MISSIOCOM News: October 2018- Volume 8 No 1

MISSIOCOM The Missionary Community of Corpus Christi

For private circulation only

October 2018 Volume 8 No 1

NEWS One in Christ through love and service

page 1 Anna Ling’s mission in China.

page 2 Julius Alimeos became the first MCCC missionary priest.

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The ordination of Julius takes MCCC into uncharted waters

page 6 The libraries set up by Priscilla are making waves. page 7 The work to bring mission awareness extends further to the west. page 8 Over the last few months, many MCCC full-time missionaries moved to other mission areas.

page 9 The monthly project to help feed the hungry, poor and less-fortunate takes off in a big way.

page 10 MCCC believes in investing time and resources in the formation of young people page 11 A statue of Our Lady now overlooks the whole compound at SJMAC.

page 12 The annual fund-raising fair aims to generate a substantial part of the annual budget of MCCC. page 12 MCCC members came together in Iloilo for their annual gathering. page 13 MCCC has a new governing body for the next two years.

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EVENTS BEC: Maintenance to Mission

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Youth Mission Camp page 18 MCCC Missionary Training

page 18 Search ‘19 page 20

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One in Christ through love and service

It has been a year since the last issue of missiocom. Attempts to have more regular issues of missiocom during the year have not been successful, not because there is a lack of noteworthy news but most certainly because there is not enough time on our hands. We are so taken up by the task of creating news that most often, we fail to record them. We are surrounded by myriads of bad happenings that paralyse us into inaction.There is plenty of bad news because many of us have grown tired of doing the right thing. Good news does not just happen. It must be created. Good news is created when something good is carried out for anyone, albeit one or many

persons. When Jesus tells us to go out to proclaim the Good News, he did not simply tell us to shout it out. If mission consitututes simply going out there to tell people that God loves them and wants to save them, then we have our work cut out for us. But it is not as easy as that. Would you be able to go tell someone who has just lost something or someone precious that God loves them and leave it at that? Would you be able to tell the hungry that God loves them, without at least, giving them something to eat as well? So likewise, the proclamation of the Good News of Christ must be accompanied by love in action, what continued on page 2

we define as service, life-giving emptying of self for the other. This is the underlying notion that must exists in our notion of mission “ad gentes”. If we want people to believe in the Good News, then we have to create the right conditions for love and service to be able to be put in action. Our mission is not only to love but to serve.

For, in a sense, we can end us “in love” with Jesus by gazing upon him. That is what many Christians do.

We spend time with Jesus forgetting that the other side of love is service. It is claimed that a priest is “married” to Christ. We hope that our future MCCC missionary priests will not end up being “one” in Christ only through a deep spiritual relationship with Jesus but also through “oneness” in purpose; practising selfsacrificing love and service of others as exemplified

by Jesus himself when he stooped down to wash the feet of his disciples.

MCCC depends on generous donors to carry out God’s mission and to continue to proclaim Christ at home and abroad. We are grateful to all who have supported us in one way or another.

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT. PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY.

China Diary Part 2: 2016 Anna Ling’s mission in China St Joseph’s orphanage At the beginning of April 2016, we visited St. Joseph’s orphanage. My niece, Glenna and her friend, Lee came together with us. The orphans were very happy to see us. We stayed overnight with them. The two girls with Down’s Syndrome helped to carry our luggage.

One of the orphans had drawing class that day in school. He told Glenna and Lee that his teacher had asked him to draw his family (parents and him). He told them he did not have a father or mother so he did not know how to draw them. We felt sad for him.

Altogether there are 13 orphans: the youngest is 6 years old, the eldest is 25 years old. She has serious cerebral palsy and cannot talk and walk properly. Six of the orphans are taken by the staff to the village school everyday. Another four of them undergo rehabilitation at Fufeng Xinyue Special Education Centre. They are brought back to the orphanage once a month. The three left in the orphanage are the eldest one and the two girls who have Down’s Syndrome. These two girls are able to do some work. There are six staff members to take care of the orphans.

The 6 year old boy was adopted by a family for five years. He is an intelligent and cute boy with a disability in one hand. When his adoptive mother gave birth to a child, the family began to treat him badly. So the nuns brought him back to the orphanage.

Many other groups visit the orphanage.

Suspicious of their motives, the orphans refuse to have their photographs taken

Anna with Lee and the children at Xinyue Special Education Centre with the bicycles donated by Lee.

with them. However they followed us all the time and loved to have their photos taken with us when we were there.

Xinyue Special Education Centre At the beginning of April 2016, Fr. Luke and I visited Xinyue Special Education Centre with my niece and her friend Lee. We stayed overnight to spend more time with them. We could see that the nuns and teachers were very patient and love the students. They have to use a different approach to teach these students. Everyday, six students learn how to cook with a teacher. They eat what they have cooked. That day these six students ate first and the rest of the students saw it.

Some of the students were not happy as they had not eaten yet. But they only had to wait for ten minutes before their dinner time.

The second day was a sunny day and so the nuns and teachers taught the students how to wash their hair and feet. They helped the students in this task. Lee also helped the students to wash their hair.

Lee bought a large bicycle, two medium sized bicycles and a small bicycle for the children.

The children were very happy to ride the bicycles. She also bought a scooter for the Lee helps with hairwashing at Xinyue Special Education office staff to use. When the teachers go out Centre.

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Anna at St.Joseph’s orphanage.

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China Diary Part 2: 2016 to do official work, they can ride the scooter. A kind donor also donated some money to the Centre to help the students. At the moment there are 37 students and 21 staff members.

Beiba, Baiyu, Mayuan and Fucheng On 12 April 2016, we visited two poor families in Beiba. Both families have disabled members. The first family we visited, the woman could not stand up with both legs. She could not walk too. A few years ago, her son was injured while working in another province. The company compensated him for the injury and they were able to build a house as they did not have a house. After the injury, his health was affected and he suffered a lot. He has a son in Primary Four. We helped with his schooling expenses.

The other family stay on top of a hill. We climbed and walked to their house which was quite a distance away. I stopped a few times on the way and I prayed to our Lord to grant me the strength to reach their house.

In the end I could made it. Thank God. The woman of this family is a disabled person. The family is very poor and the house is very shabby.

Although the house is shabby, the woman keeps the house very clean.

They have a son who is studying in Primary School and we sponsored his schooling expenses.

On 12 April 2016 we visited Beiba Secondary School. This semester we sponsored nine poor students. We also made our first visit to Beiba Primary School. We sponsored eight poor students. On the second day, we visited Baiyu Primary School. We sponsored 10 poor students. Baiyu School is located in a remote village.

Free clinic at Datong.

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MISSION STATEMENT

The eight children at Beiba Primary School.

The air is fresh. We felt very comfortable there. The students have new beds since our last visit.

After Baiyu we proceeded to Mayuan Primary School.

Guizhou Rose Society (Canada) sponsored the students schooling expenses. After we visited Baiyu and Mayuan primary schools, we visited Fucheng School. Dato Sri Thomas sponsored 28 poor students (14 primary students and 14 secondary students). After we have given them the schooling expenses, we left Fucheng and returned to Hanzhong.

On the way back, heavy rain fell and thank God we arrived home safely. This semester we sponsored 109 poor students (included 2 university students).

Nianzi Primary School In the last week of April 2016, we visited Nianzi Primary School in Zhenba County. We traveled from Hanzhong to Xixiang and then to Zhenba. The road from Xixiang to Zhenba was steep. There were many bends on the road and we could not see the vehicles coming from around the bend. We almost crashed into some of the vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Thank God we were saved. We travelled on the steep roads more than two hours to reach Nianzi.

Dato Sri Thomas sponsored 12 poor students at Nianzi Primary School. The school has 683 students. When we asked one of girls about her family, she told us her father passed away when she was a baby. Her mother remarried and left her with her grandparents. She began to cry while telling us about herself. She is in Primary five.

Free medical clinic It took me 21 hours by train and bus to arrive in Datong.

We had our medical clinic in a poor village on 19th May 2016. During our medical clinic we gave away gifts of rice, wheat flour and cooking oil to ten poor families. We delivered the gifts to each family and we were able to speak to them. Most of them were old people who live alone.

After Datong, we went to Handan by car. It took us 7 hours to get there. We had our medical clinic on 21st May 2016 in a poor village. Here we had more patients than in Datong as the population in the village was large. During our medical clinic we also gave away gifts of rice, wheat flour and cooking oil. We visited three families: one was a disabled family, the other two were an old lady and an old man.

Anna Ling

To witness to Christ’s presence by acting as a catalyst whereby Christians are enabled to carry out their baptismal calling and to serve as a platform from where they can carry out missionary activities

VISION STATEMENT A network of small Christian communities spread across different countries whereby members live out their discipleship by proclaiming Jesus Christ and making the Kingdom of God present through their lives

First MCCC Missionary Priest Julius Alimeos became the first MCCC missionary priest on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Julius sits before Bishop Lazo during the rite of admission to candidacy for diaconal ordination the day before his diaconate.

It has taken Julius more than a decade to fulfil his life-long dream to be a priest.

Rev Julius Alimeos MCCC was ordained a priest in a beautiful ceremony at St.Thomas of Villanova Parish in his hometown of Alimodian, Iloilo on Friday, 8 June 2018, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It came as the culmination of a week of activities in and around lloilo for many MCCC members who had come to attend the Annual General Assembly held at the Retreat Centre of the Mensa Domini Sisters in Pavia, Iloilo.

Crowds thronged the church early that Friday morning for a good spot to witness the ordination ceremony. Beautifully decorated, the church emits an aura of grandeur and a sense of holiness and mystery as the congregation, the choir, the celebrants and those involved in the celebration readied themselves for the commencement of the ceremony. As the church wardens ushered the people to their seats, others were getting the hall ready for the reception that was to follow the Ordination Mass. Among those in attendance were members of Julius’ family, his relations and friends.

All those who had a part in his life in one way or another were also present, including many Filipino Mill Hill missionaries. Members of the MCCC family were visibly present, proudly displaying their T-shirt emblazoned with the MCCC logo.

The mass began on time at 9.00am with many of the local clergy present. Apparently, Julius was the first from the parish to be ordained in the church. Usually, ordinations take place at the Cathedral in Iloilo. Archbishop Jose Romero Lazo, previously the bishop of San Jose de Antique but now the Archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo, was the main celebrant. The ceremony went smoothly without being unduly stretched, finishing within two hours. The singing was indeed uplifting and Julius could not have asked for a better celebration. Julius had an opportunity to thank all those who had worked so hard to make the celebration a truly memorable occasion for all. He specially thanked the Archbishop for making everything possible for him.

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It was a dream come true for Julius. He had originally majored with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education (BSIE) in Architectural Drafting at the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (now Iloilo School of Arts and Trade University or (ISAT U) in La Paz, Iloilo City in 2000. It had indeed been a long journey for Julius to complete his training to be a priest. He studied at the Regional Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo from 2013 to 2016 after a short sting at the Tangaza Theological College, Nairobi, Kenya with the Mill Hill Missionaries from 2011 to 2013.

Before that from 2008 to 2011, he did his initial formation to the priesthood at the Mill Hill Formation House in Mandurriao, Iloilo. He had already completed his philosophical studies from 2004 to 2006 at St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Jaro before joining the Mill Hill Missionaries.

After his graduation from university in 2000, Julius became the youth coordinator in his home parish of Alimodian and in 2002, he taught Technology and Livelihood Education and Art Education at the parochial school in Leon. After his philosophical studies at St. Vincent Ferrer,

The Rite of Admission to candidacy of holy orders the day before the ordination.

Julius’ journey to the Priesthood

Fr. Ivan laying his hands on Julius, MCCC’s first priest.

he helped out at the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission and worked as a computer layout artist at a Printing Press at Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo. During his time in formation with the Mill Hill Missionaries, Julius usually spent his semester break carrying out various pastoral duties at Casay and Anini-y in Antique.

The long procession of clerics entering the sanctuary for the beginning of the ordination mass of Julius Alimeos mccc.

After the Mass, everyone present was treated to a scrumptious meal, which was hosted by the Mayor of Alimodian, who unfortunately was not able to be present as he had a previous engagement. The Kuching MCCC unit members present put on a spirited performance of a Sarawakian dance after the Archbishop, the Vice-Mayor, representing the Mayor, and Fr Ivan had spoken.

Those present were entertained by the high school band with various songs and the event ended with Fr Julius thanking everyone who had made the day a truly memorable occasion.

Fr. Julius celebrating his thanksgiving Mass in Alimodian on Sunday, 10 June 2018, flanked by the parish priest and his curate.

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In 2016, Julius left the Mill Hill Missionaries. Fr. Ivan then helped him to finish his theological studies at the Regional Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo. After he graduated, Julius spent some time on pastoral placement in Casay as well as in Sibu, Sarawak. It was then that Julius requested for ordination to the priesthood for MCCC. Fr. Ivan made a visit to Bishop Jose Romero Lazo, then the Bishop of San Jose de Antique, to request him to ordain Julius for MCCC. Bishop Romy consented to the request, adding that it was possible only if Julius was first incardinated into the Diocese of San Jose de Antique. Then the Bishop would release him to work with MCCC. So Julius became an acolyte in June 2017 and was ordained a deacon on 5 January 2018. After his diaconate, he was attached to St. Teresa de Avila Church, Casay, Anini-y for nearly three months before he was officially appointed to San Remegio Parish in March 2018. It has been decided that Julius will spend at least a year in the diocese to familiarise himself with the workings there.

The newly ordained Fr Julius singing with some MCCC members.

Could he be the next “singing priest”?

The significance of having a priest in MCCC The ordination of Julius takes MCCC into uncharted waters.

What does it mean for MCCC to have her first missionary priest? This surely must be a question that would come to the minds of most people after the ordination of Julius Alimeos. MCCC began as a lay missionary group and the inclusion of an ordained member will surely undermine this description. The ordination was made possible by Archbishop Lazo who has been very accommodating to MCCC after taking her under his wing as the Bishop Protector back in September 2017. Through Archbishop Lazo, who was then the Bishop of San Jose de Antique, Julius was incardinated into the diocese in order to be ordained as a diocesan priest and thereafter, to be released to be a priest for MCCC. However, MCCC has not been accorded canonical rights and therefore remains a non-canonical association but as long as Archbishop Lazo is willing to take responsibility, all other future ordinations for MCCC are ensured.

What does it mean for the future of MCCC as a lay missionary group? There are some who have voiced concerns for the change of nature of MCCC. MCCC would have stood more chances as a lay group, whether or not she is recognised and granted canonical rights within the church. With the inclusion of priests members, MCCC can no longer be considered a lay group.

As a mixed community of lay and clerical members, certain canonical issues will certainly arise. Clerical members are bound by certain regulations, some mandatory and obligatory while others are expected in relations with their status.

In a hierarchical structure, priests are noticeably accorded a more privileged status, even much so from the point of view of the laity. Without a doubt, they are, more than usually, treated very differently. How will this disparity in status affect the relationship between lay and clerical members? Will it determine the future governance of MCCC in favour of clerical members? Is it possible to maintain a mixed community of lay and clerical members without the delicate balance of authority and status being tipped in favour of the ordained members? How will it affect the future recognition of MCCC as a society of canonical rights within the Catholic Church? Has MCCC the resources to tackle the practical consequences that will arise in this new development?

These important issues were brought forward and placed in the fore at the last Annual General Assembly held in Iloilo last June. To ensure that all members are accorded the same rights and status, whether lay or clerical, the Statues of MCCC have been revised and approved to reflect this new development. While it is understood that the priesthood is for life, considerations and provisions have not been made for life membership within MCCC. As long as this disparity exists within the membership of MCCC, it will be very difficult to maintain equal status among the members, whether lay or clerical.

What has to be understood and practised among all members is the whole notion of Christian service, as exemplified by Jesus when he stooped to wash the feet of his disciples. Called to service, each member has a role to play

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within the body of the organisation. In such a scenario, the role of the clerical member must be seen in the light of service to the community. The clerical member reminds himself and is also reminded of his obligation to serve the whole body in his ministerial role as a priest rather than becoming an object of admiration.

All these issues will not become apparent if the number of clerical members remain low. However, they will become problematic once there is a greater number of clerical members. Tensions cannot be avoided unless safeguards are already put in place from the beginning. It is one thing to be aware of them but another to take measures to prevent them from happening.

The reason behind the choice of theme for the Annual Assembly “One in Christ, United in Mission” is to underscore the fact that our oneness and unity in Jesus make us one in love and service. It also serves to remind us not to dwell on the negative aspects too much but to work towards becoming “one heart, mind and soul” in loving service to one another.

So what will be the role of MCCC priests? As members of the MCCC family, they will provide spiritual care to members and when called to, they will serve the wider church in their capacity as priests. The presence of MCCC priets will indeed add a greater spiritual dimension to MCCC’s mission.

Fr. Julius with other two potential MCCC candiates for the missionary priesthood, Melendres Maayo and Jorem Yap.

Priscilla’s mission in Kampong Thom The libraries set up by Priscilla are making waves.

Priscilla Carrido arrived in Cambodia in the middle off 2016 and has been assigned to work in the parish in Kampong Thom. To supplement the education of the children in the parish, which is one of the main priorities of the mission in Cambodia, the Jesuit Services of Cambodia (JSC) set up a library in the parish compound for the children of Kampong Roteh and Kampong Thom.

Part of the old priest house was converted into the library. Renovation works ended in August 2017 and the library was blessed and opened on 1 September 2017.

The library is getting a good response from the children. The number of users averages 20 children per day. but it can be as low as 7 or as high as 40 per day. From Monday to Wednesday, the library is opened for reading and for doing puzzles. Games are allowed on Thursdays and Fridays. Some days are also designated for story telling. The library started lending out books on 1 November 2017.

The presence of the library has produce some noticeable changes in the children’s attitude towards learning. It provides a change from the usual classroom setting. The users experience a new way of learning and expand their knowledge though reading a variety of books.

A new library was opened on 1 September, 2018 in another village, Kampong Kor. There is a request for another library in Pompang Village. In November, a new mobile library will start for far flung areas in Kampong Thom. The support primarily comes from JSC, the Good Shepherd Parish of Kampong Thom, and other generous people. If you feel called to help Priscilla in her library projects, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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MCCC Presentations in West Malaysia The work to bring mission awareness extends further to the west. farewell lunch for Fr Guido Gockel MHM, Fr. Ivan was whisked, together with some members from the Kuching unit, to the Church at Serian for the evening presentation attended mostly by the members of the Parish Council.

Some of the parishioners of St.Joseph’s Church, Plentong who attended Fr. Ivan’s presentaion on MCCC.

MCCC has been trying to make an inroad into West Malaysia over the last few years and have not quite succeeded in laying a foundation there. An opportunity arose when we had our first trainee from Melaka, Anthony Tan, in 2016. However, since then, nothing much has materialised until we held our Search 2018-1 programme in March 2018 at St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre, SIbu. Among the participants at this “Come and See” programme was Alice Lee from West Malaysia. Through Alice, a gathering of interested individuals from the Petaling Jaya area was organised for Friday, 10 August at the Marist Educare Centre. Fr. Ivan gave a powerpoint presentation on MCCC to over twelve attendees. The following day, Fr. Ivan, together with Alice and Lydia, MCCC’s new Council chairperson, travelled to Melaka to give a presentation. This was made possible through the arrangement of Anthony Tan, who is now given the task of starting a rehabilitation centre for former prisoners by his local Bishop. The presentation, which took place in the morning, attracted about a dozen local parishioners. Earlier, while Fr. Ivan was attending a seminar at the Majodi Centre in Johor, he was invited by some of the local parishioners to give a presentation on MCCC at their local church. This was also attended by about a dozen people.

Meanwhile, the work to bring awareness of mission continues in Sarawak. Fr. Ivan was invited to give a presentation at Serian on Monday, 10 September 2018. After arriving in Kuching to a

Anthony Tan with friends who attened the talk in Melaka.

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Fr ivan making his presentation on MCCC at the Serian parish.

The main aim of these presentations was to make Catholics aware that there is an opportunity for them to take concrete actions to carry out mission work locally or become full-time missionaries by becoming a member of MCCC. MCCC wants to encourage more Catholics to get involved in the mission of the church through an active participation in missionary outreach work.

Therefore, MCCC will help to facilitate all those interested into missionary activities.

The attendees present at the Marist Educare Centre in Petaling Jaya.

Fr. Ivan spoke on Mission and the work carried out by MCCC at Petaling Jaya. This gathering was made possible by Alice Lee who arranged the venue and sent out invitations.

MCCC Missionaries on the Move Over the last few months, many MCCC full-time missionaries moved to other mission areas.

The Davao and Digos unit members got together for a sending off ceremony for Anne and Lorna before they departed for Turda.

This year saw many of MCCC full-time missionaries moving to other mission areas after working for a few years in one area. A few of them have also decided to move on in their lives.

Bibeth Maria Liboon, who was freelancing as a missionary in Phnom Penh, decided to terminate her membership with MCCC. She left Cambodia last April. Our oldest couple who had been working at CROAP in Pursat, Cambodia also left last April. Likewise, Francis, who had been in Svay Sisophon for the last four years, decided that it was time to move, either to a new mission area or possibly to enter into training to be a missionary priest. Francis finally left Cambodia last June.

But it was not all departures from Cambodia. Amor Ibanez, who was in Svay previously for four years, decided to return after two years working as a missionary in the Philippines. She returned to take over what she had begun many years ago in Pongro village after having left it in the capable hands of Francis. Reynald has returned to the Philippines for an extended leave. He has been invited back to Cambodia in November but his next appointment has still to be confirmed.

Back in the Philippines, Armand and Thelma, after over a month’s break, then took over

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the running of the mission centre at Cubao, taking over from Lorna Obeja, who had been looking after the centre since Anne Ilaga’s departure to move back to Digos. However, Armand and Thelma has since decided that it was time to move on to retirement since their health is poorly. They ended their four years with MCCC at the end of last September.

We wish them all the best for their future endeavours. With the departure of the couple, the Cubao Centre is left without any full-time missionaries.

Jorem Yap went once a week to

the Centre from Kalinga where he does most of his mission outreach work. Since Jorem will be departing for Iloilo to begin his philosophical training at St Vincent Ferrer’s seminary in October, it was decided that it would be for the best that the Centre be terminated and the assets sold off to try to recover some money as the Centre had been a very expensive and draining exercise.

In the meantime, the mission in Turda, Coron, run by the Mill Hill Missionaries, was made available to MCCC and Fr. Sleevaraj MHM was willing to accommodate both Lorna and Anne. So, after a sendoff in Digos, the two of them departed for Coron on 31 July to begin their new mission in Turda. Meanwhile, Jed Laurito continues in his mission work with the Sacred Heart Brothers at Iconhome in Bogo City.

Francis decided to join Fr Julius Alimeos in his mission work at San Remegio, Antique while waiting to enrol at the seminary.

Ming gathered Amor, Anne and Lorna before their departure for their respective mission.

If you wish to join one of the MCCC units, please contact the facilitator in your area.

Facilitator Bandar Seri Begawan Bridget Newn beezert@hotmail.com

Kuala Belait Julia Lee pepperlee2012@gmail.com

Kota Kinabalu vacant

Manila Lulu Santos

loudes2003@yahoo.com

Digos Arturo Ang ang.arturo@yahoo.com

Davao

Cora Prudente

cora09_prudente@ymail.com

Iloilo

Naomi Napano

naominapano@yahoo.com

Sibu David Lau israellau@gmail.com

Kuching Rose Bong

darlingbong@gmail.com

Amor returns to St.Sebastian’s Community Centre in Pongro village.

Sibu Unit’s Mercy Day The monthly project to help feed the hungry, poor and less-fortunate takes off in a big way.

Food items like noodles, rice, biscuits, sugar, eggs and cooking oil are donated to be distributed to the poor.

Every month, without fail, on the second Sunday afternoon of the month, members of the Sibu MCCC unit gather at SJMAC to pack food rations consisting of eggs, sugar, rice, biscuits, noodles, and cooking oil for 13 families in Sentosa Phase II and 3 families in Sekuau. The unit would not have been able to carry out this project without the generosity of so many donors from Sibu, who are contributing these various food items or cash quietly every month.

It was not easy to get this project off the ground in the beginning because many of the helpers saw themselves or their relations as the ones in need rather than those others who are really needing help and handouts. But slowly, the project gained momentum and now a dedicated group of members carry out this monthly project to help those in real need.

Even though the amount given out to each family is small and limited, this project goes a long way to show that the Christian community is doing its part in reaching out to the poor and needy. Concern for the poor must not remain as a feeling but must be translated into concrete social actions.

Sibu unit members packing the food items prior to distribute them to 13 families in the area.

Sibu unit members giving out food rations to some of the recipients on “Mercy Day”

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MISSION PRAYER God our Father, we praise and thank you for your love and care for us. Even when we feel lost and abandoned, you never leave us alone. You gave us your Son Jesus to be your presence among us. Through his life and death you revealed your generous love and mercy and through his resurrection you gave us a share in your divine life. In the sharing of Jesus’ body and blood, you nourish us so that we are made one with him and become his presence in this world.

Through the outpouring of his Spirit, you enable us to carry on his mission to proclaim your kingdom among us and to tell people that they are not alone anymore.

Therefore, give us the courage and strength to bring people together around your table so that they may know Jesus and each other in the breaking of the bread. May your Spirit empower us to bring the joy of the Gospel to all those who are most in need.

Send others also to make known your presence so that the world may come to realise that we are not alone. Through Christ our Lord.

MCCC Youth Programmes MCCC believes in investing time and resources in the formation of young people.

The 2nd Youth Mission Camp was held from 10 December to 15 December 2017 at St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre. Opened to youth 16 years and above, the Mission Camp attracted 15 youth, from Sentosa, from around Sibu and from as far as Kota Kinabalu. The main objectives of the Mission Camp was to make the participants aware of their baptismal calling as disciples of Jesus, to help them grasp the essential meaning of mission, to encourage and to support greater participation within the mission of the church and to provide them the opportunity to respond to the invitation to greater involvement within the church.

The 10 week Youth Mission Experience Programme 2 started on 3 March and continued until 11 May 2018. The objectives of the programme were to help the participants to define their Christian identity, realise their personal potential, monitor their spiritual growth and to lead them to assume greater responsibility for self and mutual development, to help develop the peer, family, community, spiritual and faith relationships of the participants, to prepare them to uphold their life mission as a Christian within society, to facilitate them to greater involvement in the life and mission of the church and to provide them a context to experience “mission” as a response to their baptismal calling. This year, there were 15 participants from Keningau, from around Sentosa and Sibu. Three Mill Hill students also took part as facilitators. The 15 Participants were able to take part in the community life at SJMAC, with daily community prayers and Mass, and daily chores like cleaning, gardening and cooking. There was daily inputs and teachings on various subjects. The youth participants also carried out simple mission programmes in the locality. They were instructed on how to make presentations and to carry out teaching. They also took part in fund-raising activities like the Easter Fair to help defray the cost of the programme.

The ten-week programme included a one-week mission exposure trip to Cambodia. During this trip, the participants successfully carried out a tiling project at St Sebastian’s Community Centre in Pongro village, Svay Sisophon. They spent four full days tiling the floor under the supervision of a local couple who were experienced masons. They had an opportunity to interact with the local youth and were able to perform some cultural dances as well. After the mission exposure week, the participants returned to undergo an evaluative process.

The programme ended with the Mass of the Ascension. The participants were given a certificate of attendance. Successful participants were invited back to the Youth Animation team training programme held from 15 June to 21 June 2018. This youth leadership programme was organised to form a MCCC youth animation team to run future Youth Mission Camps.

Five youth from Sabah and three from Sibu went through the training. During the programme, they were trained in making ground rules, organising icebreakers, leading worship and gospel sharing, making presentations, facilitation, scheduling and conducting meetings. At the end of the programme, these youth were commissioned. This is one way MCCC is involving youth in mission work. Despite the fact that they are too young to be full-time members, at least, by becoming a youth animator, they are able to be part of MCCC.

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An activity during the Youth Mission Camp

The commissioning of the MCCC Youth Animation Team 2018.

Youth on MEP interacting with the children at Pongro.

The YMEP participants carrying out tiling work as part of their mission project.

New Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at SJMAC A statue of Our Lady now overlooks the whole compound at SJMAC. It was brought up in a conversation and quickly became a possibility when offers for a statue and even the construction of a grotto were mooted out of the conversation. After more than a year, with the arrival of the statue of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception quite soon after the idea was floated, the grotto finally became a reality through the generosity of a few benefactors who gave substantial amounts to defray the cost of building the concrete grotto. After nearly three months of construction, the grotto is now ready to be blessed and used as a shrine for devotees as well as pilgrims. We would like to extend our gratitude to all those who contributed generously to the realisation of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at SJMAC, those here in Sibu as well as those as far away as Kuching. God bless you all.

The different stages of the construction of the grotto.

Mission Fair 2017 The annual fund-raising fair aims to generate a substantial part of the annual budget of MCCC. of the MCCC Kuching unit members were present to make the famous Kuching laksa. The Mission Fair would not have been possible without the help of the members of the other groups from the Sibu Parish like the Couples for Christ, the various Curia of the Legion of Mary, the neo-catechumenal community, just to name a few. MCCC is very grateful to all these groups and individuals who continue to supKuching unit members and their special laksa. port her in her missionary endeavThe Mission Fair is an annual fund-raising ours. It was the first time that a lot event organised by MCCC at SJMAC to of effort was put into the Lucky raise funds to supplement her mission Draw. The attractive prizes helped work for the year. Last year, it was held to widen the reach of the Mission on Sunday, 22 October. A total income of Fair to places outside Sibu itself.

RM 78,236.00 was raised by the various The tickets were sold in Kuching groups of Sibu parish including a Lucky as well as in Brunei.

Draw which brought in RM 26,265.00.

Various food items were on sale. Some This year, the Mission Fair will

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take place on Mission Sunday, 21 October 2018. This is the fourth successive Mission Fair. The Lucky Draw prizes include a motorbike as the first prize, a refrigerator and a mobile phone and many other consolation prizes. It is hoped that the fair will be able to reach a target amount of RM 100,000.

MCCC would like to thank all those who are taking part and all those who, with their support and efforts, have given their time and resources in helping to raise funds for MCCC to carry out her work of mission.

The Lucky Draw with fabulous prizes.

The Annual General Assembly 2018 MCCC members came together in Iloilo for their annual gathering.

faith in Jesus as our cornerstone, or is it because we are united in our goals and objectives? The theme challenges the members to value what they share and have in common because of their faith in Jesus rather than in the different roles they have. He stressed that the focus should be on what makes the members one and to reinforce that with concrete actions. It might mean calling on members and future seminarians of MCCC to adopt and develop a mindset that does not regard the differences in roles as paramount to differentiation of status and ranks. In other words, it boils down to a simple question: does being a priest of MCCC automatically guarantees that person a right to be the head of the community? He expressed the hope that this and other pertinent questions would be tackled and discussed at the Assembly.

Participants at the AGA discussing the reports in groups.

The General Assembly of 2018 took place at the Mensa Domini Retreat House, Pavia, Iloilo City, Philippines from 3 June to 6 June 2018. In attendance were about 34 members from Kuching, Sibu, Brunei, and the Philippines. It began with the Opening Mass of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi celebrated by Fr Ivan Fang MHM. After the Mass, he delivered his Opening Address.

In his opening remarks, he welcomed all the participants to the Assembly held for the first time in Iloilo City, Philippines. He acknowledged the presence of those who had travelled from a far and also those full-time missionaries who are back in the Philippines. Sr. Emma Ferolino’s absence was duly noted.

Fr. Ivan attributed the choice of venue for the AGA to the ordination of Julius Alimeos which marked an important milestone in MCCC’s history. He acknowledged that the ordination of a member was not foreseen and planned in the development of MCCC. He spoke of the fear that this exercise might end up being a one-off thing, but with others expressing their desire to follow suit, MCCC is forced to rethink her identity as a lay missionary community. The inclusion of ordained members would have serious consequences and repercussions for the community.

He reiterated that before any proper discussion could proceed on whether there should be a separate clerical unit with her own governance or whether MCCC can exist as a mixed community, given that within the church there exists the hierarchical nature of roles and governance which are imbedded in Canon law, the scriptural foundation of our calling to missionary life must be looked into.

He quoted from St. Paul who appealed to the Romans in Rom 12:1-8 to present themselves as a living sacrifice. As such, they must not think themselves more highly than others but to accept one another as members of one body in Christ, each with different gifts to share. This was further developed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 which attributed the varieties of gifts and services to our oneness in the same Lord through his Spirit.

From there, Fr. Ivan proceeded to the theme for the Assembly, “One in Christ, United in Mission.” He invited the members to reflect deeply on what essentially holds them together as a community that is committed to the pursuance of Jesus’ mission. Are we one because of our

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Fr. Ivan went on to express his gratitude to Archbishop Romy Lazo, who had kindly consented to speak on the theme at the Assembly and to celebrate the Closing Mass. He also thanked the Archbishop for agreeing to be the Bishop Protector of MCCC and to ordain Julius.

To avoid the identity issue of MCCC taking centre stage and eclipsing other issues of equal importance, Fr. Ivan reminded the members to take the Code of Conduct seriously by absorbing and realising the contents of the Code of Conduct and assimilating the policy of safeguarding into their everyday life and ministry. All members are expected to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct at the Assembly to indicate their willingness to adhere to and uphold the Code of Conduct of MCCC. Underscoring the need for prudence in revising the MCCC Statutes to reflect the many changes that were occurring, he stressed that the changes to the Statutes would only be appropriately made and voted upon when a general consensus had been reached concerning the future directions of the community.

As it was time to elect new members onto the Executive Council, participants at the Assembly were urged to discern carefully their choices for the new Council, basing it on the persons’ abilities and willingness to serve on the Council on top of being persons of integrity and capable of representing and protecting the interests of MCCC. Fr. Ivan ended his remarks by reminding the participants of the purpose of the Assembly: to experience the oneness of belonging together as a group, being one through our faith in Jesus and united in purpose and goal in the carrying out of their activities He encouraged them to make use of the time to review the present state of MCCC and decide on the best way forward through their full participation, cooperation and involvement in the process of the Assembly, taking the opportunities to talk with and listen to one another’s concerns in order to plot a way forward as a community tasked with the mission of Jesus so that they would be able to take away from the Assembly a renewed sense of pride in being a member of MCCC with a greater sense for mission.

Finally, he thanked Mel for arranging the venue, accommodation and transport for the participants and the Mensa Domini Sisters for their hospitality at Pavia, Iloilo.

After dinner on the first day, the participants got together in groups to share their insights on the Opening Address. The next morning after mass and breakfast, Archbishop Romy Lazo gave his presentation to the participants. The participants had an opportunity to discuss the presentation before lunch. After a short break, the minutes of the last Assembly were proposed and seconded. After tea, the Director presented his report.

The Annual General Assembly 2018 FORMATION •SJMAC has introduced more programmes on mission awareness and animation for the youth.

•The lack of staff at SJMAC is covered by having volunteers.

•There is still no written agreement with the Diocese of Sibu on the use of SJMAC. •The Formation of unit members has still not been implemented in spite of being discussed and spoken about.

•Ongoing formation in our units and groups must include materials from our AGM. •The process for setting a formation programme for the missionary priesthood have begun.

The participants at the Annual General Assembly held at the Mensa Domini Retreat House, Pavia, Iloilo City, Philippines between 3 and 6 June 2018.

MISSION & IDENTITY •The promotion of mission as the priority of all Christians, priests, religious and lay must continue to be upheld by every member of MCCC. •The relationship between priest and lay members have to be carefully worked out to avoid an identity crisis within MCCC. Recommendations •The delicate tension between identity and mission have to be recognised and owned by every member and practical ways to ensure a realistic balance between them be found.

•The creation of a Mission Animation team be seriously implemented and worked out.

MISSION AREAS •MCCC missionaries are working in Cambodia, Philippines, China and Malaysia.

•Each area has its own needs and concerns.

Recommendations: •The need for more full-time missionaries be answered through better promotion and recruitment.

•That further explorations for new mission ventures be continued alongside the recruitment for more missionaries.

MEMBERSHIP •The number of missionaries in MCCC, whether full-time or unit members, has not increased significantly.

•No full-time missionaries were trained last year.

•A unit in Antique has reportedly being formed.

•Most of our units are still not really

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functioning according to the norms – no regular meetings and no mission activities.

•There has been no gathering of the Unit facilitators since the Training session in 2016.

•The exact number of MCCC members is still not known.

•The process of creating the membership card has been identified.

•The final draft of the MCCC Handbook has to be approved at the AGM. •Members were given time to come up with amendments to the final draft of the MCCC Code of Conduct and members will now sign this document at the AGM. •Members are urged to study and understand the MCCC policy on safeguarding and protection for children and adults at risk.

•Insurance for our full-time missionaries is still being looked into.

•Most of our missionaries are not aware of our agreed system of gratuity for our full-time missionaries.

Recommendations: •That the formation of more units be encouraged in order to promote the role of lay missionaries.

•That unit members familiarise themselves with everything about MCCC by studying the members’ Handbook.

•That a proper registration of members be undertaken by each unit and a membership card issued to each member.

•That the Unit and Area Coordinators find ways to rekindle and reignite enthusiasm for mission within the present units.

Recommendations: •That the Director of MCCC will continue to pursue a MoU on the use of the Centre with the Sibu Diocesan authority.

•That the training programme for full-time missionaries be promoted to a wider audience.

•That the setting up of a formation house for missionary priesthood in Iloilo will be done with careful discernment.

•That the formation of unit members be implemented as soon as possible in all the present units.

GOVERNANCE •The Council Members were able to meet as required, that is, three times a year in different locations.

•There is a need to revise the Statutes on Governance especially on the number of terms of a Council member.

Recommendations: •That Council members continue to assume a bigger responsibility in the running of MCCC. •That the article on the number of terms for Council members in the Statutes be amended.

FINANCE •Full-time missionaries are encouraged to study the guidelines on monetary issues.

•Pledges from Brunei still provide most of the funding for Cambodia.

•The Filipino mission is funded by the proceeds from the Annual Mission Fair.

•The Mission Fair has brought in a steady increase in funds.

•Pledges and donations are still the most effective means of fund-raising.

Recommendations: •That unit members be able to find more people to make pledges and donations.

•That fund-raising programmes be organised by the units to supplement MCCC’s income.

•That the Filipino units also play a part in shouldering some of the expenses of our missionaries in the Philippines.

PROMOTION •Brochures for MCCC, Units and Mission Promoters have been produced.

•The Missiocom newsletter was published last October.

•Promotion of MCCC through various means be undertaken.

Recommendations: •That more regular publication of missiocom be carried out.

•That each unit help in distributing MCCC brochures.

The Director ended his report by touching on the future of MCCC. He stressed that the future will only augur well for MCCC if each and every member play a responsible part in the life and work of MCCC. MCCC would only have a huge impact in mission if every member was seen to be actively involved in some sort of mission work one way or another.

He reported that MCCC would not prepare a separate set of rules for the lay members or for the ordained members. There would only be one set of Statutes governing the life and mission of every MCCC member. Members must be constantly reminded that they are one in Christ and united in the mission of Christ. Questions on his report were entertained right after the presentation.

Then Fr. Ivan proceeded to deliver his report on St. Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre.

SJMAC Report In his report to the Assembly, he highlighted the following points and made recommendations to address them.

Aims and Objectives There is a misconception in people’s mind about mission work and opportunities as reserved only for those who have a special calling to mission. Moreover, the centre is often viewed as a private institution, given the fact that it is run and managed by MCCC. Recommendations: •Each MCCC unit make a special effort to promote the programmes of the centre.

•SJMAC be advertised in publications throughout the region.

Staffing There is no significant improvement in the staffing situation at SJMAC. Recommendations: •Continue the search for a local person to run the centre full-time.

•Come up with ways to make sure that there is always someone at the centre.

Use of the Centre The Centre continues to be used by MCCC to run her various programmes for mission animation.

Other groups use the Centre occasionally.

The lack of clarity and understanding over the use of the premises and property has slightly hampered the development and expansion of the Centre.

The proposed MoU between MCCC and the Bishop of Sibu contains the following points: •MCCC will lease the building and property on a renewable tenure of ten years.

•The property will also house the MCCC headquarters.

•The building will be used mainly for training programmes •All assets purchased by MCCC belong to MCCC •MCCC will take care of the day to day running of the property and building •Cost of major repairs and improvements to the building will be borne by the Diocese of Sibu.

Recommendations: •Encourage more groups, especially those not more than 30 participants, to utilise the Centre.

•An MoU on the use of Lot 1389, Sentosa, Sibu be initiated and agreed upon with the Bishop of Sibu.

Infrastructural Improvements The proposal for an extension block to the existing building to provide adequate sleeping area for extended programmes did not go ahead as planned. However, despite this, some improvements have been undertaken recently.

Recommendations: •A dialogue be initiated with the Diocesan authority over the structural improvement of the Centre.

•The proposal for an extension block be seriously looked into.

Equipment/Furnishing/Fixtures To improve the facilities at the Centre, many items had to be replaced due to the effects of wear and tear.

Recommendations: •The purchase of new bunk beds to be undertaken through generous sponsors.

•The repainting and repair work to the container building be undertaken in the near future.

Training of MCCC full-time missioanries There has not been a training for full-time MCCC missionaries since 2016.

Recommendations: •The recruitment of lay missionaries be undertaken by all units as a priority through invitation and the dissemination of promotional materials.

•The feasibility of training Filipino lay missionaries in the Philippines be looked into.

Programmes The Centre has been able to provide various programmes other than the training of full-time missionaries over the course of the year. A huge investment in youth programmes is being pursued by the Centre because of the belief that changes in mind-set of people should start by influencing the young.

The participants share their thoughts and insights on the presentation given by the Archbishop on the theme of the Assembly.

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Recommendation: •the programmes schedule and calendar of events at SJMAC be made available at least one year in advance so that they can be

The Annual General Assembly 2018 promoted over a longer period.

Finance With no regular source of income and relying solely on a shoestring budget to make ends meet, SJMAC has been operating entirely on the generosity of some benefactors, mainly from Sibu. Shortfalls are usually taken care off through other donations.

Recommendation: •unit members encourage others to contribute towards the running cost of SJMAC. Future Prospects SJMAC was initially provided to MCCC to be used as a training centre for her missionaries. It has, since her inception in 2014, evolved to become a centre for mission animation in a wider sense and also a place to cater to the needs of other groups. An evaluation process on the Centre in line with her main objectives need to be carried out from time to time to assess her role within the context of the local as well as the wider Church community. Only then can her future be considered and further developed in line with the needs of the Church.

Recommendations: •An evaluation on SJMAC be carried out by the relevant authorities before the end of the year.

•A plan to ensure the sustainability of the Centre be developed to include the maintenance of the property.

Conclusion The Director concluded the report by saying that without support and regular funding, it will become a real struggle to maintain and sustain the Centre as it is. Catering to the needs of the diocese as well as to the needs of MCCC is a real balancing act. Unless MCCC is allowed to proceed with a clear mandate from the local church

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authorities to develop the Centre further, she will be forced to work within the parameters of the existing limitations, within the scope of available funding and facilities.

The rest of the evening was free for the participants of the Assembly.

The third day of the Assembly was a full business day. After the reports from the various Mission Areas and the various units were presented, the participants went on to propose the necessary changes to the various relevant articles of the MCCC Statutes concerning membership, code of conduct and safeguarding. The length of tenure of the Council members was amended to allow the present members to be reelected into the Council. The Member’s handbook was also amended to reflect the various changes. The members present voted to adopt the handbook. The signing of the Code of Conduct took place after a reading of the Code and its adoption by all the members present at the Assembly.

The election of the new Council proceeded smoothly. All the previous Council members were reelected back into the new Council. This showed the members’ confidence for them to continue in their roles. The day ended with the presentation of the Financial Report.

The Copies of the statement of Income and Expenses for MCCC and SJMAC were distributed. Questions and clarifications were entertained. The Statements of account show that there was a total income of RM 326,832.28 in 2017 against the total expenditure of RM 276,067.94, showing a credit for the first time of RM 50,764.34. SJMAC had a total expenditure of RM 60,036.65.

The bulk of the expenses of MCCC was attributed to the allowances and expenses of

the various mission areas, including the airfares of the fulltime missionaries. The highest sources of income were from donations and pledges.

The final day of the Assembly was devoted to the drafting of the resolutions (see below).

Each of the resolutions was voted upon and was unanimously accepted by all those present

at the Assembly. The Assembly closed with the celebration of the Eucharist presided by Archbishop Lazo who joined the participants for a celebratory lunch after the Mass.

Archbishop Romy Lazo gave a presentation on the theme of the Assembly, giving much thought on the significance of the Eucharist.

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS •that the delicate balance between priest and lay members be maintained to ensure equal status among the membership of MCCC •that the promotion of mission be extensively carried out •that a full time missionary be assigned to the work of promotion •that MCCC work towards continuity in our mission in Cambodia in response to the need as expressed by the Battambang Prefecture •that the election of a Group Leader for the Philippines may proceed now that there are more than five full-time missionaries there •that a promotional video on MCCC be produced •that the final list of members with their necessary particulars be complied for the issuance of a membership card •that a MoU on the use of the premises at SJMAC will continue to be pursued with the relevant Sibu Diocesan authority •that a formation programme and house for MCCC missionary priests be set up by next year

New Executive Council MCCC has a new governing body for the next two years.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF MCCC for 2017 EXPENSES Allowances

42,263.00

Cambodia

93,688.59

Cubao

32,316.72

Kapatagan

8,451.00

SJMAC

60,036.65

Promotion

1502.00

Transport

7,189.25

Airfares Left to right: Carmen Bersuela, Bridget Newn, Lydia Chin, Fr Ivan Fang, Archbsihop Romy Lazo, David Lau, Theresa Ping, Ivy Yii and Michael Liew.

The Annual General Assembly 2018 reelected the members of the MCCC Executive Council for another term of office 2018-2020 after the Assembly amended the Statutes to allow the Council members, who have already done two terms, to be eligible for another term. At the first Council Meeting immediately after the Assembly, the new office bearers were elected and the various portfolios were assigned.

1. Fr. Ivan Fang 2. Lydia Chin 3. Carmen Bersuela 4. Ivy Yii 5. Theresa Ping 6. Bridget Newn 7. Michael Liew 8. David Lau

Unit Coordinator Promotion Coordinator Misconduct Policy Administrator Formation Coordinator Mission Coordinator

- Director of MCCC - Hon. Chairperson - Hon. Secretary - Hon. Treasurer - Committee Member - Committee Member - Committee Member - Committee Member Theresa Ping Michael Liew David Lau Fr Ivan Fang Carmen Bersuela

Area Units Coordinators: Brunei -Bridget Newn Sarawak -Ivy Yii Philippines -Arturo Ang We wish to congratulate the new Executive Council and offer our support and prayers for a fruitful and spirit-guided governance during their tenure.

BEC:MAINTENANCE TO MISSION

25,427.67

General Assembly

3,649.16

Miscellaneous

1,543.90

TOTAL

276,067.94

INCOME Donations Pledge

124,513.57 84,535.00

Projects Others (Stipends etc.)

27,805.65

Mill Hill Students

1,575.00

Others

4,072.06

Sales

2,293.00

Carolling

3,802.00

Mission Fair

TOTAL

78,236.00

326,832.28

BEC:M2M

St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre is introducing a programme entitled BEC: Maintenance to Mission. This is a programme for those who wish to discover what it means to be a member of a small Christian community. It is specially suited for those who are already members of groups and BECs. The programme will seek to motivate participants to play a bigger role in the life of the group or basic ecclesial community that they belong so that the various groups or communities can look beyond their own needs and reach out to those who are in need within or outside their own communities. It will be offered over two Saturdays. The first one will take place on 10 November 2018. Those interested should hand in the completed registration form together with a fee of RM15.00 not later than 5 November 2018.

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Sister Emma Ferolino MCHS (10 Novemebr 1948 - 15 June 2018) The Executive Council and members of MCCC are sad to announce the death of Sr Emma. She became a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1983. After 25 years with the MIC Sisters, she joined the Missionary Community of the Holy Spirit in 2008. In 2011, having heard a presentation given by Fr. Ivan on MCCC in Davao City, Sr. Emma expressed her desire to be part of this new venture. She spearheaded the formation of the Davao unit and guided the unit and became a member of the Executive Council for two terms, from 2012 to 2016.

Over the last few years she had been the Area Coordinator for the units in the Philippines until her untimely death last June. Sr. Emma had been looking forward to the General Assembly and Julius’ ordination but unfortunately, she met with an accident towards the end of May. She suffered a broken femur when a motor bike crashed into her while she was crossing the road. She

YOUTH MISSION CAMP 2018

Pledge Cards Establishing a sustainable programme of income.

was operated on and was recuperating in the hospital when she died suddenly from organ failure. She will always be remembered for her steadfast loyalty to mission. Please remember her in your prayers. May she rest in peace and may God lead her to his heavenly home.

10 -14 December 2018 The third Youth Mission Camp organised by St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre will take place from 10 December 2018 to 14 December 2018 at the Centre. It is open to all youth aged 16 years and above. Participants will receive various inputs on Christian mission and vocation, take part in activities on mission themes, prayer, Mass, and participate in other activities within a community setting. Participants showing potential with good aptitude will be encouraged and offered a place at the 10 Week Mission experience Programme which includes a one week mission exposure trip to Cambodia. Registration forms should be completed and handed in with a fee of RM20.00 not later than the end of November.

One of the points discussed at previous Annual General Assemblies was the thorny issue of funds deficit. In response, it was proposed that a pledge campaign be launched to invite supporters to make a pledge of monetary assistance towards the work of MCCC. In contrast to other methods of fund raising, getting pledges is hassle free and avoid unnecessary effort and expenses.

The aim is to convince supporters to pledge a reasonable amount per month for a year. Those who make the monetary pledges are to be given a choice: either they personally contribute the fix amount they agree to pledge themselves or they pledge to collect the amount from friends and family members, making up the amount they wish to pledge.

The Pledge cards have been launched in Brunei and in Sibu. If you wish to make a pledge to help MCCC in her mission work, please contact any member of the MCCC units who will be more than willing to assist you and explain the procedure in making a pledge.

MCCC MISSIONARY TRAINING The next fulltime missionary training programme at SJMAC will begin at the beginning of next year. The training will commence with a week of orientation and retreat followed by seven weeks of intensive personal and community oriented sessions. There will also be sessions on Missiology and various skills that are useful for those going on mission abroad. When this is over, there will be a month of mission exposure, either in Malaysia or in the Philippines. Participants will be evaluated and be given an opportunity to discern their calling to missionary life. Those on short term mission can opt for another three months in a supervised mission experience in any of the places where MCCC missionaries are working: China, Cambodia or the Philippines. Those on long term mission will return after the exposure period for another three weeks of studies in Sibu before being sent on mission abroad.

Those interested to take part in this programme are requested to write to the Programme Director, Fr Ivan Fang MHM, stating their reasons for wanting to become a missionary, with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae and other relevant documents supporting their application. No special requirements are expected from the applicants apart from displaying maturity in various aspects of life, a genuine desire to serve and are strongly motivated, with reasonably good health.

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Becoming a Friend of MCCC MCCC is inviting supporters to be part of a network of people who are willing to give of their time and resources in promoting the work of MCCC without actually being committed as full members of MCCC. They can do this in a variety of ways. If you are interested in becoming a friend of MCCC, put your name, address and contact details in an envelope marked “Friends of MCCC’ and hand it to a MCCC unit member near you.

As a friend of MCCC, you can do any or all of the following: 1. pray for the success of the missionary efforts of MCCC 2. make a monthly pledge to donate towards the cost of putting a missionary in China, Cambodia or the Philippines 3. sponsor a child’s education in China, Cambodia or any country where MCCC missionaries are working 4. contribute towards a project 5. attend or participate in any events or projects organised by MCCC 6. promote MCCC’s efforts to a wider audience 7. solicit funds on behalf of MCCC 8. help in fund raising events 9. participate in a familiarisation trip to one of our mission areas 10. offer masses for the intentions of MCCC missionaries As a friend of MCCC, you will be invited to an annual gathering locally (MCCC family day) as well as receive an invitation to participate at the Annual General Assembly of MCCC.

Making a Pledge MCCC is inviting supporters to make a pledge to help cover the cost of carrying out mission work which is the church’s main purpose, rather than putting all their resources in church maintenance. By pledging, supporters commit themselves and promise to carry out their intentions without fail. Although pledging usually takes the form of monetary aid, it may also be in the form of active service and dedication towards a particular cause. If you wish to make a pledge in support of MCCC in any of the ways listed, please put it on paper with your details and seal it in an envelope marked “Pledge” and hand it in to a MCCC member.

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You can make a pledge for any of the following: 1. A monthly/yearly contribution towards the overall work and mission of MCCC 2. A monthly/yearly contribution towards the education of a child in one of the countries where MCCC is present 3. A monthly/yearly contribution towards the cost of maintaining a missionary abroad 4, Contribute to part or all of the cost of any MCCC project 5. Support any programme or event organised by MCCC 6. Promote the work of MCCC 7. Pray for the welfare of MCCC missionaries at home and abroad Monetary pledges can be for any amount in any currency.

Search ‘19 - Come & See An invitation to a week of Mission Experience MCCC is inviting Catholic men and women who want to experience life as a lay missionary to take part in the community life at St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre for a week (6 to 12 January 2019).

Those wishing to participate in SEARCH ’19 which begins on Sunday 6 January and ends on Saturday 12 January 2019 can contact the following person nearest them: Kuching: Rose Bong +60 172287040 Sibu: David Lau +60 168780410 Brunei: Michael Liew +673 8613222 No payment is required for the programme but donations are welcomed. Participants are expected to find their own way to SJMAC in Sibu by evening on Sunday 6 January.

Sponsor a Missionary The number of MCCC missionaries working abroad will steadily increase and therefore we are sending an appeal out to all our readers to help us sponsor their mission overseas by making a small contribution each month towards their upkeep. It cost around BND 500 a month to maintain a missionary working abroad: Accommodation $150, Food $200 and transport $150. Any amount pledged per month for our missionaries will be greatly appreciated. If you are willing, please contact us for more details on how to give.

Accommodation in KK We are offering accommodation to visitors to Sabah who wish to stay for a few days.

Two three-room apartments are available for rent in the city centre at Marina Court at RM320 per night.

Please WhatsApp or contact Patricia at +60128373906.

If you require the service of a taxi, please call Patrick at +60168913906

If all our readers (more than seven hundred) were to donate just $10.00 or RM100 per month, we will have enough to run one of our overseas centres comfortably. Think about this seriously.

Contact Lydia for more details on how to give.

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MCCC Code of Conduct The draft copy of the Code of Conduct for MCCC members is now available and all members are advised and encouraged to obtain a copy to read through and to offer any suggestions or amendments before the end of October. All members are required to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct once the necessary amendments have been made. Included also for comments and suggestions are the policy and procedures for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

MCCC Member’s Handbook The long awaited MCCC handbook for members is now available as a draft edition either as a hard copy or soft copy which is available online on MCCC’s members Facebook page. All members are encouraged to get a copy to read through.

Membership Card Membership cards for all MCCC members will become mandatory by the beginning of next year. To apply for one, please get in touch with your unit facilitator or group leader with your personal details by the end of October.

Contact Details for MCCC St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre, Lot 1389, Lorong Sentosa Utara 4A, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak.

Malaysia.

Office phone: +6084220236 Mobile phone: +60143529585 All general enquiries: please contact any of the following Lydia Chin email: teoipeng@yahoo.com Carmen Bersuela email: mingmber@yahoo.com For more updates: find us on facebook.

email address: Fr Ivan’s email:

sjmac.sibu@gmail.com navifang@hotmail.com

BANK ACCOUNTS

Donations can be banked into the following account: Brunei Account number: SCB 0150141739100 Malaysian Accounts: AmBank 012-201-200676-9 SCB 324-194919-437

under the name of Ivan Fang Yau Hong Malaysian cheques to Bishop of Sibu - Missionary Community of Corpus Christi or Ivan Fang Yau Hong