Church of the Immaculate Conception (1819)
1 Lorong Maktab, Pulau Tikus,
10250 Pulau Pinang
T: 04-2278297
F: 04-2277032
Email: iccpenang@gmail.com
Parish Priest : Rev. Michael Cheah
Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Mark Michael
In residence: Rev Edmund Woon
Sat. Rosary, Novena Prayer: 5.30 pm
Sat. Sunset Mass: 6.30 pm
Sunday Masses :
8.30 am and 6.00 pm
11.15 am (1st & 3rd Sunday in Tamil )
10.45 am (2nd & 4th Sunday in Mandarin)
Weekday Mass :
Mon, Tue, Wed & Sat. at 7.00 am
Thu & Fri - 6.00 pm
Every 13th of the month Rosary & Mass at 7.00 pm
Chapel - St. Joseph's Chapel, Hong Seng Estate: Mass at 8.00 pm (2nd Wednesday)
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The spelndour of truth found in the Catholic Church |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Oct 18 2010 |
17 October 2010
PENANG: In the Sept 28 issue of the HERALD round-up report on Diocesan Assemblies/Synod, Bishop Antony Selvanayagam acknowledged that although PDPA had opted training and formation as its “main priority”, the response was often not encouraging. True. So, let me be the bearer of some truthfully splendid news — the recent Splendour of Truth formation organised by the Immaculate Conception Parish (IC) made a big “catch” of about one hundred and eighty participants!
The “net” haul comprised parishioners from the island, and beyond its shores, even a few of our Protestant brothers and sisters. The draw was Dr Sherman Kuek with the promise of: The Splendour of Truth … found in the Catholic Church. And the promise was fulfilled. It was heart-warming to see participants congregate at IC Church for two full days, eager and hunger-driven to be formed in truth. And truth be told, anything “difficult” needs to be unravelled to enhance understanding and belief. St Augustine’s words, “I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe,” prevail to this end.
Dr Kuek systematically shared and carved out relevant truths grounded in history, Scripture and Apostolic tradition. He helped develop the capacity to probe and put to good use all evidential sources to credibly enhance our understanding for growth in belief. This, especially in relation to Difficult Questions about the Catholic Faith was the key topic in this second part of the Splendour series which he first introduced at IC Parish last year.
The insightful Dr Sherman posed, and eloquently answered FAQs which were segmented into four “difficult” sessions: Difficult Questions about Church History Difficult Questions about the Papacy Difficult Questions about the Priesthood Difficult Questions on Mary and the Saints As noted, all explanation was grounded in Sacred Scripture and/or Sacred Tradition, and history where applicable. Delivery of the potentially heavy content was interspersed with a splendiferous sense of humour, lively anecdotes and analogies, and sometimes “in-your-face” punchlines that quietly exhort you to become a better Catholic! —By Lucille Dass
Church has developed a hunger for formation
When asked for some overall observations or impressions he might have made of participant- behaviour and response over the two-day session, Dr Kuek comments: I’m inclined to think that the Catholics today have developed a new hunger for formation, to be fed God’s Word in faithfulness to the teachings of Holy Mother Church.
Indeed, they should be fed with the truths as proclaimed by the Church and have a right to receive no less than that which Mother Church teaches in all accuracy. However, this hunger among the lay faithful stems not so much from a lack of formation, but rather, a lack of qualitatively adequate formation. Formation, besides being substantial, has to be effective and impactful.
I would like to present a challenge to the many lay formators of the Church today who often mistake that teaching the faith is the responsibility of the clergy and religious alone.
The Church offers a mandate for all her faithful to preach the Word of God, and no one should allow themselves to justify any form of ignorance in issues of faith, morals, liturgy and church discipline. I challenge lay formators to deepen themselves in an intensive way in these areas of the church’s teachings and to transmit these teachings in faithfulness and with great conviction to the younger generation today. — By Lucille Dass
Participatns learned a lot from the session
The session triggered a battery of questions to indicate participants’ active engagement in the talks, and their keen need to know. Indeed, feedback is indicative of the development of cogent reasoning in many, especially in relation to the “hierarchy of truths.” IC Church PPC chairman, Bernard Bhar and fellow parishioner, Angie Wong, agree that they learned a lot about the three Cs, the richness and beauty of the Catholic faith.
While content was “defined very logically, the cheery-Sherman style of delivery made it all accessible.” A parishioner of St Anne’s Church chastised herself for taking her faith for granted and was grateful she could attend. Sr Lucy Theseira of City Parish was specific, “I have a better understanding of the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Papacy, and why we pray to Mary and the Saints.
I have confidence to answer questions on these topics when asked by Catholic or non- Catholic friends. I thank God for this opportunity.” Meanwhile, newly baptised Jeff Ong from the Cathedral Parish rated Dr Kuek as “An extremely good speaker. The sessions were not only informative but also enjoyable.
I have a deeper understanding of my Catholic faith.” Finally, a Protestant for the past ten years now attending RCIA at the Cathedral, Ong Soo Im sounded relieved, “I brought with me doubts and questions regarding Mary and the Saints. Dr Kuek’s talks have cleared my mind of these doubts by his clear and methodical explanations of the Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church. Not only that, I understand how they teach and guide us.
Praise the Lord for Dr Sherman and RCIA.” Lilian Cheah, the organising chairperson was thankful for the “overwhelming” attendance, and support of Fr Marshall and her organising team. In the course of his talks, Dr Kuek also shared his personal conversion story. A day earlier, he held a session on How to Share Your Faith. The attendance for all sessions truly gladdened the heart. — By Lucille Dass
Last changed: Oct 18 2010 at 9:52 AM
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