Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help

19-21 Jalan La Salle, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
T: 05-5458220 (O)
F: 05-5468495
T: 05-5468611 (Community)

Parish Priest : Rev. Philip Lai, CSsR

Sat. Novena Devotion : 9.00 am & 6.00 pm
Sat. Sunset Mas : 7.00 pm English

Sunday Mass:
 8.30 am English
10.00 am Tamil
11.30 am Mandarin

Chapels:
St. Mary's Chapel, Kg. Tersusun
Sunday Mass in Tamil : 5.00 pm

Rangers's Camp Chapel
8.00 M. Mass in B.M.

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Renewal in the Spirit Seminar at OMPH, Ipoh
Published on: June 19, 2010 at 11:32 AM

IPOH: More than 120 people (Catholics and non-Catholics) came for the Renewal in the Spirit Seminar conducted by Alex Loo and his team from Kuala Lumpur. The RSS was held at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church on June 5 and 6. It was organized by the OMPH charismatic prayer group, who invited Alex Loo and his team to conduct the RSS here.

Participants came from parishes in Ipoh, Gopeng, Batu Gajah, Teluk Intan, Alor Setar, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur. Joyce Au felt tears springing to her eyes the moment she entered the hall. This continued throughout the two-day event. She was so filled with the outpouring of the Spirit and the love of God, she could just weep for joy. One participant, Mic Read More
Children’s Day celebrated with Mass
November 20 , 2009

IPOH : The parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) celebrated Children’s Day with Mass on Oct 31 - the eve of All Saints’ Day.

In his sermon, Fr Eugene Fernandez, CSsR, explained about the Beatitudes. “It [Beatitudes] talks about being ‘poor in spirit’…. being ‘peacemakers’, hence the Beatitudes are all about the ordinary things in life,” he said. Read More
Priests' year launched at OMPH parish
August 19 , 2009

IPOH : “The Eucharist should be a reminder of our commitment in journeying to eternal life.” This reminder was given by Fr Philip Lai, CSsR, the parish priest of Our Mother Of Perpetual Help (OMPH), prior to the launching of the Year of Priests at parish level.

The launching took place during the evening Mass on Aug 8. Fr Lai began his sermon by talking about the growing trend of suicide among students and young adults. Touching on the first reading, he spoke about how the prophet Elijah was also in a hopeless situation as he (Elijah) considered suicide. Read More
Parent's Day at OMPH, Ipoh
May 30 , 2009

By Felicia G. Alexis
IPOH: The Sunday School Children of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) parish paid tribute to their parents, with a Parents’ Day Mass on May 16. Read More
OMPH's Family Day Carnival, a success
May 15 , 2009

By Felicia G. Alexis
IPOH: The Parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) had a Family Day Carnival on Sunday Apr 26. The event began at 9.30am with the cutting of the ribbon by the parish priest Fr Philip Lai CSsR and his assistant Fr Eugene Fernandez CSsR. The crowd was then treated to a live performance by the Brass Band from St Michael’s Institution (SMI).

A wide variety of stalls were set up on the day selling finger-foods such as curry puffs and Nyonya kueh, as well as Indian and Chinese food. There was also the Laksa Sarawak sold by the East Malaysian parishioners. Read More
Jesus' death is his Ground Zero
April 25 , 2009

By Felicia G Alexis
IPOH: The Parishioners of the church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) welcomed 47 new members at the Easter Vigil Mass on Apr 11.

The Vigil began at the outdoor shrine, with the parish priest Fr Philip Lai CSsR blessing the fire and the Easter Candle. Despite the light drizzle, the congregation as well as the candidates gathered at the shrine. Fr Lai later led the procession into the church. Joining Fr Lai in celebrating the Vigil were Fr Eugene Fernandez CSsR (assistant parish priest) and Fr Patrick Massang CSsR. Read More
New Parish Priest for OMPH Church
January 11, 2009

IPOH: Parishioners of the church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) witnessed the installation of the new Parish Priest, during the Sunset Mass on Dec 13, 2008.

Fr Philip Lai CSsR was installed by the Bishop of Penang, Rt Rev Antony Selvanayagam. In his sermon, the Bishop went on to say that while we busy ourselves with the whole preparation of Christmas, we should also prepare ourselves to receive Christ. While it is acceptable to have beautiful decorations in the church or in our homes, are our own ‘cribs’ (hearts) being cleaned up for the birth of Christ? Read More
Be a source of encouragement to all
November 30, 2008

IPOH: “Be a source of support and encouragement” — this was continuously emphasized by Fr Philip Lai CSsR at the Parish Assembly of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH).

The parish assembly, held  on Sunday Nov 9, saw a turnout of about 144 people representing various ministries.
Fr Lai welcomed Thomas Chua, a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Team, and also Fr Eugene Fernandez CSsR who had just returned from overseas. Fr Lai then announced next year’s theme Living the Spirituality of Communion, and kept reminding the people how important it was to support and encourage each other. Read More
Family Carnival by the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual help
November 09, 2008

IPOH: The parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) had a Family Carnival at D.R. Seenivasagam grounds, on Sunday Oct 19.

This was the “third and last Parish event for the year”, as stated by Fr Philip Lai CSsR in his opening speech. Fr Lai encouraged those present to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. His speech was followed by a dance performance by the Sunday School Children, led by Serene Hew. Read More
Wallace House opens at OMPH, Ipoh
12 October 2008

IPOH: For thirty-five years, the Parish Human Development Committee (PHDC) of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) has been working very hard to serve the poor and the needy of all races and religion within and outside the parish.

On Sunday, Sept 21 with the opening of the Wallace House, the PHDC is now able to further renew its commitment to the poor and to expand its scope of rendering help in other ways. Read More
OMPH Carnival on Oct 19 focuses on Jesus' love
28 September 2008

IPOH: This year’s focus for the upcoming Oct 19 Carnival to be held by Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church will portray Jesus’ blessings for love and commitment in marriages, resulting in wholeness and fulfillment to all members of the family.

As such, the theme of “family” with Christ’s presence in our homes and community is to stress the importance of parents providing leadership and direction for their family, said Joseph Loh, the parish pastoral chairman of OMPH parish. Read More
Sense of missioning becomes clearer
13 July 2008

IPOH: Whilst the English novena-preached Masses were ongoing, Masses in Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil were also held from June 25 -27 .

Each night, about 500 people attended both the Tamil and Chinese Masses at OMPH hall and room. OMPH parish priest, Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR,  was present to celebrate the Tamil Mass with Fr Victor Louis, while assistant parish priest Fr Philip Lai, CSsR, was also present at the Mandarin Masses to celebrate the Eucharist with Fr Paul Wong.

After the eight days of Novena Masses, a sense of missioning became clear as more people joined in novena prayers and went for confessions. OMPH parish priest Fr Joseph Stephen CSsR said he hoped the people will take it one step further and put what they had learned into practice and service. Read More
OMPH Feast celebration
13 July 2008

Four thousand participate in OMPH feastday celebrations

IPOH: More than 4,000 people converged on Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church here to participate in its feastday Eucharistic celebration on June 28, which included a combined language Mass, crowning of the Icon, candlelight procession and Benediction.

Fine weather allowed many to come for the eight days of novena-preached Mass and the outdoor feastday Mass to thank Mother Mary for her intercessions and help.

People from Singapore, Johor and Kuala Lumpur came for the Mass, celebrated by OMPH parish priest Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR, with assistant parish priest Fr Philip Lai, CSsR and Fr Simon Pereira, CSsR. Read More
Parents’' Day celebration at OMPH
29 June 2008

IPOH: Fundamental Christian sects which often pose a threat to Christians and their families, with claims of a “closer adherence” to God should make all Catholics think seriously of being active in Christian service and witness to Jesus Christ.

Besides prayer, the most eloquent testimony will be by living a consistent, loving, humble, honest, Christ-like life and to seek to win other people for Him. Read More
OMPH feast will begin from June 20
15 June 2008

IPOH: Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church will celebrate its parish feastday at 7.00pm on June 28 with a combined language Mass, Crowning of the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, a candlelight procession and Benediction.

OMPH parish priest Fr Joseph Stephen CSsR, said there would also be preached novena prayers at 7.40 pm followed by Mass in English at 8.00pm from June 20 - 27 in the church, except for June 21. Read More
Corpus Christi - God's goodness to humankind
8 June 2008

IPOH: Corpus Christi, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, reminds us of the unique gift of the Eucharist, and God’s goodness and charity shown to man through this Sacrament.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) Church assistant parish priest, Fr Philip Lai, CSsR, said this in his homily during the packed multilingual Eucharistic celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi. Read More
Pentecost - child in a womb
25 May 2008

IPOH: The feast of Pentecost was likened the inner presence of the Holy Spirit within us as the presence of a child within its mother’s womb by Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church (OMPH) parish priest Fr Joseph Stephen CSsR.

“You can feel it, but you don’t know what it looks like. It may give you some discomfort at times, but you bear it willingly because you want it to be active within you,” he said. Read More
Chinese New Year celebrations at OMPH
24 February 2008

IPOH: The onset of Lunar New Year was welcomed with a Eucharistic Celebration  on Chinese New Year’s Eve and  New Year’s Day, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church here.

As the most colourful and joyous of all Chinese festivals, the Chinese New Year is also a time of  reunion, thanksgiving, hope and a new beginning, said OMPH assistant parish priest Fr Philip Lai, CsSR  who gave the homily on New Year’s Day. Read More
Parish Aids Committee merges with PHDC
23 December 2007

Parish Aids Committee merges with PHDC

IPOH: For the past 33 years the Parish Aids Committee (PAC) of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) has been providing assistance to the poor. Read More
Belonging to BECs is Penang's 2008 target
25 November 2007

IPOH: During the recent Parish Pastoral Assembly held at the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, parish priest Fr Joe Stephen spoke on the target for 2008.

Fr Joe told the Assembly, “The Annual Target for 2008 will be for all in the Diocese of Penang to be aware that each one should belong to a BEC and no group or organisation replaces the BEC. The overall strategy for consolidation should include three parish-level events, two BEC gatherings (Eucharistic celebrations and Fellowship) and to strengthen and consolidate BECs by having 10 to 15 families in each BEC.” Read More
Parish assembly of OMPH parish
25 November 2007

IPOH: “Church as a community should reassess how it could respond to the changing times of the moment,” said Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR, parish priest of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH).

“And it is impossible to know that everyone of you is fully appreciated for your help, sacrifices and all other assistance to the Church,” he added in his opening address of the recent Parish Pastoral Assembly.

About 160 parishioners representing 30 BECs and 25 Ministries attended the Parish Assembly held in the recently renovated Church Hall on Sunday (Nov 11) afternoon. Read More
Service of reparation for theft at OMPH
9 September 2007 issue of the Herald

IPOH: Parishioners of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church gathered for a solemn prayer service and Mass in reparation for the loss of its sacred consecrated hosts and ciboriums on Aug 24, following the theft of the church tabernacle and the sacred vessels from the church in the early hours of Aug 16.

In reparation for the hurtful and disrespectful act that desecrated the sacred hosts and the church, the prayer service was conducted by OMPH parish priest Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR  together with assistant parish priest, Fr Philip Lai, CSsR. Read More
Search for the truth
9 September 2007 issue of the Herald

IPOH: What is Truth? The truth is what makes a person a better being, ennobles us, widens our perception and  touches the heart.

That was why for one and a half hours, Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, well-known for his inspiring work and struggle for social justice, held everyone’s attention as he spoke on the topic, “Malaysia: a Secular State?” at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church here on Aug 23. Speaking after a prayer session held for the nation’s 50th year of independence, Dr Jeyakumar responded to Deputy Prime Minster Datuk Seri  Najib Tun Abdul Razak’s “Malaysia is an Islamic State” remark which was widely reported. Read More
Volunteers from everywhere for OMPH Food and fun fair
2 September 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH: Every year, big-hearted volunteers give up their Sunday morning activities to help raise money for Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church during its food and fun fair.

This year, the number of volunteers sizeably increased, as parishioners from other churches from Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Teluk Intan, and Taiping, and friends from Singapore, Tapah and Cameron Highlands joined in to do their part. Read More
Food and funfair at OMPH, Ipoh
29 July issue of The Herald

IPOH: Some of Ipoh’s famous food to sample and tasty souvenirs to take back home will be the main attraction at the Our Mother of Perpetual Help food and funfair to be held at its grounds in Ipoh Gardens on Aug 19.

Starting from 9.00am till 3.00pm, over 44 stalls selling home-cooked and hawker food, drinks, vegetables and fruit, as well as games, plants and handicraft items make for a super Sunday brunch and a relaxing time with the family and friends. Read More
Mary is the perfect model of discipleship
8 July 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH: Mary’s special role as the perfect model of discipleship was given prominence during Our Mother of Perpetual Help feastday celebrations on June 23.

The feastday Mass was celebrated by OMPH parish priest Fr Joseph Stephen CSsR, together with Redemptorist preachers from Singapore Fr Bill Heng and Fr Jacob Ong. The fact that the liturgical celebration attracted more than 3,000 people of all races — young and old, including the sick, elderly and the handicapped — showed the great love the people, both Catholics and non-Catholics, have for Mary. Read More
OMPH Family Nite
8 July 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH: The hall at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church certainly needed more elbowroom, as more than 400 parishioners, young and old crowded the space for the OMPH Family Nite on June 24 in conjunction with its feastday celebrations.

Even grandmothers and grandfathers came, some from the Old Folks’ Home at Kampung Simee, to participate in the Family Night which was opened by Bishop of Penang, Bishop Antony Selvanayagam. In a short speech, Bishop Selva asked parents to be responsible for their children, to see how they live their lives as Christ’s witnesses. Read More
The Holy Spirit helps us be witnesses
8 July 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH: The Redemptorist Frs Jacob Ong, Bill Heng and J J Fenelon, who preached at the novena Masses of Our Mother Of Perpetual Help church from June 15, spoke with fiery passion on what it means to be a Christian and the essence of discipleship.

Touching on growing in relationship with God through prayer, our duty to the church and to the world around us, they reminded the faithful of the wonderful privilege of being a child of God — to have that in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit within which assures us of God’s love for us everytime we pray. Read More
Feastday celebration of OMPH
10 June 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH: The church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help will hold its parish feastday on Saturday, June 23, with the theme Mary: Model Disciple at 7.00pm.

The annual feastday programme, which has drawn hundreds of people from all over, will start at 9.00 am with a blessing and prayer for the Sick.

This will be followed by the liturgical celebration at 7.00pm, which includes the crowning of the Icon, a candlelight procession and Benediction. Read More
Parents' Day celebration at OMPH
10 June 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH: Walking in the light of God, the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help celebrated Parents Day with a Mass. The Sunday school students, with the help of the children of the parish, animated the celebration.

This is the day when children thanked their parents for giving them life and like gardeners, watering their seeds so they may grow strong and beautiful in God’s love. Read More
Cafe starts in OMPH
10 June 2007 issue of The Herald

IPOH:  Café, or Catholic Faith Exploration got off to a nice start at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church.  Essentially Café is a faith journey to help Catholics understand their faith more fully.

It makes full use of Malaysians’ love for food and interaction by incorporating café-style discussions into a  programme, which basically encourages Catholics to learn more about God in their lives and later evangelise others. Participants met weekly every Tuesday from 8.00pm till 10.00pm and watched a short video presentation, followed by group discussions. The programme is aimed at fostering discipleship, faith formation, spiritual deepening, community building and evangelisation. Read More
Show good examples

10 December 2006 issue of The Herald

Show good examples

IPOH: On Nov 25, the Feast of Christ Our King was a brand new day for 70 first holy communicants of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help as they journeyed deeper into their spiritual faith. Proud parents looked on with beaming smiles as their children received their first Holy Communion.

Read More
Children's Mass at OMPH Church
IPOH: On October 14, The Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help celebrated a Children's Day Mass. Children sat at the pews reserved for them.

Celebrants for the night were Fr Patrick Massang and Fr Joseph Stephen. After the gospel, there was a shadow play. This was then followed by a dialogue between Fr Joseph Stephen and the children, and it began like this, "Who wants to be rich?" and of course all the children’s hand, went up with the sounds of  "E, ME" being heard.

Read More
Ipoh parish celebrates lantern festival

Taken from The Herald of 15 Oct. 2006 issue

IPOH: On October 4, parishioners of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) celebrated the lantern festival. Many of those who attended the fellowship came as a family.

Food was on a pot-luck basis. People brought home-cooked food and shared it with everyone there.

Read More
Grandparents honoured at Mass

17 September 2006 issue of the Herald

IPOH: Grandparents were honoured during a Eucharistic Celebration at the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help on September 2. The Mass was animated by the children of the parish.

Read More
Understanding and dealing with loss and bereavement

12 February 2006 issue of The Herald

IPOH:  “The experience of grief involves acknowledging the loss, experiencing the pain, re-adjusting to the loss, reinvesting emotional energy and reconciling the loss,” said Sr Una Boland.

“When death comes, one is shocked, confused and faced with disbelief, confusion, anger and guilt. As one experiences the pain, disorientation creeps in leading to helplessness, frustration and resentment,” said Sr Boland.

Read More
Globalisation can have negative effects on family life

12 February 2006 issue of The Herald

IPOH:  Globalisation is not conducive to family life and marriage.

With this warning to the congregation at the Family Mass, Fr Joseph Stephen CSsR cautioned the parishioners to be wary of what they read, see or hear over the media.

Read More
OMPH parishioners learn importance of Liturgical Art

29 January issue of The Herald

IPOH:  The role of Liturgical Art is art in service to God and the Church. Liturgical art is an expression of Faith and inspires Faith.  Such art lends greater dignity to the celebrations of the sacred mysteries and inspires the heart and mind.

With such a clear idea of what liturgical art is, the participants at the Art Ministry seminar and workshop were led to greater insights of such art.

Read More
Anglicans, Catholics have joint celebration

8 January issue of The Herald

IPOH:  More than 200 children and their parents from the Rangers’ Camp celebrated Christmas early, on Dec 18. The party was a joint celebration by the Catholics and the Anglicans of the camp.

The Rangers’ Camp Chapel is situated in the Military Camp along Jalan Tambun, Ipoh.

Read More
Alpha programme comes to Ipoh

11 December issue of The Herald

IPOH: The Alpha Course arrived in Ipoh on Nov 27. The programme was introduced to the parishioners of the Church of Our Mother Perpetual Help (OMPH) Ipoh by the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocesan Alpha Team.

The course attracted over 100 Catholics including a few from Penang and Taiping.

Also present was Bishop Antony Selvanayagam.

The day-long course which was held to familiarise the parishioners with the programme attracted more that 100 Catholics including a few from Penang and Taiping.

Read More
Forty-three receive First Holy Communion at OMPH

4 December issue of The Herald

IPOH:  God created us in His image and likeness. Ask God to make you more and more like Him. Remember that it is not just coming to Church on Sunday and receiving communion. We should all, (including the parents) ask our Lord to give us the wisdom to love one another and to be able to forgive.  

Read More
OMPH parishioners urged to cultivate a sense of spirituality

27 November issue of The Herald

IPOH: “We are a growing and reflective parish. We need to always question ourselves, what is God asking of us today rather than keep saying we have been doing things in this manner and therefore keep it that way.”
Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR, the parish priest of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH), reminded the participants of the Parish Assembly of their tasks ahead.

 In his keynote address, Fr Joe (as he is popularly known) reiterated that “we the parish of OMPH through this Parish Assembly want to evaluate our parish activities for the year 2005 and we want to look forward with planning for the year 2006. It is an exercise in humility and in faith.

Read More
OMPH have session on first aid

2 October 2005 issue of The Herald

IPOH: Our mission is to ensure that there is a first aider in every home or place of work. We hope there is at least one person who is proficient to give immediate assistance or to comfort any victim in an emergency.

With this mission in mind, Chang Kwai On, Vice Chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Ipoh Chapter told the HERALD, “We have been offering free short courses to any organisation or group who need our services.”

Read More
OMPH\'s \'Light Corner\' celebrates first anniversary

2 October 2005 issue of The Herald

IPOH: A week-long celebration marked the first anniversary of the Light Corner of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) recently.

The OMPH Light Corner was set up to provide an avenue for the parishioners and friends to meet in an amiable surrounding to share ideas, chit-chat or even to have informal or formal discussions over a cuppa.  Drinks are provided free of charge.

Read More
St Mary\'s Chapel, Ipoh, Celebrates Silver Jubilee

11 September 2005 issue of The Herald.

IPOH: About 1,000 parishioners, friends and well-wishers joined in to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of St Mary’s Chapel on August 20.

Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR was on hand to celebrate the Mass themed Mary, Model for Christian Disciples.
“Let’s allow the power of the Holy Spirit to open new dimensions in our lives, Let\'s learn how to pray, learn how to surrender our lives to God, learn how to serve as Mary did with her life.” Fr Joseph made this call in his homily.
“Remember to live our lives with God in our minds. Appreciate this gift of life from our Lord because God has a purpose and plan for each of us,” continued Fr  Joe, as he is also popularly known.

Read More
OMPH Parish Celebrates Feast Day.

10 July 2005 issue of The Herald.

Mary is our guiding force.

IPOH: With the theme for the Feast Day in mind - Mary Heart of the family - Deacon Neville Arul Sinnappah, CSsR reminded all in his homily that Mary "is the guiding force in the family as we face so many difficulties and challenges. We must continue to trust in God and ask Mother Mary to help us understand God’s, will".

The feast Day of the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) was celebrated on June 25. More than 2000 parishioners and friends attended the Mass at the church’s open-air shrine.

Read More
Getting To Know Our True Selves - Fundamental Conversion.

"I am proposing a spirituality of the inner path rather than an outer path with little of no transformation to life or being. The inner path is one that awakens consciousness symbolised in its initial state by water of baptism."

Read More