"You, too go into my vineyard and work"ÖMatthew 20:7

The Parish Council

One of the most significant developments in the Archdiocese of Kuching since the Second Vatican Council has been the setting up of Parish Councils and their contribution to Church life. The type of "councils" called for in article 26 of Vatican II's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity. 

Article 26 states: "In dioceses, as far as possible, councils should be set up to assist the Church's apostolic work whether in the field of evangelization and sanctification or in the field of charity, social relations and the rest; the clergy and religious working with the laity in whatever way proves satisfactory. These councils can take care of the mutual coordinating of the various lay associations and undertakings, the autonomy and particular nature of each remaining untouchedÖ"

Although the patterns of Parish Councils may differ from parish to parish, they are essentially the same. The membership consists of men, women and youths as individuals and as representatives for parish organizations, the priests of the parish and religious. They are both elected and appointed. In addition to this, there is a case for large rural parishes having zone representatives who are to bring to the council the particular  concerns of their zones.

A Constitution for Parish Councils in the Archdiocese has been approved by Archbishop Peter Chung. Broadly this Constitution defines the Parish Council as a representative body of the parishioners of a parish working in close collaboration with the clergy to further the mission of Christ and his Church in the parish.
In his analysis of the structure of Parish Councils, Bernard Hyphar highlighted that a Parish Council is:

i) prayerful: Prayer and intercession are an integral part of the life and ministry of Jesus. As a representative parish body continuing the mission of Jesus a Parish Council must itself be made up of people of prayer.
ii) pastoral: A Parish Council considers the whole range of pastoral activities within the parish taking as its model Christ, the Good Shepherd.
iii) representative: A Parish Council is a representative body rather than a body of representatives. 
iv) discerning:  A Parish Council discerns the needs, the hopes and aspirations of its particular parish. 
v) prophetic:  A Parish Council examines the life and values of the parish in the light of gospel values. In particular it addresses itself to issues of communion, brotherly and sisterly love, formation and so on.
vi) enabling:  A Parish Council is the mechanism through which the gifts and talents of different people and groups within the parish are recognized and utilized for the good of the whole community. 
vii)  collaborative:  The parish is not an isolated unit. It exists within a diocese and is part of the universal Church. 

It will take time to develop a Parish Council which is effective. It is a challenge to ideas of leadership for both clergy and laity. One of the common problems faced by our parishes has  been the shortage of persons willing to serve as councillors. This may well be one of the most best opportunities available to our laity right now to participate fully in the life of the local church.

'Everything comes from God...'

My involvement in Church activities through Parish Council started in 1991 when I was transferred to Kuching Division and stationed at Bau District. 

For about nine years now I have served in the Parish Council in various capacities. It is true that sometimes it is hard to spare time for Church activities which are outside the normal daily routine of work. But we must remember that everything comes from God especially the time we spend doing everyday things.

It is sad to note that not many people, young and old alike, come forward willingly to serve the Church. In many cases the same people volunteer or are persuaded to hold certain posts every year. There are occasions during meetings or when functions are organized where attendance is poor. This is quite disheartening.

To all friends out there who are Church lay workers, councillors or in whatever capacity you are serving the Church do not be discouraged by the poor response (if any) of fellow parishioners but rather  discharge your service at the will of God. 

Andrew Riging
Secretary, St Joseph's Parish Council

'The saddest experience... parochialism'

My stint in the Parish Council was a humbling experience of seeing God's hand at work in the diverse ministries in a parish community. It was enriching to see small things being done with great love for God.

The saddest experience was to encounter parochialism. Strangely support for activities to and from a different parish can be muted yet we are supposed to be one big happy family. Hence it has been of my priorities to promote mutual assistance and communion between our parishes. This is a very challenge task but I am happy to say that we are making progress.

Lawrence Lee
Chairman
Holy Trinity Parish Council

The Ladies' Guild, St Jude's, Bunan

The Ladies' Guild Movement of St Jude's Parish, Bunan Gega was formed in 16 March 1994 with the noble aim and objective of "helping out in Church activities and encouraging  ladies in rural parishes to participate in the work of evangelization and personal spiritual development."

Presently, the office-bearers are as follows:

Spiritual Advisor:  Sr Consilia ak Ngajah
Chairman:  Catherine Randu
Assist Chairman: Georgina Iyot
Secretary:  Jerisha Mabo
Assist Secretary:  Milah Majin
Treasurer:  Helen Awan
Assist Treasurer:  Valletta Ayang

There are over 400 registered members of the Ladies' Guild in St Jude's Parish and their activities include monthly meetings, bringing the oofertory during Holy Mass, reciting Rosary in the homes of members, cooking for certain Church or parish activities, selling candles during the closing Rosary month and Easter Vigils, fund-raising during Feast day of St Jude, taking part in any Church celebration and sweeping the Church/arranging flowers/cleaning/outing/pilgrimage/retreat/seminars.

ëTo serve with love'

I have wanted to be involved in Church activities since young. The opportunity came in 1994 when Fr William Sabang and Sr Consilia expressed their desire to form the Ladies' Guild movement in Bunan.

I was elected chairperson in 1995 with only 16 members. With a membership recruitment drive in 1997 in mind, we held a Women's Conference throughout the parish to encourage lay women's participation and service in the Church. Today we have over 400 members. The most significant memory for me was giving birth on the nigh of 28 October 1995 during the open air Mass celebration of the Archbishop's Double Silver Jubilee celebration!

God gave me the strength to carry out all the Ladies' Guild responsibilities right to the last minute. I wish to thank all priests, my husband and children, Sr Consilia and everyone involved for supporting our effort to build up the Ladies' Guild, Bunan. My motto will always be "To serve with love because love can solve all problems".

Lucy Peter
St Jude's Parish, Bunan
(Translated from the original in BM)