Journeying with the Butterworth Community: Bro. Melvin’s Pastoral Experience at NBVM/SCIC

Bro. Melvin Dawson Michael Dass is a fourth-year Theology seminarian from St. Peter’s College Major Seminary, Kuching. As part of his priestly formation, he was assigned to NBVM and SCIC, Butterworth, for his pastoral placement from January to May 2026. Bro. Melvin shares the experiences, insights, and lessons that have enriched his journey of formation and deepened his vocation to the priesthood.

My four-month pastoral placement at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butterworth, has been a deeply enriching and formative experience. Throughout these months, I was blessed with numerous opportunities to participate in the spiritual, pastoral, and missionary life of the parish. These experiences have contributed significantly to my human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation as I continue discerning God’s call to priestly ministry.

At the heart of this pastoral experience was my participation in the liturgical and prayer life of the parish. Attending and assisting at daily Masses, weekend Eucharistic celebrations, Holy Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and various devotional activities helped me appreciate more deeply the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. These moments of prayer reminded me that pastoral ministry must always flow from a personal encounter with Christ.

One of the highlights of my pastoral placement was the opportunity to provide formation and spiritual input to various groups within the parish. I was privileged to prepare and deliver a reflection during the Parish Pastoral Gathering, where parish leaders and members came together to reflect on the mission and direction of the parish community. This experience allowed me to appreciate the collaborative nature of pastoral ministry and the importance of listening to the hopes and concerns of God’s people.

I was also invited to facilitate sessions during the Life in the Spirit Seminar for the Tamil Charismatic Prayer Group. Accompanying participants as they sought a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit enabled me to witness the power of faith and renewal in the lives of many parishioners. Their openness to God’s grace challenged me to deepen my own dependence on the Holy Spirit in ministry.

Another meaningful opportunity was giving a talk on the theme on Peace to the English-speaking parishioners. Preparing and presenting this reflection encouraged me to connect the teachings of Christ with the daily struggles and anxieties experienced by many people today. Through this experience, I learned that pastoral ministry involves helping people encounter Christ’s peace amidst the challenges of modern life.

I was also entrusted with conducting recollections (a first-time experience) for both the parish office staff and the RCIA candidates. The recollection for the office staff provided an opportunity to reflect on service as ministry and to encourage a spirit of faith and dedication in their daily work. The recollection for the RCIA candidates was particularly meaningful as I journeyed with individuals preparing to enter fully into the life of the Church.

Beyond formation and liturgical ministry, I was grateful to be involved in several outreach initiatives that brought me closer to those on the margins of society. Through KASIH, a parish project dedicated to assisting the underprivileged and vulnerable, I encountered individuals and families facing various hardships. These encounters challenged me to see Christ in the poor and to recognize that authentic Christian discipleship must include a preferential love for those most in need.

Likewise, my involvement in the Street Mission Butterworth provided opportunities to serve and engage with people who often experience loneliness, poverty, and social exclusion. Through simple acts of service and human encounter, these experiences reminded me that the Gospel is proclaimed not only through words but also through acts of charity and presence.

Through these various pastoral experiences, I have grown in several ways. Spiritually, I have come to rely more deeply on prayer and the grace of God. Pastorally, I have developed greater confidence in public speaking, facilitating formation sessions, and accompanying people in their faith journey. At the same time, I recognize the need to continue growing and to respond effectively to the diverse needs of God’s people.

This pastoral placement has strengthened my appreciation for the beauty and complexity of parish life. It has shown me that priestly ministry involves being present to people in moments of joy, struggle, growth, and transformation. More importantly, it has reminded me that ministry is ultimately about leading others to an encounter with Christ while continually allowing oneself to be transformed by that same encounter.

As I conclude this four-month placement, I do so with gratitude to God, to Rev. Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu, the parish staff, ministry leaders, and all the parishioners who welcomed and accompanied me throughout this journey. The experiences, lessons, and relationships formed during these months will continue to shape my vocation and formation. I entrust all that I have learned and experienced to the Lord, praying that He may continue to guide me as I seek to serve His Church with humility, faithfulness, and love. by Bro. Melvin