Bishop Joseph ZEN, SDB, has made the following appointments: Rev. John B. TSANG Hing-mun, in addition to his current appointment as Parish Priest of Rosary Parish, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, is to serve as Parochial Administrator of St. Paul’s Parish, Yaumatei, Kowloon, during the vacation and study leave (February - May 2004) of Rev. Joseph FAN Kam-tong, PP. Rev. Deacon Stephen IP Ting-kwok, after priestly ordination (20 March 2004), is to serve as Assistant Parish Priest in Cathedral Parish, Central District and Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, effective 21 March 2004. Rev. Deacon Joseph NG Shu-shing, after priestly ordination (20 March 2004), is to serve as Assistant Parish Priest in Annunciation Parish, Chai Wan Kok, New Territories, effective 21 March 2004. II. HOLY THURSDAY - 8 April Bishop Joseph ZEN, SDB, will preside at the concelebrated “Chrism Mass” in the Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. The “Chrism Mass” signifies the close unity of all priests with their bishop in sharing and exercising with him the one priesthood of Christ. It also signifies the close communion between the bishop and his flock. On this occasion the priests present will publicly renew their commitment to priestly service. All diocesan and religious priests, as well as lay people, are cordially invited to participate. III. GOOD FRIDAY - 9 April (a) Fasting and Abstinence All faithful who have completed their 14th year are to abstain from meat. Those who have completed their 18th year but have not yet begun their 60th year are also required to fast. (b) Holy Land Special Collection It is the wish of the Holy Father that each year on Good Friday, in all churches, Mass centres and chapels with eucharistic services for the faithful, special prayers be offered and a special collection be taken up in support of our brethren in the Holy Land and the numerous pastoral, charitable, educational and social institutions and projects sponsored by the Church there. In view of the enormous expenses, the Holy See is appealing for a more generous support from us. The collection may take place either during the celebration of the Lord’s Passion or during the pious exercise of the Way of the Cross. The collection should be sent to the Diocesan Procuration with a cheque issued for this specific purpose and made payable to “The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong”. IV. HOLY SATURDAY - 10 April In virtue of a special faculty granted by Bishop Joseph ZEN, SDB, priests who preside at the Easter Vigil liturgy and those who concelebrate may, for pastoral reasons, confirm adults and children who were baptised some time ago, provided they have been properly instructed. Given at the Chancery Office, 15 March 2004. Rev. Lawrence LEE Chancellor |