DIALOGUE MATTERS … On 23-25 June, 250 participants attended the seminar “What’s the Difference? Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant” given by Deacon Dr Sherman Kuek OFS (inset) at Holy Trinity Church, Kuching. The Deacon noted that it is important to understand how we are fundamentally different in faith and practice despite our common faith as Christians. It is only in understanding one another’s differences that Christians can truly respect one another in our mutual search for truth.
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING … 26 seminarians from St Peter’s College Major Seminary, Kuching visited the Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak on 21 October. It was part of their course on the Understanding of Islam organised for the seminary by the Islamic Information Centre, Kuching to run from June till December. This module is part of the comparative study of major religions in the seminary’s academic course.
TEACHERS CALLED TO BE MERCIFUL … In line with the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and Catechetical Sunday which is celebrated on 18 September this year, the Commission for Bible and Faith Formation of the Archdiocese of Kuching organised a half-day Catechetical Recollection on 3 September at Archdiocesan Curia and Cathedral Pastoral Centre (ACCPC). The theme was “Called to be Disciple of God’s Mercy”. A total of 354 religion teachers in the Archdiocese attended the recollection. Fr Patrick Heng and Fr Alvin Ng gave inspiring reflections on the “Parables of Mercy” and “Called to be Disciples of God’s Mercy” respectively.
BLESSINGS ON FATHER’S DAY … The rector of St Peter & St Paul’s Parish, Fr Joseph Sebastian led a special prayer for the fathers during the Sunday Mass on 19 June. All fathers present gathered in front of the altar and were blessed by Fr Joseph. The auspicious occasion was made lively with the performance by youth during the cutting of the Father’s Day cake. – Harapi Charles
DIVINE MERCY CRUSADES MARCH ON … The Divine Mercy Crusade of St Theresa’s Parish, Serian launched in February, continued to march on. On 9 April, a Holy Year Seminar with the theme “Divine Mercy as a way of life” was held at St Peter’s Church, Kpg Lebor, Serian. The programme lined up included talks, sharings, recitation of the Rosary and Divine Mercy prayers, veneration of the Holy Image. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr Paul Herry, rector of the parish. The programme was overwhelmingly received.