Farewell Mr. Francis Satim

It has been ages since I last wrote anything here. There are many reasons for my lack of enthusiasm but mainly I was down with pneumonia since August. I have sufficiently recovered though, and had been quite active with my usual chore since last week.
I would like to start this writing in remembrance of a good friend, Mr. Francis Satim, a volunteer at St Ann, who suddenly passed away yesterday afternoon (October 19, 2009). I really do not know what to say, so forgive me if I just ramble a bit. I received the news at 2.00PM from my relative, Ms Ani Solep who was equally shocked and she was trying to confirm the news with me. I immediately called the Office of St Ann, which confirmed the news.
Last week, on Tuesday, I invited him and Mr. Barnabas Willie for breakfast at Swee Sen, our favourite coffee shop at 10th Mile Bazaar. He was grateful and promised to treat me for the same on Thursday but I did not meet him then because of other commitment. However, I met him on Sunday at St Ann and he quickly pulled me into SACC Office telling me that the Office has just installed with an air conditioner. In the evening, we had our monthly SACC meeting at that Office and there was nothing to indicate that Mr. Francis was not well. The meeting adjourned at 9.30PM and his last words were “Good night Brother, and thank you for the dinner.” I bade him goodnight and that apparently was how it all end.
Looking back, I regret for not keeping the appointment on Thursday for that breakfast he wanted to treat me. It was not the food, but the company of one another that we cherished. How can I make up for that loss opportunity?

Perhaps a story that I picked up from mavarickysm.blogspot.com will answer that question. Please reflect on it.

STORY: A Passage in Life's Journey
I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'. 'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening... 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.'

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighbourhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said 'You have to make a living,' she answered. 'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.' I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought.For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver or someone who was impatient to end his shift?

Our lives revolve around great moments.But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

St Ann's feast day draws a record crowd

The feast of St Ann at mile 10, Kota Padawan, started this morning at 9.00 AM with a thanksgiving Mass, concelebrated by Archbishop John Ha, Friar Gerard Victor OFM, Friar Moses Yap OFM and Friar Joseph Lee OFM. I figured close to 3,500 faithful attended the Mass. The faithful came early and by 8.00 AM, more than half of the chairs were occupied. Together joining the celebration was a group of 34 faithful from Singapore.

At the near by St Lukas Centre, it was a hive of activities as the 86 stall operators were actively selling their products as early as 7.00 AM. As usual the members of the public from the city made an early call to patronise the stalls.

By 11.30 AM St. Lukas Centre was jammed with people as more people literally rushed there after the Mass. It was a sight to behold.

Below are some of the pictures I have taken. I will post more pictures as soon as I get them from Mr. Raymond Allas.

With children in tow, they came early

Prayer leaders renewing their vows

Let the show begin

This is the way to promote sale

St Martha Kampung Garung celebrates feast day

Last Sunday, July 19, 2009, St. Martha’s Chapel, Kampung Garung, Jalan Puncak Borneo, Padawan marked a milestone of sorts, its 38th anniversary. The faithful came in full force filling up the Chapel to the delight of the rector of St. Ann’s parish, Friar Gerard Victor, OFM.

The Catholic community of Kampung Garung had every reason to be proud for from a humble beginning of only five families in 1971, the community has grown to its present number of 65 families.

Friar Gerard Victor, OFM reminded the community to emulate Saint Martha who was always mindful of the need of the family. When Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed,” he was not scolding Martha. Mary’s attention to hear what Jesus said was an example that we should emulate in seeking after Jesus. Thus, the community must support one another in their work and prayers.

Later, after the Mass, Friar Gerard Victor, OFM joined the community with the cake cutting ceremony.

At the dialogue session, Friar Gerard thanked the community for their past support of St Ann’s parish activities such as parish sale and hoped that they would continue to support all the activities organized by the parish. After the session, the community and guests joined in a fellowship meal.

St Ann's Feast Day

The Parish of St. Ann, Kota Padawan will be celebrating its patron's feast day on July 26, 2009. This also marks the 41st anniversary of the parish.

In preparing for the feast day celebration, the faithful, for the first time pray the Novena to Saint Anne in the evening, beginning last Tuesday, July 14, at the Baruk.

The feastday will be celebrated with thanksgiving Mass at the Baruk at 9.00AM. We expect to see a capacity crowd of about 4,000 faithful.Due preparation to provide for the convenience of the parishioners had been put in place. This year more shelters, both temporary and permanent structures, had been erected.

Thereafter, the community will make their way to the nearby St Lukas Centre where they will join the merry-making at the the parish sale which promises to show case an array of goods from jungle produce to cooked and manufactured food and products. As usual local delicacies will draw great attention. So far a total of 79 stalls out of 80 had been booked.

Come join us at St. Ann's Parish next Sunday (July 26, 2009)

The following pictures were taken from 2008 feast day celebration
Choir group from PYM Semeba
Bidayuh lasses from Bumbok in traditional costumes

Mock Gift Coupon
Centre front-That's me
Custos Friar Michael D'Cruz, OFM
A section of the crowd at the parish sale
The crowd at St. Lukas as viewed from St. Ann

Putting my palm print on the banner. Friar Clifford Augustine, OFM and his favourite drink

A section of the crowd in front of Elizabeth Kiing's stall.

They know not what they do

I would like to believe that the two Muslim journalists were ignorant and did not realize the implication of their story in Al-Islam of May 2009. I may be wrong, naïve and forgiving but to think otherwise is not only judgmental but also making enemies unnecessarily. However, I fully agree with The Herald Malaysia and Mr. Martin Jalleh that as Catholics we must express our displeasure so that such “misadventure” would not recur. It is therefore reasonable for the Catholic Church demands an apology from the two journalists from Al Islam. If they admit that they have acted out of ignorance, then let gone be bygone. There is no need to dwell on this any further let alone demand to see them in court.
Unhappy though we are we must not over react on this incidence, albeit it not being the only one committed against the Church. Let show them our Christian way, be ready to forgive. Our Lord, Jesus Christ went through greater humiliation during the end of His earthly life. And in spite of it all, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”
Here below is the full response from The Herald Malaysia, reproduced, courtesy from Malaysia-Today.

The Herald Malaysia

CHRISTIANS have been formed in the way of God’s love as taught by Jesus Christ. There is a sense of wellbeing and mature disposition in most of the Christians who are always ready to forgive in the way of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus, in his life on earth as the revelation of God, showed the Father’s merciful love and forgave those who sinned against God and humanity. Even at the moment of his arrest by the civil and religious authorities in a lonely place where he was conversing with God the Father, Jesus corrected Peter for cutting off one of the soldier's ear. Jesus, who is merciful and loving, immediately touched and healed the soldier by attaching his chopped ear without any surgery, (see John 18:10 and Luke 22: 51)
Human history tells us that there will always be people who may be misguided by teachings that are not in accordance with the will of God. But God will always elect from among his people some prophets, who will proclaim the true teachings of God, which are experienced in our cultures as peace and love among the people.
But in Malaysia, we are developing a strange culture of “god competition”. It is like the way the children boast to one another of their father’s physical prowess or ability: “My father is great; my father can beat your father”. This is seen in the way government bodies and groups of persons violate the dignity of the human persons and defy the people’s particular laws and customs and subject them to unjust laws. Aren’t these reminiscent of our childish ways? Such attitudes or bully tactics are manifested when some of the nation’s laws are enforced inappropriately and according to the political expediency of ‘powers that be’ of the time. Such socio-political and culture behaviour goes against the common law as well as the United Nations Charter of Rights and our esteemed Federal Constitution.
Because of such blatant violations over the years, Christians are beginning to echo the words of Jesus Christ, when he said, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” (Jn 18:23).
And so some Christians have lodged police reports recently at the Police Stations around the country against the offensive behaviour of some Muslims who have hurt the Christians deeply. The story of this behaviour was highlighted by Al-Islam of May 2009, with the headlines; Mencari kesahihan remaja Melayu murtad, pages 28-30.
These Muslims consumed the “Holy Communion” and spat out the sacred host. They humiliated the Catholics by having it photographed and its image published in the monthly Al-Islam. This is a violation of Christians in Malaysia and challenges the nation's Federal Constitution. Is Malaysia a secure land where all religions can practice their religion in peace and tranquility? Will the police (PDRM) and AG’s chambers bring those Muslims to court? As guardians of just laws will they carry out their noble task and honour the Law of our nation Malaysia? This desecration speaks against the 1Malaysia project of the Prime Minister.
From the very beginning of the Church, the Fathers of the Church and approved theologians have addressed the Church’s serious concern that due respect be paid to the Most Blessed Sacrament, that souls not fall into the sin of sacrilege by receiving the Body and Blood of Christ unworthily.
Those Muslims who have desecrated the Sacred Host have just done that — received the Body and Blood of Christ unworthily.
This is a very serious offence to our Christian Faith, and we support the efforts of Sudhagaran Stanley and Joachim Francis Xavier for their courageous stand in highlighting this sacrilegious act of certain Muslims and we call on the Catholic Lawyers’ Society to follow this through by taking the appropriate action and ensuring that such events do not take place.
As the incident committed by those Muslims was a willful act of desecration of the Sacred Host, the Body of Christ, it is proper that we, the Catholics, make reparation for the offence committed against the Lord. It should not be seen as a single incident since there have been many such instances of this nature taking place in other churches and going unreported. Therefore, it is the duty of the parish priests of those churches where such sacrilegious acts have been committed to do the necessary acts of reparation and also forgive those Muslims and pray for them.
Let us receive the Lord worthily always.

Ground Blessing for St Vincent de Paul’s Chapel at Kpg Chupak

Mr. Jirud anak Nayup seated (pic 2)

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit Kampung Chupak, a Bidayuh village at Mile 24, old Serian Road, famous for paddy cultivation in Kuching Division. My visit was to join the local Catholic Community for the Ground Blessing Mass and Ceremony for St Vincent de Paul’s Chapel.

The journey started at 7.30 AM from the Friary at 10th Mile and we made a short stop at Siburan Bazaar, Mile 19 where we had our breakfast. I accompanied the Rector of St. Ann’s Parish, Friar Gerard Victor, OFM and Mr. Francis Satim, the Chairman of the parish Family Life Ministry for the trip.

We arrived at the village at about 8.30AM. On hand to welcome us was Mr. Anthony Aton, the representative of the community and the person instrumental in the formation of the Catholic Community at Kampung Chupak.
Many other visitors from kampung Peraya, Kampung Sira, Kampung Simpok and other areas also came to show their support for the community at Kampung Chupak. Notable were Deacon Desmond, Catechist Emily Ayu, and Catechist Stephen Jawum.

The celebration of the Mass, the first ever for the village, was at the Village Community Hall in view of the large number of visitors. The members of the parish youth ministry from the Chapel of St Martin de Porres of Kampung Sira rendered marvelous support during the Mass with the music, commentator and readers.

In his homily, Friar Gerard Victor offered words to ponder when he said, "God gives us gifts and talents so help one another.” He expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the villages who have pledged their support in cash and kinds to help build the chapel. The villages that had pledged their support were Kampung Simpok, Kampung Peraya, Kampung Sira, Kampung Mesaan, Kampung Tijirak and Kampung Seratau. For this, he said there was reason to celebrate. He said, “Let us to-day celebrate with the community in Kampung Chupak as witness of Christ. It is indeed a happy day for the Archdiocese of Kuching.”

Immediately after the Mass, the congregation witnessed a simple but meaningful ceremony- the handing over of the land for the Chapel by the owner, Mr. Jirud anak Nayup to Friar Gerard Victor, the Rector of St. Ann’s Parish. Both parties signed and exchanged the agreement documents. After that, Mr. Richard Lubiam of Kampung Sira and Mr. Juni of kampong Simpok, as Chairman of their respective village handed over the donations to the representative of the new Chapel.

We made our way to the site of the Chapel, about 250 meters away from the Community Hall, for the ground blessing ceremony. A slight drizzle during the blessing did not trouble us in any way and for some they came well prepared with umbrellas.

After that, we went back midway towards the Community Hall, to Mr. Robert’s house, for a hearty fellowship meal. We left the village at about 12.30 PM as Mr. Francis Satim had to attend the Family Life Ministry monthly meeting at 1.00 PM.

Charity Golf Tournament - update

The Organisers informed that the tournament, scheduled to be held on 25th July, 2009 is postponed to 29th August, 2009. The change of date was unavoidable as the management had to give way for a State held function in conjunction with the Rulers Conference.

The tournament venue is the Sarawak Club Golf Resort at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan.

With the change of date, interested golfers could still register to participate in the tournament. Please contact Mr. Dominic Josip h/p No. 013-8019392.

The Shower Test

My course facilitators run this test when they noticed we were bored. That was four years ago and the course was a workplace assessment and training for master trainers conducted by facilitators from Australia. I do not know the origin of this personality test and I can only give credits to my course facilitators. What is your pick?

What part of the body do you wash first in the shower?
· Hair
· Chest
· Armpits
· Face
· Private
· Shoulder

Hair
Artistic type. Daydreaming is your hobby but you can achieve what most other people cannot. Dedication is lacking but you will work tirelessly towards goals which are to your liking. Money is not important. Friends are but only intellectuals and fellow artistic types. Make the best lovers as you are most willing to explore and please the other partner. Talent is your main strength. Your best partner in life will be those who chose chest.

Chest
You are practical person. Straightforward and do not beat around the bush. To you, convenience is of paramount importance. You hate to be distracted when concentrating and are impatient with people who do not see things your way. A good lover and willing to try new things. Your best partner in life will be those who chose hair.

Armpits
You are a dependable and hard working person. Generally a very popular person as you are very down to earth and willing to help others. Tend to get yourself into trouble as you cannot tell whether people are genuine towards you. Make very poor lovers as you are the working type with average talent. Your best partner in life will be those who chose shoulders.

Face
Money is important to you and you will do anything to get it. Integrity and dignity is not important. You feel that friends are there to be used and life is one big hassle. Other people find it hard to understand you but you are not concerned as to what they think. Very self-centered person. Average lover as too selfish and tend to be absorbed in self pleasure at the expense of your partner. Your best partner in life will be those who chose others.

Private
You are the shy type. You lack self-confidence and tend to be bullied by others. You do not have lot of friends as others find you boring and unattractive. Perseverance is not your strength and you tend to give up easily and at the first opportunity. However, you make an above average sex partner. You are able to show your true emotions to very few people. Hence, in sex, you find your inner strengths. Your best sex partner in life will be those who choose Face and Hair.

Shoulder
You are a born loser. You fail in everything that you do. People dislike you and you tend to spend your time alone. Your type have been known to be heavy gamblers and drinkers. You see the world as a living hell. Money and power is also important to you. But your luck will always fail you. You make a lousy sex partner. You will find it difficult to find a partner in life. Those who choose Armpits are your only chance.

Others
You are a very average person. Undoubtedly, you have your inner strengths but people find it hard to see. You must learn to be a little bit more adventurous and sell your potential. Deep down, you are a very likeable person with very few faults. However, the key will be to make your strengths stand out and not just hide your weaknesses. You are an average lover. You have great fantasies about different techniques but unfortunately are not brave enough to try them out. Your best partner in life will be those who chose face.

Michael Jackson's death stuns fans across the world

Michael Jackson's death stuns fans across the world

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Two Choices (Email I received)

What would you do? You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third!"
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
"That day", said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world".
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the "appropriate" ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things." So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

Anne Murray - In The Garden

I hope you will love this Ann Murray's song. I do.

Project Gift Coupon Closing Ceremony

The parishioners of St Ann’s Church, 10th Mile, Kota Padawan packed St. Lukas’ Centre immediately after the second Mass on Sunday, 26th April 2009 to witness the closing ceremony of Project Gift Coupon . The Project which was launched last year on St. Ann’s Feast Day, July 27th and headed by Mr. Sebastian Ramek, was aimed at raising funds for the new Church. The highlight of the closing ceremony was the drawing of the lucky numbers.

Altogether, there were 105 prizes to be given out. The first prize, a Perodua VIVA 660cc goes to coupon number 014323 and coupon number 040314 wins the second prize, Samsung LCD TV. The third prize is won by coupon number 008546; fourth, 106857 and fifth, 046295.

There are 10 winners each from sixth to fifteen.

The following numbers win the sixth prize of a Panasonic Stand Fan- 014636; 058195; 082469; 105068; 107308; 123249; 146179; 170670; 181423; 192551.

Seventh prize numbers win a Panasonic Table Fan- 026322; 028135; 054785; 100059; 117235; 120679; 122591; 123939; 181098; 183102.

Eighth prize numbers win a Sharp Blender- 003406; 021873; 023470; 058260; 063705; 066731; 087971; 109783; 148012; 199410.

Ninth prize numbers win a Elba Gas Stove – 049384; 051451; 070069; 073860; 077742; 094527; 096970; 120121; 143215; 179896.

Tenth prize numbers win a Panasonic Rice Cooker- 008010; 023281; 031356; 051666; 075794; 084231; 101897; 133790; 139617; 152391.

Eleventh prize numbers win Home Plus Rice Cooker- 000283; 008487; 025218; 029034; 030794; 065645; 094131; 113842; 157044; 177450.

Twelfth prize numbers win a Faber Jug Kettle- 000991; 013055; 020800; 058367; 068928 ; 089640; 090767; 110380; 174313; 198345.

Thirteen prize numbers win a Pensonic Blender- 004999; 043456; 046401; 061971; 085674; 090172; 128383; 149378; 163207; 192145.

Fourteen prize numbers win a Pensonic Toaster- 021447; 037968; 055827; 087161; 112363; 126285; 150704; 158681; 171036; 196116.

Fifteen prize numbers win a Faber Iron- 001233 ; 10548 0; 42499; 048176; 059408; 089373; 103096; 103874 1; 29623; 153382.

The winners are urged to collect their prizes immediately at St. Ann’s Parish Office during office hours. All prizes must be claimed before 25th May, 2009 after which unclaimed prizes will be forfeited.
Winners must present the original coupons and personal identity card for verification and recording purposes when they come to claim their prizes.

The parishioners from Taman Sri Muhibbah, Sg. Empit, Kpg Sentah, St. Joachim Mile 12, and members of the Iban Apostolate helped to organise food sale, thus providing a carnival sort of atmosphere. I would say the closing ceremony was a success.

A family trip to Lundu

Yesterday we went to Lundu for a mission.

READ MORE HERE

A working visit to Holy Spirit Parish, Lundu

Members of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Board, mostly from Kuching, made a 90 km journey to Lundu Saturday morning, 28th February 2009 for the board meeting.

Mr. Joseph Godeng and I started the journey at 7.30 from my home at 3rd Mile and had a quick breakfast at the Red Dragon Café at Kampung Sebuluh, a favorite stop among travelers.

Archbishop John Ha was full of praise for the Rector, Reverend Fr. John Chong and the Parish Council for their hospitality and generosity in hosting the meeting.
Earlier in his welcoming address, Reverend Fr. John Chong informed that Holy Spirit parish, instituted in August 2008, has a population of 5,000 to 7,000 Catholics.





At the meeting, Reverend Fr. Simon Poh, Chairman of the Commission for Mission & Evangelisation informed that the Commission, in its effort to promote stewardship, has printed 1000 Eco-friendly bags for sale.



The Eco friendly bags can be used for shopping for grocery or files. Each bag aims to promote ecological consciousness by reducing the use of plastic bags and promote recycling. The bag has a distinctive Christian design that allows each Catholic user to witness to God the Creator Father who makes this beautiful world.

The bag is sold at RM 8.00 only. Get one for yourself this coming Sunday at your respective parish. (Pictures courtesy of Friar Joseph Lee OFM, St. Ann)

For more information please link to Christian Ecology.

Pokok hujan-hujan, Pukul Lima or Rain Tree

Today the magnificent Rain Tree, botanically called Samanea saman, is made famous by an incidence that took place in Ipoh, Perak. Perak Speaker, V Sivakumar convened an emergency sitting of the state assembly today in the shade of a Rain Tree, 200 meters away from the State Secretariat Building. You may like to follow the story first hand from The Malaysian Insider.

The Rain Tree, found in abundance in our towns, are planted as shade trees.

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A hectic Sunday that was

Yesterday, Sindo Minda and I went to the Holy Trinity Church at Kenyalang Park to attend the 7.30AM Mass. It was not my usual parish and I made the rare appearance there because of two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to meet my close friend, Mr. Albert Kon, a member of the Choir group, to pass him a bundle of the Gift Coupons for sale. He was gracious to accept 100 pieces. For the uninitiated, the Gift Coupon is a fund-raising project for St Ann's Church Building Fund. Secondly, by attending the 7.30AM Mass I would have enough time for breakfast before attending the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) meeting at 10.00AM. The meeting was brief and it took only about an hour and a half compared to the usual two hours. In the evening, at 7.00PM, I chaired the first meeting of St Ann's Feast Day Committee 2009 meeting at St Ann's Parish. But this would be another story.

I would like to share the two issues discussed at the CWS meeting- (1) The Lenten Appeal and (2) Friends of HOPE

The Lenten Appeal
The Lenten Appeal is the fund-raising project organised by the CWS during the season of Lent in aid of the poor. Catholics are familiar with this because all the parishes are involved in this noble exercise. In the Archdiocese of Kuching, His Grace Archbishop John Ha explicitly made the appeal to everyone to share their blessings with the poor and the needy in our midst.

When you attend mass/service in the weeks to come please spare a few minutes of your time to get the Lenten Appeal Envelope and give freely all you can. The Lord tells us, “Whatever you did to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt. 25:40).

Donations made to CWS are tax exempted.

Friends of HOPE
If you have read Today’s Catholic February 2009 Issue, you would have noted that the Home of Peace (HOPE), a caring and safe home for the elderly poor, situated along Landeh Road, Kota Padawan, was ready for occupancy. While CWS is glad that HOPE is now ready for its first batch of residents, it is also concern about the stream of donations for the maintenance and upkeep. To ensure that money is the least of its concern, CWS Council members are working hard to approach benefactors to register as Friends of HOPE. Become one of the Friends of HOPE by pledging RM500.00 per year. Please make it an effort for at least one year.

CWS may be contacted by phone and Fax, 082-241407. The Office is at
The Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre,
1st Floor, Lot 2500, Block 10, Jalan Stampin, KCLD
93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
P.O.Box 483, 93710 Kuching

I do my share

Welcome.

I do my share is an affirmative statement. I use my blog title as the title of my first posting, to remind one-self to contribute positively to society, the community where one lives. The Dayaks should not be having problem with this trait, albeit diminishing.

I do my share is to imply one is not a parasite; pays for his keep, so to speak. Jobs are aplenty if one is not choosy. And if that is no good, be your own boss. There is always a way. The Dayaks had always been self-sufficient, albeit poor.

I do my share is to imply self-improvement. Education opens the door, they said. The Dayaks know this but the target for one graduate per family as exhorted many years ago by one politician, a Bidayuh, remains unachieved.

I do my share is to imply taking a stand responsibly on issues affecting the well-being of the Dayaks, albeit our differences.

Yes, I do my share can take many paths but one has to remember one’s limitation-time, talent and treasure. These gifts, given by God are meant to be shared.

Warmest regards.