The Welcoming Parish

’Awareness And Prevention Of Child Sexual Abuse’ Talk

2011-11-01T10:33:00.002+08:00

An in-depth and informative talk ‘Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse’ was held on Sunday, 23rd October 2011, at the Visitation Parish Hall, attended by about 60 parents and adults. It was organized by the ‘Visitation Emmaus Counseling’ Ministry and ‘Family Life’ Ministry, of Visitation Church Seremban. Ms Wong Lai Cheng from ‘Protect and Save The Children,’ a non-profit, non-governmental organization of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, presented the talk and a DVD show which explained, and enlightened those present on; What is Child Sexual Abuse? Who sexually abuses children? When and where can it happen? What can an adult/parent do to protect the child? And, was shown, case presentations of boys and girls who shared their story of sexual abuse and exploitation, on video.

Ms Wong Lai Cheng shared with the adults on the need to be alert to signs of sexual abuse and to always listen, pay heed to what their children tells about their encounters or events that took place, or talks about their feelings, about sexual abuse, and not to dismiss it as a tale or their imagination. She told parents to start a dialogue with children about sexuality, that open and honest communication about sexual behavior and feelings that is appropriate for the age of the child, signals to the children that it is okay to discuss these things and also to teach them the correct names of their private body parts, as they teach the names of their other body parts. She highlighted to parents, how children should be told about ‘appropriate and inappropriate touch’ by strangers or even known persons. To always, ‘run, run, run and tell …tell someone’.
Ms Wong explained that every adult and parent need, to be aware, to be educated, in order to empower and to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation; to be able to create a safe and nurturing environment for children so that their lives are free from fear and to feel safe at all times.
Many questions from the adults/parents were satisfactorily answered by Ms Wong before concluding, and she was also personally approached by some parents after the talk.
It was a most interesting and informative talk, well delivered together with DVD presentation and created a great awareness on the subject ‘Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children’, which in my opinion could benefit many more parents and adults in our parish.

Prepared by Irene Lopez

Wedding Processional & Recessional Music

2011-10-08T08:53:00.001+08:00

On the wedding day, many couples use the Bridal Chorus by Wagner whenthe bride process into the church with her father or someone representing herfather to be handed to the groom. After the wedding Mass or service, many newly-weddedcouples process out of the church while the Wedding March by Mendelssohn isplayed.

Many people refer to "The Bridal Chorus" as the weddingmarch, but in fact, the "Wedding March" and "The BridalChorus" are two distinct pieces, each with their own histories. Both wereoriginally written for use in the context of fictional weddings. Understandingthe background behind each, may help you decide whether to use them in your ownwedding.

The “Bridal Chorus” from Wagner’s opera, Lohengrin, actually accompaniesthe couple to the bedroom, not the altar! “Lohengrin” is a tragic tale of lovebetween Lohengrin and Elsa, whose marriage is never consummated after theirwedding and who are forever parted shortly after they wed (the bride Elsa dies).“Lohengrin” contains elements of intrigue, suspicion, lies and ill-will.

Mendelssohn’s incidental music to Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’sDream, the "Wedding March," accompanies a farcical (that which isridiculously clumsy; ludicrous, absurd) wedding (the play is a comedy), betweena fairy and a man turned into a donkey (ass or jackass).

Though there is no official ban or prohibition from using these musicpieces for your wedding, looking at their background, would you still want touse them in your wedding?

Some possible alternatives to consider are:

Canon in D (J. Pachelbel)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (J. S. Bach)
Air on the G String (J. S. Bach)
Air (G. F. Handel)
Hornpipe (G. F. Handel)
Trumpet Tune (H. Purcell / J. Clarke)
Trumpet Voluntary (J. Clarke)
Rondeau (J. J. Mouret)
Ode to Joy (L. Beethoven)

IC, Passport, Baptism Certificate

2011-06-23T16:16:00.011+08:00

Most of us are aware of the importance of our IC or Identity Card (also known nowadays as MyKad). The MyKad must be carried at all times. Failure to do so may incur a fine of between RM3,000 and RM20,000 or jail term of up to three years.

If you plan to travel to another country, you would need a passport. Without a passport, you could be denied entry into the other country and may face a fine, jail term, and deportation.

The church has also got an important document called a baptism certificate. The baptism certificate states that a person has been baptised according to the Catholic rite on a particular date, church, name of parents, name of Godparents, the priest or deacon who conducted the baptism, as well as the date the baptism certificate is issued. A record entry of when a person is confirmed and when a person is married is also stated on the baptism certificate.

Before you receive any other sacrament, you need to have been baptised. Baptism is the first part of initiation into the Church, into the Body of Christ. So Baptism is a prerequisite for the reception of other sacraments, for Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage and for the making of profession of vows in an institute of consecrated life.

Prior to the reception of these sacraments, the priest must check that you have been baptised, and a baptism certificate is required here. For marriage, it is necessary to prove that you are free to receive the sacrament. In this case a recent baptismal certificate is required. When a person has passed away, a baptism certificate is required as proof that the person is a Catholic, otherwise a Catholic funeral cannot be granted.

It is strongly advisable for you to have a latest copy of the baptism certificate, especially after you have received the sacrament of confirmation, when you plan to get married, and after the wedding has taken place.

Marriage Preparation Course

2011-06-18T17:26:00.004+08:00

I am noticing a trend nowadays... some people want to get married but when it comes to preparing themselves for marriage, they seem to want to have preparations done quickly (pronto... expresso... whatever).

Seems strange that these same people would go through great lengths and spend lots of time studying for exams, working towards Bachelor, Master or PhD Degrees, making great effort in impressing the boss with hope of better pay or promotion.

But... when it comes to preparing for Marriage? Attending a Marriage Preparation Course seems like such a difficult thing to do (as if one is having one's teeth pulled). No time... Busy... Work... So many excuses given... Seems as if marriage is no longer important or worthwhile to prepare for (especially spiritually and knowing clearly what is expected in a Catholic marriage). Getting a good restaurant for Wedding makan, romantic place for honeymoon, booking a nice hotel... all these seem to preoccupy the minds of some couples more than a Marriage Preparation Course. Some couples even want the course to be completed fast fast... as if spending an hour or two a week (that is only once a week for about 6 weeks) knowing what a Catholic marriage is all about is such a painful experience.

What is happening here? Do we value our marriage, which is a life-long commitment ("one and two, super glue" as my professor in Canon Law on the topic of Catholic Marriages likes to say), or have we become so influenced by the media, where glamour and materialism is more important? Do we care about our faith and the need to share our faith with our spouse and children, or have we become complacent with our Catholic identity?

2 June 2011 Bible Camp (Form 1, 2 & 3) - Stewardship A Way of Life

2011-06-02T16:04:00.009+08:00

A bible camp with the theme "Stewardship A Way of Life" was conducted for Forms 1, 2 & 3 catechism children on 2 June 2011. About 73 catechism children participated. We hope and pray that our young people would be inspired by the bible and make effort to know it well.

A Colouring Competition - 2011

2011-06-01T11:25:00.014+08:00

A colouring competition in conjunction with the Parish Feast Day was held on 29^th May, 2011 at the Visitation Community Hall. About 250 children from the 3 languages groups took part in this competition. It was held after the respective morning masses. The competition was open for children from the Nursery – Std 3 classes. Parish Priest, Fr George Packiasamy was at hand to lend his moral support to the children. Sr Theresa Chua gave away some souvenirs to all the participants.

(Edited by Elizabeth Chong)

Feast of the Visitation

2011-05-30T01:28:00.028+08:00

Feast of The Visitation and Unveiling of Our Lady's Statue

On Saturday, 28^th May, we celebrated the 6th day of novena with the unveiling of our Lady’s statue with a Special Blessing. Throngs of people turned up for this historical event. People of all ages, from the elderly to the young gathered for this momentous occasion which started at 1715hrs with the rosary to Our Lady followed by mass, which was celebrated by Parish Priest, Fr. George Packiasamy and Asst. Priest Fr. Andrew Kooi.

It was then followed by a candle light procession with the Blessed Sacrament in Seremban town, a first after 1950s. The faithful parishioners continued with reciting the rosary and singing.

The procession ended back at the main entrance of Church where the refreshed statue of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception was unveiled looking serenely over Seremban town as she has for the past 45 years. Doves were set free and the night ended with breathtaking fireworks, food and fellowship.

History of the 78-year old statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Church of the Visitation:

It was first installed in the main sanctuary of the Church of Visitation in 1933 by Fr Georges Auguin an MEP priest and (the then) Fr Dominic Vendargon. In 1966 residents priests at the Visitation – Fr Paul Wan, Fr Edward Limat, Fr Pallier and Fr Joseph Tsai – had the statue relocated to the front of the Church. It was elevated above the main entrance overlooking Seremban town.

Forty-Five years later on 12 May 2011 the statue was taken down and intending to replace it with the two statues depicting the identity of the parish of the Visitation – Mother Mary visiting Elizabeth but it didn’t materialised at the end. On the 28^th May the 78- year old statue of Our Lady was restored to its original. She is very happy now happy to have “gone back home”. The two new statues depicting the Visitation is now placed in the grotto for the moment.

(Written by Samantha Wong)

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
— Mother Teresa

"If we pray, we will believe; If we believe, we will love; If we love, we will serve."
— Mother Teresa

RCIA Flyer

2011-05-28T10:57:00.003+08:00

FACADE AND SANCTUARY

2011-05-26T00:25:00.014+08:00

The new look of the facade
of Church of the Visitation and sanctuary

On Wednesday, 25th May, we celebrated the 3rd day of novena for the feast of the Visitation. About 800 people came for the Eucharistic celebration celebrated by Fr Simon Labrooy. The Church sanctuary has been brightened up with warm lights and the facade of the Church was fixed with the stainless steel lettering. A special blessing will take place on 28th May, 2011 at sunset Mass @ 5.45 pm followed by the procession in the town.

All are welcome!

THE VISITATION

2011-05-19T10:10:00.003+08:00

FEAST OF THE VISITATION 2011

EASTER FELLOWSHIP

2011-05-19T09:39:00.007+08:00

EASTER GATHERING 2011

The Tamil Apostalate and Tamil youth group of Church of the Visitation have organised an Easter fellowship at the Catholic Centre, Seremban on 15th May 2011 at 7.30 pm. About 800 people came for the fellowship. They were entertained by the catechism students, youth and popular local artists with songs and dances.

Lasallian Founder’s Day Mass

2011-05-14T22:53:00.004+08:00

Lasallian Founder’s Day Mass

Saturday 14^th May 2011

Church of the Visitation, Seremban

Catholic students of St Paul’s Institution animated the Sunset Mass on Saturday 14^th May 2011 at the Church of the Visitation, Seremban as part of the school’s annual Founder’s Day celebrations. Teachers, parents and past Paulians were also at hand to join in the celebrations. The 4^th Sunday of Easter, being Good Shepherd Sunday, was apt as it was also Vocation Sunday. Fr. George Packiasamy, who celebrated the Mass, took the opportunity to encourage the young students to consider priestly and religious life as their vocation.

Paulians thanked Fr George for all his support and bid him farewell with a souvenir from the school. The Mass was followed by a simple fellowship among past and present Paulians at the Recreation Centre.

Family Day Dinner - May 1, 2011

2011-05-03T19:46:00.005+08:00

After the Divine Mercy Mass, the Family Day Dinner commenced at 6:30 pm. There was a delicious dinner with live entertainment from various groups.

Easter Vigil Baptism & Confirmation in Mandarin - Saturday 23 April

2011-05-03T18:59:00.001+08:00

Baptism and Confirmation during Easter Vigil in Mandarin

Good Friday 2011

2011-04-22T10:38:00.012+08:00

Goo d Friday 2011 celebrations - Station of the Cross in English, Tamil & Mandarin

BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN 2011

2011-04-04T00:53:00.005+08:00

Blood Donation Campaign was held on 3rd April 2011 at the Visitation Hall. This campaign was organised by the Catholic Students Society (CSS) Seremban. There were about 120 donours came forward to donate their blood. The CSS organised it as a project during the Lenten season in order to save lives with love by precious blood donation. Syabas to the students.

BLESSING OF THE VISITATION FORMATION CENTRE

2011-04-04T00:13:00.008+08:00

BLESSING OF THE VISITATION FORMATION CENTRE was held at the corridor of the centre. This blessing took place immediately after the Mass in English on 3rd April 2011 at 10.30 am. All the catechism teachers, students and their parents gathered together at the corridor of the formation centre. The students said one decade of the rosary before the blessing. Then the priest led the prayers and read the reading from 1st of letter of St Paul's to the Corinthians and the catechists said the prayer of the faithful. Once the concluding prayer finished then all of them walked prayerfully to their respective classes. At the end the priest went around to bless the newly restored formation centre.

VISITATION ADORATION ROOM

2011-04-03T17:02:00.005+08:00

The Official Blessing of Visitation Adoration Room was held on 3rd April 2011 at 8.45 am. Immediately after the Mass in Tamil, the congregation walked in procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the newly erected adoration room. The procession was led with the altar serves followed by the priest, catechism students, catechists and the parishioners. At the adoration room all of them knelt and adored Jesus with songs and prayers. After that the priest blessed the room with incense and sprinkling of the Holy Water.
It took almost 2 months to construct it. It is allocated next to the parish house. The size of the structure is about 36 square meters with terracotta roof tiles and fully air conditions. This room will be opened to the parishioners for them to spend time with the Blessed Sacrament through the day from 8 am till 9 pm.

BIBLE CAMP 2011 (TAMIL)

2011-03-20T14:05:00.008+08:00

There were 89 Tamil speaking Catechism students from standard 3 - 6 participated in the Bible Camp organised by the 12 Tamil catechists. The theme of the Camp was "CHRIST's TEACHINGS, OUR LIGHT". The youth helped out in the ice-breaking and other activities as well. It was held on 20th March, 2010 at the Visitation Hall, Seremban from 9 am to 4 pm.

The first session was an introduction on Bible – “Bible is Our Way, Bible is Our Life and Bible is Our Breath.” There was a Bible Quiz and game.

The second session was on the Parable of Jesus – “The Sower of Seed and The Prodigal Son”. There was a short clip presentation on waste food and how children can help people who are in need of help.

The third session was on the Meditation of The Stations of the Cross.

Blessing of OLMPH Icon 2011

2011-03-18T17:28:00.005+08:00

Blessing of Our Lady of Mother of Perpetual Help (OLMPH) Icon at Visitation Church Seremban on 12 March 2011.

RCIA English Rite Election 2011 @ Visitation Church Seremban

2011-03-16T18:33:00.003+08:00

RCIA English Rite of Election on Saturday 12 March 2011.

NITE OF THE MUSICAL STARS 2011

2011-03-08T17:40:00.006+08:00

The Musical Stars 2011
The Tamil Speaking Communion Ministers had organised a Tamil concert themed "Night of Musical Stars 2011" in aid of the Visitation Church Restoration Works. This event was planned since November 2010 and it was a last event for the Church fund raising project. This concert was staged show at the Chuang Hua High School Hall, Jalan Templer, Seremban It was held on 5th March, 2011 (Saturday) at 8.00 pm. About 1500 people attended the concert. The Local Tamil Artists and Dance groups were invited to perform the concert.

Recklessness

2011-03-01T15:13:00.004+08:00

Nowadays, I see more and more people driving at high speeds, especially on the highway (North-South highway, LEKAS highway, doesn't matter. You get Formula-1 wannabes). The speed limit is 90 Km/h or 110 Km/h, depending on which highway one is using, but these people seem to be going much faster than the speed limit. Sometimes, you get drivers who cut across from the left lane, right to the center lane and to the right lane - almost in one motion, as if they are doing sapu jalan tepi ke tepi (sweeping the road sideways, in case you do not know the Malay language).

Why do people need to do such dangerous things on the road? Perhaps they are in a hurry; perhaps they want to show how canggih or sporty their vehicle is; or perhaps some people have become more impatient, possibly due to the impact technology has on our lives and being quick, being fast seems a necessity.

When we are reckless on the road, accidents could happen. This picture I took while going to Jelebu is of a badly-damaged vehicle. This is a chilling example of what could happen.

Accidents could also happen to our souls, especially if we are reckless in the way we live. If we commit sins and refuse to be regular in our confession, then we could be reckless in our relationship with God. We do not know when we are going to "balik kampung" (depart from this world). Let us not wait until it is too late... as we approach the season of Lent, let us strive to be closer to God and "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself."

1st Mass After 5 Months Closing

2011-02-27T17:04:00.015+08:00

1st Mass After Closing for 5 Months - 26 February 2011

After being closed for the restoration since September 2010, finally Church of the Visitation was ready partially for worship. BLESSING OF THE CHURCH took place during the Sunset Mass at 5.45 pm.

Blessing of the Sanctuary

Blessing of Lectern

Blessing of the Altar

Blessing of the Cross

Blessing of Candle Stands

Blessing of Confessional

Blessing of the Church

Blessing of the Chalice

Blessing of the Tabernacle

The Church is ready only for the weekend Masses celebration at the moment. Whereas Weekday Masses, Wedding Masses, Funeral Masses and other liturgical celebrations will be continued to be celebrated in the Visitation Hall until further notice.

Peace on Earth?

2011-02-26T11:33:00.004+08:00

"And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them." Isaiah 11:6.

One might think that this is just a dream or something which we hope to strive towards. However, I was pleasantly surprised to catch a glimspe of this while going up "Mount Carmel" to celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Sisters Monastery. Dogs and cats can sometimes be at peace after all :-)

Chinese New Year Lunch 2011

2011-02-26T09:53:00.006+08:00

The Chinese community of Church of the Visitation celebrated their Chinese New Year Lunch on 13 February, 2011 at the Dragon Oakland Restaurant. This lunch was by ticket subscription and a good number of parishioners from Visitation Church and St. Augustine Chapel, Titi attended. There was a lucky draw, some interesting performances by the youth and several other language groups, and even a song by Fr. Julian Leow.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 2011

2011-02-04T22:37:00.006+08:00

The Chinese community of Church of the Visitation celebrated their Chinese New Year Mass on 3rd February, 2011 at the Visitation Hall, Seremban. It began with the Lion Dance performance at 8.45 am. The Lion dance group went around the Church compound followed by the community. The Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Fr Andrew Kooi and con-celebrated by Frs Christopher Lee and George P. Almost 1,200 parishioners participated in this Thanksgiving Mass. At the end of the Thanksgiving Mass there was an ancestry prayers and finally the priests distributed Mandarin oranges and "angpow" packets to all those have come for the Mass.

"GONG XI FA CAI & XIN NIAN KUAI LE

SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 2011

2011-01-22T08:19:00.007+08:00

16th January, 2011 was the first day for the Sunday School for the year 2011. About 1,300 Sunday Class students in 3 language groups together with their respective teachers assembled in the Church before their classes began. The coordinators of the Sunday School briefed the students about the rules and regulations and the importance of the catechism to them. After 15 minutes of briefing, they together with their teachers proceeded to their respective classes.

PONGAL FESTIVAL at GADONG

2011-01-15T09:48:00.005+08:00

Thai Pongal is a harvest festival. OnJanuary 14th, 2011, about 150 Catholic members of Annai Vellangkani, Gadong, Seremban celebrated Pongal festival before the Chapel Mass at 7.30 pm. They recited Rosary while waiting the rice to boil over or spill over at the outside of the Chapel. It is a celebration of thanksgiving event for the abundant harvest in the preceding year and to thank God and to offer gratitude to nature for a good harvest. The saying "Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum" meaning “the beginning of ‘Thai’ paves the way for new opportunities" is often quoted regarding the Pongal festival.After the Mass there was a launching of 1st CD Album entitled "NEENGA NANAIVUGAL" (Evergreen memories) produced by some of the members from Gadong Chapel and Nilai. Two of the main singers were Michelle and Lily James who launched the CD. It is sold for RM15.

Catechism Classes Registration 2011

2011-01-11T09:03:00.014+08:00

Registration for the Catechism Classes from nursery and above was held on the 9th January, 2011 (Sunday) from 8.45 am to 12 noon in all three language groups. The registration took place after the respective weekend Masses. It was held inside the Church and a large number of students came to register accompanied by their parents. About 180 students from the Tamil-speaking, 80 students from the Chinese-speaking and 450 students from the English speaking registered on that day. Many Catechism teachers came forward to help out in the registration. Few days before the registration, Sr Theresa Chua and her team came to clean up the Church and set up tables for the registration day.

We welcome all students to our catechism classes this year 2011 which will be resuming on 16th January 2011 (Sunday).

Feast of the Holy Innocents

2011-01-04T18:46:00.005+08:00

The celebration began with rosary recited in three languages. Mass started with the hymn ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing” with the children singing at the top of their voices. The celebrant for the day, Fr. George was very focused to make the celebration easily understood by the children. He encouraged the children to stand up for their faith and reminded them that they should always respect and take good care of their parents. At the end he called the children to the front and blessed them with holy water as the congregation sang the final hymn “Angels We Have Heard On High”.

Zeno Jerome

CHRISTMAS EVE 2010

2010-12-28T16:26:00.014+08:00

Christmas time is a time everyone looks forward to. It somehow puts a smile on people who rarely part their lips for a smile or have the time to say a simple hello, yet at Christmas time they are full of joy. It was no different this Christmas eve. The only marked difference was that we had to celebrate Mass in the Visitation hall as the Church is undergoing restoration work. The number of parishioners that came for the Christmas Eve Mass far exceeded than normal numbers. Thanks to Fr. George’s far sightedness. He got the Church cleaned up and allowed parishioners to follow Mass from the Church hall projected to the inside Church.

The Visitation Choir led by the Choir Master Edward Felix Joseph, belted some of the popular Carols to set the parishioners in the Christmas mood prior to the Mass. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Julian, Fr, Andrew and the main celebrant was Fr. George. In his homily, Fr. George encouraged all parishioners to keep the spirit of Christmas throughout the year and not only at Christmas season. He said our happiness to share with the less fortunate only increased during Christmas time and we should be doing this the entire year.

In his announcement, Fr. George got the congregation excited when he said that he is going to reveal 5 surprises. Firstly he unveiled the icon of the Visitation Church, the meeting between Mother Mary and Elizabeth. It was a life sized statues who look so radiant in their meeting of each other. Fr. George said that the statue will be placed for 4 months at the ground level to give all parishioners the chance to touch and feel Mother Mary and Elizabeth before they are placed in their permanent place at the top entrance of the Church . The entire congregation sang the Magnificat (The Canticle of Mary - LK 1: 46-56) as the statue were incensed and blessed with the holy water.

His second surprise was that we have surpassed the target for the restoration fund by about RM567,255.02. With that, his third surprise was that we will not have any fund raising project in the month of January but will resume in February for which the purpose will be announced later. The other two surprises will only be revealed next year.

The Mass ended with the Hymn JOY TO THE WORLD and the exchange of greetings between parishioners.

Edited by Zeno Jerome

INFANT BAPTISM AT KG ASLI

2010-12-23T10:29:00.011+08:00

On the 19^th December, 2010, 15 infants including one adult received Baptism at Gereja Maria Bonda, Kg Tekir, Labu, Negeri Sembilan. Among them were:

1. George Allwins Anak July

2. Apil Danish Anak Yeop

3. Yeremia Zaffriel Anak Amri

4. Vincent Sean Vinsens Anak Senoden

5. Faustina Juzaira Fazlin Anak Johari

6. Patricia Leez Adrinaz Anak Shamsul

7. Kent Khairul Razzuan Anak Mahmud

8. Brian Danny Anak Ismadi

9. Lucia Avnata Anak Zornee

10. Vienny Jojo Notellin Anak Lumpat

11. Banny Mirulhazany Anak Herman

12. Mikhail Firdaus Anak Herman

13. Lucia Haidatul El Yani

14. Alexandre Bin Mohsein

15. Masrosalia Miery Binti Mohsein

16. Yohannes Manta Anak Tepok (Adult – Conditional Baptism)

REJOICE IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

2010-12-18T23:46:00.003+08:00

Christmas is around the corner and children are getting into the Christmas spirit. The Tamil speaking children of Church of the Visitation had their final Christmas caroling rehearsal on the 18th December 2010 at the Visitation Hall at 2.00 pm. Past 4 weeks they have come together to have their practices in order to bring the spirit of Christmas and to spread the Christmas joy on the 24th December at 7.00 pm (30 minutes before Tamil Christmas Eve Mass). This team is organised by the Tamil Choir Mistress, Ms Irene Soosaimanickam.
Wishing You A Merry Christmas!

Are You Ready?

2010-12-17T10:38:00.004+08:00

As I was going around for homebound visiting, I came across this car. Look at how rusted and horrible it is. It must have been abandoned for some time to come to this state.

If you consider for a moment... could this also be the state of your soul? Some may have come to this state after a long period of neglect... not going for regular confession (some go only once or twice a year, some after two or more years, some after many many years), committing sins without repenting and refusing to change one's life.

Christmas will soon be here. Now is the time to make a choice... "What benefit is it to anyone to win the whole world and forfeit or lose his very self? - Luke 9:25" What would you choose?

Christmas Campaign 2010

2010-12-12T16:36:00.005+08:00

As Christmas approaches the Christmas Campaign for the Poor of the Visitation Church gathered at the Wisma Vistation of Seremban on 11 September 2010 to give a helping hand to pack the sundry goods and other materials before distrusting to the low income group and with the special needs. This project has started 3 months ago running parallel with the Church restoration fund raising. The committee members did conduct a survey in remote areas where the poor live with the cooperation of the Parish Integral Human Development (IHD) and BEC leaders. The objective of this Christmas Campaign is to share the Christmas spirit with the marginalised and the poor irrespective of race and faith. About 40 members including the Catholic Students' Society (CSS) and Youth-2-Youth came to pack the sundry goods and other materials as well whereas school uniforms, shoes and stationery will be added in the form of vouchers valued of RM100 for their children on the day of distribution. The food parcels will be distributed to 111 families. While this exercise takes place, the members will sing carols and bring Christmas cheers into their homes.

This Christmas Campaign for the poor was initiated by by the late Fr Limat in 1966. This year chair person is Spencer Sequerah.

Altar Servers Camp 2010

2010-12-12T15:44:00.002+08:00

Visitation Church Altar Servers organised a camp on 8 Dec 2010 - 10 Dec 2010 for 3 language groups (English, Tamil and Mandarin). Talks and activites were conducted to encourage and help our altar servers to bond more closely with each other and to become more aware of their duties. Let us continue to support our altar servers and encourage them, with the hope that some may one day answer God's call to the priesthood or religious life.

December Snow 2010

2010-12-11T23:40:00.007+08:00

The Tamil Youth of Visitation Church, Seremban presented a Christmas concert titled 'December Snow 2010' in aid of the Church Restoration Fund Raising on Saturday, 11 Dec 2010 at the Catholic Center, Seremban at 7:30 pm. The event was organised and coordinated by the Tamil Speaking Youth. Tickets were sold for RM50 per family and about 250 families attended. Among the distinguished guests were YB John Fernandez & YB Gunasegaran, both from DAP Party. There were songs, dances and sketches related to Christmas. There was also a special draw where prizes were awarded:

1st Prize: Gold Chain
2nd Prize: Gold Ring
3rd Prize: LCD Television

There were also about 20 other attractive prizes and hampers.

The event ended around 10:30 pm.

This was the last event for the fund raising project for the year 2010.

Rahang Chapel Christmas Party 2010

2010-12-07T22:17:00.005+08:00

This year, the Rahang Chapel organised a Christmas Party quite early on 7 Dec 2010. Residents from the surrounding area came to participate in this party and quite a sizable crowd turned up, including several Orang Asli from Kg. Belihoi. Several Christmas carols were sung by different groups. A parishioner dressed as santa claus brought excitement to the kids. This was followed by dinner and other activites.

Youth Camp

2010-12-07T09:10:00.007+08:00

Sunday School activities for 2010 came to an end with a Youth Camp held on the 4th of December for Form 1 to Form 4 youths at the Catholic Center, Seremban. Themed "Youth Alive", it was animated by Mr Eric Brian from Church of Assumption and attended by 130 youths. The Ice Breakers and Praise & Worship sessions were conducted by the Y2Y facilitators.
The one-day camp consisted of 4 sessions namely Foundations of My Faith, Youth: Alive, Well & Kicking, A Christian's Call: Love and Our Commitment. The youths learned about love, how difficult it is to love and how to love someone more than one's self. They were also reminded that God loves us unconditionally. They also discovered that they needed to dig deep and find God in themselves first so that they can grow in their faith. Only then can they really understand and carry out their commitments to the Church.
Apart from this, they learnt to be creative, patient and work as a team through the activities conducted by Eric. The camp also gave the youths an opportunity to make new friends and to get to know each other better. It was indeed a fun and enjoyable camp. A big thank you to all who made this camp a success.

(Composed by Hevareena Jeganathan)

Nascent Vigil

2010-12-03T19:29:00.003+08:00

On the evening of Nov. 27 which was the eve of Advent, around 100 parishioners gathered for a prayer vigil immediately after the sunset Mass. We had a very simple prayer in respond to the call of the Universal Church to pray for all Nascent Human life. We prayed in order to invoke divine protection on every human being that is being born and to thank God for the gift of life we received from our parents. Nascent refers to unborn human life and it also refers to “promising”, “growing” and “hopeful”. There was a slide show presentation on abortion and also about the unborn child who need the protection and care of its parents. "Pope Benedict XVI invites us to focus both on the hope and promise of new life in Christ that we celebrate at Christmas and also to acknowledge the sad fact that worldwide there are an estimated 50 million abortions performed each year. Lives are simply thrown away. Many people in our time have truly become "hypnotized" to this reality." In his sharing, Fr George reminded us of the great gift of life from God that each and every human life represents and invited everyone to pray during these days of Advent for all those who have sinned against life. He also urged everyone to turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of unborn children to intercede for the protection and good health of children growing in the womb.

Tamil Choir - Christmas songs Practice

2010-12-01T23:55:00.005+08:00

The Tamil choir group has been practicing songs for this Christmas.

CONFIRMATION CAMP 2010

2010-12-01T15:48:00.008+08:00

115 students from the 3 language groups participated in the Confirmation Camp held from the 26th - 28th of November 2010 at Star-Fresh Agro Park, Seremban. The camp served to prepare the students for the Sacrament of Confirmation in a wholistic manner with topics ranging from Cherishing Who I Really Am, Created in His Love, Church: Comfort Zone or Community, Inner Healing to Chastity and Cohabitation among others. The camp was animated by Mr Martin Jalleh, a well-renowned youth facilitator, with the theme Daring To Be Different. The highlight of the camp was the Inner Healing session where the students learnt to let go of their hurts and unforgiveness and let God touch and heal them. This later culminated in a healing Mass presided by the Parish Priest, Fr George Packiasamy.Besides this, the students had fun through an aerobic and games session facilitated by the parents. The parents too were motivated through a session on "Parenting in the 21st Century" by Mr Martin Jalleh after which they welcomed their children with open arms. The students had a meaningful camp and many cited a transformation in their lives as they headed home. Sr Theresa Chua, Sr Amy Sam, Ms Josephine Bosco, Mr James, Ms Elizabeth Chong and the 3 language group catechists were with the students throughout the sessions. The Parents Committee mainly led by Desmond and Terry helped with food, accommodation, transport and games during the camp. (Composed by Ms Elizabeth Chong)

Golden Wedding Anniversary Year 2010

2010-11-30T16:46:00.009+08:00

On 28th November 2010, The Church of Visitation conducted the Renewal of Marriage Vows for all nine couples present for the 9.00 am English Mass which took place after the homily. There were 55 couples married in the year 1960 in this parish. They were solemnized by few priests – Fr R. Dubious, FR C. Danker, Fr Leo Chang and Fr Pallier. Only 9 couples were indentified and called for the renewal of their marriage vows. The couples were Stanley & Veeda Pereira, Peter & Angeline Van Huizen, Francis & Rosammal, Paul & Agatha Tan, Daniel & Audrey Leow, Denis & Alice Lee, Tan Sri Chan Choong Tak & Puan Sri Cecilia Chan, Paul & Pauline Wong and Francis & Rose Siow. The Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. The reason of this celebration is to highlight the Visitation parishioners how these couples were faithful to their marriages and witnessing Christ and Church. By Ms Natasha Sheyanne Biggs

Parish Pastoral Assembly 2010 Church of Visitation, Seremban.

2010-11-26T23:03:00.018+08:00

The Church of Visitation held it's annual parish pastoral assembly on the 14th November 2010, Sunday at the Visitation Hall from 1.30pm till 6.00pm.

The committees members are as following:
Parish Priest - Fr. George Packiasamy
Ast. Parish Priest - Fr. Andrew Kooi
PPC (Chairman) - John Lim
PPC (Coordinating) - Jerome Selva Retnam
Finance - Benedict Chan
DPPC - Adrian Van Huizen
Secretary - Corina Theresa
Mandarin Apostolic Rep. - Paul Tan
Bahasa Apostolic Rep.- Noel Petrus
Tamil Apostolic Rep. - Mr. Jacob
Religious Youth - Sr. Amy

The programme started with a welcoming note and an ice breaker 'dance' lead by some the youths from Y2Y of Seremban.

Followed by the enthronement of the Bible by Orang Asli community and song "All Are Welcome" in four languages.

Then a keynote address was given by our parish priest Fr. George Pakiasamy. He emphasise on this year's theme, "The Bible: A Guide for Our Steps, a Light of the Word" has helped us all to deepen our discipleship and grow in our spirituality. He is happy to see many new faces coming forward to offer their services whole-heartily in the BECs and various
ministries. It's a sign of our sense of belonging to the church and the Word of God has helped us all to get involved in the life of the Church. Next year the parish will be moving one step up the 2nd stage of the New Image of Parish (NIP) in it's 5th year. The focus would be on "CHRIST's TEACHING, OUR LIGHT"

The PPC has full confidence in that we will be faithful to the teaching of Christ and allow His teaching to guide us in our living, in our prayers, to walk in His light and also to bring light into our homes and hearts. Fr. George ended with a phrase from the Bible which Jesus said in John 13:34 "And now I give you a new commandment: Love one another just as I have loved you. It is by your love for one another, that everyone will recognise you as my disciples".

Translators of Bahasa Malaysia, English, Tamil and Mandarin.

Questions and answers forum.

Zone Mass 2010 - Zone 15

2010-11-25T23:37:00.004+08:00

Zone 15 (St Andrew) is located at Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan DK. It comprises of BECs of St Arthur, St Bruno, St Benedine and Chapel of Annai Vellangkani, Gadong. The thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at the Rasah Kemayan Country Golf Club on 25th November 2010 at 8.10 pm by Fr George and ended with the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick especially for the elderly and sick people and followed by fellowship. There were about 220 members of the BEC participated in the Eucharistic celebration.

Preparatory Confirmation Camp

2010-11-25T15:39:00.007+08:00

A total number of 111 Confirmation Class students from the 3 language groups (70-English Speaking, 13-Chinese Speaking, 28-Tamil Speaking) attended the Preparatory Camp on 23-24th Nov 2010 at Visitation Hall, Seremban. The objective of this camp was to prepare the students for the Confirmation Camp on 26th-28th Nov 2010. Some of the topics covered included the 7 Circles of Prayer, Inner Healing, Vocation Awareness and Team Building. The students were also briefed about what a Confirmation Camp is all about. A big thank you to the facilitators - Sr Theresa Chua, Josephine Bosco, Agnes Francis, Elizabeth Chong and some of the pre-confirmation parents who involved in preparing food for the students.

(By Ms Elizabeth Chong)

Sai Baba's 85th Birthday - Unity & Love

2010-11-24T00:44:00.004+08:00

On the 23^rd November 2010, Sathya Sai Baba Centers of Negeri Sembilan celebrated 85^th Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his teachings at Jalan Sr Bala Thandayuthapani Temple Hall, Jalan Yam Tuan, Seremban. To officiate the auspicious celebration, the representatives of Inter-Faith members were invited to conduct the prayers for the unity and love at 7 pm. Among the representatives were from the Muslim, Christian (Led by Fr George Packiasamy), Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh faiths. It followed by the welcoming address by the state Coodinator Bro. Ramana Rao and keynote address by Bro. Mahendrum. There were other events such as 1 Malaysia Drums Symphony Performance, Bhajans, Mangala Arathi, etc. The event ended at 10 pm.

Zone Mass 2010 - Zone 13

2010-11-24T00:37:00.002+08:00

Zone 13 (St Matthew) includes of Taman Bukit Sri Senawang, Taman Senawang Jaya, Taman Sri Pagi, Taman Sri Mawar and Taman Desa Dahlia. They consist of BECs of St Clement, St Cyril, St Theresa, ST James, St Monica and St Augustine). The thanksgiving Mass was celebrated on 23^rd November 2010 at 8 pm by Fr George and ended with the fellowship at the residence of Clement. There were 150 people gathered for the Mass. At the end of the celebration there was the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick given especially for the elderly and the sick.

Zone Mass 2010 - Zone 14

2010-11-24T00:31:00.004+08:00

Zone 14 (St Alfonso) comprises of Taman Bukit Sri Senawang, Taman Seremban Jaya, Taman Seremban Selatan, Taman Tuanku Jaafar, Taman Tuanku Najihah. There are altogether 7 BECs (St Justin, St Joseph, St Matthias, St Ireneaus, St Anslem, St Jude, St Faustina and St Pio) with approximately 110 families. Fr George celebrated Thanksgiving Mass for these communities on 22^nd November, 2010 at Dewan Orang Ramai, Taman Tuanku Jaafar. There were 330 people of the thanksgiving Mass. After the mass there was fellowship prepared by the Zone and BECs members.

Y2Y Seremban

2010-11-23T13:25:00.004+08:00

Visitation Youth Group

Youth 2 Youth (Y2Y)

The Visitation Youth group, Y2Y had its 1^st youth mass on Saturday 20^th November 2010. About 50 of the Y2Y members took part. It was an exciting event for all the youths - from the lectors, to the psalmist, the band member and the choir members as it was the first time they had participated actively in a youth mass. A big hand must be given to the band members comprising Daryl on the drums and guitarist Zeno, Calvin and Daniel as they put up a good show despite only practising together twice.

A BBQ was also held after the youth mass to enable the Y2Y members to mingle and get to know each other better. The main reason for the BBQ is to enable the youths to have an avenue to hold an activity within the church compound and to strengthen their bonding. It was a great night with a lot of activities planned by the youth facilitators and good food.

Y2Y was formed in October 2009 to encourage spiritual and social development of the youths of Visitation parish. It is open for youths from Forms 1 to 5. Y2Y meets every fortnightly on Sundays from 12.30 pm to 2.00pm. Y2Y currently has about 60 members. The group’s advisors are Peter T and Lavinia and they are assisted by a group of college students.

Y2Y have assisted in some of the formation programs organised by the Sunday School. They have taken charge of the ice-breakers and games for the Bible Camps organised during the school holidays, and the energisers and puppet show for the Joy Camp for the First Holy Communion students. They have also assisted in the sale of Bibles during our church Feast Day celebration, sold drinks during the food sale for the Christmas Campaign for the poor and are currently selling car stickers for the Church Restoration Fund.

Calling Occupants of Visitation Seremban

2010-11-19T15:42:00.013+08:00

On 18 Nov 2010, we had a beautiful visitor perched on the lamp outside beneath the roof of the parish house. Our visitor was none other than an owl. Owls are nocturnal creatures and usually rest within the branches of a tree. However, for this owl, it must have found this temporary location irresistable.