SMC’s outreach to the poorest of the poor

Jan 08, 2015

IPOH (Herald Malaysia): Christmas at St Michael’s Church (SMC) took on a special meaning this year, as it was more about giving to others than receiving.

The SMC mission team for the Orang Asli helped to bring food rations comprising rice and biscuits to the Orang Asli villages in Gerik, Bidor and Tapah.

Throughout Advent, parishioners gave donations of cash or food items for the team to take to the Orang Asli on Dec 27.

The parishioners had been asked to chip in through an Advent reach-out programme, so that those who go hungry, not by choice, can have some share of the Christmas festivities and joy. The poorest of the poor, the Orang Asli, had especially touched SMC parishioners, and they responded by giving food items and help in various ways.

SMC’s parish project this year was to help the Orang Asli in need.

SMC parish priest Fr Stephen Liew had, throughout Advent, reminded the people that Christmas is the time of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and to prepare for His coming. It was also important to remember the sick, and specially the poor, that they receive care and medical treatment, besides food.

This was what the mission team had been carrying out throughout the year, but a more fervent effort was made during Advent to help them celebrate Christmas.

The Christmas Eve Vigil Mass was celebrated by Fr Robin Andrews, the assistant parish priest of SMC, and concelebrated by SMC parish priest Fr Liew.

In his homily Fr Robin said that just as the angels announced the birth of Jesus Christ, Catholics must go out to announce Jesus to others, by bringing joy through kind words and deeds.

“To be a Christian is to love others as Jesus loves us.

“How do we bring joy to others? It is just by being friendly, caring for others and helping others to bear their burdens,” Fr Robin said.

“Show the great difference that Jesus has made in our lives. You will be sent to announce the love, peace and joy of Jesus to others and also to be the instrument of Jesus,” he added.

Fr Robin said that Jesus’ coming into our hearts called for rejoicing, but it also must evoke a response from us.

“Our response is to carry Jesus into the darkened lives of those around us, our families and others and in doing so, all can grow in love of Jesus Christ,” he added.

Fr Robin and Fr Liew wished all present a holy and very joyful Christmas and a blessed, happy and peaceful New Year.