Sandakan parish organises potluck dinner for neophytes

SANDAKAN – A week after Pentecost, St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Catechetical Ministry organized the Neophyte’s Night with a thanksgiving pot luck dinner at the Parish Hall Jun 15. It was a joyful moment for all neophytes who had gone through the one-year RCIA process .

Last Easter, 382 new members were added to the church in the Diocese of Sandakan, with 121 coming from the Cathedral Parish.

The neophytes proceeded into the hall with lighted candles to the hymn of ‘Walk in the light.’ It is a manifestation of our willingness to be instrument of light for others. The little procession signaled a joyful welcome into the community.

In his welcoming speech, Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector of the Cathedral extended his appreciation to all RCIA animators and sponsors for imparting the knowledge of faith and accompanying the neophytes throughout the various phases of their faith formation.

To the new members of the church, he urged them to be true witnesses to others by being living example and sharing their faith in Jesus. He said, “God’s gifts are to be shared. Discern and familiarize yourself with the many ministries. Get involved and participate in the life of the Parish. Contribute to the growth of the Body of Christ.”

He directed all members of the church to continue with the mission and ministry of proclaiming and sharing the Good News of God in Christ.

Raymond Wong, the chairman of the Parish Catechetical Ministry, announced that the next enrollment for inquirers will be on Jun 28 for the English and Chinese section whereas for the Bahasa Malaysia section, the process begins on Jun 29.

Also present at the event were Sr Veronica Kandaung fsic, Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Office and Sr Appollonia Gumpu fsic of St Mary’s Convent. – DOSPO, DS