In the wake of Vatican Council 2, Fr. Stephen Tsao had the unprecedented task of gathering the people. The full impact of the Council would take years to be felt but he prepared the people for change. The sanctuary was renovated, the altar replaced, and priest and people faced each other at Mass. It was time, too, for the organ and choir to descend from the gallery.

Then began a month-long community-building mission conducted by the Redemptorist priests. Following this, area-based prayer groups were organised with the help of Sr. Paulinus. After the Aggiornamento in 1976, these evolved into BCC’s and later, what we now know as BEC’s. Committees too were formed for the different needs of the parish. And the various parish groups were brought together under the Parish Council.

In the midst of all this excitement, Fr. Tsao died of a heart attack. In his replacement was a genteel and quiet Fr. Daniel Lim who wasted no time in consolidating the work of his predecessor. Thanks to his practical approach to life and problem-solving skills, the faith life grew as did the numbers of the parish. It was during Fr. Daniel Lim’s tenure that BEC’s took root. His assistant, Fr. Philip So, became the much-needed pastor for the Mandarin speaking people.

Fr. Andrew Volle, MEP, literally and spiritually built up and brightened the church. He re-vamped the sound system, put in stained glass windows, gave the parish a more meaningful and picturesque altar and created more seating space in the gallery for the growing worshipping congregations. During this time, the Assumption Family House was built. He saw it as a much needed facility for parish events and functions and he was proven right. 

Many other priests have since contributed to the liveliness and solidarity of the parish. Fr. Gilbert Griffon, MEP, became known as the priest for all times and for all peoples. Frs. Clarence Dass and Simon Labrooy – while young in age and ministry - have proven to be priests who can carry the church into the new millennium. Under the stewardship of Frs. Dass and LaBrooy, a new church of a new generation has evolved, ready to worship in the new era of the digital divide. Other pastors who have served in the parish are Fr. Franc Servajean, Fr. Bernard Vrignaud MEP's, Deacon Felix Declores & Father Albert Arokiasamy.

Rev Phillips Muthu, the current parish priest since 2003 is working towards building the BECs and to implement the Vision and Mission jointly finalised by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the Diocese of Penang and the Diocese of Melaka-Johor for the churches in Peninsula Malaysia during the Second Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC II) held from 30 Aug. to 2 Sept. 1996.

The Assumption Parish has had its share of momentous milestones and has, from its earliest days, been blessed by God with many faithful and fruitful sons and daughters. Among the blessings are the many vocations to the Priesthood and religious life. We pray that the Loving Father will continue to bless the Parish through Mary our Mother and provide for it, whatever challenges the new millennium may bring.