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BAHASA MELAYU
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The main Catholic parish in eastern Sabah serving a diverse multicultural community since its establishment
Rector: Rev. Fr. Cosmas Lee (Parish Priest)
Assistant: Rev. Fr. Thomas Madanan
Address: Batu 1.5, Jalan Melati, P.O. Box 21, 91007 Tawau, Sabah
Telephone: 089-772226 | Fax: 089-765894
Holy Trinity Catholic Church serves as the primary Catholic parish in Tawau district, catering to a diverse congregation that includes local Sabahans, Indonesian migrant workers, Filipino communities, and Chinese Catholics. The church oversees 27 outstation chapels in rural and plantation areas, demonstrating its extensive pastoral reach throughout eastern Sabah.
The establishment of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Tawau is deeply intertwined with the broader history of Catholicism in North Borneo (now Sabah). The church's roots can be traced to the missionary activities that began in the late 19th century under the British North Borneo Chartered Company administration.
Early Catholic Presence: Mill Hill Missionaries establish the first Catholic missions in North Borneo, laying the groundwork for Catholic evangelization in what would become Sabah.
Tawau Mission Established: As Tawau developed as a trading and administrative center, Catholic missionaries began regular pastoral visits to serve the growing community of Chinese traders, indigenous peoples, and colonial administrators.
Formal Parish Establishment: Holy Trinity Parish is formally established as Tawau's population grows significantly due to economic development and migration. The church becomes a focal point for the diverse Catholic community.
Diocese of Sandakan Created: The Diocese of Sandakan is established on July 16, 1967, with Holy Trinity Church coming under its jurisdiction along with parishes in Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Semporna.
The current Holy Trinity Church building represents several phases of construction and expansion reflecting the growth of the Catholic community in Tawau:
The primary worship space combines functional design with elements that accommodate the multicultural congregation. The architecture reflects both traditional Catholic church design and local adaptations for Sabah's tropical climate.
A significant expansion project completed in 2010 added a three-storey multifunctional building to address growing parish needs. This RM1.6 million facility provides additional space for meetings, seminars, catechesis, retreats, and parish activities.
Stephen Tann Kau Sai, Kapitan Cina of Tawau, was a pioneering entrepreneur and community leader. From planting coconuts at Pasir Puteh to resisting Japanese occupation, his courage and sacrifice in 1944 earned eternal remembrance. Jalan Stephen Tan stands today as a living tribute to his legacy and resilience.
Former rector of Holy Trinity Church who oversaw significant parish development projects including the construction of the three-storey multifunctional building. His leadership strengthened the parish's infrastructure and community outreach programs.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church remains a vibrant and essential institution in contemporary Tawau society, serving multiple roles:
The parish serves one of Sabah's most diverse Catholic communities, with regular services in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Chinese. Special ministries cater to Filipino and Indonesian migrant communities, with dedicated pastoral care for these significant demographic groups.
Holy Trinity Church has been instrumental in supporting Catholic education in Tawau through various initiatives:
The parish maintains a strong commitment to healthcare and charitable activities:
Holy Trinity Church plays a significant role in community development through various structured programs:
The parish has implemented the Basic Ecclesial Community model as an effective pastoral strategy, organizing small faith communities that meet regularly for prayer, discussion, and mutual support. These BECs have strengthened parish cohesion and enabled more personalized pastoral care.
A dedicated ministry serving the substantial Filipino Catholic community in Tawau, providing cultural and spiritual support for migrant workers and their families while maintaining connections with Filipino religious traditions.
Established to support Indonesian migrant workers with practical assistance on issues such as marriage documentation, death arrangements, sickness support, and financial help during emergencies.
One of Holy Trinity Church's most significant contemporary ministries is its outreach to 27 outstation chapels in rural and plantation areas. These chapels serve communities where migrant workers comprise up to 90% of the Catholic population. Regular visits by parish priests and trained catechists ensure these isolated communities receive sacraments, religious education, and pastoral care.
The parish continues to evolve to meet changing demographic and spiritual needs:
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Tawau stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Catholic faith in Sabah. From its missionary origins to its present role as a multicultural hub of worship, education, and service, the church continues to embody the Catholic commitment to faith, community, and social justice. As it serves one of Malaysia's most diverse Catholic populations, Holy Trinity Church remains both rooted in tradition and responsive to contemporary challenges, making it a vital institution in Tawau's religious and social landscape.
