Herald Malaysia
PENANG – Leaders from the English, Tamil and Bahasa-speaking communities of the Church of the Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi, came together for a day of prayer, formation and fellowship during a parish team-building program themed One Body in Christ.
Organised by parish priest, Fr Louis Loi, the formation was held at the Angsana Teluk Bahang Hotel on Jun 20 and brought together 52 leaders representing the parish’s various ministries.
Designed to strengthen relationships and foster greater collaboration, the program combined faith-based reflections with interactive team-building activities that encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of Christian leadership and shared mission.
Participants described the experience as enriching and inspiring, noting that it strengthened their appreciation of the unity that exists despite differences in language, culture, age and ministry.
One participant reflected that the activities revealed how, although they came from diverse backgrounds and served in different ministries, they were united by an unbreakable bond in Christ. “We are not meant to walk alone but to support, encourage and empower one another as one community,” the participant shared.
Another said the program reinforced the understanding that faith extends far beyond attending Sunday Mass. “It is about living the Gospel every day through the way we love, serve and relate to others.”
Others said the experience deepened their appreciation that Christian service is rooted in humility, compassion and love. Every act of service, whether large or small, becomes meaningful when offered for the glory of God and the good of one’s neighbour.
Several participants also shared that the formation renewed their commitment to parish life and inspired them to become more active in serving the community. They left with a stronger conviction that all Christians share the same mission — to bring God’s love, hope and mercy to those around them.
The participants expressed their appreciation to Fr Louis for bringing together the parish’s different language communities in a spirit of communion and collaboration. They also voiced hope that the parish would organise a longer follow-up team-building retreat, allowing leaders to continue strengthening relationships and growing together as one Body in Christ. – Herald Malaysia
