Highlights from the 2024 NBVM/SCIC Parish Assembly

On Sunday, 3^rd March, more than 100 parishioners gathered for the 2024 NBVM/SCIC Parish Assembly.

Attendees listened as our parish priest and leaders reviewed all that was done in the past year and presented proposed plans for the current year. Everyone present also participated in small group discussions to brainstorm ideas for the parish’s Year of Communion 2024.

Let us continue to invoke the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of our Blessed Mother as we strive to love God and our neighbour through all our plans for this year.

Here we present some highlights from the event.

Keynote Address by Rev Fr Dominic Santhiyagu

• Our diversity is our asset. We gather together as one people of God regardless of race and language, as the Lord has called us to be one — “that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:21)
• 2024 has been designated as the Year of Communion for the parish. Activities will be held throughout the year surrounding this theme.
• Parish growth: There were more people baptised than deaths recorded in 2023. A total of 23 marriages took place.
• The parish needs to function in a more efficient and organised manner in terms of making appointments to see the parish priest and booking facilities for use.
• The parish staff is an asset to the parish. Some areas of improvement include being more welcoming and completing work in a speedy and timely manner.
• Synodality: As a parish, we have been practicing this all along. There has always been consultation between priest and parishioners and we work as a team; there is no ‘priest class’ and ‘laity class’.
• Project Kasih, a social justice initiative by the parish, has been successfully running with contributions from generous donors. With this fund, immediate assistance can be channeled to those in need.

Summary of the 2023 Parish Events Review Questionnaire by Stephen Chin

2023 Financial Report & 2024 Budget by the Parish Finance Committee

Q&A and comments

With the renovation of the old church, what will be done to the shed with sinks at the back?

The architect has planned for the sinks and awning to be removed and replaced with an upgraded area for those using the facilities.

There is a lack of involvement by the youths of the parish. These include school-aged youths and working young adults. The various ministries need to reach out to them. Support from parents is crucial. Additionally, the engagement of youths should not be restricted by language group.

The parish is aware of this issue and has assigned Br Bonny to look into the matter. Cross-language activities are preferred; future events will be organised for all language youths with this in mind.

Is there a possibility of building a columbarium at the Butterworth cemetery?

There is currently no appropriate space to build a columbarium. This subject will be revisited later, when the need is more critical. Additionally, the diocese has obtained a piece of land for burial in Batu Kawan. Priority for burial will be given to NBVM/SCIC parishioners.

Additional updates on cemeteries:

• Butterworth cemetery: 358 tombs; 101 unnamed
• Kepala Batas cemetery: 65 tombs; 39 unnamed
• A kind request to the families of the deceased to have the unnamed tombs marked with a tombstone before All Souls Day this year. Please also always keep the cemetery premises clean.

What are our plans to settle the Nativity Centre debt, and will there be a request for a waiver of the debt?

Collections from 3 weeks per month amounting to RM 1,000 each week are allocated for the repayment of the loan. The second collection at each Mass will continue for the foreseeable future. It is too early to request a waiver of the debt, as we have a moral obligation to settle it.