By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Dec 3: The Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching is appealing to members to donate generously during this Advent season to assist the poor and needy in urban and rural areas as well as to assist poor parishes.
“In this holy season of Advent, I would thus like to use the same concept of the Lenten Appeal by inviting all Catholics and friends of goodwill to contribute to our Advent Appeal throughout this month of December leading up to Christmas.
“Let us do our bit to alleviate poverty and suffering and to bring Christmas hope and joy with this Advent Appeal,” Archbishop Simon Poh told DayakDaily today.
He pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic has badly affected the economy, creating a category of “the new poor.”
“The greatest impact has been on the poor, migrants, widows, elderly, women and children, especially in rural communities. In the urban areas, there are also many breadwinners who cannot find work to support their families.
“Many more have lost their jobs as industries struggle to sustain. The prolonged economic setback over these past months have also depleted the emergency fund/savings of many families,” he added.
Poh pointed out that traditionally, Advent and Christmas are times when the church organises events and programmes to collect gifts and donations to help supplement the needs of the urban poor and rural families.
“In view of Covid-19, we were unable to carry out the usual events this year. Nevertheless, as in previous years, we would like to continue giving these families food provisions and a box of facemasks per family. Like the Holy Family who had to travel afar and stayed in other towns, we remember our migrant brothers and sisters in Kuching who are currently unable to return to their home countries.
“Rural parishes also need financial assistance to pay catechists, sacristans and staff to enable parishes to continue serving the needs of our Catholics,” Poh added.
Donations may be made to Archdiocesan E-Collections during Sunday livestreamed Masses. They can also be made using Sarawak Pay QR Code or via bank-in to Hong Leong Bank account 252-50-04357-5. — DayakDaily
