We will be back to work and school after a week long vacation due to the school term break, Hari Raya Haji holidays and also a break from catechism classes (11 and 18 August). Children will be back to school from Monday, 19 August 2019 despite the weather being not so conducive due to the haze and smog pollution throughout the Klang Valley. It has been hazy since the start of August, and is expected to be this way till September 2019. It is advisable to cut down on our outdoor activities and to avoid open burning.
We celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Thursday, 15 August 2019, a day of obligation in our Catholic Calendar. Despite the school holidays, the crowd was overwhelming for the three Masses (6:45 am, 1:0 pm and 8:00 pm). It is a major feast in the life of Mary, who was privileged to be “the highest fruit of the Redemption” and “the most perfect example of Christian Perseverance.” She is crowned the Queen of Heaven and Earth, a feast which we will celebrate on 22 August 2019. She is our Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
On Saturday, 17 August 2019, a special formation was organised by the Eagle’s Wing Ministry (EWM). This ministry comprises of 30 differently-abled people. It was established in our Parish over 12 years ago. Dr. Sheela Jeremy, who was the main presenter at the formation, spoke about the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of being differently-abled. It was a half-day formation for the members of the EWM, to enhance their faith, spiritual life and to assist them to live a more integrated life – within the community and society at large.
Our Parish RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and PMEIA (Parish Ministry of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs) are organising a special get-together session with the past years RCIA candidates to be held on Sunday, 18 August 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Church Hall. This will be our first ever celebration with all those who have attended the RCIA programme and received their Sacrament of Initiation over the past years. After their respective programmes, many of the RCIA sponsors, inquirers, candidates and team members have Parish activities. We want them to return to the Catholic faith they have professed. It is an opportunity for them to reconnect with our Parish community and to revive and relive their faith.
At the end of the month, our Catechetical Team and Parish Family Life Ministry will organise two important talks to raise awareness among parishioners and their families. First, is a Fire Safety & Emergency talk on Sunday, 25 August 2019 from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. This free-of-charge awareness programme is open to all members of our Parish community, including children. The Fire Prevention Centre of Malaysia will be presenting the fire safety training, which includes how to prevent fires from happening. Everyone is invited to join this life-saving training programme which will be held in our Parish.
Second, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur has agreed to hold an exhibition and talk on “Child Abuse Prevention” on Sunday, 8 September 2019 in our Parish. This talk will cover physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and how to prevent them. We invite parents and young people to join us, to shed some light and get an insight into this difficult and heart-breaking issue.
The Holy Father’s intention for the month of August is “Families – Schools of Human Growth.” I invite parishioners and families to fully engage in prayer and be aware of social issues which are on the rise within our families and in society. We are on a life-long learning journey and I urge all of you to find the time to participate in the various formations which would help you find God in your lives. It is the moments of joy found in God’s presence that make families strong in the midst of all challenges.
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