By David Hii
BATU KAWA — A solemn atmosphere of joy filled St Mark’s Church (SMC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as 308 candidates from SMC, Sacred Heart Parish (SHP) and chapels at Kampung of Bumbok, Tematu, Sg Empit, Semeba, Sudat, Sampun within SHP, received the blessed Sacrament of First Holy Communion (FHC).
The milestone ceremony was the culmination of months of spiritual and educational formation. This included verifying baptismal records, completing parish catechism classes, and practising liturgical reverence. In preparation for receiving the Sacrament of FHC in a state of grace, the children made their First Confession and observing the customary pre-Communion fast.
Gathering in the Church foyer prior to the 10:00 AM Mass, parents stood by as candidates registered in classic attire—white shirts and black trousers for the boys, and white dresses with traditional head veils for the girls.
Rev Fr Felix Au, Rector of Sacred Heart Parish and St Mark’s Church, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Highlighting and enhancing the spirit of candidates’ participation, the readers, psalmist and the presentation of offerings for the Mass were drawn from the First Communion candidate group.
Fr Felix Au in his Homily, reminded the congregation “to always realise the greatness of God’s love and graciousness in the Eucharist and never take for granted this precious gift.” The Rector also requested the congregation “to respond to the grace of the Sacrament by allowing God to share and transform us.”
He gave thanks to the teachers, parents and all those involved in the preparation of the recipients of First Holy Communion.
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