a short discussion, the assembly unanimously accepted the parish proposals planned for this year.

There was a short question and answer session.

In conclusion, Fr Liew said all BEC representatives will have to submit their plans for 2015 on Jan 25 and the parish animating team will then compile the planned projects for this year.

The assembly dispersed after a short prayer and blessing by Fr Liew.