STRENGTHENING FAITH OF OUR COMMUNITY

Time flies by so quickly! A year has gone by since I was posted to the Church of St Thomas, Kuantan. I feel so grateful and thankful to God for His guidance throughout my ministry here this past year. We have done our best over the year in organising formations and activities to keep our Parish alive.

From the time I started my ministry here, there has been some difficulty and challenges in attracting new committee members to take the lead. Although there have been opportunities and invitations extended to Parishioners to step up, not many are willing to come forward. So, we must ask ourselves – what exactly is holding us back from greater participation in the life of the Church? We should not give excuses or grumble, but instead, we must move forward without hesitation. We must do what we can at the given opportunity, and not wait for circumstances to be favourable. It is time for us to share the talents and gifts that we have gained over the years with our faith community!

Currently, we have a handful of dedicated Parishioners involved in the various Parish ministries. With this handful of people, our Parish has organised formations, activities and events marvellously and successfully. Without qualms, committee members have carried out commitments faithfully. However, we would like to once again invite more Parishioners to come forward and serve in our Parish “for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” (Eph 2:10) for these works are done not in our own strength and for our own benefit, but by the grace of God and in obedience to Him – led by the Holy Spirit, to God’s glory.

During our first PPC and PCC councils’ meeting (7 January 2023), each Parish ministry presented its half-year and yearly plan in line with the synodal Church – journeying together as a synodal parish. We also set our Parish Vision and Mission statements for the year 2023, which will be officially announced at the upcoming Parish Pastoral Assembly (PPA). We will also then address areas of concern which will pave the way towards strengthening our faith in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Together we will strive to improve our faith by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. During this PPA, we shall renew our commitment and trust in the Lord, as we journey together humbly with Him, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, discerning His will and forming ourselves in a synodal way – in Communion, Participation and Mission to be a more inclusive community.

Our Parish Vision: Strengthening Faith of Our Community.

Our Mission: We commit ourselves to grow stronger in our faith community and live the faith and its values more effectively as we become authentic disciples of Christ through prayers, worship, service and outreach.

Our Areas of Concern:

·      To deepen our prayer life.

·      To be firmly rooted in the riches of God’s Word.

·      To promote ongoing faith formation.

·      To stay close to our families and BECs.

·      To continue experiencing Jesus in the Eucharist.

·      To commit ourselves in evangelising Jesus as Our Lord and Our God in today’s world.

We continue to seek the intercession of Mother Mary and our Patron Saint, St Thomas to be our companions in times of uncertainty, and to keep our faith alive.