Church of St Michael (1890)
24 Church Road, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
T: 05-2540176
F: 05-2415437
email: smcipoh@gmail.com
Parish Priest : Msgr Stephen Liew
Assistant Parish Priest: Rev Anthony Chong
Sat. Sunset Mass : 7.00 pm (English)
Sunday Masses :
8.00 am English
10.00 am Mandarin
5.30 pm English
============================================================
Involvement in BECs can help in parishioners buidling the Church. |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Nov 09 2005 |
IPOH: “It is for us to build the parish; the parish is not my parish, it is our parish,” said Fr Michael Cheah. He said this in his homily (picture) during the recent Eucharistic celebrations for Zone 8, attended by about 180 family members. He told the family members that their views are always sought on certain Church matters through their area leaders before implementation, citing the recent air-conditioning of the Church. “The parishioners in our parish cannot say now that they have not been consulted. However, if you don’t come for area meetings, then you will never be consulted. This is the reason why the local Church now is putting so much importance on BECs. It is for us to build the parish; the parish is not my parish; it is our parish.
“I can be here for maybe another 6 years or the maximum 12 years. Priests come and go. But you remain. Whether your parish sinks, rises or swims is your responsibility,” he said, adding that he regretted that only one BEC is coming forward to clean the whole Church with a seating capacity of 700.
“Gone are the days where Catholics go to Church only on Sundays. It no longer exists this way. The Church today is vibrant and alive and I can guarantee you if you take part in your area group activities and Church activities, life will be different.
“As you take full part in the celebrations of the Mass, in the singing, in the prayers, you come out very much refreshed, better and happier because you know this is your celebration of the Mass, not the celebration of your partners who sing for you or who praise for you when you refuse to open your mouth.
“This is an important aspect of our faith. First of all, we ourselves must decide whether we want to increase our faith either in our area group or in the parish group,” he encouraged.
However, he reminded family members to share the love of Christ in their homes as a starting point.
“Everything starts from our own family — between husband and wife, between parents and children. Children, how do you treat your parents? — Don’t say you can serve very much better in the youth group in St Michael’s parish and yet you don’t talk to your father and mother at home. Charity begins at home. If you want to serve in the Church, yes but serve in the home as well. You must start sharing the love of Christ in your house first then only, come and share it with others. We must build up our own family first, and then we can build up our parish.” Fr Cheah pointed out.
There are 9 Zones in the parish of St Michael comprising 23 BECs, each acquiring a saint’s name to serve as a constant reminder to the family members of their saints’ exemplary life and to help them on their own pilgrimage to eternal life. Fr Cheah has indicated his intention to celebrate Mass in each of the BECs on the feast day of the chosen saint.
- By Andrew Quah
Last changed: Nov 09 2005 at 10:57 AM
Back