KYCS JC Camp 2011: iPrecious, Are you?

BAU – The Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) held the annual Joseph Cardijn Solidarity Camp (JCSC) at Kampung Gumbang, Bau on the 19th-21st of November. The theme for the camp was “Abusing the body: iPrecious, are you?” supported by the bible verse; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. This annual event was attended by 10 schools: SMK St Joseph, SMK St Teresa, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Green Road, SMK Penrissen No.1, SM Lodge, SMK Sg. Maong, SMK Arang Road, SMK Kuching High dan SMK Lake.
The purpose of the camp was to foster a relationship between YCS’es and to practise solidarity with the locals as well as to commemorate the birthday of Joseph Cardijn, the person who inspired this movement. It also serves as an outlet for the members to encounter Jesus Christ in a more intimate way through staying together with their foster families.
A total of 80 students consisting of both participants and committees took part in this big event while being assisted and guided by teachers and Student Animators. The participant stayed with foster families who took them in with open arms and care for them as their very own.
Each day was filled with various fun-filled activities, sessions, praise and worship and not forgetting Holy Mass, which were celebrated by Fr. Simon on Saturday and Monday and Fr. Adrian on Sunday. Session after session, the participants would learn more and more about the preciousness and the sacredness of the human body. The sessions were led by different speakers following the SEE, JUDGE, and ACT methodology. In addition, the participants and committees took part in Solidarity Night and whole village was invited to the celebration. The night was filled with hilarious sketches and touching songs as the participant literally danced the night away with a “poco-poco” dance requested by the locals and a dance routine by the coordinator, Rex Ling.
The camp was officially ended around 11.30am with a closing mass by Fr. Simon Poh and a token of appreciation was given to the Prayer Leader of the kampong. Although the participants were reluctant to leave, they were also excited to share what they have learnt to their families and friends. All in all, the camp was a big success and we all look forward to the next JCSC.
Prepared by,
ANSELM ADRIAN

You’ll never walk alone..

SERIAN – The Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) Leadership Formation Camp (LFC) 2011 with the theme “Teamwork: You’ll Never Walk Alone” was held at Babuk Leopold Memorial Centre, Bunan Gega on the 16^th – 18^th September 2011. Led by the Student Animators (SA) under the care of Kuching Archdiocesan Commission for Youth (KAYC), this camp was organized annually to gather the new YCS movement leaders and committee members from SM Lodge, SMK Balai Ringin, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Green Road, SMK Jalan Arang, SMK Kuching High, SMK Lake, SMK Penrissen No. 1, SMK Serian, SMK St Joseph, SMK St Teresa, SMK Sg. Maong and SMK Tebakang, among the 15 secondary schools with YCS movements.

Daily Mass on Saturday was presided by Fr Lazarus Swinnie and Sunday Mass was attended together with the Bunan Gega community, presided by Fr Jerome Juleng. There were also Taize prayers and a session on Praise and Worship, alongside the SEE, JUDGE and ACT sessions with interesting debate and creative presentations. Sessions were conducted by Lucy Gumek from the KAYC and the SA.

A total of 68 participants from 13 different schools participated in this camp, with the assistance of teachers, members from Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) Bunan Gega and friends from Kuching for meals preparation.

James Lai

Testimonies:

Kami telah mempelajari betapa pentingnya kerjasama satu pasukan membuat sesuatu perkara supaya menjadi lebih mudah – Anthony Ujang, SMK Serian

I think this camp is one of the most enjoyable camps in my life. I learned a lot more about leadership and made new friends from various schools. Not to forget about the love of God! – Abner Wong, SMK Kuching High

Saya dapat bertemu dengan ramai peserta dari berlainan sekolah. Saya juga mempelajari tentang kepimpinan and tentang Yesus – Ifyonda Batin, SMK St. Teresa

The camp was SUPERB! It was such a great experience for me. Not only did I make new friends, I learned what it takes to be a leader. It is important to act and help out our friends who need leadership; like Jesus leads his disciples to preach the Good News of Lord. Amen. – Blaise Tan, SMK Penrissen No. 1

This camp was awesome! From this camp, I’ve learnt how to be a better leader. I’ve also learnt how to communicate and mix with other people. Praise the Lord! Thank you – Eleanor Rachel, SMK Lake, Bau

LFC was a great experience. The activities were fun especially solidarity night. I heard the food was great, but I couldn’t enjoy it because of a cut on my tongue. The sessions were interesting and life-changing. The theme this year was “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. They taught us about teamwork and how to work together. Overall, the LFC experience was great even though I was an unbaptised Christian. – Lau Hwai Jie, SMK St. Joseph

LFC was great! I learnt a lot about being a leader and teamwork when listening to the talks and when doing tasks in my team, I also met many news faces whom I had the pleasure of working with. Even though the camp was only for 3 days, the knowledge I gained will stay with me for a long time and I hope I can use it during YCS meetings in school. – Ethel Ping, SMK Batu Lintang

LFC2011 is my first LFC that I’ve been to. I’ve met different leaders from different schools. And other than that, I’ve learned how to be a better leader in the future; e.g. must have faith with each other, trust, sacrifice, etc. And I pray that God will guide me to be a better leader in YCS and also others community. – Patrick Wong, SMK Green Road

Praise the Lord for the success of this camp. I’m glad that I made new friends and got to learn about God more and at the same time, learning to be a better leader. I can’t wait for the next LFC. – Emily Yeo, SM Lodge

This camp is awesome. I have learned to be very sporting and good listener, get to love God more, well-time managing, be considerate more and get to understand each other better – Catherine Sambai, SMK Sungai Maong

Kuching pilgrims in Madrid, Spain!

Madrid, SPAIN – A total of 21 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kuching attended the World Youth Day (WYD) in Madrid, Spain from 16-22 August 2011. A journey of accompaniment with each other, read up more in the September issue of Today’s Catholic. Read on below for some of their testimonials!

“The WYD experience in Madrid is one that I shall never forget. It is amazing to see 1.5 million people taking the effort to come together to celebrate this 1 week long event along with the Pope. And these are mostly young people from all walks of life and different countries gathered together at Madrid. It makes me so proud to be part of this large Christian family in the world. We have shared many stories and experience with the other pilgrims, learning about their cultures, country, personal interests and many more. It is so wonderful to celebrate Mass and attend services with the Pope and the millions of pilgrims together. The fact that we were using the Latin language (The universal language of the Church) makes it all the more beautiful. This experience is only once in a lifetime and I strongly recommend young people to join future WYD events, it is something which you will never regret taking part in.” ~Emmanuel Foong

“It was my second WYD experience after WYD Sydney 2008 and the memories I gathered here is priceless! Joining the Archdiocese of Kuching for this trip was truly amazing! We were all strangers at first but now we have not only strengthened our faith in the Lord, we have also strengthened our friendship bond. I really missed all our times spent together even though the worst part of the pilgrimage… under the scorching heat, crowds and to the point of breaking down… and as the saying goes: every ending is a new beginning, let us grow firmer in our faith and look forward to WYD Brazil 2013!” ~Melissa Lim

“WYD is truly a life-changing experience for me. Millions of youths gathered in Jesus’ name regardless of their nationality, skin colour and background. Yes, I have to admit that the pilgrimage wasn’t a “walk in the park,” we were physically and mentally exhausted but thanks to the prayers of everyone for us, we survived (especially during the Vigil at Cuatro Vientos)! Praise God! Join us at the next WYD in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2013!” ~Valerie Jane Bakri

Definitely full of trials and challenges – a test of patience, communication skills and heat tolerance! Nonetheless full of wonderful experiences, memories and self-learnt lessons about God, love and forgiveness. Meeting people from around the world with the same faith is simply exciting and worthwhile too!” ~Louisa Joyce Lim

“WYD has been an eye opening experience for me. It has shown me how the group pulled through the good and bad times while keeping God in our minds. Meeting Catholics from all over the world showed me that we are all one big family regardless of our colour. I will be sure to attend the next WYD in Rio.”~Mark Yeoh

“On this trip I have gained experiences that I will never forget my whole life. During DID and WYD I saw a lot of pilgrims from all around the world that came to attend both of these events. I became friends with some of the pilgrims during the events. It made me realize that the decision I have made to go for WYD was the right one. During the mass with the Pope, it was a really touching experience and I wish that I would be able to go to the next WYD.” ~Alexander Liew

PRE-UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

 

ST. LUKAS, Kota Padawan – Seramai 21 orang peserta telah mengikuti program pra-orientasi untuk pelajar baru, K.I.T.A. (Keep In Touch Always) 21-22 Mei yang lalu. Kebanyakan peserta terdiri daripada pelajar lepasan tingkatan lima dan enam serta pelajar dari Institut Pendidikan Batu Lintang.

Antara topik yang diberikan adalah Iman Kristian dan Pengislaman, Isu-isu di Kampus, Analisa mengenai Isu Pelajar Dalam Perspektif Budaya, Sosial dan Agama serta Perhubungan yang Sihat. Salah satu perkara yang kebanyakan mereka pelajari dalam program ini adalah mengenai iman mereka sebagai seorang Kristian Katolik lebih-lebih lagi apabila menempuh cabaran dan dugaan dalam hidup terutamanya dalam kampus. Selain itu, mereka juga mempelajari bagaimana hendak menjalinkan perhubungan yang sihat. Topik-topik tersebut banyak mendedahkan mereka kepada realiti yang berlaku oleh kebanyakan pelajar dari Sabah dan Sarawak apabila mereka merantau ke Semenanjung Malaysia untuk melanjutkan pelajaran.

Sebelum program berakhir, para peserta diagihkan “survival kit” yang mengandungi maklumat yang boleh mereka rujuk apabila mereka berada di sana kelak termasuk risalah “In Defence of” yang mengandungi soalan dan jawapan mengenai dasar iman kita. Pihak penganjur juga menekankan kepada para peserta untuk berkongsi maklumat yang mereka telah peroleh daripada program ini kepada kawan-kawan mereka, terutamanya ynag melanjutkan pelajaran ke Semenanjung Malaysia.

Students reach out to children and youths with disabilities for Gawai

KUCHING – In view of the Gawai Dayak Harvest Festival, the Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) took up the initiative to reach out to children and youths of Dayak families through the Gawai Food Parcel Project. This project was initiated by ‘Meeting Needs’, a Community Rehabilitation Project run by volunteers who sought participation from the Catholic Church through the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC) due to increase in Dayak families with family member(s) with learning disabilities over the past two years.

Inspired to make a difference this festive season, YCS students and their families from Kolej Abdillah, SM Lodge, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Green Road, SMK Sg. Maong, SMK St Joseph and SMK St Teresa generously donated food items and used clothes for eight families in Kpg. Kopit, Kpg. Merembeh, Kpg. Sogo and Kpg. Puak, situated in Bau. These Catholic families have children either with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or mental problems, are slow learners or have sick parents who are unable to provide for the family.

The Centre called The Therapy Playroom (situated at Jln. Dogan), is a development and therapy centre for children and adults. The volunteers there help those with these disabilities to learn language and speech. This Gawai Food Parcel Project is their charitable act to these families to have a better Gawai celebration.

The KYCS Student Animators delivered the food items on behalf of the students to the families on Sunday 29 May, all of which were grateful to be blessed with such abundance for a better Gawai celebration. Rosaries were also given to the family members, with a simple prayer being said with the families.

Triduum Spiritualiti – Hari Paska yang unik!

CEWC – Bermula dari 21-24 April 2011, seramai 885 orang peserta dan pelayan dari semua paroki dalam Keuskupan Agung Kuching telah berkumpul beramai-ramai di Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin buat julung kalinya untuk menyertai program Triduum Spiritualiti dengan tema “Siapakah Aku ini?” yang dipetik daripada Injil Markus 8:29.

 

Program tersebut dianjurkan oleh Komisi Belia Keuskupan Agung Kuching bersama-sama dengan belia di setiap paroki serta pelbagai kumpulan belia.  Ianya telah diilhamkan oleh Uskup Agung John Ha dan beliau merupakan penceramah utama sepanjang prorgam tersebut. Turut hadir ketika itu ialah Br. Ghislain dan Br. Andreas dari Taize untuk membantu para belia di Keuskupan Agung Kuching mengalami kehadiran Tuhan melalui doa Taize. Bukan itu sahaja, dalam input Uskup Agung John Ha, beliau telah menekankan siapakah Kristus pada dasarnya (kesengsaraan dan kebangkitan-Nya) dan apakah maksudnya untuk menjadi pengikut Yesus.

Triduum diakhiri dengan misa penutupan oleh Uskup Agung John Ha. Turut hadir untuk misa tersebut ialah para keluarga yang telah membantu untuk mengambil anak angkat khas untuk Triduum Spiritualiti.

KAYA- 19 Graduates: Who Do You Say That I Am? ” Mark 8:29

KOTA PADAWAN – With the theme “Who Do You Say That I Am? “ (Mark 8:29), Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate program has brought 180 participants included 10 facilitators in a 4 weeks stay-in program at St. Lukas Catholic Centre, Kota Padawan from 10^th January 2011- 14^th February 2011. This is the 19^th KAYA program which has been successfully done with the full support of His Grace, Archbishop John Ha. These 170 graduates were from different parishes such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Parish, Holy Spirit’s Parish, St. Ann’s Parish, St. Theresa’s Parish, St. Jude’s Parish and Our Lady Queen Of Peace’s Parish, Sri Aman. In this program, they learnt about Community Living, Human Formation, Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Formation through daily mass and personal prayer with our Lord. On the last day, the program was concluded with mass by His Grace, Archbishop John Ha and continued with lunch together with AKAYA 19.

Testimonies from some participants:

•Hai shalom semua.Nama saya Theresa Evila anak Hanry Dai Parole dari Paroki St Ann, Kota Padawan

who do say that I am?’ sebagai anak kaya, pengalaman yang tidak dapat dilupakan dalam seumur hidup,ini lah tempat betapa besarnya kasih yesus kepada kita, so harapan saya..joinlah KAYA, KAYA is the best!! `Yesus love you’..

.Hai ,shalom semua. Nama saya Joycie Emily ak Jeorgie dari paroki st Ann, Kota Padawan

•Saya rasa sungguh gembira kerana dapat mengikuti program KAYA pada tahun ini. Tema pada tahun ini ialah `who do you say that I am?”.Kami telah pelajari banyak aktiviti seperti Taize, praymeeting dan healing. Ia sangat menyoronokkan, jadi harapan saya kepada para belia di sana agar dapat ikuti program ini tahun depan..

•Hai, Saya  Denial Jut dari Paroki St Joseph, Kuching

Sebelum masuk KAYA saya tidak pernah ikuti program youth yang diadakan oleh paroki kerana ia menbazirkan masa saya.Apabila saya masuk program KAYA, saya rasakan iman saya semakin kuat dan ingin teruskan misi saya . Sekalian terima kasih..

•Hai semua, saya Maria Timono dari Holy Spirit , Lundu

`Saya sangat gembira kerana dapat menyertai program KAYA pada tahun inidan Tuhan telah memanggil saya untuk menyertai program ini. Banyak pengalaman yang saya pelajari dalam program ini seperti puji d an sembah, taize dan yang paling penting cinta kasih yesus bagi diri saya. Saya berharap agar rakan-rakan dapat menyertai program ini tahun depan, ia amat bermakna kepada diri kita.. sekalian God bless you all.

•Hai semua, saya Waylon Vest ak Masen dari Paroki St. Jude, Bunan Gega.

`dengan tema KAYA “  who do you say that i am?”, saya telah pelajari sesuatu yang kekal mengenai Yesus,  jadi saya harap para belia di luar sana ,datang lah menyertai KAYA tahun depan..sekalian.

Family and Friends Gather for a Night of Carols

KUCHING – The Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) Carollers gathered with family members and friends for an evening of fellowship on 12 December 2010. It was held at the St Joseph’s Parish Gallery just after the sunset mass around 7.30pm. Family Night is an annual occasion that all KYCS Carollers look forward to with the objective to thank all families especially parents of the carollers for their utmost support and generous contribution in allowing their children to be actively involved in carolling activities.

The event began with an opening speech by Rachel Remus, the KYCS Carolling Coordinator of 2010 followed by an opening prayer which was shortly followed by a brief sketch originally rehearsed and performed by the carollers themselves. Everyone had finally settled into their comfort zones as soon as the sketch ended and the whole team of carollers streamed in from the back and into the limelight to perform two christmas carols as the actual opening of the event.

Parish priest, Fr Simon Poh was present and invited upfront to say the grace before meal before the families present were called to partake in a potbless. Chairperson of Kuching Archdiocesan Commission for Youth, Stephanie Ng and Lucy Gumek were also present, with the Empowered youths supporting in providing the sound system. While families settled themselves outside on the gallery to enjoy the food, the team of carollers came upfront once more to perform Christmas carols, followed by sectional performances. The audience were swayed by performances consisting of a medley entitled Have Yourself a Holy Night, an improvised version of Stand By Me, The Christmas Song and sketch and a semi instrumental piece of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Games were played afterwards among the families to liven the atmosphere as soon as the carollers seated themselves among the audience. The audience was wound up in a state of frenzy when the games were in progress. After everyone had had a good laugh and the games had finally drawn to an end, a few parents of the carollers were invited upfront to give short sharing and affirmation to the carollers, especially those whose parents were unable to be present.

The night ended with a final performance by the carollers ~ a christmas favourite entitled Away In The Manger. The event was officially ended with a closing prayer.

Brenda Ngu

Intimacy.. Yes or No? Wait-lah!

KUCHING – With the theme above, a Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) Joseph Cardijn (JC) Solidarity Camp was held on 1 to 3 December at Kpg. Mujat in the parish of Bunan Gega. More than 130 students from different urban and rural schools were involved in the camp as participants and organisers.

The organising committee of the camp was led by Jude Vergir from SMK Serian, assisted by vice-coordinators Julida Shirley from SMK Sg. Maong and Julian Edison from SMK Penrissen No. 1, alongside with 30 over students to ensure the camp ran smoothly. Guiding them were Mdm. Stephanie Ng and Ms. Lucy Gumek from the Archdiocese Youth Commission’s office, teacher and student animators, and assisted by the church committee of the village.

The camp focused on intimacy and the different types of relationships an average student faces. The students also experienced the lifestyle of a ‘kampung’ as they were accommodated by the villagers of Kpg. Mujat who became their foster families.

On the first day of camp, four seminarians from St. Peter’s College came to give a sharing on the topic of intimacy with God, family, boy-girl relationship and others. Then, a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Simon Poh, from the Cathedral parish, was held at St. Leo’s Chapel in the village. The night ended with a Taize prayer which was done to reflect and pray for their relationship with God, their family and with others.

A morning mass was held to start the day and the presider was Fr. Lazarus Swinie from St. Jude’s Parish. The Wonderfully Made team of the archdiocese was invited and they facilitated interactive sessions and workshops throughout the day. The highlight of the evening was the solidarity night held at the village’s longhouse which was to foster friendship and goodwill between the students and the villagers of Kpg. Mujat.

The final day was a time to come up with a plan to bring awareness about intimacy and relationships in an individual effort and also as a school community. The camp ended with a closing mass which was celebrated by Fr. Lazarus Swinie in the local Bidayuh dialect and all the foster families of the participants joined in as well.

Ralph Balan

ACS Youth Concert in Kuching

Pada 20 November 2010, Sabtu yang lepas, Persatuan gereja-gereja di Sarawak atau Association Churches in Sarawak (ACS) telah mengadakan ACS Youth Concert yang bertemakan “Shine As Stars”, Philippians 2:15 di Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre dan Roman Catholic menjadi tuan rumah pada tahun ini. ACS Youth Concert ini dibanjiri daripada umat kristian daripada pelbagai gereja. Dalam konsert tersebut ini juga, dihadiri oleh 10 orang tetamu khas daripada wakil gereja-gereja lain. Di samping itu, kumpulan Empowered Ministry memberi persembahan yang mantap dan menarik dalam sesi puji dan sembah. Kemeriahan pada malam tersebut diteruskan dengan persembahan pentas daripada para belia mewakili 7 buah gereja iaitu Anglican, Sidang Injil Borneo, Salvation Army, Sevent Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Methodist Chinese dan Iban. Salah satu persembahan ialah daripada kumpulan Gereja Roman Catholic  mempersembahkan Melodrama bertajuk “Yesus mati untukku”. Sebagai penutup tirai konsert tersebut, para belia dihiburkan dengan lagu ‘Bersyukurlah’. ACS Youth Concert pada tahun ini merupakan sangat meriah dan berakhir kira-kira pada pukul 10.30 malam. Diharap dapat berjumpa lagi di tahun hadapan dan Tuhan memberkati anda sekalian.

Grace Harrishyllin

‘Wonderfully Made’ di Kpg Bobak

Bau –  Pada 31 Oktober, Sabtu, Kpg Bobak, Singai telah menjadi tuan rumah dalam seminar ‘Wonderfully Made’. Seminar ini telah dianjurkan oleh team Wonderfully Made sendiri yang terdiri daripada Puan Stephanie Ng, Encik Michael Junim dan isteri, Sister Perpetua, Lucy Gumek, Almanzo Mangan, Henry Luk, Sheena, Grace & Mark Bulow. Seminar ini disertai oleh para belia berumur 15 tahun ke atas dan ibu bapa di kampung tersebut. “You are Wonderfully Made” menjadi tema utama bagi seminar ini. Ini bertujuan agar para belia tidak terjebak serta tidak meneruskan dengan melakukan perkara yang negatif dan seharusnya menjalani kehidupan yang sihat, ibubapa memainkan peranan yang penting dalam mendidik dan membimbing anak-anak. Antara aktiviti yang dilakukan ialah perbincangan dalam kumpulan, sing along, tayangan video, perkongsian kisah sebenar dan sebagainya. Walaupun seminar ini dijalankan dalam masa sehari sahaja, namun para belia dan ibubapa yang hadir amat berpuas hati kerana seminar ini memberi makna dan kebaikan pada setiap individu.

Taize Evening drew crowds

Kuching Archdiocesan Taize Evening (K.A.T.E)

KUCHING – The Kuching Archdiocesan Taize Evening (K.A.T.E) was held on 29^th August 2010, 7.00pm, at The Archbishop Hall, Carmelite. Around 100 people came for K.A.T.E, which includes youth from different parish, Sisters of Saint Franciscan Sarawak (SSFS), and also parents.

K.A.T.E was held due to many positive responds and request from the youth after the last Taize Evening with Br. Ghislain in April. K.A.T.E is also an effort from the Youth Commission to intercede for and gearing towards the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Day (KAYD) 2011.

K.A.T.E prayer finish around 8.30pm followed by light refreshments. The K.A.T.E was a success, we would like to thank all those who came to join us, those who kept us in prayers, and those who supported us financially.

Henry Luk

 

Taize Prayer with Swinburne Catholic Student Society (CSS) & Holy Trinity Parish Youth Ministry (PYM)

On 26 September, about 40 youths and parents attended the Taize Prayer Evening which was held at Holy Trinity Parish hall for the first time. The event was jointly organised by the Swinburne Catholic Student Society and Holy Trinity Parish Youth Ministry, with the assistance from St Mark’s Parish Youth Ministry. The event aimed to introduce Taize prayer to youths and to pray for the success of the upcoming Kuching Archdiocese Youth Day (KAYD) celebration next year.

At 8 pm, Henry Luk, the Coordinator, called the event to start by first briefing all present on the history of Taize, what Taize prayer is and how it would be conducted. He and his team then led everyone into prayer through singing of Taize chants. The event ended at 10.30 pm with light refreshment.

The organising committee received a lot of positive feedback from youths who came that evening. It is hoped that more joint events as such will be organised so as to foster the relationship of different youth ministries under the Archdiocese of Kuching.

Audrey Yu

 

Taize Evening with Unimas Christian Student (UNICS)

About 45 Christian students from University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) took part in the Taizé prayer coordinated by the Kuching Archdiocesan Taizé Team (KATT) on 24^th October 2010 at St. Philip’s Room, St. Joseph Parish Centre, Kuching.

The purpose of the Taize evening witht he UNICS is to introduce Taizé prayer among university students since many of them do not know about this prayer.

The students and KATT gather at UNIMAS around 5.30pm. The team arranged transport to bring the students from UNIMAS to St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Everyone arrived at the Cathedral around 7pm. The team started to prepare and set up for the prayer.  It started with the introduction to Taizé prayer by Sharon Singa followed by short practice led by Almanzo Mangan. A short silence took place to pepare everyone for the prayer.

Simple refreshments were served after the prayer.  Positive feedback gained from majority of the students.  It was indeed a fruitful prayer evening to gather the students for various local universities.

Maureen Joy

Primary 6 camp in Serian

Serian – About 90 Year six youth from various schools took part in a day camp at St Ann Church, Kampung Kakai on 16 October.  The camp was organised by the Sarawak Catholic Teachers’ Guild, Serian Branch and assisted by Empowered  Ministry with their team leader, Karen from Kuching.  Theme of the camp was “God’s Love and Being Special”.  The activities enhance participants to discover themselves being created special.  In addition, participants have opportunity to socialise with participants from other schools.  The following are feedback from participants:

SK Rayang, “We are very happy and grateful today because we are given a chance to sing Praises to the Lord, able to meet new friend, and  pray together as a big family.”

SK Slabi, “Thank you; we are filled with joy and happiness today! We not only meet many new friends but we have learned a lot too. We are excited for God.”

SK St Theresa, “Today we are happy. We can sing can dance for God. We are no more shy and bore.  Most of all, we succeeded in putting aside today for God’s activities!”

Mass of the day was celebrated by Fr Paul Herry.

Students Go Green with Recycling and Tree-Planting

KUCHING – On 15 September 2010, the Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) East Malaysian Encounter (EME) participants organised a Plant-A-Tree (PAT) program that was held at the St. Joseph’s Parish Centre from 7am to 12pm. The program was to signify an action of combating climate change, with a long term target to influence other student movements to join in the action of providing a better environment for all, especially in schools.

Young Christian Students from SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Green Road, SMK Penrissen No. 1, SMK St. Joseph, SMK St. Teresa and SMK Sungai Maong attended this program besides Student Animators and a few teacher animators which totaled up to about 40 people gathered at the St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish Gallery for the half-day program.

Recycling Program was held at the same time as the PAT program. During the PAT program, there were video showing and sharing on the EME camp. Fr Simon was invited to give a talk on ‘Christian Faith and Sustainability in Conjunction with UN World Environmental Day’. The session was on Christian’s perspectives about the environment and that man takes care of what belongs to God the creator.

In addition to that, Claudia Law, one of the Student Animators conducted the Review of Life (ROL) session on Climate Change based on the YCS Methodology of See, Judge and Act. In this session, students discussed about everyone’s responsibilities relating to environmental issues. A participant from every group was asked to share their groups’ ideas of how to contribute positively to Mother Nature.

A tree hunting session begins right after the previous session ended. Participants from respective schools were to find their own trees tagged with their school’s name on it. The trees were hidden at the St. Peter’s College grounds. Once the trees were found, everyone gathered at the gallery for the closing ceremony.

During the closing ceremony, Fr Simon blessed the trees that were sponsored by the Semenggoh Forestry Department, followed by a closing prayer. Everyone witnessed the planting of the KYCS tree at the allocated land near the Parish Centre, thereafter they were briefed on the planting of trees. Each school brought a tree back to be planted in their respective school compounds or any suitable location.

Rachel Remus

Student leaders learn to be humble in service

BUNAN GEGA – The Kuching Young Christian Student (KYCS) Movement successfully organised a leadership formation camp in St Jude’s Parish, Bunan Gega from 6 – 8 September 2010. The theme for the camp was ‘To Form Holistic Leaders Humble in Service’ following the methodology of ‘See, Judge and Act’.  A total of 87 students, ranging from Form 1 to Form 6 participated. Among them were a group of 10 students from Sibu.

The camp coordinated by Student Animators headed by Julian Sim helped the participants to understand what makes a holistic leader. As Christian leaders, the participants were exposed to the leadership qualities that Jesus displayed throughout his public ministry. The participants were called to take on Jesus’ leadership qualities and apply them in their service as YCS leaders in their respective schools.

Besides the interactive input sessions, there was exposure to Kampung Mujat and Kampung Bunan Gega where students exposed themselves to simple lifestyle and humble living. A debate was run by the students on a given motion and Taizé prayers were held as an opportunity for the participants to reflect on what they’ve learnt throughout the camp. Mass was held on the second day presided by Fr Paul Herry. Solidarity night, a night of fellowship to enhance solidarity among the YCS leaders from different schools was also held.

In summary, the camp was run by the students themselves as they participated in different committees during the camp to put into practice leadership skills and humility when leading others.

Kelvin Jong

Testimonials:

From this camp, I have learned how to be a holistic leader and a lot of things about leadership. Isut anak John, 16, SMK Penrissen No. 1

LFC is great. Praise the Lord that I am chosen to be here. Being in this camp, I realised that being a leader is not easy. During these three days, I am able to reflect back on my behaviour and I’m happy to change to be a better leader. Overall, I had so much fun here – being together with beautiful YCS-ers. Valerie Carlisle, 16, SMK St Teresa

First of all, I’d like to thank God for giving me this opportunity to join this camp. I had a lot of fun and have learnt many things about leadership. The debate during camp made me realised that humility is important for a leader as it is one of Jesus’ qualities. Jesus is always our leader and from him, we learn the true qualities of being a leader. Olivia Chen, 14, SMK Batu Lintang

Youths in Serian excited for God!

SERIAN – About 160 youth chose to spend their first day of their mid-term holiday on 4 Sept 2010 to have a closer walk with Him at St Ann’s Church, Kampung Kakai.  A one-day youth camp was organised by the Sarawak Catholic Teachers’ Guild, Serian Branch.  The event was assisted by a team from Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS). Among the topics shared were on Personal  Formation, Social Formation and Action Plan. These topics were meant to bring the students to the awareness of being a leader. Sr Lucina shared on Vocation and how God calls young people to religious life. Mass was celebrated by Fr Paul Herry.

Fresh Leaders for KYCS

KUCHING – The Kuching Young Christian Student (KYCS) Students Leaders and Animators Gathering (SLAG) was held on 28 August 2010 at St James’ Room, St Joseph’s Parish Centre. The half-day program aimed to thank the outgoing committees for their contribution during the past one year and to gather and enhance solidarity among all the student leaders and teacher animators. A total of 49 students and 4 teacher animators from 7 different schools participated in this gathering. The schools present were Kolej Abdillah, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Green Road, SMK Penrissen No.1, SMK Sg. Maong, SMK St Joseph, and SMK St Teresa.

SLAG basically had each YCS school president reporting on the activities in their school cell group besides the usual prayers and animation session. There was also introduction on Cardinal Joseph Cardijn and the establishment of YCS and a presentation video clip featuring KYCS events throughout the 2009 and 2010. The highlight of the SLAG was the election of the new KYCS Council for the year 2010-2011.  With the Council of Presidents system preferred, members present voted for Audrey Yap (SMK Batu Lintang) and Julida Shirley (SMK Sg. Maong) to be the representatives of KYCS. Rachel Remus (SMK St. Teresa) volunteered to be the secretary while Leonard Then (SMK Green Road) volunteered to be the treasurer. A Review of Life (ROL) session was also conducted after the election for the outgoing committee members to reflect back on their contribution and for the incoming committee members to reflect on what they have done in YCS so far and their future plans for respective cell groups.

SLAG continued after lunch with the completion of the installation. A handover ceremony was held with the outgoing council members handing over a lit candle to the incoming council members. Mr Fabian Kong, teacher animator of SMK Penrissen No.1 led the members present in a prayer over the outgoing and incoming committees. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the outgoing council members by Stephanie Ng, chairperson of the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission who also thanked the outgoing committees for their contribution and added that YCS is a platform to serve. The upcoming event for KYCS would be the Leadership Formation Camp (LFC) in September.

Grace Lim

Internship Sharing

A post of Ralph Balan sharing his internship testimony:

From 28 June to 28 July, I was sent for a one-month internship to the International Young Christian Students (IYCS) Asian Secretariat which is based in Metro Manila, Republic of the Philippines.  The Asian Secretariat is among the seven secretariats under the international office in Paris. The purpose of the Asian office is to coordinate and network with all the YCS National Movements in over 14 countries across Asia namely Korea YCS, Thailand YCS, Bangladesh YCS, and more.

Working in the Asian Secretariat has given me a lot of new experiences. One interesting experience was how the office communicates and organizes projects with the national movements, funding partners, the international secretariat and many other agencies. I was also able to experience living in a small community of people from different backgrounds and cultures yet at the same time dwell in harmony through our Lord Jesus.

I have had both good and bad experiences in my internship but ultimately, it was an opportunity which I did not regret taking up. Though there were many challenges and obstacles, it is a lesson that I have learnt and hope it will help me and those who journey with me in the future. To all Young Christian Students reading this testimony, I hope you will continue to actively participate or lead the YCS movement you belong to and live out the vision of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn to really SEE, JUDGE and ACT in your everyday lives and in everything you do especially when relating to the poor and the marginalized.  My heartfelt appreciations to the KAYC and the IYCS Asian Secretariat for offering me this valuable opportunity as well as assisting me financially for the internship, to family and friends who always love and care, and to all those who have willingly kept me in prayers. May God bless you abundantly as He has blessed me.

Ralph Balan

Campus Students Face Reality through Life Experiences Sharing

BAU – It was a first-time experience for some of the 50 campus students to climb up to the Catholic Memorial Pilgrimage Centre at Mt Singai, Bau for the recent Inter Campus Camp (ICC) organised by the Kuching Campus Ministry (KCM) under the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC). The participants came from Kolej Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu (KSKB), Lim Kok Wing Institution, SEGi College, Polytechnic Kuching and Universiti Malaysia (UNIMAS). With the theme ‘Faith.Hope.Love’, the participants and committees of this three-day two-night camp from 30 July – 1 August were exposed to the reality of campus life in Malaysia.

Inspired by the participants of the National Camp and School of Acting Justly, Loving Tenderly, Treading Humbly with God (SALT) camp, they made up the committee to share on the issues they face in campuses such as Culture of Death, Islamisation, Right to Vote, Financial Management and Relationships (student-student, student-lecturer, boy-girl and student-God). These real life experiences shared were supported by affirming talks from speakers Dr Andrew Alek, Cosmas Klumai and Stephanie Ng.

Besides input sessions, participants learnt from each other through small group sharing, activities and fellowship. There were also Taize prayer and body prayer being introduced to the participants. Everyone joined in the community Mass presided by Fr Nicholas Ng and also the community lunch prepared by both committees and the community present on the last day.

Testimonials:

Pengalaman di CMPC adalah pengalaman yang tidak dapat dilupakan. Selama tiga hari ini, saya dapat mempelajari pelbagai benda baru. Antaranya ialah mendapat rakan baru dari pelbagai kolej dan universiti. Melalui aktiviti kerohanian, saya dapat mendekatkan diri dengan Tuhan dengan lebih erat. Saya juga mempertingkatkan pengetahuan dalam aktiviti kerohanian dan kini lebih sedar tentang masalah persekitaran. I hope I can join this camp again. – Elly anak Sareb, KSKB Kuching

Going through this camp is like a journey towards a new consciousness. I have been having the so-called ‘crisis of faith’ but now I think I have found some answers. I dedicate this journey to my mother, and I hope the physical pain she has been going through gets lighter. – Fiona Lulu Jaina, SEGi College

Shallom! Saya berasa sungguh gembira sepanjang menyertai kem ini kerana dapat mengenali kawan-kawan baru dari pelbagai kampus. Sepanjang kem ini juga, saya juga telah mempelajari tentang beberapa perkara mengenai realiti di kampus seperti ‘culture of death’, ‘islamisation’ dan sebagainya. Melalui ajaran tersebut, saya telah didedahkan dengan cara-cara mengatasi masalah tersebut. Semoga saudara saudari di luar sana akan menyertai kem ini pada masa akan datang. Tuhan memberkati. – Liviana Kirsten, Polytechnic

At first, I did not want to join this ICC because I went for it last year. But there was something calling me to go, and that something is God. Here as I bring myself closer to Him, I became aware of what is happening around me. I’m glad I answered His calling. Thank You, Jesus! – Ivy Elora, UNIMAS

The ICC is my first campus camp event that I attended and it was great. I got to learn and realise the many issues that the campus youth are facing and struggling with. I also find it interesting when most of the input sessions are sharing from the students themselves. We also got to exchange opinions and stories with each other from different colleges and universities. Although I was the only one from my college joining this camp, I’m glad to be invited to participate and to be able to make new friends. Thought there were only about 30 of us participants, it was a nice and conducive event to learn and share. May we all continue to be loving like our Lord Jesus and move to change and improve the situation in campuses. – Ralph Balan, Lim Kok Wing Institution

UiTM welcomes new students to Young Catholic Undergraduates (YCU)!

Pada 15 Julai 2010 yang lepas, Jawatankuasa Perwakilan Pelajar Kristian telah mengadakan Welcoming Gathering Tahunan bertempat di Dewan Kuliah 1, UiTM Samarahan. Tema untuk Welcoming Gathering pada kali ini ialah “Come, Follow Me” (Lukas 1:17)

Seramai 300 orang pelajar yang menyertai gathering ini yang merangkumi pelajar lama dan pelajar baru. Kami telah menjemput Kakak Stephanie Ng sebagai penceramah pada malam tersebut. Beliau telah memberi ceramah berkenaan dengan tema acara ini di samping memberi kata-kata nasihat kepada pelajar yang baru melangkahkan kaki ke UiTM. Kami berharap agar aktiviti kerohanian seperti ini dapat diteruskan lagi pada masa akan datang.

Nicodemus Ujih