FEBRUARY 10, 2013, Vol 63, No 03

Page 1

www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2013

SINGAPORE 50 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$1.20

MCI (P) 023/01/2013

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

Christian athletes to aid scandal-hit sports world

VOL 63

INSIDE HOME Bilingual ministry opens new centre

Vatican invites Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin to conference on re-instilling values in sports

Prepares for concert in April

VATICAN CITY – In an effort

„ Page 5

professional sports arena, the Vatican has invited top-tier Christian athletes Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin to help bring ethical values back to a scandal-ridden world of sports. Culture is planning to host an international conference on reinstilling values in sports later this year, inviting representatives from top world governing bodies like FIFA (the International Federation of Association Football), the International Cycling Union and the Italian National Olympic Committee. Msgr Melchor Sanchez de Toca Alameda, head of the council’s Culture and Sport section, told Catholic News Service recently that pro sports “have become a commodity that is subordinate to the free market and, therefore, Instead of sports being an activity that builds important values, respects human dignity and helps shape the whole human person, “it has reduced people to merchan US cyclist Lance Armstrong’s admission to doping was just the tip of the iceberg, he said, since high-stakes commercial interests pressure almost every professional cyclist into the illegal practice. The world of cycling and soccer “We want to work with the big sports bodies to give new value to ence, titled We Believe in Sports, will be one way to get that initiative started, the monsignor said. The council will also have Christian athletes in attendance, to give witness to how the worlds

NO. 3

Laypeople take up theology courses Support group formed „ Pages 8-9

St Patrick’s School marks 80th anniversary Special Mass celebrated „ Page 10

Basketball star Jeremy Lin (left) and quarterback Tim Tebow have been invited to show how faith and sports can come together.

ASIA Rape case in India Church leaders speak up

of faith and sports can easily come together. He said the council hoped its participant line-up would include !" sports stars: NFL quarterback Tim Tebow of the New York Jets, and NBA basketball player Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets.

The goal of the conference is two-fold, Msgr Sanchez de Toca said. First: “to help put healthy values back into sport and counteract the current market logic, because if the current state of affairs con Second: to help the Church see

Episcopal ordination announcements A solemn Vespers cum Holy Hour to prepare for the episcopal ordination of Coadjutor Archbishop-elect William Goh will be held at the Church of the Risen Christ on Feb 17 at 7.30 pm. The ordination Mass will be at the Singapore Expo (The Max Pavilion and Exhibition Hall 9) on Feb 22 at 7.30 pm. Tickets will be allocated to par-

ishes by mid-February. A high-tea reception will be held on Feb 23, from 2-5 pm, at the Catholic Spirituality Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Road. All are welcome. Dress code for ordination and reception: smart casual. A thanksgiving Mass will be held at the cathedral on Feb 24 at 10 am. „

sport as an important resource for future priests, Catholic schools, parishes and catechists. The former-modern pentathleteturned-priest said the council also wants to hold a Race of Faith, a 100 # $ della Conciliazione street towards St Peter’s Square during the gathering. “We want to see lots of cardi % Pope Benedict XVI has also condemned doping in sports and called on athletes, coaches and team owners to strive for victory through ethical and legal practices. “Pressure to achieve important results must never drive [people] to take shortcuts as happens in during an audience with Italian Olympic and Paralympic athletes in December. „ CNS

„ Page 12

New nuncio for Malaysia American archbishop appointed „ Page 13

WORLD Insurgency in Mali Situation has reached ‘tragic proportions’, say bishops „ Page 14

2 HOME

Sunday February 10, 2013 CatholicNews

A step closer to priesthood By Martin See Four recently ordained deacons say they look forward to serving people and growing in holiness. Alphonsus Dominic, Benedict Chng, Edward Seah and Jovita Ho were ordained deacons at St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) on Jan 25. The diaconate period marks a step closer towards priestly ordination for them. “Besides being of service to the archbishop as a deacon, it is also about being available to the people especially through preaching the Gospel, assisting at the liturgy and performing charity in the name of the Church,” Deacon Jovita Ho told CatholicNews. Deacon Ho, 38, who is serving at the Church of the Holy Cross, said that after spending eight years in formation at the seminary, it is the grace of God that will continue to see him through his growth over the years. Some 1,400 people packed the church for the ceremony, presided over by Archbishop Nicholas Chia. Coadjutor Archbishop-elect William Goh and about 30 other priests were also present. The ordination rite saw Archbisop Chia laying hands on the four, investing them with stole and dalmatic (an outer liturgical vestment) and presenting them

A deacon’s work includes ‘preaching the Gospel, assisting at the liturgy and performing charity in the name of the Church’. – Deacon Jovita Ho

From left: Alphonsus Dominic, Benedict Chng, Edward Seah and Jovita Cyprian Ho at their diaconal ordination ceremony on Jan 25.

with the Book of Gospels. “My formation in the seminary has certainly equipped me to serve the people,” Deacon Alphonsus Dominic told CatholicNews. “However, formation is an

on-going life long process and I have to continue to grow.” Deacon Dominic, 38, has been serving at the Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary since January.

Evangelisation is the “heartbeat” of a deacon, said Deacon Benedict Chng, 49, who is now serving in the Church of the Holy Spirit. “All through the Mass, from

the introductory rite, Archbishop Chia’s homily, the laying of hands, the investiture with stole and dalmatic, and the presentation & % ' and reminded me of my calling to grow in holiness,” he said. Deacon Edward Seah, 53, shared, “My four years in the seminary were positive learning experiences; so was my time ministering as a Religious Brother prior to entering the seminary.” The former La Salle Brother, who has been posted to St Anne’s Church, said, “I will work with the parish priest, who represents the archbishop in the parish, in meeting the needs of the parish and archdiocese.” martin.see@catholic.org.sg

The four men prostrating themselves during the ceremony.

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY Feb 10 10.00am Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: Mass – Chinese New Year Feb 15 4.00pm SMU: Mass – FIDES-Commissioning Feb 16 2.00pm Church of St Mary of the Angels: Mass – Rite of Election Feb 17 2.00pm Church of the Holy Trinity: Mass – Rite of Election

Sunday February 10, 2013 CatholicNews

ADVERTISEMENT

3

4 HOME

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Serra Club thanks those who prayed for priests By Darren Boon " ? "

% @ Masses for prayer intercessors > KQZK @ @ @ @

> @ to pray for one particular priest > A total of 1,412 intercessors prayed for 145 priests in the arch " ? " > and offered up a Mass for the % prayed one decade of the rosary

\ @ ^ > >

A total of 1,412 intercessors from Serra Club of Singapore prayed for 145 priests in the archdiocese. Some also attended a Holy Hour, participated in Eucharistic adoration, or performed acts of Archbishop Nicholas Chia, six priests and 200 prayer intercessors attended the Jan 12 lunch at *!"" + / ' < = > %

> -

Archbishop Nicholas Chia greeting participants at the Serra Club of Singapore thanksgiving lunch.

stand the importance of prayer

@ _ for our priests,� said Serra Club " `

" > tercessors to “continue to pray for > > > >

be part and parcel of our daily life

" @

> > @ > > ^ @ ?{ These include a bi-monthly Holy < ` > the month for people to come to > @ next one is scheduled for Feb 20 at Church of St Bernadette at | }Q A quarterly spiritual input ses ? ? @ @ > @ " ? " KQQ~ @ „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

HOME 5

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Bilingual ministry opens new centre, prepares for concert

A praise and worship session at Cloud of Praise’s new premises in One Pemimpin.

By Darren Boon A bilingual, family-oriented evangelisation ministry is holding a concert in April to reach out to Christians and non-Christians. Clouds of Praise’s “Dream Concert� is scheduled to be held

/ < { € ? < on April 6 at 8 pm. Programme details are being > group’s pastoral director Bernard Lim. More information and ticketing details will be made available later. > ated to Blessed Sacrament Church

?> " < Fathers, plans to incorporate some pop elements into the concert. Not all songs will be religiously themed, but they will contain inspirational messages to help attendees experience Christ, said Mr Lim. “Nowadays, people attend the concerts of their idols‌but Jesus, for us, is our superstar,â€? he said. Mr Lim lamented that some young Catholics are not active

< hopes that the concert could inspire them to serve God. George Wong, 17, who will be dancing at the concert, shared: “I’m not really a professional dancer, if God wants to use me as

< @ way and it can work out.� Dominic Lim, 16, who is also performing, said, “It gives a chance for me to use some of my talents in a way that can glorify God�. New centre Clouds of Praise has also set up a new activity centre in One Pemimpin, off Pemimpin Drive in the Marymount area. >

opened and blessed on Jan 13. The group’s existing centre, in a shophouse in the Clarke Quay area, will be closed when the lease expires. Mr Lim said the relocation was to make the centre more accessible to members. It is used for catechism classes, student study groups and prayer sessions on Saturdays. Faith formation classes are held on Sundays.

Clouds of Praise was set up in 2000 to boost family life and relationships. Adults meet in their cell groups on Wednesdays while the younger members meet on Fridays. Clouds of praise presently comprises about 50 members, including families, with ages rang @ ‚Q A youth camp last December saw about 20 participants learning basic songwriting skills to help them compose worship songs, said Mr Lim. < >

big part in Clouds of Praise as it enhances worship. The group also plans to hold talks on family issues such as

management. These will be open to Catholics and non-Catholics. Bilingual ministry Clouds of Praise was set up in 2000 to boost family life and relationships, said Mr Lim. The bilingual Chinese and English ministry aims to cater to the varied needs of young people and adults, he said. Mr Lim explained that sometimes spouses have different levels > „ So the use of both these languages, such as in praise and worship, would be helpful to such couples. A translation service is available at the group’s events, he said. Many young people are also weak in Chinese, Mr Lim added. The use of Chinese helps them to improve their command of the language, he said. For more information on Clouds of Praise, go to http:// www.cloudsofpraise.org/ „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate the Lunar New Year during this Year of Faith, I would like to express my best wishes to all Chinese Singaporeans that this feast may bring about an increase of faith and love for you and your families. Faith is an expression of believing in God, even when we do not always understand God’s will in our lives. > @ lives, we must rediscover a greater understanding of our Catholic faith. It is through a re-evangelisation of our own Catholic faith that we can reach out to our family members and to others in our society. Faith never travels alone, it is always accompanied by hope and love. By focusing on strengthening our faith this

Chinese New Year and the year ahead, we will also increase our hope in attaining heavenly glory, as well as sharing our love to those we most need it. Let the red packets and gifts we give out at this happy time not only signify the sharing of temporal goods, but also the generous giving of our lives and talents in the service of others. Let us also continue to offer together our fervent prayers for the Church in China, that Chinese Catholics may be steadfast witnesses of faith to the love that Jesus has shown us and to the Universal Church. ` > and blessed Chinese New Year!

Yours in Christ Archbishop Nicholas Chia

6 HOME

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

ARCHBISHOP’S LENTEN PASTORAL MESSAGE

Greetings dear brothers and sisters in Reading the Gospel story of the blind man of Jericho (Mark 10:46-52) never fails to inspire my own faith in the Lord Jesus. For this Lent, especially appropriate to the Year of Faith that we are celebrating, I wish to contemplate with you this passage from scripture. Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, had spent much of his life without sight. He had heard about Jesus of Nazareth and all the wonderful things Jesus had said and done – he knew that Jesus had a reputation among the people as a healer. Many modern people including Catholics know about Jesus but, like Bartimaeus, through various circumstances of life have not yet encountered Him personally. If we allow it, this Year of Faith can be that opportune time for each one of us to encounter the person of the Risen Lord. When he heard that Jesus was nearby, Bartimaeus tried to call out to Him: “Son of David, have pity on me.� The title that Bartimaeus chose to address Jesus is sig = # € ‘Son of David’ which was reserved for the One who is awaited by the Jewish people – the Messiah of God. Bartimaeus’ humble cry revealed his faith to all around him – that he recognised Jesus as the Holy One promised for the salvation of Israel. The hope that God cares for us is etched into the human heart. Even if we

Bartimaeus’ humble cry revealed his faith to all around him – that he recognised Jesus as the Holy One. have fallen away from the Church, or because of scandal grown distant from our Catholic past – this desire for God is still present within us. I pray that you will never ignore this longing for God’s love, and allow it to move you. In turn, God will reciprocate by drawing near, like Jesus to Bartimaeus. It is a fact that this desire can be suppressed by others. Just as Bartimaeus was scolded and ordered to remain quiet,

> @ ? stay silent about God. If Bartimaeus had obeyed the bystanders, he would have remained blind. What about us? Sometimes our cul-

ture or the climate that we live in may discourage us from expressing our desire for God – but we have to imitate the blind beggar and call out to Jesus despite the obstacles in our way. We must not be content to remain blind to God’s presence in our world. We are told how Bartimaeus reacted when he heard Jesus summoning him: % # and went to Jesus� (v. 51). If only we have the same eagerness when we are called to be close to God! What kind of risk are we willing to take as followers of Jesus? What is our own insecurity that needs to be cast off before

we can be free to approach Christ in our lives? Even when face-to-face with God, we have to decide about our own destiny. God does not presume to choose on our behalf. “What do you want me to do for you?� Jesus asked Bartimaeus. I wonder what your answer will be when God poses the same question to you? Will your request come from the bottom of your heart, like the blind beggar? I invite you during this Lenten season to examine your life: have you lost something very important that you wish ‡ = ? # > treasured relationship, a good attitude to life, or even faith itself. Have the bold spirit of Bartimaeus and ask Jesus: “Master, let me see again.� I believe that the Lord’s life giving power – that restores light to our darkness – will not disappoint you. @ „ # > & timaeus did, following the Master and @ @ @ ' through faith in Christ Jesus. That will be Good News indeed! I extend my blessing to you and your families and loved ones. May you have a ? ˆ # > „ „

Archbishop Nicholas Chia

Sunday February 10, 2013 CatholicNews

ADVERTISEMENT

7

8 HOME

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Laypeople take up More and more laypeople are apparently taking up such courses WHILE ures on the number of lay Singapore Catholics who have completed a formal education in theology, there appears to be a growing in @ > On Jan 7, 14 former and current theology students met to discuss forming a network to support one another in the pursuit of theology studies as well to pool and share resources. @ who met at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre included current theology students at the Augustine Institute, Franciscan University of Steubenville; exstudents of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne, the Loyola School of Theology in Manila and Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, as well as those had completed the Singapore Pastoral Institute’s Diploma in Adult Faith Formation. They discussed promoting the study of theology among Catholics and the possibility of group members providing services in terms of catechesis and teaching. They also looked at the possibility of developing Singapore as a centre for Catholic studies in the future. ^ /

^ of Theology student at the Franciscan University of Steubenville told CatholicNews that having a network of like-minded people for support would provide her the courage to persevere with the course as it is not easy. The group also hopes to recruit more members for its network and welcomes all current and former theology students as well as those interested in theology.

‘As our Catholic

population is generally well educated, there is now a desire for a more formal education in theology.

’

– Fr John-Paul Tan

A group of former and current theology students met on Jan 7 to discuss setting up a network among themselves for fellowship and to pool resources.

Several prominent Church people believe there has been a growing interest in theology studies over the years. Singapore Pastoral Institute (SPI) director Arthur Goh told CatholicNews that he has no “hard numbers� and only comes to know about theology students through referrals by friends or calls to SPI requesting placement. “Although we have always had people like that, I intuit that there are more now compared to a decade ago. The Spirit is at work,� Mr Goh said. “As our Catholic population is generally well educated, there is now a desire for a more formal

education in theology,� Franciscan Friar John-Paul Tan, parish priest of Church of St Mary of the Angels told CatholicNews. “They would be looking for a systematic study that would also recognise the time and efforts that they have invested. Basically a degree to show for it.� He added that this apparent trend signalled that Catholics are expecting more of the priests and Religious to address their “intellectual questions� that pertain to the faith. However, just like Mr Goh, Friar Tan said he could not give ? been no central deposit of names or courses for studies in theology,

I can only speak from anecdotal accounts�. He listed the names of some people he knows who have expressed their interest in studying theology or are doing distance learning courses at a higher education level. Friar Tan credits such interest to SPI and the courses it offers. “As people become more familiar with biblical and theological themes, the next logical step for many of them is to pursue a formal education in theology,� he said. “This personal interest also falls in line with an educated and well informed post-Vatican II Church.� Mr Goh said that SPI has been running a two-year long Diploma

in Adult Faith Formation (DAFF) course since 1999 with an average of 30 students per run. He acknowledged that the demands made on students may not be the same as that of a Catholic university programme. “What we ask for now in DAFF is about as far as most who sign up are willing to go,� Mr Goh said. However, he believes that more laypeople now are willing to pay for higher studies in theology “with the hope of serving the Church professionally�. Mr Goh said the setting up of a network for past and current theology students signals an opportunity to “properly place these trained laypeople for the growth of the Church in Singapore�. “If God is giving us these human on the way we steward the Church if we ignore them,� Mr Goh said. For more information on the students’ network, email cheong. simon@gmail.com „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

SOME THEOLOGY INSTITUTIONS Aquinas Institute of Theology. Master of Arts in Theology/ Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. http://ai.connectingmembers. com/BecomeaStudent/AcademicPrograms/HybridOnlineResidentDegreesMAMAPS.aspx Augustine Institute. Master of Arts in Theology. http://augustineinstitute.org/ Broken Bay Institute. B a c h elor of Theology/Master of Theology. http://www.bbi.catholic. edu.au/academic-programs/dspdefault.cfm?loadref=27 Franciscan University of Steubenville. MA in Theology and Christian Ministry. http:// www.franciscan.edu/DistanceLearning/GeneralRequirements/ Holy Apostles College & Seminary. Master of Arts in Theology. http://www.holyapostles.edu/distance-learning/program-descriptions Loyola University New

Orleans. Master of Pastoral Studies/Master of Religious Education. http://lim.loyno.edu/online/ masters-degree Maryvale Institute. Bachelor of Divinity/Master of Arts (with a specialisation). http://www.maryvale.ac.uk/index.php?id=1 The Priory Institute. Bachelor (Honours) Degree in Theology. http://www.prioryinstitute.com University of Dallas. Master of Theological Studies. http:// www.udallas.edu/ministry/graduate/online/index.html You may refer to the respective university’s websites for admissions requirement and programme information. Some schools may require a few weeks’ stay on campus. You can also refer to http:// old.usccb.org/laity/laysurvey/ schools.shtml for a further list of universities that offer a distance learning programme. „

HOME 9

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

theology coursesI. online and overseas. Darren Boon looks at this phenomenon........ Responding to the need for theologically trained laypersons

Lawyer takes up course to deepen faith in spite of busy life

Studying theology was the “next natural step� in his spiritual formation, says Mr Alfred Pang, a Catholic educator who was also involved with the Charismatic renewal at the Church of the Holy Trinity. “It was something I had to do,� said the 36-year-old former Catholic Junior College teacher. Mr Pang, who is single, is in the second year of a two-yearlong Masters of Arts in Religious Education programme at the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College, United States. The course has a special focus on Catholic school leadership. Mr Pang told CatholicNews through email that he is blessed family. He chose the course as he foresees “a future need for more lay persons to be theologically trained so as to help nurture a distinctive but inclusive Catholic ethos�. This is because there are now fewer Religious involved in the leadership of Catholic schools, he said. ^ > overseas student experience rewarding. He has interacted with people of different cultures and

It was out of a desire to know more about his faith and to transmit it more effectively to his children that made corporate lawyer Simon Cheong take up a distance learning course in theology. The father of three is currently enrolled in Franciscan University of Steubenville’s MA in Theology and Christian Ministry. Mr Cheong, 41, said that although he had grown spiritually closer to God after experiencing some “challenges� in life, he still felt “ignorant� about his faith. “I decided that rather than stay ignorant, I would go and do a formal study of theology to increase my faith and to be able to impart the faith to my children, and if the Lord calls me to, to spend my time to share the faith with others,� he said. The motivation is mostly personal, Mr Cheong said. He expects to spend about US$12,600 (S$16,000) to complete the course, excluding the cost of textbooks. He would also need to travel to Steubenville. Mr Cheong admits it is a challenge to balance work, studies and family, especially when he has a

Mr Alfred Pang

learnt how Christians live their faith in different settings. He has also participated in ecumenical work through his service as a youth minister to Korean Americans in a United Methodist Congregation and to undergraduates in his university’s Episcopal chaplaincy. “Such opportunities would not have come by if I had chosen to study theology through distance learning,� he said. Mr Pang says he would “always be a teacher at heart� and sees himself contributing towards Catholic education in the future. „

Pilgrimage inspires ex-director to pursue Dominican course Several inspirations he received while on a pilgrimage and retreat convinced Mr Simon John Longman to take up a theology degree course. The former NParks director went on a pilgrimage to Italy in 2010 where he had several experiences of God at the Basilica of St Dominic in Bologna and at the Basilica of St Catherine in Siena. This was further reinforced at a contemplative retreat in Chung Chiau Island off Hong Kong. He then decided to gain more knowledge of his Catholic faith through a Dominican Education Institute so as to better teach the faith to others. Mr Longman enrolled in The Priory Institute in Dublin, Irelamd, taking up a four-year theology degree course with honours programme, which costs 1,800 euros (S$2,990) a year. The lessons are done online. < @ > \ ? twice a year at the beginning of each semester to meet his tutors. His lessons began in early October 2012. Mr Longman, 56, who is married with children, chose this op-

Mr Simon John Longman

tion as it allowed him to be able to be with his family in Singapore and to study for a course run by Dominicans. He says he is able to pursue his > cial strain on his family. Mr Longman has journeyed in the RCIA ministry for 12 years as a sponsor and regular prayer leader. < @ treats and prayer meetings, and is a communion minister at Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. „

Mr Simon Cheong

child who is less than a year old. However, as God and his family are his priorities, he would only get down to studies after family and prayer time, he says. He devotes an hour or so to his studies on weekdays and more during weekends. “You have to tell yourself to set

> and to stick to it,� he said. At this point of time, Mr Cheong says he has no plans to work fulltime for the Church though he does not rule out offering his expertise on a part time or full time basis in the future. „

Called to serve Mandarinspeaking Catholics through RCIA After realising that there is only a handful of people serving the Catholic Mandarin-speaking community in Singapore, Ms Tan Lilian said she felt a call to serve the community, especially in the area of RCIA. “One year into service, I realised I have to deepen my faith knowledge and spirituality and made a choice to give up my career and paper chase for theology studies in Mandarin,� Ms Tan said in an email interview with CatholicNews. Ms Tan, who was baptised after attending the RCIA in Mandarin, went to Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, Taiwan, to study theology from 1996 to 1999. But the course was not without " > ^ „ > ? language. Seeing a “monthly declining bank account and no clear future�, was also a daunting experience, she said. She spent about S$20,000 year. Ms Tan said the experience has helped her to grow spiritually and gain a better understanding of the Bible and the Church’s teachings. She added that the course has

Hopes to gain holistic understanding of faith

Ms Tan Lilian

helped her to facilitate, teach and provide formation in the various parishes’ RCIA programmes. „

Ms Jane Tan

Ms Jane Tan, who has been studying at Taipei’s Fu Jen Catholic University Faculty of Theology of St Robert Bellarmine since 2011, says she wanted to look at her “Catholic faith more from the rational perspective, compared to simply believing what was taught�. Ms Tan who had worked with Hai Sing Pao, the local Chinese Catholic paper, as well as served in the Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking, added: “I would like to know more about the God whom I feel intimately related to, also to have a more holistic understanding of the Catholic faith in this world.� She chose to do her studies on campus fulltime so as to “fully immerse in the environment of theological studies�. She is now in her second year of studies. Fortunately for her, lectures are in the morning so she can spend more time to study later in the day. “Time management for @ ety of subjects and avoiding being over-academic are quite a challenge,� she said. „

10 HOME

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

St Pat’s marks 80th anniversary “Eighty years is an achievement for which we can proudly give praise and thanks to the Lord,� said Archbishop Nicholas Chia during a special Mass to mark the 80th anniversary of St Patrick’s School. “From the land on which the school stands now, bought in 1898, and later when St Patrick’s " % on 16 January 1933, thousands of students and teachers have walked the corridors.� Archbishop Chia made these comments in his homily at the Mass, held in the secondary school’s chapel, on Jan 23. About 200 people including old boys, La Salle Brothers, present and former teachers and principals attended the event. Archbishop Chia, who celebrated the Mass with four priests, noted that the school’s history included the “painful years� of the Japanese Occupation when the school was requisitioned by the British and Australian Forces. The Japanese Air Force Headquarters was later stationed there. “In spite of those memories, we can thank God for the many teachers who have guided so many students in the right path and to take their place in society imbued with the Lasallian and Patrician values,� he said. “What we fondly remember

‘What we fondly remember are the relationships and we treasure those relationships because they remind us of our ‘growing up’ years. – Archbishop Nicholas Chia speaking at the school’s 80th anniversary Mass

! cate of the pope’s blessing as La Salle Br David Hawkes looks on.

[of our school years] are the relationships and we treasure those relationships because they remind us of our ‘growing up’ years,� he said. At the end of the Mass, Archbishop Nicholas Chia presented

principal Adolphus Tan with

& XVI’s apostolic blessing for Mr Tan, teachers and students of the school. The event also saw former principal Lucas Lak encourag-

ing those present to support the restoration works for the chapel, built in 1932. These include airconditioning the chapel, replacing pews and kneelers, and repairing the sacristy’s leaky roof. The school, located on East Coast Road, counts many prominent alumni including Singapore President Tony Tan. Other milestones in the school’s history include the setting up of St Stephen’s School in the 1950s to house the primary pupils.

In the 1980s, former principal Br Joseph McNally started the La Salle College of the Arts on the school premises before it moved out. The school will host its 80th anniversary dinner on July 19. President Tony Tan will be guestof-honour. To purchase tickets, email stpatricksch@moe.edu.sg. To contribute to the chapel restoration, contact Br Nicholas Seet (9686-4627) or Vivien Theseira (9450-3996). „

Mixed reactions to Philippine embassy’s change in work schedule By Martin See There have been mixed reactions among Filipino domestic workers to an announcement by the Philippine Embassy about changes to its work schedule. In an announcement to parishes, the embassy said it will cease its Sunday operations and revert to a Monday-to-Friday work schedule from March 17. Parishes were asked to disseminate this information to Filipinos. Domestic workers Ellen Elecanal and Emelia Eglarinda said the change would not affect them as their employers would allow them to take a week day off to process their passports and seek other consular services. However, others like Ms Angela Barotia feel differently. “It’s not good because Sunday is the only day available for most domestic workers, and I can’t go freely on other days,� she said. “Even with the embassy’s new online appointment services to cut down on the long queue times, not all domestic workers have access to the Internet,� she added. According to the embassy, consular services have been revised to ? % The embassy has also instituted online appointment systems for ser-

Filipino workers relaxing at Orchard Road on their day off. The Philippine Embassy says it will cease its Sunday operations from March 17.

vices like the issuance of passports

‘@ „ > cates. The embassy said that with the start of the Singapore government’s policy of giving a weekly day-off for domestic workers this year, the embassy will focus its weekend operations on empowerment programmes and skills training along with its current social and cultural events. “Based on our observation since 2004 when we began operations on Sunday, most domestic workers don’t use our services on > ^ ‘ @ \ embassy’s Third Secretary and Vice Consul told CatholicNews. “We set up online systems to speed up the process and cut down on waiting time, and we also free up Sundays to do more with our programmes to promote the welfare of Filipinos here,� he added.

Nevertheless, Ms Maria Luisa Tayco is unhappy about the change. “It’s a bad idea to close on Sundays because my employer will ask me to get an agency to do my paperwork which will cost me twice the amount of money,� she said. Ms Alma Duron Panadero said the change means she would now have to seek special permission from her employer to use the embassy’s services. Fr John-Paul Tan, parish priest of the Church of St Mary of the Angels told CatholicNews, “I feel that there still needs to be consular services on Sundays on top of the programmes and training the embassy is offering because not all employers will give their domestic workers time off on weekdays on top of their Sunday leave.� „ martin.see@catholic.org.sg

HOME 11

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Kindness helps heal disunity, priest says at ecumenical event By Darren Boon A sharing by a HIV-positive woman and a call to Christians of different denominations to love one another were highlights of services held during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Christians need to “have a lot more love� for one another just as Christ loves all, Fr Anthony Hutjes, parish priest of Blessed Sacrament Church, told participants at the International Ecumenical Service held on Jan 18. He urged real kindness between denominations as this “generates kindness and will always be the best way to make at least a beginning in the restoration of our broken unity�. Fr Hutjes was one of several Christian representatives who took part in the service held in his church. Representatives from the Lutheran and Methodist Churches as well as the Salvation Army also attended the service, one of two held to mark the special week. Fr Hutjes called on Christians to relate to one another “with more honesty, with a more genuine attempt to understand and appreciate one another ... and with a greater willingness to acknowledge our own weak points and the good points of the other party�. He however cautioned against

and indifference. Not all disagreements, especially deep-seated ones, can be overcome by a “su which some people nowadays seem to prefer as the solution for every clash of opinion�, he said. The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary priest said he believes that “ecumenical longing for reunion must also be accompanied by an equal appreciation for the best traditions� of one’s own Church. He urged Christians to keep their eyes “focused� on Christ

\

Z > * Z [

" # " # # # $ % " ' * + / + ; / < ' + = < > ? @ KQ X " # @Y + X ' KQ X " > "

* Z [ @Z X \

KQ < / [ ] @ KQ Y / ? # @ " '/KQ X " > Y ^ @ # \

KQ $ < [ # @ K

to realise genuine ecumenism. The second service, titled An Ecumenical Service in the Wesleyan Tradition, was held at the Barker Road Methodist Church (BRMC) on Jan 24. According to BRMC pastor, Rev Malcolm Tan, the hymns sung that evening were written by Charles Wesley, one of the leaders of the Methodist movement. The event saw sharings from two volunteers from BRMC’s Positive People Ministry which works with HIV sufferers. One of the volunteers, a HIVpositive woman, shared how she became a Christian after she was diagnosed with the condition, how she was blessed by God and how

she came to serve in the ministry. Methodist Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup spoke on the Christian Unity Week’s theme of “What Does God Require of Us?� taken from the Book of Micah. Bishop Dr Wee said the prophet Micah told the faithful that God requires them “to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God�. To love mercy is “do the right things in the right way�, the bishop said. To love mercy is to be

@ with love� that translates into kindness towards fellow humans and desiring the best for the other person, he said. To walk humbly with God en-

Fr Anthony Hutjes urged Christians to have a ‘greater willingness to acknowledge our own weak points and the good points of the other party’.

tails doing the “right thing in the right way by following the right person� such as Jesus Christ, Bishop Dr Wee said. Mr Keith Yeo, from Barker Road Methodist Church, who attended the Jan 18 service, told CatholicNews he was interested

in learning about other Christian denominations and their leaders. The college student suggested that an ecumenical conference could be held in future to allow Christian denominations to share their own traditions so as to appreciate one another better. Mr Yeo said it was interesting to see a female Methodist pastor standing in the pulpit of a Catholic church during the service. In both services, participants offered praise and thanksgiving and confessed their sin of disunity. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

12 ASIA

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

5 new principals commissioned By Don Gurugay SINGAPORE – The ninth annual Catholic schools principals’ commissioning was held at St Anne’s Church on Jan 26. Five newly appointed principals were commissioned following a pledge of commitment undertaken by all the principals of Catholic schools present. The event was organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS). The commissioned principals were Ms Debra Saw, CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity; Ms Susie Ho, CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent; Mr Timothy Goh, St Joseph’s Institution Junior; Mr Stephen Chin, St Gabriel’s Secondary and Mrs Karen Tay, CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh. In his address to the principals during the Mass, Archbishop Nicholas Chia said, “Your leadership of these institutions is extremely important to us. I would like you to know that > @ > the Church’s outreach and mission.� ACCS executive director Wendy Louis told CatholicNews, “The archbishop commissions all newly appointed principals to our schools and pre-schools to indicate that they are at the frontline of the Church’s mission and they carry a very heavy load in their role, leading a Catholic school, and need our prayers and encouragement.� Below is some information on the new principals:

Ms Debra Saw, CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity: The former Infant Jesus student in Ma-

New principals commissioned during a special ceremony (from left): Mr Stephen Chin (St Gabriel’s Secondary), Mr Timothy Goh (St Joseph’s Institution Jr), Ms Susie Ho (CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent), Mrs Karen Tay (CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh) and Ms Debra Saw (CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity).

laysia started her career as a # Principles of Accounting. She the Ministry of Education, Pastoral Care and Career Guidance & ? @ > She was seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and spent four years in the Singapore High Commission, London, as a student advisor. This is her third school as

principal. She has about 30 years of experience in the education service. Ms Susie Ho, CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent: She was teaching History and English Language for 12 years before serving a two year stint as vice-principal of Victoria School. After completing her Leaders-In-Education Programme, she was posted to head Balestier Hill Second-

ary School where she had the opportunity to reach out to students with special needs such as dyslexia, autism and hearing impairment. Ms Ho shared that serving in an all-girls mission school is a refreshing change for her and added that with God’s grace, she looks forward to nurturing the girls from diverse backgrounds by maximising their potential and building character.

Mr Stephen Chin, St Gabriel’s Secondary: He was educated in St Stephen’s and St Patrick’s schools and later decided to take up teaching. He returned to St Patrick’s School as a teacher and taught there for seven years before being posted as vice-prin / € (2003-2005) and principal of Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary (20062012). He shared that returning to serve in St Gabriel’s Secondary after 10 years away from a Catholic school was a sweet homecoming for him and added that his mission of learning to grow ? he leads in serving others in this school. Mr Timothy Goh, SJI Junior: He says he hopes to strengthen the Catholic and Lasallian culture of the school. Mr Goh recalled that Br Nich " # St Patrick’s School as a teacher, which he did in 1998. From 2007-2008, Mr Goh was attached to the Ministry of Education HQ School Appraisal Branch (Special Assistant) and from 2009-2012 served as viceprincipal at St Anthony’s Primary School. Mrs Karen Tay, CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh): She was a past pupil of CHIJ Katong Primary and Secondary and was Head of Department of St Margaret’s Secondary School (Pastoral Care). Mrs Tay was previously the vice-principal of Anglican High School and successfully completed the Leaders-in-Education Programme. She has a daughter in CHIJ Katong (Primary). „

Indian bishops call for new laws Vietnam’s Communist Party head meets Pope Benedict to ensure safety of women THRISSUR, INDIA – In the wake of the na-

tional outcry over the gang rape and death of a paramedical student and reports of rapes from across the country, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has called for “comprehensive laws and effective measures to ensure the security and safety of women�. “Instances of sexual violence against women and children have increased [at] an alarming rate, the most shockingly being the sexual gang rape and murder of a young medical student in the capital city of Delhi,� the bishops said in a statement on Jan 23. “This dastardly act of violence had evoked unprecedented protest ... cutting across all barriers,� they said. The 23-year old medical student died on Dec 29 in a Singapore hospital to which she was airlifted when her condition worsened. She was gang raped and tortured on Dec 16 ?> @ # @ @ ? The young woman and her boyfriend had boarded the bus after its staff offered them a lift at a bus stop. The gang rape led

to massive protests in New Delhi and other cities. “This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of rape cases are being reported every day across the nation ... this is indeed a very alarming situation,� said the bishops. “This [increasing sexual violence] shows that [the] essence of humanity has eroded badly in our country,� Bishop Albert D’Souza of Agra, secretary-general of the bishops’ conference, told Catholic News Service on Jan 24. “Social norms are being eroded under the commercialisation of media that is pro#

> & D’Souza said. While welcoming the strong and stringent measures the government has initiated to curb the violence against women and children, the bishops cautioned that “this awakening should not be momentary�. ’ #

?> federal government to reform rape laws emphasised the role of value education through family, school and religions. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – Diplomatic relations

between the Vatican and Vietnam were strengthened further when Pope Benedict XVI met Mr Nguyen Phu Trong, marking eral secretary of the nation’s Communist Party. Mr Trong, who has been general secretary of the party’s central committee party since 2011, was accompanied by an 11-person delegation of other high-level party

@ $ one of a number of stops the delegation had planned in Europe. The pope and Mr Trong met on Jan 22 and held closed-door talks for half an hour. > the pomp and circumstance of a typical head-of-state visit, Jesuit Fr Federico Lom? $ %

# after the meeting. The two also exchanged gifts; Mr Trong presented the pope an engraved tray with mother of pearl inlay, and the pope gave

him a picture of the Casina Pio IV villa in the Vatican Gardens. The general secretary and his delegation then met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican secretary from the Secretariat of State. Discussions were “cordial�, “very serene and very constructive�, Fr Lombardi said. The Church and religious activity face strict controls in Vietnam, though some parts of the country have seen a gradual easing of restrictions on Catholic practices. The two sides expressed hopes that “some pending situations could be resolved soon� and that the “current fruitful collaboration� may be strengthened, the Vatican said in a written statement. The Holy See and Vietnam have launched a process aimed at full diplomatic relations; there is a non-resident papal representative to the country, and the two sides are engaged in ongoing talks. „ CNS

ASIA 13

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

New nuncio for M’sia

Bishops discuss regional issues at meeting

By Vincent D’Silva JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Co-

Archbishop Joseph Marino VATICAN CITY – American Arch-

bishop Joseph Marino has been appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia and Timor Leste and Apostolic Delegate to Brunei. The announcement was made on Jan 16. Archbishop Marino, who will be based in Ampang, + ˆ ? ostolic nuncio to serve Malaysia. It is not immediately known when he will start work. He had told The Wall Street Journal, “There is no doubt that one of the main questions of our times is the promotion of interreligious relations.� Archbishop Marino was born in Birmingham, USA, in 1953 and ordained a priest in 1979 for the diocese. He entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1988

„ siastical Academy in Rome and obtaining a diploma in Diplomatic Science and doctorate in Canon Law. He served in the apostolic nunciature in Philippines, Uruguay and Nigeria; in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, and as Counsellor in the Apostolic Nunciature in Great Britain. He was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh in 2008. The archbishop speaks „ “ " ish. „ BY VINCENT D’SILVA

adjutor Archbishop-elect William Goh of Singapore was a new face at a recent meeting of bishops from the region. The 91st Plenary Session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei saw Msgr Goh speaking on the topic of vocations in Singapore. During the Jan 14-17 meeting, Msgr Marek Zalewski, Charge d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Kuala Lumpur, announced that Pope Benedict XVI has appointed American Archbishop Joseph Marino as Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia and Timor Leste and as Apostolic Delegate to Brunei. (see other story) Msgr Marek noted that Malay < > " > tablished diplomatic relations on July 27, 2011. However, friendly relations had existed before that. During the meeting, the bishops discussed matters relating to liturgy, catechetics, social communications, justice and peace, seminaries and vocations. The Alpha programme, which has become popular among Christians and non-Christians, was also presented to participants for possible adoption in dioceses. Bishop Paul Tan of Melaka€ % “ of Asian Bishops’ Conferences’ •“’& – > ’ ? > < Chi Minh City, Vietnam, held from Dec 10-16. He said that dialogue has to be a hallmark of all forms of ministry and service in Asia. Such dialogue is characterised by humble sensitivity to the hidden presence of

Participants at the 91st Plenary Session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Front row from left: Archbishop Nicholas Chia (Singapore), Bishop Emeritus James Chan (Melaka-Johor), Msgr Marek Zalewski (Apostolic Nunciature of Malaysia), Archbishop John Ha (Kuching), Archbishop Murphy Pakiam (Kuala Lumpur), Bishop Paul Tan (Melaka-Johor) and Archbishop Emeritus John Lee (Kota Kinabalu). Back row: Rev (Dr) Michael Teng (priest-secretary), Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom (Sandakan), Archbishop John Wong (Kota Kinabalu), Bishop Cornelius Piong (Keningau), Bishop Cornelius Sim (Brunei), Bishop Sebastian Francis (Penang), Coadjutor Archbishop-elect William Goh (Singapore) and Bishop Joseph Hii (Sibu).

God in the struggles of the poor, in the riches of people’s cultures, in the varieties of religious traditions, and in the depths of every human heart, he said. He added that the meeting also noted the impact of unabated

? and shortsighted economic gains. <

? cantly to global warming and climate change, the impact of which affects the poor and the deprived more disastrously,� he said. The Malaysia-Singapore-Bru-

nei bishops’ meeting saw Archbishop John Ha of Kuching taking over the presidency of the bishops’ conference for a two-year

term from Bishop Paul Tan. Archbishop Ha will hold this position till Dec 31, 2014, subject to re-election. „

14 WORLD

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

bishops say Christian cooperation Mali’s situation has reached key to proclaiming ‘tragic proportions’ the Gospel: pope ROME – Christians must work

together to offer the faith they share to a world that seems to believe, Pope Benedict XVI told ‘ ’ Protestant leaders. “Unity is in itself a privileged means – almost a requirement – for proclaiming the faith in an increasingly credible way to those who do not yet know the Saviour or who, having received the proclamation of the Gospel, have almost forgotten this precious gift,� Pope Benedict said on Jan 25. Presiding over an evening prayer service at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the pope said that, even as divided Christians continue their theological dialogues in the search for full unity, “It is necessary to pursue concrete collaboration among the disciples of Christ on behalf of the cause of transmitting the faith to the modern world. “In today’s society, it seems that the Christian message has a diminishing impact on personal and community life, and this represents a challenge for all Churches and ecclesial communities,� Pope Benedict said in his homily at Rome’s Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. The key to meeting the challenge, the pope said, is for Christians to pray to God for the gift of unity and step up their efforts at “reconciliation, dialogue and mutual understanding�. “Communion in the same faith

Pope Benedict XVI greets Christian leaders as he departs an ecumenical evening prayer service at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on Jan 25. CNS photo

is the basis for ecumenism,� he said. During the Year of Faith, which the pope established to encourage Catholics to study the basic tenets of their faith and strengthen their religious practice and witness, he said Christians should recognise and give thanks for their shared faith in God, in Jesus as Saviour and in the Holy Spirit, who sancti @ the Church. Pope Benedict offered special greetings during the prayer service to members of the Joint International Commission for Theologi-

cal Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox ’ ’ ‘ „ ‘ "> Orthodox, Malankara Orthodox "> „ ‘ Churches. The pope asked the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox leaders to convey to their faithful in the ^ „ > land, so important in God’s plan of salvation, may be led, through constructive dialogue and cooperation, to a future of justice and lasting peace�. „ CNS

A boy stands near destroyed vehicles on Jan 24 in Diabaly, Mali, which was recently liberated by French and Malian forces from Islamic rebels. CNS photo OXFORD, ENGLAND – Mali’s Catholic bishops praised efforts by their acting head of state to hold the country together and backed his appeal for a “general mobilisation� against Islamist insurgents. “The situation we are living through is very grave and has reached tragic proportions in recent days,� the bishops’ conference said in a Jan 24 letter to President Dioncounda Traore. “Through you, as supreme head of our armies, we salute Mali’s armed and security forces in their common efforts to liberate our country,� said the letter. “We are aware of the appeals you have made, and we endorse them, body and soul.� The letter was published during the bishops’ Jan 21-25 plenary in the capital, Bamako. The meeting coincided with the recapture of rebel-held towns by Frenchbacked Malian forces. The bishops said the Catholic Church had highlighted the plight of displaced people since the start of the 2012 insurgency, during which ethnic Tuareg rebels seeking a separate state overran northern Mali alongside Islamist ’ „ ? @ % ’ — They added that they would seek a “mobilisation of the Christian community� throughout Lent,

which begins on Feb 13, to help secure the country’s future. “We continue to believe a new Mali will emerge from this harsh ordeal, reconciled with itself and its values,� the bishops told President Traore, who was installed after a March 2012 military coup. “These are the values of faith, fear and respect of God, sincere fraternity between its different components, love of homeland and a The 200,000-member Catholic Church has six dioceses and makes up around 1.3 percent of Mali’s population of 15.5 million, ninetenths of whom are Muslim and concentrated in the south. France intervened on Jan 11 to prevent insurgents from seizing more of the country after imposing strict Shariah law in northern towns and villages. Malian troops, backed by French regulars, recaptured the central towns of Diabaly and Douentza, around 420 km north of Bamako, in late January, while French air strikes were reported on Jan 25 near rebel-held Gao. However, human rights groups expressed concern after reports of

’ ? egs by victorious Malian soldiers, who are set to be joined by 5,000 ? ’ states. „ CNS

THOUSANDS RALLY AGAINST US ABORTION LAWS: Demonstrators make their way toward the Supreme Court building during the March for Life in Washington on Jan 25. Bitter cold and snow did not stop tens of thousands from marching against abortion for the 40th year since a Supreme Court decision legalising abortion in the US. CNS photo

WORLD 15

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Help those in need pope says in World Day of the Sick message VATICAN CITY – In a message for the 2013 World Day of the Sick, Pope Benedict XVI called on everyone to be a good Samaritan and concretely help those in need. Thanking those who care for the sick and elderly, the pope underlined the Church’s fundamental role in “lovingly and generously accepting every human being, especially those who are weak and sick�. The World Day of the Sick is celebrated annually on Feb 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Pope Benedict expressed his affection for all those “undergoing a time of trial due to illness and suffering�, and he prayed that they remember they are not alone, marginalised, forgotten or useless. “You have been called by Christ and are His living and transparent image,� he said, quoting from a message delivered by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council in 1965 titled To the Poor, the Sick and the Suffering. The Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan is just one of many accounts that show how Jesus expected His disciples to behave towards others, especially those in need, the pope said. Through prayer, people can ' {

People in wheelchairs join a procession to St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Feb 11, 2010, for Mass marking World Day of the Sick and the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

love in order to “live day by day with concrete concern, like that of the Good Samaritan, for those suffering in body and spirit who ask for our help, whether or not we know them and however poor they may be�, Pope Benedict wrote. Those who are sick and suffering also are called to help others, accepting one’s own suffering by looking to Christ, “who suffered

@ The Year of Faith is an occasion for the Church to intensify its charitable services “so that each one of us can be a good Samaritan for others, for those close to us,� the pope said. „ CNS The full message is at http://www. vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/ messages/sick/documents/hf_benxvi_mes_20130102_world-day-ofthe-sick-2013_en.html

16 LETTERS/OPINION

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102. Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055. Website: www.catholicnews.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/catholicnews MANAGING EDITOR: Father Johnson Fernandez: johnson.fernandez@catholic.org.sg

IN MEMORIAM: Susan Lim: memoriam@catholic.org.sg

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christopher Khoo: christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Richard Paul: subscriptions@catholic.org.sg ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENTS: Darren Boon: darren.boon@catholic.org.sg Martin See: martin.see@catholic.org.sg

WEBMASTER: Medona Walter: medona.walter@catholic.org.sg

EDITORIAL MATTERS AND QUERIES: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

Please include your full name, address and phone no. for all letters to the editor. Published submissions will be edited.

DESIGN / LAYOUT: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elaine.ong@catholic.org.sg

LETTER

Communion and music I agree with Joseph Chng (Loud Music At Communion, CN Jan 27). Upon receiving Holy Communion, music should be muted or silent for us to savour the presence of Jesus received in Holy Communion.

In fact, all should stay silent to appreciate what we receive. In the concluding rite it is recommended that sacred silence may be observed for a while. „ Roland Tan Khoon Choon

" ‚QKQK

CN Jan 27

COMMENTARY

Father, could you repeat, please? By Bernard Pereira Did it ever occur to you that if churches ever improved their acoustics, they would make millions of their parishioners better Christians? Isn’t it true that as part of the congregation, many a time, you > > neck and straining your ears to > ^ nor was saying in the pulpit? It all boils down to the echo effect one gets in a hall that has a high ceiling. That echo effect has the tendency to suffocate and distort the clarity of speech. It happens everywhere, in all churches with high ceilings. And it’s been going on for centuries, although I wonder if it has ever ? ? > engineers sought to rectify the problem – if at all that’s possible. = " ? " ’ { ' " " € { •$ " – š ? are the highest. And grandest. What makes it even worse is when the priest lowers his voice to a whisper, probably to give his story or parable a better effect. He may have thought that today’s technology would do a much better job than yesterday’s in carrying his voice to the back of the hall. This is one reason, I guess, >

> " pore tend to lose their concentration for a while and either day-

The echo effect one gets in a hall with a high ceiling has the tendency to distort the clarity of speech. dream or fall asleep a-la Mr Bean, aka Rowan Atkinson, in his popu $ ˆ Fortunately, as a senior citizen, I have always been able to control my senses and not doze off. But I’m left frustrated and exasperated when I realise there’s no solution to the problem. And I am left high and dry, unable to catch what the priest is saying. Unless, of course, I were to sit right in front of the hall. At a distance where I can hear him even without a mike. But not everyone can do that. Most of us would have no choice but to sit in the middle or back of the hall. And learn to live with the problem? More importantly, whenever this lapse occurs to you, don’t you get that feeling of being short-changed? Of missing a vital part of the epistle or gospel – not through your own fault? You’d feel so helpless – and hopeless. At least, that’s how I would feel. Many a time, I’d make up for it by going home and reading about what I missed in the Bible. Or discussing it with friends. Bernard Danker, a 46-year-old

sales and marketing Executive in Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia, also observes this acoustical problem when he attends Mass at the near?> " ’ { ’ ? cause we usually sat at the back of the church hall,� says Mr Danker. “But if we sat closer to the front, the reception was not too bad. “I believe it also boils down to how the priest articulates and delivers his sermon. But funnily enough, these days, we have good speakers whose voices are not a strain on the ears.� The last word must surely belong to Mr Reed Hall, the director Z~ QQQ ˆ % < !"’ “You can’t electronically treat an acoustical problem because of the construction of the building,� he says. “You can only address the symptoms. It’s a whole lot less expensive to address it at the outset # " > taking care of your acoustical issues. The sound system that you are putting in today will be re @ ZQ > = { cheaper to get the acoustics done " š not necessarily the solution – to the problem. If your parish church was built without the acoustics in mind from the beginning, then only the sound engineers will know how to rectify it. But I’m still skeptical. „ Bernard Pereira is an ex-journalist.

The questions ageing raises WHAT can God and nature have had in mind when they designed the ageing process? Why is it that just when our mental prowess, our human maturity, and our emotional freedom are at their peak, the body begins to fall apart? Our faith, of course, because it opens us to a perspective beyond our biological lives, sheds some light on these questions, though it doesn’t always give us a language within which to grasp more re @ > " secular perspective can be helpful and that is the case here. James Hillman, in a brilliant book on ageing entitled, The Force of Character and Lasting Life, takes up these questions. What did God and nature have in mind when designing the ageing process? He answers with a metaphor: The best wines have to be aged in cracked old barrels. The last years of our lives are meant to mellow the soul and most everything inside our biology conspires together to ensure that this happens. The soul must be properly aged before it leaves. There’s intelligence inside of life, he asserts, that intends ageing just as it intends growth in youth. It’s a huge mistake to read the signs of ageing as indications of dying rather than as initiations into another way of life. Each physical diminishment (from why we have to get up at night to go to the bathroom to why our skin sags and goes dry) is designed to mature the soul. And they do their work without our consent, relentlessly and ruthlessly. The ageing process, he asserts, eventually turns us all into monks and that, indeed, is its plan, just as it once pumped all those excessive hormones into our bodies to drive us out of our homes at puberty. And God again is in on this conspiracy. Ageing isn’t always pleasant or easy; but there’s a rhyme and reason to the process. ’ ? > > body and it rises to the fore: “We can imagine ageing as a transformation in beauty as much as in biology,� writes Hillman. “The old are like images on display that transpose biological life into imagination and art. The old become strikingly memorable, ancestral representations, characters in the play of civilisation, each a unique, irreplace ? @ ’ ™ ‡ = > % @ > ? > ? In Hillman’s words: “Earlier years must focus on getting things done, while later years consider what was done and how.� The former is a function of generativity, we are meant to give our lives away; the latter is a function of dying, we are also meant to give our deaths away. And the ageing process raises a second series of questions: What value do the elderly have once their productive years are over? Indeed the same question might be asked of anyone who cannot be useful and productive in a practical sense: What is the value of someone living with Alzheimer’s? What is the value of people continuing to live on in palliative care when there is no chance of recovery or improvement and they have already slipped away from us mentally? What is the value of the life of a person who is so mentally or physically challenged that by normal standards he or she cannot contribute anything? Again, Hillman’s insights are a valuable supplement to the perspectives offered us through our faith. For Hillman, what ageing and disability bring into the world is character. Not just their own. They help give character to others. Thus, he writes: “Productivity is too narrow a measure of usefulness, disability too cramping a notion of ’

> ? > @ for her character. Like a stone at the bottom of a riverbed, she may do nothing but stay still and hold her ground, but the river has to take her ? “An older man by his sheer presence plays his part as a character in the drama of the family and neighbourhood. He has to be considered, and patterns adjusted simply because he is there. His character brings particular qualities to every scene, adds intricacy and depth by representing the past and the dead. When all the elderly are removed

@ > ? % * disruptive rocks. Less character too.� Ageing and disability need to be regarded aesthetically. We are a culture that does everything it can to deny, delay and disguise ageing. We put our elders away into separate homes, away from mainstream life, tucked away – no disruptive rocks for us to deal with. We are also a culture that is beginning to talk more and more about euthanasia, @ > ?> > = <

we are paying a high price for this: We have less character and less colour. „

FOCUS 17

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

IBM’s managing director talks about her life as a Catholic By Benedict Tang

Prayer is a regular feature for Ms Janet Ang in her workplace, where she prays before making important presentations.

“I am a needy Catholic,� said Ms Janet Ang, managing director (MD) of IBM Singapore during a talk she gave at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul on Jan 10. ^ ’ % in a series of sharings by Catholic business leaders, organised by the Catholic Business Network (CBN) . In her talk, punctuated with humorous anecdotes, Ms Ang shared that she prays and depends on God for all her needs, and that this practice began when she was a convent girl at CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel.

One of her proudest achieve

classes and help co-ordinate

in her expatriate community in China. She returned to IBM in 2009 and in 2011 was reappointed MD of IBM Singapore.

Career Ms Ang joined IBM in 1982 as a systems analyst. In 2001, she be

" MD. She later held another position in an IBM unit in Beijing. However, another company took over the unit in 2005. Ms Ang recounted that this was one of the lowest points of her life. However, she turned to God in prayer and found the strength to persevere in her job. She then decided to stay with the new company in Beijing. According to Ms Ang, prayer is a regular feature for her in the workplace, where she prays before making important presentations, sometimes even with nonCatholic Christians and especially with her secretary.

Balancing work and family

Ms Janet Ang at a talk she gave on Jan 10. The event was organised by the Catholic Business Network.

China experience In China, where religion is seldom talked about, Ms Ang said she shared her faith with her Chinese colleagues when they showed interest.

Going to Sunday Mass then was an unusual experience. Catholic expatriates had to go to an embassy where Mass was conducted by a foreign priest, and they had to produce passports to enter.

CITY DISTRICT

During the question-and-answer session, Ms Ang was asked if she was able to achieve a balance between work and family life. She replied that people are amazed to learn that she is a mother of four. The Church of St Francis Xavier parishioner shared that just like many young couples today, she had doubts as to whether she could raise a family and climb

SERANGOON DISTRICT

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Church of the Nativity of the BVM

7.00am, 1.15pm & 6.30pm

6.30am, 6.30pm & 8.00 pm Sunset Mass (Feb 12): 5.30pm (M) & 7.00pm

St Joseph’s Church (Victoria St)

6.30pm & 7.45pm 7.20am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm (M)

Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Church of Our Lady of Lourdes

6.15am, 6.15pm & 8.00pm

12.30pm& 7.00pm (English & Tamil)

Church of St Francis Xavier

Church of the Sacred Heart

6.30am, 6.30pm & 8.00pm

7.00am & 5.30pm

St Anne’s Church

Church of St Teresa

6.30am, 6.15pm & 8.00pm

12.30pm & 7.00pm

Church of St Vincent De Paul

Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church)

7.00am, 6.00 pm & 8.00pm

Church of Sts Peter & Paul

6.30am, 12.15pm & 7.00pm

WEST DISTRICT

Church of St Bernadette

Church of St Ignatius

6.30am & 7.00pm Church of St Michael

6.30am & 8.00pm

EAST DISTRICT Church of the Holy Family

6.15am & 7.30pm Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace

6.30am, 6.30pm & 8.15pm (M) Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

6.30am, 6.00pm & 8.00pm

7.00am, 6.00pm & 7.30pm Blessed Sacrament Church

Church of St Stephen

Church of St Anthony

6.30am & 8.00pm

6.30am & 8.00pm

7.00am, 8.30am, 6.00pm & 8.00pm

Church of the Holy Trinity

Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea

Church of St Mary of the Angels

6.30am, 6.00pm & 8.00pm

6.45am, 6.30pm & 8.00pm

6.55am, 1.15pm, 6.30pm & 8.15pm

Church of Divine Mercy

Church of the Holy Spirit

Church of St Francis of Assisi

6.30am, 1.00pm & 7.30pm

6.30am & 7.30pm Church of the Risen Christ

NORTH DISTRICT

6.30am, 6.00pm & 8.00pm

St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah)

Church of Christ the King

6.30am, 6.30pm & 8.00pm

6.30am, 1.00pm, 6.15pm & 8.00pm

the corporate ladder at the same time. However, thanks to God, she was even promoted each time she became pregnant, she recounted. She added that she felt humbled to be asked to serve the archdiocese as the chairperson of the steering committee for the Agape Village charitable project. Audience comments Members of the audience said they were inspired by Ms Ang’s sharing. Mr Jeremy Toh, 43, said he came away from the talk learning how to prioritise and stay focused. “She kept her talk real by not just sharing the good times but the bad times,� said another member of the audience, Ms Dorothy Chia. Mr Vincent Tan, 43, a senior media consultant, noted that Ms Ang “takes pride in being a Catholic�. “She is never afraid to pray or make the sign of the cross before meals in public. She reminds me that I need to take pride in my religion,� he said. Mr Harry Yohannan said he was impressed at the way Ms Ang used opportunities to talk about her faith when interviewed by the media. „ More information on Catholic Business Network can be found at http:// www.cbn-singapore.com

MASSES AT YOUR WORKPLACE SHENTON WAY: Singapore Conference Hall 12.30 pm and 1.20 pm (Tel: 9090-6032) OUTRAM: SGH Medical Alumni Building Level 2, 12.15 pm (Tel: 9823-3971) SUNTEC: Le Danz #03-045 Suntec City Mall (next to Eng Wah Cinema) 12.15 pm and 1.15 pm (Tel: 9366-5573) RAFFLES: The 3rd Space, Basement China Square (next to Cold Storage) 11.15 am, 12.15 pm and 1.15 pm (Tel: 9622-1775) ORCHARD: Grand Hyatt “The Brix� 12.40 pm and 1.20 pm. Tel (Tel: 9794-0963)

6.30am, 7.00pm (M) & 8.15pm Church of the Holy Cross

6.30am, 6.00pm, 7.30pm & 7.30pm (in Mandarin at St Michael Room) Note: M* Mandarin

JURONG EAST: please refer to http://cps.org.sg/centres/ash_ wednesday.php or call 9831-6307

18 YEAR OF FAITH

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

What’s ‘new’ about the new evangelisation The ‘new evangelisation’ is a key concept of the Year of Faith. Marcellino D’Ambrosio explains what it means POPE BENEDICT XVI made it a centrepiece of the Year of Faith. He even set up a new department in the Roman Curia dedicated to it. But have you ever wondered what is “new� about the new evangelisation? The term was not coined by Pope Benedict. Blessed Pope John Paul II exclaimed in his encyclical Redemptoris Missio (The Mission of the Redeemer) that “the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelisation.� To evangelise means to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Of course, the Church has never ceased proclaiming the Gospel since the day of Pentecost. But in the face of various heresies, the emphasis of the Church and its councils over the years had come to fall more upon defending the faith than spreading it. The new evangelisation refers to what Cardinal Avery Dulles @ that began with the Second Vatican Council and involves several things that are notably new: The terminology. The First Vatican Council (1869-1870) sparingly, if at all, used the terms “Gospel�, “evangelise� or “evangelisation�. The documents of the Second Vatican Council, by contrast, make frequent use of the terms. The recipients. As a child, I never heard about “evangelisation� but I did hear a lot about “missions� in far-off countries. Vatican II recognised that our own backyard has become mission territory.

We now realise that relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbours need to hear the Good News as much as those in faraway lands.

A prayer meeting in progress. The goal of the new evangelisation is conversion – accepting, by a personal decision, the saving sovereignty of Christ and becoming His disciple.

In the words of Pope Benedict, “an eclipse of God� has occurred in what used to be Christendom. A “practical atheism� has cast its dark shadow upon Western culture so much that if the Christian faith is not outright denied, it is dis-

missed as irrelevant to daily life. We now realise that relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbours need to hear the message as much as those in lands far from us. The doers. Before Vatican II, everyone donated money to help

the missionaries, mostly priests and Religious, to carry out the task of bringing the faith to others. Vatican II told us that each one of us is called to evangelise. None is exempt because of the lack of a theology degree, because we are involved in other ministries or because it “just isn’t my personality�. In his encyclical on evangelisation (Evangelli Nuntiandi), $= > “put aside the excuses� that would stop us from evangelising. The method. OK, we can all evangelise since we can all be silent witnesses, right? After all, there’s the saying: “Preach the Gospel always, and when necessary, use words,� attributed to St Francis. There is no evidence St Francis said this. He and his friars, however, frequently preached on street corners. Witness of life, for sure, is primary. People, said Pope Paul VI, listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers. Our witness validates our words. But people still need to understand the meaning of our witness. Vatican II and

the popes repeat it over and over again – we must share the good news with deeds and words. The message. In the past, some thought the task was to convince others of Christianity. But the message is not about an ideology but a person – Jesus Christ – and what He did for us. According to Pope Paul VI, if there is one Scripture verse that encapsulates the essential Gospel message, it is the very text that evangelicals are famous for posting on billboards: “For God so loved the world that He sent his only Son� (John 3:16). The goal. The point of this new evangelisation is not just to get inactive Catholics back to Church or to increase baptisms. These are, of course, important. But they are just milestones on an exciting never-ending journey of discipleship and transformation. The goal is conversion, said Pope John Paul II, which “means accepting, by a personal decision, the saving sovereignty of Christ and becoming His disciple�. The good news for us is that we can do it. The Holy Spirit is the primary evangelist, and has already been given to each of us ?

tion. Yes, we all need to learn more about our faith. But we are equipped and ready right now. „ The writer is co-founder of Crossroads Initiatives, a US apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelisation.

YEAR OF FAITH 19

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Viewing the Church as mystery and institution A look at the impact of the Vatican II document, Lumen Gentium, in this Year of Faith

Visitors walk in St Peter’s Square as the sun sets behind St Peter’s Basilica. Lumen Gentium sets forth an understanding of the Church that has profoundly shaped beliefs and practices for the past 50 years.

By Archbishop Roger Schweitz The Second Vatican Council issued 16 documents but Pope John Paul II suggested that the key for understanding the council (19621965) might be the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations). Approved in 1964, the document considers the Church as both a mystery, with elements hidden from the human eye, and an institution, with a visible structure. It sets forth an understanding of the Church that has profoundly shaped beliefs and practices for ‚Q > < @ @ document. Universal call to holiness. The council said that the purpose of the Church, and of all human life, is holiness. This is the fundamental call of all Christians, and it will be lived out in various ways, depending on one’s state in life and personal gifts. This emphasis on the call to holiness prompted a spiritual reawakening among the laity. Many renewal movements blossomed in the wake of the council. Lay Catholics began to study the Bible, explore various forms of prayer and seek spiritual guidance. As the US bishops observed, “The laity’s hunger for God’s word is everywhere evident� (Called and Gifted, 1980). The Church as the People of God. The council emphasised that we are saved not just as individuals but as a community – the People of God. As a result, we

have seen a renewed understanding of the family as “domestic church�, the primary community in which the faith is nurtured. Moreover, within many parishes, small faith communities have formed, along with support groups and a deliberate focus on welcoming a diversity of cultures and generations. The role of the bishops. While the First Vatican Council (1869-1870) emphasised the papacy, the Second Vatican Council emphasised the dignity and authority of the bishops.

Vatican II emphasised that we are saved not just as a community – the The word “collegial� expressed the council’s understanding of the role of the college of bishops in leading the Church. It declared that the bishops, always in union with the pope, “have supreme and full authority over the universal Church� (#22). Collegiality has had practical implications for Church governance. For example, it has led to the establishment of the Synod of Bishops, through which the pope periodically consults with representatives of the world’s bishops. The most recent synod, on the topic of the New Evangelisation,

was convened in October 2012. The permanent diaconate. Two paragraphs in Lumen Gentium have had a huge impact, especially in the US. They authorise the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent order of ministry. That is, mature married men can be ordained as deacons to assist bishops and priests in their pastoral ministry, including ? tisms, weddings and funerals. Many US dioceses have taken full advantage of this opportunity. The US leads the world in the number of permanent deacons; nearly 15,000 serve in active ministry, and over 90 percent of them are married. The lay vocation. Running through the entire document, and picked up by other council documents, is the theme of lay participation in the Church’s mission. All the faithful, by virtue of their baptism, are called to proclaim Jesus to the world. The lay faithful live out this call by witnessing to Christ in the family, the workplace, and the civic community. This is the “secular character� of the laity, which demands their active engagement with the world. If the role of the laity was neglected in the past, Lumen Gentium restores it to its proper place, proclaiming, “And so, worshipping everywhere by their holy actions, the laity consecrate the world itself to God.� „ USCCB Archbishop Schweitz is the former chairman of the US Bishops’ Liturgy Committee.

20

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday February 10, 2013 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.sg/webevent_form.php SATURDAYS FEB 23 RCIY@ST MARY OF THE ANGELS 3.30-6.45pm: For those aged 13-18. At Church of St Mary of the Angels. T: 9746 4548 (Jeannette); E: jeanetteyeo@gmail.com WEDNESDAYS FEB 27 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7.30-9.30pm: From mid-May, meetings will also be held on Sundays from 11am to 12.30pm. At Church of the Holy Family (6 Chapel Rd). Register T: 6344 0046, 9666 6542; E: rciaholyfam@gmail. ž ALPHA COURSE The Alpha course is to help people have a basic understanding of the Christian faith. THURSDAYS FEB 21 TO MAY 9 7.15-10pm. At Church of Blessed Sacrament (Damien Hall). Register T: 9239 5562; E: bsc.alpha@gmail.com MONDAYS FEB 25 TO MAY 6 7.45-9.45pm: At Church of St Bernadette (12 Zion Rd). Register T: 9798 7788 (Richard), 8322 5356 (Andy); E: andy_ lee_4health@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAYS FEB 6 TO APRIL 10 HOME RETREAT – JOURNEY TOWARDS NEW LIFE 7.30pm: A 10-week retreat over Lent-Easter season based on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. For those who want to learn how to pray for others, deepen their prayer life ' > @ &> Sisters. At Church of Sts Peter and Paul. Register T: 6565 2895, 9181 7763, 9722 3148; E: cenaclesisters@yahoo.com.sg. FEB 7 ECUMENISM 7.30pm: Deacon Sherman Kuek speaks on ecumenism – what the Church teaches about it, what it entails and how one can be involved in it. By Archdiocesan Council for Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue. At Church of Sts Peter and Paul. Register T: 6336 4815; E: iredsingapore@gmail.com FEB 9 PERANAKAN MASS 11pm: Chinese New Year Peranakan Mass. Nyonyas are invited to come in sarong kebaya and babas do come in baju lokcuan or batik shirt. At Church of the Holy Family (6 Chapel Road). E: babaulusiglap@hotmail.com FRIDAYS FEB 15 TO MARCH 22 YEAR OF FAITH 7.30-9.30pm: 6 sessions to help Catholics rediscover their faith and become joy ' &> ’ At Church of St Bernadette AVA Room. Register by Feb 8. SMS: 8467 6161, 8467 6363; E: acptcafe@gmail.com

TUESDAYS FEB 19 TO APRIL 30 THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS 8-9.30pm: Lectures by Msgr Eugene Vaz. By Church of the Holy Family Biblical Apostolate Team. At Church of the Holy Family (Function Room Level 4). Register E: hfcbat@yahoo.com FEB 20 HOLY HOUR FOR PRIEST VOCATIONS 7.30-9pm: Pray for more priestly vocations and for our priests. By Serra Club of Singapore. At Church of St Bernadette. (Adoration Room). Register T: clara@serrasingapore.org FEB 23 CATHOLIC SINGLES DINNER @HANS 5.30-9pm: A good opportunity for fellowship and friendship among single Catholics in Singapore. At Hans CafÊ (Pickering St). By Catholic Singles. Register E: CatholicSingle@gmail.com; FB: http://www.facebook.com/ CatholicSinglesSingapore FEB 24 TO APR 7 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE For couples intending to get married. ‘ @ ? Quarter 2 course from Apr 28 to Jun 2. T: 9839 9840 (Ron/Grace); E: mpcsingapore@gmail.com; Register in parishes or W: http://www.catholic.org.sg/mpc

NEWS

CPS Suntec to change Mass venue By Darren Boon The Catholic Prayer Society (CPS) Suntec’s lunchtime Mass venue at The Rock Auditorium will be moved to other locations in the coming months. Starting February, its Tuesday lunchtime Masses will be held

ˆ \ _ Suntec City Mall, adjacent to The Rock Auditorium in Suntec Tower Three. From March, Masses will be held at Shine Auditorium in Shaw Tower as an interim measure while CPS works towards securing another venue in Suntec.

According to CPS, the changes were necessary as the Rock Auditorium would be moving out of Suntec City Mall at the end of January due to the ongoing renovations. Le Danz would also be moving out of its premises at the end of February due to the renovations. The last CPS Mass at The Rock was scheduled for Jan 29. According to Ms Cynthia Chia from CPS, “CPS Suntec intends to remain in the Suntec area as we do have a large community of Catholics there whom we can serve by bringing the Eucharistic

celebration to them and [organising] other activities.� She added that there is a possibility for CPS to use one of the function rooms when the Suntec City Convention Centre renovations are completed. “This is likely to happen towards the second half of the year,� she said. “We believe that ' > Meanwhile, CPS Suntec’s Mass times remained unchanged: Tuesdays at 12.15pm and 1.15pm. For more information and updates, visit http://www.cps.org.sg „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

? # > ' At Church of Christ the King. Register: T: 9757 1383 (Jason), 9616 0258 (Matthew); E: ctkcafe@gmail.com

TUESDAYS FEB 26 TO MARCH 26 FAITH & THE SACRAMENTS – RECONCILIATION & MARRIAGE 8-10pm: Fr Arro will speak on how one’s call to be Christian witnesses is supported by graces given through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Marriage. At Church of St Mary of the Angels (St Clare Hall). T: 6567 3866 (Denise); E: denise@stmary.sg

FRIDAY MARCH 1 TO SUNDAY MARCH 3 CHOICE WEEKEND Fri (7.30pm)-Sun (6pm): Learn to cope with all the different expectations one has of life, family and friends and how to build successful relationships as a single young adult. For single adults 18-35 years old. By Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West St 42. T: 9880 3093 (Dawn), 9046 2297 (Albert). Register: E: www.choice.org.sg

THURSDAYS FEB 28 TO APRIL 4 COMMON SENSE PARENTING WORKSHOP | }Q Â&#x; }Q ™ Â’ workshop developed by Boystown, USA, that has helped thousands of parents to walk the talk in raising responsible children. Parents will learn a practical approach to manage their children’s behaviours and guide them in the choices they make. By Morning Star Community Services. At 4 Lor Low Koon. Register T: 6315 8812; E: programs@morningstar.org.sg

FRIDAY MARCH 8 TO SUNDAY MARCH 10 BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (4pm): For those divorced, separated, or who have experienced the death of a spouse. Work through one’s grief and put one’s past behind, to be Register T: 9647 9122 (Sue), 9828 5162 (Jean), 9661 8089 (Joseph); E: josephchew@ippfa.com

THURSDAYS FEB 28 TO APRIL 11 CATHOLIC FAITH EXPLORATION (CAFÉ) 7.45-9.30pm: 6-part video series to help Catholics rediscover their faith and

Crossword Puzzle 1077 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21 24

22 26

25 28

33

34

35

39

30

31

32

51

52

27

40

41 44

43

45

46 47 54

48

55

56

49

57

50 58

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

60

13

37

38

53

12

23

29

36

42

11

61

59

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

OBITUARY

Controversial theologian called to the Lord THRISSUR, INDIA – Church of @ " Lanka have praised Oblate Fr Tissa Balasuriya, 88, a prominent theologian who died on Jan 17 in Colombo. “Let us bury only the bones and the flesh of Fr Balasuriya, but let us keep his words and deeds,� said Bishop Norbert Andradi of Anuradhapura, secretary-general of the Sri Lankan bishops’ conference, at the Jan 19 funeral. Fr Balasuriya incurred excommunication in 1997 for statements about Mary, original sin, Christ’s redemptive role, revelation and papal authority in his book, Mary and Human Liberation, but the excommunication was revoked a year later. Oblate Fr Rohan Silva, provincial of Colombo, told Catholic News Service that the late priest “was a visionary educationist�.

Fr Tissa Balasuriya

“One of the pioneers of con > the outlook of many theologians,�

Fr Silva said. “Fr Tissa was able to highlight the dignity of the human person when the society branded people according to their ethnicity and faith.� Social activists along with politicians and Buddhist monks joined hundreds of Catholics at the funeral, he added. Catholic human rights activist Ruki Fernando described Fr Balasuriya as “a gentle rebel� who was never shy about taking strong stands on matters of justice, peace and globalisation. In 1971, the late priest set up the Oblate Centre for Religion and Society that was in the forefront of the Church’s social action and advocacy for peace during Sri Lanka’s bloody years of ethnic He also wrote two dozen books on social and economic concerns and contextual theology. „ CNS

ACROSS 1 The New Jerusalem in Revelation was made of this 5 Site of Paul’s shipwreck 10 “So, could you not watch with me one ____?� (Mt 26:40) 14 Topping in a tub 15 Online sales 16 Sea World performer 17 Lyric poems 18 Drive back 19 Coll. course 20 Dreadful 21 Headwear 23 “This is the _____ that the Lord has made� 24 Compositions 26 Thespians’ labor org. 28 Prayer petitioning God to send the Holy Spirit 33 Latin-American dance 37 Leave hurriedly 38 Not fer 39 Covenant seal (Ex 24:7–8) 41 Sand hill 42 Archdiocese in Nicaragua 44 People St. Patrick converted

45 Convert 47 Norse goddess 48 Doctor of the Church 53 Governor Bush, convert to Catholicism 56 Satirist Mort 58 “_____ job!â€? 60 Potpourri 62 Bureaucracy that assists the Pope 63 Barks 64 Team 65 Upright 66 Plot of ground 67 Be mindful of 68 Contract 69 Trillion (pref.) DOWN 1 _____works 2 Any Beatles song, now 3 Ogles 4 Prescribed amounts 5 Certain works ~ ‘ { 7 Scandinavian 8 Gifts for dad 9 â€œâ€Śso death spread to _____ menâ€? (Rom 5:12) 10 Second of IHS 11 Toward the mouth 12 Calif. college 13 Indelicate

22 Sunday in Lent 25 First word of a Latin trio 26 Great quantity 27 Crystal-lined rock 29 Patron saint of lawyers 30 Spiritual principle of human beings 31 A contraction 32 Views 33 Compact by pounding 34 Culture medium 35 El _____ 36 Biblical tooth action? 39 Papal order 40 Not ordained 43 Strange person

44 One of two epistles (abbr.) 46 Morality 49 Delight 50 Joseph was sold into slavery here 51 Black Panthers co-founder 52 One way to buy stock 53 OT historical book 54 Night author 55 Remain 56 Free from doubt 57 Certain code 59 Nick and Nora’s pooch 61 Brit. reference book 62 Animation frame

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1076 F L U T E R O M A N A B S O L U A M O U T R A S P R I G E A G L E S G L E E A A C A S S A U R A C E R B I D A N I E L O T T O E G R T E S E Y R E E

L I T A N Y C H O C P I P

E I S L S A I O N S H A B E M O N D E T A R N T I I E N O R A R D I A L E N T I S C O F T R E E Y

P A L L O R E V I L

A V I L A

W O M E N

S W A Y S

E L E V E

L I N E D

Y E A R

P A T E E R U M A R N S

24

ADVERTISEMENT

Sunday February 10, 2013 CatholicNews

PUBLISHED BY ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, SINGAPORE 549102. PRINTED BY TIMESPRINTERS, 16 TUAS AVE 5, SINGAPORE 639340.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.