Missiocom October 2017

MISSIOCOM The Missionary Community of Corpus Christi

For private circulation only

October 2017 Volume 7 No 1

NEWS Jesus at the Heart of Mission.

page 1 A look at Anna’s work of mercy in China. page 2 MCCC strives to make a positive contribution in collaboration with the Cambodian Church. page 4 MCCC begins to admit candidates for the priesthood.page 7 Returning missionaries continue to reach out in their own home region. page 8 MCCC units are encouraged to reach out and act in faith.

page 10

SJMAC carries out programmes to animate the youth into doing mission. page 12 MCCC organises a Mission Fair to raise awareness of every Catholic’s missionary role. page 13 MCCC Members came together in Davao for their annual gathering. page 14 Statement of Accounts of MCCC for 2016. page 16 The Sibu Police Force came out in force for a community service. page 17 Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo has consented to be the Bishop Protector. page 18

EVENTS BEC: Maintenance to Mission

page 16

Youth Mission Camp page 18 MCCC Missionary Training

page 18 Search ‘18 page 20

1

Jesus at the Heart of Mission

It has been almost three years since the last issue of Missiocom was published in December 2014. Missiocom went through a long hiatus, not because there wasn’t any note worthy news to report, but because there were many activities that deserved more attention and time, all in the field of mission. Missiocom is now playing “catch-up” with all the news over the last three years.

They will serve as a record of all the important developments in the history of MCCC as well as a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit guiding MCCC to embrace her future.

At the same time, we in MCCC, are grateful to all our friends and benefactors for providing for us throughout this time, and especially during the celebration of our 10th Anniversary last year. Not only have they been generous with their gifts but we also appreciate all their prayers and support and always pray that the Lord will continue to bless them and their families throughout the year. Without their contributions, MCCC would not have got to where it is now.

At the heart of it all, we want to draw attention to Jesus, who is and should be the heart of Mission. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are not carrying out our activities for our own benefits but rather to proclaim Jesus. In the midst of organising and ensuring the smooth running of our projects, we sometimes lose track of the objectives of our procontinued on page 2

grammes and for what purpose they serve. In trying to ensure that poor hungry children are fed, that poor widows are helped, that the sick are seen to and that the children are taught, we sometimes focus too much on the immediate concerns that we lose sight of Jesus.

It is reminiscent of the idiomatic expression, “Throwing the baby out with the bath water.” When we begin to do things by striving to be too nitty gritty about finer details at the expense of the persons involved, we have indeed lost sight of the virtues which Jesus tried so hard to impart upon his disciples. Our missionary efforts must be more than bringing good into the lives of the people we serve, even though they are noble. Our missionary efforts must be derived from our profound love for Jesus. Let us put Jesus back into our Mission!

Fr Ivan Fang MHM

MCCC depends on generous donors to carry out God’s mission and to continue to proclaim Christ at home and abroad. We are grateful to all who have supported us in one way or another.

China Diary Part 1: 2015 A look at Anna’s work of mercy in China Our sole missionary in China, Anna, with her vast experience in vetting requests for assistance in rural China, has been very fortunate to be able to obtain her visa to remain in China up to six months at a time. Based in Hanzhong, Anna’s work takes her to far and remote places to check and verify the various applications and requests for help.

15 April 2015 Anna visited Fu Cheng School with Fr. Zan. They were going there to present bursaries to some needy students. Setting off at 6.25 am, they arrived only at 11.15 am. The road was partly flooded due to the recent storms. Eight secondary students and twelve primary students received monetary gifts at a simple ceremony. Anna informed the principal, teachers, students and their parents that these contributions came from Dato Sri Thomas, a Malaysian Chinese. All of them expressed their gratitude for the help.

On the way back, Anna visited Bei Ba Secondary School. She gave bursaries to six secondary students. The Guizhou Rose Society (GRS) of Canada is sponsoring them. GRS sponsored 11 secondary students and 5 primary students earlier in spring 2015.

27 April 2015 Sr. Chui of Shanxi brought Anna to Xi Tian Gong Orphanage for the handicapped. It is located in Xi Tian Gong village, Lu Cheng City in Shanxi prov-

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT. PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. Anna with the legless boy at Xi Tian Gong Orphanage.

2

Anna at Fu Cheng School..

Anna with the secondary students of Bei Ba Secondary School who recieved their bursaries from GRS.

ince. There are 14 handicapped children residing there.

The youngest is 6 months old. There is also an 18 year old legless boy who is quite intelligent and good in archery. One little girl recently had her two legs operated as both of them could not stretch out. Ten of the orphans go to the village school.

The orphanage is managed by four Catholic nuns. Being in the north, the winter is much colder and longer and can last up to five months. In order to keep warm, the sisters have to spend at lest RMB 30,000 annually to buy coal. Through the generosity of Timothy Tay from Singapore, Anna was able to provide some financial assistance.

28 April 2015 Anna visited Xin Yue Special Education Centre, located between Xi’an and Baoji, over 6 hours by road from Hanzhong. Fu Feng Xin Yue Special Education Centre was founded in 2005. It is a large residential and educational institution for the rehabilitation of mentally challenged children whose parents or families face financial difficulties and who cannot care for them in the long term. The centre has plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces with facilities for skills training and teaching. It also has basic living facilities. The aim of the Centre is to respect life and to help parents care for their handicapped continued on page 3

China Diary Part 1: 2015 children. At the moment there are 40 students and 25 staff members.

They believe that Love can change everything.

Teaching is divided into two methods: structured and conductive teaching. They are mainly based on individual training and teaching in small groups. The curriculum includes language learning, mathematics, day to day living skills, health and sports, art, sensory integration, computer studies, music, games, autism therapy (to develop hand-eye coordination and improve concentration) and lessons in practical skills to cope with daily living: the students go out once a week to learn how to ride the bus, shop and other important life skills.

They also provide professional service for cases of autism, mild cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, language barrier, and multiple disabilities. They serve handicapped children from aged 3 to 18 years. Some of them go home once every two weeks, while others, once a month. There are six orphans.

The Centre caters towards vulnerable children in the rural area who are often ignored by society.

Over the last ten years of its existence, the Centre has been able to help educate and provide the necessary skills to many of the vulnerable children to enable them to be independent and to be self-reliant. At the moment the Centre lacks transport to buy vegetables at a village township which is 5

MISSION STATEMENT

Some of the children at Fu Feng Xin Yue Special Education Centre.

miles away and to take the sick children to see the doctor and to take the students out to learn life skills. They are praying for a “mian bao che” (a small van) which can cost between RMB 30k and 50k.

29 April 2015 Anna visited St Joseph’s Orphanage. It was founded in 1994 and situated in Nan Liu Zhong village, Feng Xiang County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province.

The orphanage is committed to providing care for abandoned children, based on the principle of respect for life.

Over the years, the orphanage has been able to provide the necessary conditions for survival and build an atmosphere of love for these abandoned children. From the late 1990s to the beginning of 2000, these abandoned children were the disabled and sick ones. The orphanage took them in and cared for them. Today, the emphasis has developed to providing a combination of therapy, education, rehabilitation and self-care skills. About 200 children have been cared for, among them many healthy children who have been adopted by families who have no children of their own and who are able to provide the necessary care.

The remaining children in the orphanage are handicapped or mentally-disabled. The orphanage has to find resources for these children in order to create a suitable environment and provide them with the opportunity for growth an development so that the children can live a happy dignified life.

Today there are 12 orphans; the youngest is 8 years old, and the eldest is a 24 year old girl with serious cerebral palsy who cannot walk properly or speak. Five of the orphans are taken to the village school daily and another five go for rehabilitation at Fu Feng Xin Yue Special School, a three hour journey away. They are brought back to the orphanage once a month. The two remaining orphans are the eldest one and a 15 year old girl who has Down’s Syndrome. She had been undergoing rehabilitation at Fu Feng Xin Yue for four years to no avail. A staff of six provide the necessary care and love for these abandoned children.

Anna at St Joseph’s Orphange.

3

(This is the first of a three-part series on China)

To witness to Christ’s presence by acting as a catalyst whereby Christians are enabled to carry out their baptismal calling and to serve as a platform from where they can carry out missionary activities

VISION STATEMENT A network of small Christian communities spread across different countries whereby members live out their discipleship by proclaiming Jesus Christ and making the Kingdom of God present through their lives

Making a Difference in Cambodia, no matter how small MCCC strives to make a positive contribution in collaboration with the Cambodian Church.

Francis Vuelga, MCCC missionary, with some of the children at Pongro village.

FRANCIS’ STORY Angkor Tham, part of the iconic temple complex near Siem Reap

Landing at Siem Reap International Airport is akin to entering Cambodia through the back door. In a sense, any tourist can escape the harsh realities of Cambodia’s past by keeping himself/ herself to the confines of the vast temple complex of Angkor Wat and the rather touristy town of Siem Reap with everything geared towards the tourist industry. If anyone can bring him/herself to stomach the grim display at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, Phnom Penh is surely the gateway into the heart and soul of the Khmer people. They serve to remind the new generation of Cambodia of the horrors of their past lest they choose to forget. Recent events probably will suggest that they should be reminded strongly again to embrace a path of reconciliation and justice.

Lord Prime Minister and Supreme Military Commander Hun Sen, as Cambodia’s leader likes to be known, has been in power since 1985. Bloody protests occurred after a bitter election four years ago in which his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) lost ground to the newly formed CNRP. Since then dozens of activists, politicians and critics have found themselves behind bars.

A tough cybercrime law has landed others in trouble for posts on social-media sites. Early on 3 September, Kem Sokha, leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the country’s main opposition, was arrested for treason with the help of 100 police. He now languishes in the miserable confines of a remote prison near the border with Vietnam.The previous head of the CNRP, Sam Rainsy, has been hounded out of the country by spurious criminal charges. The country’s most prominent independent newspaper printed its final edition on 4th September, after the authorities suddenly presented it with an unpayable tax bill of $6.3m. The move forms part of a fierce new campaign against the government’s detractors ahead of elections due next July. Cambodia’s democracy, if not dead, is dying.

Cambodia has been one of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world over the past 20 years. Poverty has fallen sharply—from 50 percent of the population in 2005 to 13.5 percent in 2014.

The World Bank now classifies Cambodia as a lower-middle income economy, and no longer low income. About 90% of the

4

“Always go with the choice that scares you most, because that’s the one that is going to help you grow.”

I remember during my last days of missionary training in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia, that was over two years ago, my director asked me, “Are you a friendly person?” I replied “Yes Father” but in my mind and heart I knew that that was not true. Honestly, I am the silent type, seldom talking with other people. I am not good at socialising because I am very shy and I lack self confidence.

When I received the news that I was going to be sent to Cambodia, I was scared and a little bit nervous. I was not prepared until I arrived at Siem Reap Airport. I felt the pressure and of course, afraid that I could not make it because I was thinking that I was too young for a big mission.

After a few weeks of exposure in different parishes in the Prefecture of Battambang, I decided to settle down in Svay Sisophon. I just followed my heart and what heart was saying. When I arrived in Svay Sisophon, it was difficult for me to adapt to the culture, food and language but after a few months I began to appreciate them. I realised that embracing and understanding the culture were the first things to do for good and productive missionary life.

Francis during one of his classes at the Community Centre in Pongro.

Making a Difference in Cambodia, no matter how small

Francis showing a boy the proper way of hand washing .

A map of Cambodia: MCCC is present in Sisophon, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Pursat and Phnom Penh.

poor live in the countryside.

While Cambodia has achieved the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving poverty in 2009, the vast majority of families who escaped poverty were only able to do so by a small margin. Around 4.5 million people remain nearpoor, vulnerable to falling back into poverty when exposed to economic and other external shocks.

Health and education remain both important challenges and development priorities for Cambodia. 32% (or approximately 0.5 million) of children under five are stunted. While net enrollment in primary education increased from 82% in 1997 to 97% in 2016, lower secondary completion rates, at 43% in 2013, are significantly below the average for lower middle-income countries. As of 2015, 70 percent of Cambodia’s population (12.3 million people) do not have access to piped water supply, and 58 percent (9.3 million people) do not have access to improved sanitation.

Against this socio political and economic backdrop, the minority Catholic Church struggles to survive. In the face of a Buddhist majority, she seeks

5

to find relevance through her continuing service to the poor from the agrarian society who have lived under years of oppression and has barely come out of the nightmare years of the Pol Pot era.

In the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, Msgr Enrique Figarido heads a team of missionary priests and nuns tasked with the rebuilding of the local Church after it was devastated during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The church provides pastoral care and promotes education, agricultural and rural development, improves the health services, provides support for people with disabilities, and promotes the Cambodian culture. MCCC missionaries have been working in the Prefecture for the last six years.

At the present moment, there are seven MCCC missionaries working in Cambodia: Francis and Reynald are both in Svay Sisophon; Thelma and Armand, a husband and wife team, are in Pursat; Agatha is in Siem Reap; Priscilla in Kompong Thom, and Bibeth, in Phnom Penh. They are involved in various ministries and you can read some of their stories here.

Eventually I found that I was suitable for teaching. I started to teach English at the Student Centre within the church compound and later on, I also joined with Sr. Amor to teach basic English to the kids at San Sebastian’s Community Centre at Pongro Village. It was fun and a truly amazing experience. It was very challenging for me because my English was not good. Soon I realised that Mission is not only about teaching A,B,C or songs and dances but Mission is something that you can do to change others’ lives. It is something that you can share to make their lives better than before. When Sr. Amor left Svay, I was under great pressure as I had to take over her responsibilities. I was very scared of handling greater responsibilities. I decided to focus on Pongro. At that time, I thought of wanting to build a community and I wanted to continue the legacy of Sr. Amor. I discovered my heart was with the kids in Pongro. I started to open extra classes for the Khmer language and Mathematics for the children at the Pongro Centre.

I continued the feeding programme of rice soup for the children. In the beginning, I thought it was easy but later on, I felt pain when I saw that the children had no food to eat and they did not have proper hygiene. So, I came to the conclusion that I need to focus on the needs of the people there, not on their wants. I started to implement programmes and one of these is on hygiene. The villagers did not take regular baths and did not know how to brush

Agatha Jong, MCCC missionary from Kuching with the children of Pongro in front of St Sebastian’s Community Centre.

Making a Difference in Cambodia, no matter how small their teeth. It was a little bit challenging to teach the people the things that that they don’t know but it was fun because at the end of the day, you make an impact on their lives. Last month I started to add on a Sewing room for mothers at the present community Centre and it will be finish soon.

Now I continue to teach and promote Hygiene to the children. I am aware that it is not an easy task and it takes time and effort. For me, mission is all about give and take. It is all about witnessing the real meaning of life. You must teach, advocate, inspire, give and help the poor and the needy as well as learn something from them. It is a combination of faith and love, mercy and compassion. Mission is a privilege to experience God’s love. I work with the people who do not believe in God, but for me, religion is not a hindrance to share and experience God’s unconditional love. I am a lay missionary, and being a missionary is a unique profession; the simplicity of life, the encounter with the people, the courage to live with the people, the greater responsibilities, and the capacity to touch other people lives. Now I am following my dream. Before I was scared of everything. Before I was not friendly, before I was shy, before I didn’t have selfconfidence, and before I was afraid to dream. But now, I am always ready to go and make a difference. At last, mission is all about learning, learning from your weaknesses and discovering your inner strength. So! Dream big! I learnt something here in Cambodia, and I am fully admire the people here. They are so amazing! At the end, I am inspired by the lyrics of the following song.

Follow your dream The courage found within Your soul is keeping you so strong That you could rise each time you fall And stand up on your own This time you won’t go wrong Just give your best To hold you with persistently Become the one You’ve always aimed to be Francis Vuelga 2 July 2016 Francis is currently in Svay Sisophon and will return home to the Philippines to enter into a seminary next year after more than three years in Cambodia.

AMOR’S STORY I joined the Missionary Community of Corpus Christi (MCCC) in August 29, 2011. We had our training formation at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. From there we were sent to Cambodia for mission. It was my first time to stay outside my country so I felt nervous and excited knowing that Cambodia has a different language. After three months studying the language, in February 6, 2012, I started my mission at Svay Sisophon, Bantey Meanchey Province at the St Francis Xavier Parish. For a couple of months, I just keep on observing and adjusting myself to the Cambodian language, culture and practices. My first year was so challenging. Many things happened that I never dreamt and expected, just like teaching English to the high school student scholars and kids nearby. I was requested by the Parish Priest to teach at Kabal Spien Elementary School. It was a bit far from the church and the fare was so expensive so I was motivated to learn to ride a motor bike, the common means of transportation in Cambodia. I fell and wounded myself many times but I never gave up learning.

Learning English was one of the the basic needs of the place so I responded to it. I studied and memorised Khmer words day and night by myself. It was so difficult because it was not written in the Roman alphabet. I had to translate my lessons word for word into Khmer so my students could understand. I even used body language. Spending time in teaching helped improved my Khmer. But then still, I am not contended with just teaching because deep within I know my heart’s desire. It is for the service of the less privileged people in the community.

Francis teaching English to the chhildren of Pongro.

6

My vision of mission is one of reaching out to areas where the poorest of the poor families were living. So with my limited Khmer I possessed and just trusting God that He won’t ever leave me, I started going to Pongro village, one of the poorest village in Svay Sisophon. It has no electricity, no water and toilet, and not accessible during rainy days because the road was so muddy and sticky during that time. The families there were so poor and were striving hard to make a living. Many malnourished kids were roaming around, hungry for food and thirsty for love and care from their parents.

I started to visit Pongro village regularly until the time

MCCC’s foray into ordained ministry MCCC begins to admit candidates for the priesthood.

By the middle of next year, MCCC will have her first missionary priest. In a sense, that is not totally true. Since MCCC has not yet any canonical status, she is not able to have her own priests. That means that any member wishing to be ordained as a priest will have to be incarnated into a diocese before he can be “released” for ministry with MCCC. PongroVillage: MCCC helped with the purchase of the land a few years ago and resettled 16 families that were evicted.

some generous people come along my way. I was so grateful to God for answering my prayers for sending people to help me realised my long cherished dream for this community. With the help of Fr. Ivan Fang, our MCCC director, the CHARIS team from Singapore, Irene Newn from Australia and Katie and Bob from the UK, the16 evicted families have a place to stay. A Centre for classes and the feeding programme for the children was built, two artesian hand pumps were installed and some toilets and a bathroom were constructed. The last project proposal I submitted for the construction of the sewing machine room for the women’s livelihood programme was also approved.

It’s not easy and takes years to realise but with God’s grace and mercy, I’ve overcome the hardships and trials, adjusted to the Cambodian food, the Khmer language, their practices and culture in which at first I found so difficult to adapt to, and now after three years and eleven months of my stay in Cambodia I’ve learned to love, respect and accept the Cambodian practices and culture wholeheartedly. The seeds of goodness and love that I have planted in the hearts of those innocent kids and women in the village will grow someday and bear fruits for the harvest in the future.

Amor Ibanez 11 July 2016 Amor left Cambodia in August 2015 after completing nearly four years of Mission.

Julius Tabasoares ALimeos, 38 at his Installation as an Acolyte at St Teresa de Avila, Casay, Anini-y on 11 June 2017 by Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique.

It all began with a generous offer to help a former seminary to complete his theological studies. But what started as a help had an unexpected turn of event. Julius (formerly Julie) was a former Mill Hill seminarian who approached Fr Ivan for help and was given an opportunity to finish his theological formation at the Regional Seminary in Iloilo, Philippines. When Julius’ studies were completed, he enquired into the possibility of ordination to the priesthood, which MCCC was in no position to make a promise or guarantee. After all, MCCC was founded as a lay organisation, especially to make the point of lay involvement in the church’s mission. Nevertheless, Julius was put on mission exposure in Sibu and eventually found himself attached to a parish in Casay of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique. It was during this time last June that Fr Ivan approached Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo to enquire of the possibility of ordination for Julius. Bishop Lazo had no hesitation to suggest that Julius could be incardinated into his Diocese for MCCC. What this means is that Julius will be a priest belonging to the Diocese of Antique but will be under the responsibility of MCCC. This development opened the door for others as well who wish to enter the missionary priesthood as part of MCCC’s missionary outreach. It bodes well for Mel, also a former Mill Hill seminarian, who is now pursuing his theological studies at the Regional Seminary in Iloilo. To date, there are two other applicants for entry into MCCC’s programme for ordained ministers next year.

What happens now to MCCC as a lay organisation? This question and many more about the inclusion of ordained ministers will be hotly debated in next years General Assembly where sections of the Statutes will have to be rewritten to reflect the new development.

Amor feeding the children of Pongro as part of the weekly feeding programme.

7

Mission in the Philippines Returning missionaries continue to reach out in their own home region.

Numerous missionaries have left the shores of the Philippines to various part of the world. Some of you may wonder why we are still sending missionaries to the Philippines. This is not something new. Evangelisation is taking place everywhere all the time.

Many countries are in fact receiving as well as sending missionaries abroad. Practically in all missionary sending countries, there are also missionaries working among the poor and marginalised people. For instance, the Mill Hill Missionaries are recruiting members even from those countries where they are still sending missionaries. Does MCCC need to have missionaries working in the Philippines since our missionaries are mainly from the Philippines?

school children, altar servers and the children with their mothers in the village. She also did house visitation and started a feeding programme for children at Kidaran. However, Amor’s stay in Kapatagan only lasted till the end of April 2017. Since the end of September, Amor has been ministering in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province in the parish of St. Ignatius De Loyola under the Diocese of Tagum, Davao Del Norte, about 120 km from Davao City. Together with Lorna, another MCCC missionary, Amor is focusing on four BECs in Barangay Banlag which is 10 Km from the parish church. They have been given accommodation in a house in the Barangay depending on rain for water and solar energy for electricity.

In some cases, missionaries may not be able to go abroad for mission for one reason or another. These missionaries are then able to work at home in their capacity as missionaries. There are also returning missionaries who wish to continue being missionaries and therefore they should be able to carry out mission in their own country.

Jed Espania Laurito spent four years as a missionary in Cambodia (Dec 2011 - Dec 2015). He was the Technical Management Support and Director of Programmes at the CROAP Centre in Pursat before returning home to the Philippines for six months to do a renewal course at EAPI in Manila. After the course, he decided to try out a new mission to Myanmar but this eventually fell through. He then decided to look around for missionary work nearer home. Jed eventually settled at Iconhome in Bogo City, Cebu to work among the street children. Iconhome, a home for street children, is an initiative of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. There the children received values formation, basic catechesis, food and shelter as well as basic education from the nearby government school. Since January 2017, Jed has been part of the team at Iconhome.

Melendres showing the youth of Batttambang a dance move.

MELENDRES’ STORY Mission is a challenge to “go out” of our comfort zone, a challenge of discovery and fulfilment. I have been in Cambodia for almost 3 years and 9 months already and I can say that it is really worth it. I couldn’t imagine that my original plan was to do mission work for one year only but after a year, I began to realise that I am in love with it and want to do more. That is the reason why I stayed longer.

It is “going out” of our comfort zone because who could have imagined that the one telling you this can cook, go to the market, budget the food and ride the motorcycle carrying a bunch of things and receive guests of different nationalities. This is completely different from my former way of life. I really didn’t know how to do these things but later on, I discovered that I have skills in cooking and budgeting, and with sheer determination, riding the motorcycle became the

Dulce Amor Ibanez spent nearly four years as a missionary in Cambodia ( Oct 2011 - Aug 2015), carrying out her mission work mostly in Svay Sisophon where she was responsible for setting up a community centre at Pongro. After her return to the Philippines, she helped in setting up the new MCCC Mission Centre at Cubao, Manila. In February 2016, Amor decided to seek out a new mission area and she finally settled in Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur in March 2016. She worked in the parish of Our Lady of Mt. Apo, teaching catechism to the senior high

8

Mel during one of his cooking demonstrations.

Mission in the Philippines The MCCC Mission to the Philippines is not entirely the result of returning MCCC missionaires. The Cubao Mission Centre was set up

by Sr Emma Ferolino CHS with help from Amor Ibanez as a response to the needs of the locality as well as to assist the local Cubao unit in their outreach programmes.

Located along Harvard Avenue, it began on 1 October 2015 with the following ob-

jectives: to assist the local church in their BEC work, to provide outreach programmes to benefit the poor and to be a Centre for incoming and out-going Filipino missionaries and candidates.

After Amor left Cubao, Sr Emma was left on her own until the arrival of another MCCC missionary, Anne Llaga in June 2016. The Feeding programmes for the children were

highlight of everything.

I have been asking myself so many times, “What am I doing here and why I am doing it?� Until now I have no answer. To be a missionary is not a joke; you leave your work, family, future and country to live in another country and do different things that you cannot do even in your country. In a country where the English language is not commonly used as well as in a country which is very rich in culture, we sometimes get lost and we need to to have a back up and that is where I discover that relationship is important. I am so blessed that I have support from all the priests here in my mission: the respect and unending love of the locals help me feel at home while I am staying here; the welcoming heart of local friends, despite my limited Khmer language, who are there to teach me and laugh with me. The smile of the people from the villages makes you wonder why they keep you going while deep inside you, you are fighting your own self. At the end of the day, these people help you to realise and appreciate your own purpose in mission. Fulfilment is not in carrying out numerous projects but it is based on relationships. Even though you have limited resources, you are there to listen and to empathise with them. That is our role as a missionary. Material things can be shared in a day but relationship can be cherished forever.

Mission is not about preaching or building a church. For me, it is a living witness to the gospel of Christ. It is doing the same thing as Christ did long time ago. As a missionary, my way of living is supposed to reflect my faith. In that way, we are living a good example.

At the end of the day, you will realise that the one you are helping though they are poor) are the most fortunate because they help you mould yourself to become a perfect person in spite of your imperfections.

Mel Maayo 1 August 2016

Mel teaching the kitchen staff.

9

Mel left Cambodia in February 2017, after more than four years in Battambang, to pursue his theological studies at the Regional Seminary in Iloilo, Philippines. He began his studies and formation in August under the tutelage of MCCC and hopes to return to Cambodia as a MCCC missionary priest after his formation and his ordination to the priesthood.

Anne Llaga with Lulu Santos, the unit facilitator teaching the children how to make soap flowers.

continued every Saturday for the one to four year old pre schoolers and every Sunday for the other school children.

Catechism and religious instruction and values formation are also given. Another missionary, Jorem Yap, took over from Sr Emma when she left to return to Davao in October 2016. Jorem, besides helping out at Kalinga, tutors high school students who need help with their English and Mathematics lessons in the evenings.

Jorem tutoring the children at the Cubao Centre.

Armand and Thelma Castro, the husband and wife team based in CROAP, Pursat will be returning home to the Philippines by April next year and they have expressed their desire to continue their mission in the Philippines.

There is a growing trend among MCCC missionaries to remain within the missionary community once they have spent a few years in a foreign mission. More and more of our missionaries are expressing their desire to continue their missionary vocation in their own home country.

Stepping Out of the Box MCCC units are encouraged to reach out and act in faith.

Kuching unit members brought Cynthia, a physiotherapist to visit some stroke patients in Bau.

MCCC, as a missionary community, relies heavily on the existence and functions of the units, formed by members from a particular region or area. These units form the core of MCCC activities and without them, MCCC will find it difficult to function and to carry out her missionary mandate. Presently, there are three units in the Philippines: one in Cubao, Manila, another in Davao and the third in Digos. In Brunei, one unit remains active, in Kuala Belait. In Sarawak, the unit in Kuching has been functioning since 2014 while in Sibu, formed when MCCC set up St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre in 2013, the unit has been functioning alongside the activities organised by the Animation Centre.

There are various issues facing the units, chief among them being the one of legitimacy. Founded more than ten years ago in Brunei, MCCC still lacks recognition within the Church, both locally and even more so internationally. Historically, it lacks credibility as a tested and experience group because it was formed locally as an initiative, not from the top, but from the grassroot level. Even though it is recognised in certain quarters as an innovative attempt to address the “close-mindedness” of the church in the region as regards mission, it is hampered by the lack of support from the church hierarchy. This is exacerbated by MCCC’s indulgence in fund-raising activities which she essentially requires in order to function since she receives no monetary sup-

port from any other sources. One of the effects of the lack of hierarchical support is the fear among the Catholic faithful of actually getting involved in the mission of MCCC. For these people, anything that has not been “approved” by the church, is toxic, especially when it comes to monetary concerns. Moreover, many ordinary Catholics feel rather inadequate or illequipped for the tasks of missionary outreach.

However, a small but significant number of individuals and groups have been able to overcome this mindset to embrace the mission of MCCC and to support it wholeheartedly as a legitimate mission of the Church.

There have been attempts to get formal recognition for MCCC. There was some success in the Philippines, especially in getting MCCC registered as a legal entity. More recently, MCCC was able to secure the protection of the Bishop Jose Romy Lazo of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique. How this pans out for MCCC in the future is still to be seen. MCCC has had no problems in being accepted by the Church in Cambodia. There is a good working relationship with the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang where presently seven MCCC missionaries are working.

Despite the above mentioned issues and setbacks, one positive development has been the setting up of St Jospeh’s Mission Animation Centre in Sibu. Bishop Joseph Hii’s generosity in allowing MCCC to establish her training programme in his Diocese in a sense provided some sort of recognition whereby MCCC was able to work openly within the Diocese. Since its inception in 2014, the training centre has evolved to provide formation and animation to various groups within the field of mission. Alongside the setting up of the Centre, a MCCC unit was established as well. A few individuals from the local parish were invited to form a unit. It is hoped that the Sibu unit will become a model for other units to emulate in the quest for legitimacy.

If you wish to join one of the MCCC units, please contact the facilitator in your area.

Facilitator Bandar Seri Begawan Bridget Newn beezert@hotmail.com

Kuala Belait Julia Lee pepperlee2012@gmail.com

Kota Kinabalu vacant

Manila Lulu Santos

loudes2003@yahoo.com

Digos Arturo Ang ang.arturo@yahoo.com

Davao

Cora Prudente

cora09_prudente@ymail.com

Iloilo

Naomi Napano

naominapano@yahoo.com

Sibu David Lau israellau@gmail.com

Kuching Rose Bong

darlingbong@gmail.com

10

The Kuching Unit during one of their monthly meetings.

Stepping Out of the Box

Sibu unit members giving out food rations to one of the recipients on “Mercy Day”

calities as assigned by the Bishop. Lately, the unit members have been encouraged to carry out the distribution of food and other essentials to those living on the margins, especially the elderly, widowed and blind. On a monthly basis, members of the Sibu unit help to distribute food rations in the Sentosa area where St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre is located.

These items are donated by generous benefactors. It is hoped that this initiative be extended beyond Sentosa. Almost weekly, some members go to Tanjong Kunyit to teach the migrant workers. Other projects are being considered: a cleaning campaign targeting Sentosa Phase 2 and the setting up of a nursery for the children of the migrant workers at Tanjong Kunyit.

In its structure and workings, the unit bears striking similarities to BEC household groups. In fact, it is actually modelled on the same principles. Whereas most BECs end up being simply prayer groups and eventually finding comfort in a familiar surrounding rather than be of service within the neighbourhood, MCCC units are geared towards carrying out mission within the locality and beyond if necessary. Unit members are encouraged to embark on reaching out to the needy and this requires constant motivation on the part of the leaders.

Initially, the Sibu unit was content in accompanying Fr Ivan on his pastoral visits to various loRose Bong of the Kuching unit at the home of a poor family at Kampong Sagah.

The Kuching unit, on the other hand, has been more modest in her approach to mission work.

Not been given full recognition, the members have been able to carry out outreach to the needy within the Kuching area by supporting and lending a helping hand to those assigned to this ministry within the Church.

Sibu unit membres bringing clothes forsome fire victims at Sentosa Phase 1, Sibu.

Anthony Yong (Sibu Unit) giving a teaching to the Indonesian migrant workers at Tanjong Kunyit.

11

The Kuala Belait unit was even more daring in her outreach. Not officially recognised as a group in the Church, in the name of Jesus, the unit members were able to run a feeding programme for migrant construction workers.

Outreach to the needy as part of mission work is not and should not be impeded by a lack of legitimacy in the eyes of the Church hierarchy.

Mission is at the heart of the Church and because of our baptism, our confession of faith in Jesus, we are ultimately his missionaries, and in his name, we are sent out to carry on his mission. This is where our legitimacy lies. We have only to step out of the box, change our mindset and act in faith.

MISSION PRAYER God our Father, we praise and thank you for your love and care for us. Even when we feel lost and abandoned, you never leave us alone. You gave us your Son Jesus to be your presence among us. Through his life and death you revealed your generous love and mercy and through his resurrection you gave us a share in your divine life. In the sharing of Jesus’ body and blood, you nourish us so that we are made one with him and become his presence in this world.

Through the outpouring of his Spirit, you enable us to carry on his mission to proclaim your kingdom among us and to tell people that they are not alone anymore.

Therefore, give us the courage and strength to bring people together around your table so that they may know Jesus and each other in the breaking of the bread. May your Spirit empower us to bring the joy of the Gospel to all those who are most in need.

Send others also to make known your presence so that the world may come to realise that we are not alone. Through Christ our Lord.

Bringing Mission to the Youth SJMAC carries out programmes to animate the youth into doing mission.

Two main reasons compelled the formators at St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre (SJMAC) to set their sights on youth formation. Appreciation of the Church’s mission should begin at an early age other than later in life. Unless this is grounded in their religious formation, young people will not understand or become aware of their own personal missionary aims in life.

To foster a general sense of belonging and reinforce a Christian identity, youth gatherings are paramount and an effective means of creating community. Many of the youth from rural areas are prevented from attending youth programmes because of the fees that are levied for participation, including the cost of travelling.

Moreover, youth nowadays are beset with problems especially those from broken families and those unable to catch up with the many challenges that are created by the fast pace of a changing environment. Besides this, many youth are not equipped with the necessary skills to face life challenges. Opportunities for the youth to come together to share their experiences could lend support to the formation of future leaders who are aware of the many challenges facing the Church.

SJMAC came up with a 3 part programme for youth. The emphasis is on one’s discipleship of Christ. A sense of belonging within a community setting; creating a strong Christian identity; acquiring leadership skills; finding life’s purpose and one’s vocation; and the Church’s mission are all essential components of the programme.

The first part is a Mission Camp with the following objectives: •To make the participants aware of their baptismal calling as disciples of Jesus.

•To help the participants grasp the essential meaning of mission •To provide the participants the opportunity for greater involvement within the church •To encourage and to support greater participation within the mission of the church The first Mission Camp took place from 7 to 11 December 2016.

Twelve youth participated: four from Kapit, two from Sibu and the rest from Sentosa. It was aimed at secondary school leavers aged 16 years and above. The programme included various inputs on Christian mission and vocation, activities on mission themes, prayer, Mass, and other activities within a community setting. It is envisaged that in future programmes, potential participants will be selected for a place in the second part of the programme.

Participants of the YMEP doing some gardening.

12

An activity during the Youth Mission Camp

The second part is a 10 week Youth Mission Experience Programme with the following objectives: •To help the participants to define their Christian identity, realise their personal potential, monitor their spiritual growth and to lead them to assume greater responsibility for self and mutual development •To help develop the peer, family, community, spiritual and faith relationships of the participants •To prepare the participants to uphold their life mission as a Christian within society •To facilitate the participants to greater involvement in the life and mission of the church •To provide a context for the participants to experience “mission” as a response to their baptismal calling The first Youth MEP lived-in programme was held at St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre, Sentosa, Sibu from 16 February 2017 to 28 April 2017. Ten youth aged 17 and above who had just finished their Form 5 exams participated in the programme: 4 came from Sabah, 4 from Kapit and 2 from Sentosa.

The participants took part in the community life at SJMAC, with daily community prayers and Mass. Participants carried out simple daily chores like cleaning, gardening and cooking.

Recreational activities were also organised. In the evenings, there were opportunities for devotional and prayer activities.

The youth were encouraged to take a lead in the preparation and execution of the various activities. There were daily inputs and teachings on various subjects. Through discussion, group dynamics and activities, the participants were made aware of various relevant issues. The youth were also required to carry out simple mission programmes in the locality. They were instructed on how to make presentations and to carry out Lenten services.

The ten week programme included a one-week mission exposure trip to Cambodia. The youth were able to visit the mission areas where MCCC missionaries are working and had an opportunity to interact with the Cambodian children through games and teaching a few lessons. After the mission exposure week, the participants underwent an evaluation process. The participants also spent a few days in Rassau to conduct programmes for the children there. This programme itself cost about RM20000 which included the air tickets and stay in

Bringing Mission to the Youth Cambodia and it was financed by many generous individuals to whom we are very grateful.

The third part of the Youth Programme is the training and formation of a Youth Animation Team. Successful participants from the previous 10 week programme will be selected to form a Youth Animation Team that will be trained to conduct youth programmes. The first such programme took place from 23 June to 30 June 2017. Six participants from the previous programme were able to take part in the training and formation of the Youth Animation Team: two from Kapit, two from Sabah and two from Sentosa. During the day, the participants received input on various topics on leadership skills including facilitation and organising events and in the evenings they organised and conducted various programmes for youth: Gospel Sharing, Taize, Praise and Worship and Talk followed by discussion. At the end of the programme, the members of the Youth Animation Team were commissioned.

Youth on the YMEP selling rosaries to raise some funds for their mission exposure trip to Cambodia.

The feedback received from the youth was positive and the team at SJMAC feels confident in offering the same programme again The YMEP youth, Msgr Kike and MCCC missionaries

THe YMEP youth interacting with the Cambodian children.

The Mission Fair MCCC organises a Mission Fair to raise awareness of every Catholic’s missionary role. the Centre. The Christmas Fair brought in RM18,917.

It all began after the official opening of St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre on 31 May 2014. The first batch of trainees from the Centre were ready to be sent out and funds were in short supply. A fair was therefore organised to take place on Pentecost Sunday, 8 June to raise the necessary funds. That Pentecost fair brought in RM9,500. In December the same year, a Christmas Fair was organised on 21 December to raise funds for the running of

13

There was a general feeling that having two fund-raising events in a year was a huge burden for everyone concerned so it was decided that a major fund-raising event be organised once a year. It was also decided that it should take place in October, being the month for Mission and if possibly, to fall on Mission Sunday. From a simple fund-raising event, the Fair has become an opportunity to raise awareness for Mission and to convince every Catholic to play a part in mission, albeit through their monetary contributions.

The First Mission Fair organised by MCCC took place on 25 October 2015.

From the sales of food and other items, RM23,543.00 was raised. The Second Mission Fair was held on 16 October 2016. It raised RM40,865.00. The Mission Fair this year will be held on Mis-

sion Sunday, 22 October. This year’s sales target is RM50,000. It also includes an attractive Lucky Draw which hopefully will boost the income by another RM20,000.

The Mission Fair would not have been possible without the support of the various Church groups in Sibu. They have offered their help and MCCC is ever grateful to them for rallying to the call to Mission.

They are always ready to play an important role in the work of Mission and MCCC is so fortunate to have their support, especially in taking part in the Mission Fair.

The Annual General Assembly 2017 MCCC Members came together in Davao for their annual gathering.

adult at risks and the Code of Conduct. These are to be put in place in response to the prevailing climate of the abuse of power and the need for accountability. The Code of Conduct should spell out the accepted norms for the behavior and actions of all members of MCCC.

Rose Bong of Kuching giving her report on the Kuching Unit..

The General Assembly is the supreme authority of MCCC and is made up of all the members together. Resolutions made at each Assembly plot the path to be taken by the Executive Council and determines the direction to be taken by every member in order to shape the future of MCCC. The reports of the Assembly of 2015 and 2016 will be presented in future editions of missiocom.

The Annual General Assembly of 2017 took place at the Sacred Heart Spirituality and Formation Centre in Davao City, Philippines from 16 to 18 June 2017. In attendance were twenty-six members from Kuching, Sibu Brunei, Cubao, Davao City, Digos and Cebu. Due to the late arrival of some delegates of the Assembly, the Reflection talk on the theme “Become What You Eat” was incorporated into the Opening Mass. After dinner, Fr Ivan, the Director of MCCC, gave his Opening Address.

In his opening address, Fr Ivan welcomed all present and acknowledged the presence of all those who have travelled from abroad. He thanked the Davao and Digos units for making the necessary arrangements for the AGM. He elaborated on the theme “Become what you Eat”, highlighting the fact that while our communion with Christ should make us more and more like Christ, we must also strive to reflect Jesus in all that we say and do, our attitudes, behaviours and actions. It starts with us righting our relationship with Jesus so that we can be correctly motivated to do good for others and not come to MCCC with hidden agendas. Despite our own brokenness and shortcomings, and through our recognition and acceptance of them, we are still able to reflect Christ because we allow God to use us to witness to his love and compassion.

He went on to highlight the generosity of MCCC in providing a real sense of purpose that, in spite of our shortcomings, we are still able to make a difference in the lives of others. We have been given an opportunity to show our worth by allowing God to use us the way we are.

However, Fr. Ivan reiterated that this generosity must not be abused but rather, because MCCC has been generous to us, we must, in turn, be generous to others. We must become food for others.

He next turned to the issues that had to be tackled at the AGM: the protection and safeguarding of children and

14

Fr. Ivan expressed hope that the participants would take time to review the state of MCCC to decide on the way ahead based on all the reports, reminding them that the principle to fall back onto is that of the need to reflect Christ in all that we say or do, so that there would be a renewed sense of purpose of where MCCC is heading.

He concluded by announcing that Bishop Jose Romero Lazo of San Jose de Antique has agreed to be the Bishop Protector of MCCC and that he has agreed to ordain Julius Alimeos as the first MCCC priest.

After the Opening Address, Fr Ivan went on to present his report to the Assembly. In his report, he made the following recommendations: • Opportunities for more member involvement in MCCC related mission activities be created to attract more lay people into mission work.

• The proposal for a Mission Animation team be revived and implemented.

• That, in view of the number of full-time missionaries in the Philippines, a Mission Group Leader be appointed along with a bursar.

• That further explorations for new mission ventures be undertaken with a clear view to send at least two MCCC missionaries there.

• That more units be formed in different parts of Malaysia in order to promote the role of lay missionaries.

• That a unit be restarted in Sabah.

• That a proper registration of members be undertaken and a membership card issued.

• That the Unit and Area Coordinators find ways to rekindle and reignite enthusiasm for mission within the present units.

• That a MoU on the use of the Centre be drawn up with the Sibu Diocesan authority.

• That the training programme for full-time missionaries be promoted to a wider audience.

• That an alternative programme for training full-time missionaries be explored in the face of immigration uncertainties.

• That a separate programme of formation of MCCC candidates for the priesthood be initiated.

• That the formation of unit members be implemented as soon as possible in all the present units.

• That Council members familiarise themselves with their responsibilities.

• That Council members assume a bigger role in the running of MCCC. • That unit members be able to find more people to make pledges.

• That fund-raising programmes be organised by the units to supplement MCCC’s income.

• That the Filipino units also play a part in shouldering some of the expenses of our missionaries in the Philippines.

• That missiocom be reactivated this year.

• That a souvenir book on MCCC to celebration her 10th Anniversary be produced.

• That each unit help in distributing MCCC brochures.

At the end of the report, Fr. Ivan called the Assembly to two things that the prevailing situation has given rise to: the need to focus on Antique since Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo has agreed to be the Bishop Protector

The Annual General Assembly 2017 Questions and clarifications were entertained.

The Assembly then voted unanimously on the adoption of the Report.

A draft copy of the MCCC Handbook for members was handed out to each member present and copies for those unable to be present were also kept aside.

The participants at the Annual General Assembly held at the the Sacred Heart Spirituality and Formation Centre in Davao City between 16 and 18 June 2017.

and MCCC’s response to the challenge of accepting candidates for the missionary priesthood for MCCC. The following morning after breakfast, the Assembly listen to various reports from the Mission Areas. After a short coffee break, the reports from the various units were given. A copy of the written report of St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre was handed out prior to lunch for the participants to read before coming back for the afternoon session. The following recommendations were made in the report: • SJMAC be promoted as a Mission Animation Centre adequately throughout the region.

• SJMAC programmes be publicised and promoted through various means.

• Efforts to find a suitable and committed person, preferably a local, to help run the Centre be prioritised.

• A brochure to advertise SJMAC including the availability of the building for use by other groups for retreats, recollection and programmes be produced.

• A dialogue be undertaken with the Diocesan authority over the overall use and improvement of the building.

• Work on partitioning one of the classrooms into individual rooms be initiated as soon as funds are available.

• A proposal for an extension block to the existing building to provide adequate sleeping arrangements for individuals on extended programmes be looked into.

• A sponsor or sponsors be found to provide a new audio system in the hall.

• The purchase of new chairs and tables be looked into.

• The recruitment of lay missionaries be initiated in Malaysia through better promotion in the proper forum.

• A proper system for the application of visit passes to Malaysia be initiated at the earliest.

• The target of the next Mission Fair be increased in order to cover the expenses of SJMAC as best as possible.

• To continue to find people who can make a monthly or annual pledge towards the work of MCCC. • An MoU on the use of the building and property be agreed upon with the Bishop of Sibu.

• Application for an annual grant to cover the cost of subsidising the courses offered by SJMAC.

15

Fr. Ivan introduced the topic of membership.

The uncertainty over the number of unit members and the request for membership cards were brought up. The Code of Conduct is to be taken seriously. All members must read the Code and it has to be discussed by every member in their groups. After amendments are suggested and agreed upon, each member will be asked to sign the Code of Conduct after the final approval has been given at the AGM. The child safeguarding policy and procedures must be read and understood and signed as well. The guidelines for fulltime missionaries are also in the handbook. The formation of unit members will be implemented soon based on the topics listed in the handbook.

MCCC should be open to the recruitment of full-time missionaries. Steps to implement this are to be undertaken as soon as possible in view of the start of the training programme.

In the absence of the Treasurer, Fr. Ivan introduced this topic. Copies of the statement of Income and Expenses for MCCC and SJMAC were distributed. Questions and clarifications were entertained. The Statements of account show that there was a total income of RM 321,320.85 in 2016 against the total expenditure of RM 331,008.82, showing a deficit of RM 9,687.97. SJMAC had a total expenditure of RM 80,789.21. The bulk of the expenses of MCCC was attributed to the allowances and expenses of the Mission Centres, including the airfares. The highest source of income was the pledges. Donations came second.

Fr. Ivan then drew attention to the section on Finance in the handbook, highlighting the following areas: Financial Integrity, Gratuity and Insurance. He referred also to the monetary guidelines which were recently produced for the benefit of those who are working in the mission areas. Finally, he encouraged fund raising and the collection of pledges and donations.

The Assembly was treated to a presentation by the Davao and Digos units during the Fellowship on the second evening of the Assembly.

The following morning, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the General Assembly made the following resolutions (see next page).

The Assembly concluded with the Closing Mass of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi at 11.30 am.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF MCCC for 2016 EXPENSES

RESOLUTIONS MADE AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING • Each member will be given a membership card by the end of the year.

• Any proposed amendments to the handbook should be emailed to the Council Secretary before 30 September 2017, as the handbook has to be approved at the next AGA. • The Code of Conduct and Safe Guarding policy and procedures to be studied by each unit and all missionaries and any proposed amendments should be emailed to the Council Secretary before 30 September.

• The Philippines is to be considered also as a mission receiving area and thus will have her own structures in place for full-time missionaries, i.e. A Mission Group Leader and a bursar, regular meetings and days of recollections and retreats.

• The MoU for food, transport and lodgings to be negotiated between MCCC and the receiving church before our missionaries are sent there for mission work.

• There should be a written agreement with the Bishop of Sibu regarding the use of SJMAC and the proposed building extension.

• More concrete steps be taken by the Unit Coordinator and the Area Coordinator to initiate the formation of new units especially in Antique and Sabah and to revive units that are dormant.

• A project fund be set up to help missionaries with their projects (not exceeding RM500) in their respective mission areas. Missionaries who source for fund for their projects exceeding RM5000 should get the approval of the Council first.

• MCCC be open to accepting and facilitating those who wish to become missionary priests for MCCC. • MCCC be open to association for diocesan priests and priests from other congregation to work alongside MCCC missionaries on a contractual basis.

• All new positions as suggested in the draft handbook, that is, the Misconduct Policy Administrator, Safeguarding Coordinator and Safeguarding officers, be created and accepted.

• All amendments to the Statutes that have arisen because of decisions and changes made at this AGM be carried out by Fr. Ivan and presented for adoption at the next AGA.

BEC:MAINTENANCE TO MISSION

Allowances

19302.70

Cambodia

96541.96

Cubao

29657.50

Kapatagan

11795.24

SJMAC

80789.21

Promotion

2348.00

Transport

4844.97

Airfares

37977.62

10th Anniversary

30932.65

General Assembly

1282.65

Miscellaneous

TOTAL

15536.32

331008.82

INCOME Donations

60078.00

Pledge

79285.00

Projects

4985.00

Others (Stipends etc.)

34303.90

Catechists’ Training

35380.00

Mill Hill Student

12894.95

10th Anniversary

50161.00

Sales

1938.00

Transport

1430.00

Mission Fair

TOTAL

40865.00

321320.85

BEC:M2M

St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre is introducing a programme entitled BEC: Maintenance to Mission. This is a programme for those who wish to discover what it means to be a member of a small Christian community. It is specially suited for those who are already members of groups and BECs. The programme will seek to motivate participants to play a bigger role in the life of the group or basic ecclesial community that they belong so that the various groups or communities can look beyond their own needs and reach out to those who are in need within or outside their own communities. It will be offered over three Saturdays for non-stay in participants and over one weekend for stay-in participants. For non-stay in participants, the dates are as follows: 18 Nov, 25 Nov, 2 Dec from 2 pm. For stay-in participants, the programme will be on Friday 1 Dec and Saturday 2 December and all participants will be together for the afternoon session on 2 December. Those interested should hand in the completed registration form together with a fee of RM10.00 per day for the non-stay in programme and RM40.00 for the stay-in programme not later than 15 November 2017.

16

Gotong Royong at SJMAC The Sibu Police Force came out in force for a community service.

BECOME WHAT YOU EAT The Sibu Police (Christian members) came in force (120 of them) to St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre at Sentosa, Sibu for their first community service on Thursday 27 July 2017. The Superintendent of Police, Martin Koo, happens to be a Catholic from Johor. It was organised by Inspector Herman, chief of police at the Sibu Police Station. They also presented some cash and foodstuff for the Sibu Unit’s ongoing project to feed the poor in and around the Sentosa area. We thank them and hope that their efforts will be an inspiration to others.

Fr Ivan receiving the donated foodstuff from Superintendent Martin Koo and Inspector Herman.

Superintendent Martin Koo prsenting a cash donation to Fr Ivan for the poor and needy.

Bags of rice, sugar, noodles and other foodstuff donated by members of the police force for the project of the Sibu unit to help the poor in the Sentosa area as well as other deserving cases.

The police force slashing their way through the thickets.

17

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me.

John 6:53-57

Bishop Protector Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo has consented to be the Bishop Protector The Executive Council and members of MCCC are delighted and very grateful to Bishop Jose Romeo Orquejo Lazo for consenting to be the Bishop Protector of MCCC. Bishop Lazo is the current Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique. He was born in 1949 in San Jose Buenavista, Antique and was ordained a priest on 1 April 1975. He was appointed the Bishop of Kalibo in 2003 and became the fourth bishop of San Jose de Antique in 2009. This development for MCCC has come after more than ten years of struggle to be accepted and recognised by the Church’s hierarchy.

YOUTH MISSION CAMP 10 to 15 December 2017

The Second Youth Mission Camp organised by St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre will take place from 10 December 2017 to 15 December 2017 at the Centre. It is open to all youth aged 16 years and above. Participants will receive various inputs on Christian mission and vocation, take part in activities on mission themes, prayer, Mass, and participate in other activities within a community setting. Participants showing potential with good aptitude will be encouraged and offered a place at the 10 Week Mission experience Programme which includes a one week mission exposure trip to either Cambodia or the Philippines. Registration forms should be completed and handed in with a fee of RM20.00 not later than the end of November.

Pledge Cards Establishing a sustainable programme of income.

One of the points discussed at previous Annual General Assemblies was the thorny issue of funds deficit. In response, it was proposed that a pledge campaign be launched to invite supporters to make a pledge of monetary assistance towards the work of MCCC. In contrast to other methods of fund raising, getting pledges is hassle free and avoid unnecessary effort and expenses.

The aim is to convince supporters to pledge a reasonable amount per month for a year. Those who make the monetary pledges are to be given a choice: either they personally contribute the fix amount they agree to pledge themselves or they pledge to collect the amount from friends and family members, making up the amount they wish to pledge.

The Pledge cards have been launched in Brunei and in Sibu. If you wish to make a pledge to help MCCC in her mission work, please contact any member of the MCCC units who will be more than willing to assist you and explain the procedure in making a pledge.

MCCC MISSIONARY TRAINING The next missionary training programme at SJMAC will begin as soon as there are three candidates for lay missionary programme. The training will commence with a week of orientation and retreat followed by seven weeks of intensive personal and community oriented sessions. There will also be sessions on Missiology and various skills that are useful for those going on mission abroad. When this is over, there will be a month of mission exposure, either in Malaysia or in the Philippines. Participants will be evaluated and be given an opportunity to discern their calling to missionary life. Those on short term mission can opt for another three months in a supervised mission experience in any of the places where MCCC missionaries are working: China, Cambodia or the Philippines. Those on long term mission will return after the exposure period for another three weeks of studies in Sibu before being sent on mission abroad.

Those interested to take part in this programme are requested to write to the Programme Director, Fr Ivan Fang MHM, stating their reasons for wanting to become a missionary, with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae and other relevant documents supporting their application. No special requirements are expected from the applicants apart from displaying maturity in various aspects of life, a genuine desire to serve and are strongly motivated, with reasonably good health.

18

Becoming a Friend of MCCC MCCC is inviting supporters to be part of a network of people who are willing to give of their time and resources in promoting the work of MCCC without actually being committed as full members of MCCC. They can do this in a variety of ways. If you are interested in becoming a friend of MCCC, put your name, address and contact details in an envelope marked “Friends of MCCC’ and hand it to a MCCC unit member near you.

As a friend of MCCC, you can do any or all of the following: 1. pray for the success of the missionary efforts of MCCC 2. make a monthly pledge to donate towards the cost of putting a missionary in China, Cambodia or the Philippines 3. sponsor a child’s education in China, Cambodia or any country where MCCC missionaries are working 4. contribute towards a project 5. attend or participate in any events or projects organised by MCCC 6. promote MCCC’s efforts to a wider audience 7. solicit funds on behalf of MCCC 8. help in fund raising events 9. participate in a familiarisation trip to one of our mission areas 10. offer masses for the intentions of MCCC missionaries As a friend of MCCC, you will be invited to an annual gathering locally (MCCC family day) as well as receive an invitation to participate at the Annual General Assembly of MCCC.

Making a Pledge MCCC is inviting supporters to make a pledge to help cover the cost of carrying out mission work which is the church’s main purpose, rather than putting all their resources in church maintenance. By pledging, supporters commit themselves and promise to carry out their intentions without fail. Although pledging usually takes the form of monetary aid, it may also be in the form of active service and dedication towards a particular cause. If you wish to make a pledge in support of MCCC in any of the ways listed, please put it on paper with your details and seal it in an envelope marked “Pledge” and hand it in to a MCCC member.

19

You can make a pledge for any of the following: 1. A monthly/yearly contribution towards the overall work and mission of MCCC 2. A monthly/yearly contribution towards the education of a child in one of the countries where MCCC is present 3. A monthly/yearly contribution towards the cost of maintaining a missionary abroad 4, Contribute to part or all of the cost of any MCCC project 5. Support any programme or event organised by MCCC 6. Promote the work of MCCC 7. Pray for the welfare of MCCC missionaries at home and abroad Monetary pledges can be for any amount in any currency.

Search ‘18 An invitation to a week of Mission Experience MCCC is inviting Catholic men and women who want to experience life as a lay missionary to take part in the community life at St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre for a week (7 to 14 January 2018).

Those wishing to participate in SEARCH ’18 which begins on Sunday 7 January and ends on Sunday 14 January 2017 can contact the following person nearest them: Kuching: Rose Bong +60 172287040 Sibu: David Lau +60 168780410 Brunei: Michael Liew +673 8613222 No payment is required for the programme but donations are welcomed. Participants are expected to find their own way to SJMAC in Sibu by noon on Sunday 7 January.

Sponsor a Missionary The number of MCCC missionaries working abroad will steadily increase and therefore we are sending an appeal out to all our readers to help us sponsor their mission overseas by making a small contribution each month towards their upkeep. It cost around BND 500 a month to maintain a missionary working abroad: Accommodation $150, Food $200 and transport $150. Any amount pledged per month for our missionaries will be greatly appreciated. If you are willing, please contact us for more details on how to give.

Accommodation in KK We are offering accommodation to visitors to Sabah who wish to stay for a few days.

Two three-room apartments are available for rent in the city centre at Marina Court at RM320 per night.

Please WhatsApp or contact Patricia at +60128373906.

If you require the service of a taxi, please call Patrick at +60168913906

If all our readers (more than seven hundred) were to donate just $10.00 or RM100 per month, we will have enough to run one of our overseas centres comfortably. Think about this seriously.

Contact Lydia for more details on how to give.

20

MCCC Code of Conduct The draft copy of the Code of Conduct for MCCC members is now available and all members are advised and encouraged to obtain a copy to read through and to offer any suggestions or amendments before the end of October. All members are required to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct once the necessary amendments have been made. Included also for comments and suggestions are the policy and procedures for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

MCCC Member’s Handbook The long awaited MCCC handbook for members is now available as a draft edition either as a hard copy or soft copy which is available online on MCCC’s members Facebook page. All members are encouraged to get a copy to read through and offer any suggestions or amendments before the end of October.

Membership Card Membership cards for all MCCC members will become mandatory by the beginning of next year. To apply for one, please get in touch with your unit facilitator or group leader with your personal details by the end of October.

Contact Details for MCCC St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre, Lot 1389, Lorong Sentosa Utara 4A, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak.

Malaysia.

Office phone: +6084220236 Mobile phone: +60143529585 All general enquiries: please contact the Secretary Lydia Chin email: teoipeng@yahoo.com For more updates: find us on facebook.

email address: Fr Ivan’s email:

sjmac.sibu@gmail.com navifang@hotmail.com

BANK ACCOUNTS

Donations can be banked into the following account: Brunei Account number: SCB 0150141739100 Malaysian Accounts: AmBank 012-201-200676-9 HSBC 392-343018-108

under the name of Ivan Fang Yau Hong Malaysian cheques to Bishop of Sibu - Missionary Community of Corpus Christi or Ivan Fang Yau Hong