Church of St Michael (1890)
24 Church Road, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
T: 05-2540176
F: 05-2415437
stmc@streamyx.com
Parish Priest : Rev. Michael Cheah
Sat. Sunset Mass : 7.00 pm (English)
Sunday Masses :
8.00 am English
10.00 am Mandarin
5.30 pm English
Parish bulletin:
Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4
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SMC, an activity-oriented parish with good leadership |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Jan 19 2009 |
December 14, 2008
IPOH: St Michael’s Church was described as an activity-oriented parish with committed leaders, and a wealth of talent to tap from, according to observations made by Fr Bernard Paul who attended the SMC parish assembly as Diocesan Pastoral Team observer.
SMC is the fifth parish assembly observed by Fr Bernard after he visited parishes in Tg Malim, Tapah, Bidor, and Kampar.
He said based on the SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threat) assessment he found SMC had the strength of expertise as well. Strength was very important as it can help build up the community, he said.
Some 111 people attended the parish assembly, with SMC parish priests Fr Michael Cheah and Fr Anthony Chong present.
Fr Bernard reminded that it was important for the community not to veer into personal or individual groups instead of acting as a whole community.
“As a community, you must show what values are being accomplished (through the projects) such as unity, or renewal. For example, last year the focus was on the Word of God. How effective was this focus?”
Fr Bernard said struggling BECs and absence of parish leaders at BECs was raised as a problem at the assembly. “You have a ready-made leadership. Use the opportunity so we can continue to build. There are many strong and talented leaders. The minority groups and the youth also have the existing structure.”
Fr Bernard said threats, whether external or internal (unhappy minorities) are what could destroy a community. “We must remember the community must grow with the church. However, we must not be blind to concerns otherwise we cannot build,” he said.
He asked the parish to make a statement on its progress from last year in terms of spiritual and daily aspects.
According to an immediate survey of those present, the majority felt there was good progress but there was room for improvement.
Earlier, Fr Cheah said new items for 2009 were two BEC events which included catechesis and celebration. The BEC Lenten outreach on Mar 15 would be an outing to encourage non-practising Catholics to join in the community.
The BEC day at parish level on June 21 will start off with a combined Mass, with consecration of families, youth and children. This will be followed by a simple lunch at nominal cost.
The plan for BECs in 2009 was to realign existing Area Groups and form new Area groups in housing estates.
A parish Ministries day will also be held on Mar 21.
Last changed: Jan 19 2009 at 4:51 PM
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