PENANG — The Church of the Immaculate Conception has started a new ministry, the East Malaysian Fellowship (EMF). More than 60 East Malaysians who have settled down, or are working or studying in colleges/universities/nursing schools on the island attended its first gathering.
The gathering started with speeches by Sherylyn Jouti, the Chairperson of the EMF and David Sivapatham, the PPC Chairman, followed by a short sharing on why we need the EMF by our Parish Priest Fr Jude Miranda. It was a casual and fun-filled night. The two hour long gathering was very inclusive and packed with songs, dances and performances by the talented East Malaysians.
The EMF was initiated by Fr Jude Miranda who saw the need for forming this body. “We want IC Church to be a welcoming parish regardless of race or cultural backgrounds. Today is a historical day as we kickstart the East Malaysian Fellowship. This community is not just a body or society, but a fellowship, a friendship.”
“We hope that this community will not only be the platform of spiritual growth but also a place for East Malaysians to feel at home, and also to allow you a space to preserve and showcase your traditions and culture. IC Church will always extend a helping hand if you need any assistance.” he added.
The PPC chairman, David Sivapatham, also recalled that he was really touched by the warm hospitality extended to him by the Sabahans while working in Kota Kinabalu and his affiliation with East Malaysia through his wife and son. The EMF in IC Church will be an opportunity to reciprocate this same hospitality to our brothers and sisters from East Malaysia who come to Penang to study or work or to stay … irrespective of the length of stay.
Fr Jude hoped that with the setting up of this fellowship, no East Malaysian Christian would feel left out or unwelcome in the parish.
The gathering ended with a closing prayer and blessing by Fr Jude. The next EMF gathering is on October 6. On that Sunday morning, IC Church will be welcoming East Malaysians from the Taiping Catholic Church. The group from Taiping will animate the 8.30am Bahasa Malaysia Mass. Our EMF Team and parishioners will then host a fellowship for our Taiping guests at the Parish Centre.
We invite more East Malaysians to join the East Malaysian Fellowship (EMF) of IC Church.
