The idea of having the Benevolent Fund was first mooted in late 1982 by the Parish Council of Sacred Heart Cathedral. The aims and objectives of this fund are to render spiritual assistance to parishioners when they are at the point of death; assist in funeral arrangements and to undertake the maintenance and beutification of the Catholic Cemetery.

Several ad hoc committee meetings were held to draw up the Rules and Regulations for the Fund with the assistance from the Hakka Association (a Chinese association), the Penampang Benevolent Fund and other knowledgeable parishioners.

Michael Lee

This was subsequently approved and accepted by the Delegates Assembly in 1984. It was however only after five meetings were held before the Fund was all set for the launching and implementation of this welfare service to the parishioners. A full time paid Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Lee has now been employed to man the office at the Parish Hall.

The Fund was officially launched by Rt. Rev. Bishop John Lee on 18th March, 1984 after the Second Mass (English) to coincide with St. Joseph's Day.

Some of the tombs owned by the St. Joseph's Benevolent Fund

The Parish Council