St Ann’s Parish Centre, a hub to serve the wider local community

(First row, from left) Tan Kai, Friar Nelson Evarinus Sipalan, Friar Joseph Lee, Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh, Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez, the Rector of St Ann’s Church, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, and others. - Foto: Alverdtekoster Anyap

KOTA PADAWAN: The newly completed St Ann’s Parish Centre now serves as a hub for youth and the community to gather, learn, build character, and contribute to society.

Located within St Ann’s Church here, the parish centre was officially opened by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Datuk Simon Poh, in a ceremony attended by worshippers on Saturday afternoon.

Following the officiation, Poh led a blessing ceremony to consecrate the new facility.

Among those present were Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman, Tan Kai.

Construction of the parish centre began on February 16, 2023, and was completed in November last year at a total cost of RM6.7 million.

Poh described the new parish centre as a blessing, highlighting its role in supporting religious activities, faith formation and youth development.

The new parish centre with 14 classrooms, an administration office, a religious article shop and a cafeteria. – Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap

“The church welcomes thousands of worshippers every Sunday, but we also needed a dedicated space for gatherings, religious activities, and learning about the Christian faith,” he said when met by the Sarawak Tribune.

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“Today, we have a new building with 14 classrooms which is sufficient for faith formation sessions, youth programmes, character development, and other activities.”

He added that the new facility would also contribute to the wider community by promoting values such as harmony, peace, forgiveness and cooperation, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“This parish centre will serve as a catalyst for people to deepen their faith and contribute to the betterment of society in Sarawak and Malaysia.

Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh (third right) receives a fruit basket as a souvenir from Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez (second right), the Rector of St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan. – Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap

“We are shaping future generations, and with these new facilities, we can do so much more,” he said.

Poh also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Government, through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), as well as private donors for their financial support in making the project a reality.

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