Catholic News Issue 18 2018

A publication of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2018

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 076/06/2018

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

VOL 68

NO. 18

INSIDE If only your faith is the size of a mustard seed…

Singapore Catholic Deaf Community members at their 40th anniversary Mass.

Archbishop Goh explains the need to keep one’s hope and faith strong

Photo: VITA Images

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Let your light shine on me...

Churches glow in the glory of God n Page 2

Caritas gets new Executive Director Former SOS director takes over the reins n Page 4

Amazing Race…

Catholic style Young Catholics bond over special games

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heir hearing may be impaired or they may be totally deaf but that doesn’t deter them from their desire to search for God. They have a strong faith and through their Catholic community, they have come to know and grow in that faith, said Archbishop William Goh. Speaking at the 40th anniversary Mass of the Singapore Catholic Deaf Community (SCDC) held at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, he also urged more support and care for the marginalised in society.

Fr Adrian Yeo, the community’s spiritual director, and Franciscan Friar Rowland Yeo, who is also deaf, concelebrated the Mass.

A lunch and other activities were held after the Mass includ-

ing the cutting of the anniversary cake, a lucky draw as well as certificates of appreciation to the community members for serving at the signed liturgy every Sunday at the 11.15 am Mass.

The SCDC is an independent lay organisation established on Aug 9, 1978. It was first founded

by Canossian Sisters Angela Garavaglia and Helen Fernandez.

Until November 1992, the ministry was known as Ephphatha, meaning “be opened”, the word used by Jesus when He was healing the deaf man (Mark 7:34).

Over the years, it has grown to include both the deaf and others with normal hearing with the objective of advocating awareness and developing programmes for the Catholic deaf community. n

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Giving every child another chance in life A look at Boys’ Town’s service to the community n Pages 12-13

Mother Mary shows us the way Cutting the anniversary cake.

From left: Father Adrian Yeo, the community’s spiritual director; Mr Nathanael Thomas Oswald, community president; Archbishop William Goh and Franciscan Friar Rowland Yeo.

Fr Paul Pang talks about Mary’s role n Page 14

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Let your light shine on me ...

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Churches glow in the glory of God As lights illuminated various buildings and art installations created a buzz in the city as part of the Singapore Night Festival 2018, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Church of Sts Peter and Paul revealed their own unique glow with the peace of Christ.

At the Cathedral, the theme of the celebrations focused on peace and harmony amid today’s climate of violence.

On Aug 17 and 18, people of different ages, religions and races flocked to the Cathedral to light about 30,000 votive candles that formed the phrase “Peace & Harmony”.

Each night featured videos on peace and harmony every half an hour, hour-long guided heritage tours, pipe organ demos on the 1912 Bevington and Sons organ, Singapore’s oldest working pipe organ, and a closing reflection by rector Monsignor Philip Heng.

Visitors could also marvel at the lighted angels with musical instruments that were on display.

According to the Cathedral, about 14,000 people participated in the festivities over the two days.

At Sts Peter and Paul Church on Aug 18 and 19, there were selfguided tours and a documentary screening on the rich history of the parish for about 2,000 visitors.

Visitors on the evening of Aug 19 were also treated to a time of prayer and sacred music led by two choirs, Cappella Martialis and Creátus Chamber.

The evening concluded with a brief service of the sung Compline led by parish priest Father Edward Lim. This was the second time the Cathedral and Sts Peter and Paul Church participated in the Night Festival.

The festival activities were scheduled to continue on Aug 24 and 25 for both churches. n

Fr An aerial view of the celebrations at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Photos: VITA Images

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Msgr Philip Heng blessing the lighted “musical” angels.

A mother and her daughter lighting a votive candle at the cathedral.

CHANCERY NOTICE

20 August 2018

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Erbin Fernandez has been given permission to be on sabbatical leave and rest with immediate effect.

2. Ms Pauline Goh has been appointed a member of the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning of Resources (ASPR) Council for a term of three [3] years with effect from 9 July 2018.

3. Ms Gan Siok Loon is reappointed as Director of the Board of ABLE SEAS for a term of two [2] years with effect from 17 May 2018.

4. The following have been reappointed to the Board of Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations Ltd (ABLE) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 August 2018: a. Mr Simon Wong Kwek Seong b. Ms Trillion Soh 5. The following have been appointed to the Board of Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations Ltd (ABLE) for a term of two [2] years with

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effect from 15 August 2018: a. Mr Adrian Kow b. Ms Amelia Vincent Fr Edward Seah is appointed Spiritual Director for the seminarians of St Francis Xavier Major Seminary for a term of three [3] years with effect from 16 August 2018 and taking up residence at the seminary from 1 January 2019.

Fr Charlie Oasan CICM is appointed Spiritual Director of Singapore Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal (SACCRE) for a term of three [3] years with effect from 16 August 2018.

The following have been reappointed to the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 16 August 2018: a. Fr John Joseph Fenelon b. Sr Marianna D’Costa FMDM Mr Gabriel Khoo Kian Teck is appointed to the Board of Directors of Caritas Humani-

tarian Aid & Relief Initiatives (Singapore) Ltd (CHARIS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 16 August 2018.

10.The following are appointed to the Executive Committee of the Roman Catholic Prison Ministry for a term of two [2] years with effect from 16 August 2018: a. Mr Melvin Sum – Chairperson b. Mr Gerard Nah – Secretary c. Mr Jimmy Yuen – Treasurer d. Mr Lawrence Yeo – member e. Ms Jennifer Ang – member f. Sr Julia Quek RGS – member 11. Sr Veronica De Roza FMM is appointed Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary’s Immaculate Heart Junior Curia for a term of two [2] years with effect from 16 August 2018.

12. Deacon Clement Chen is appointed to the Board of Directors of Clarity Singapore Ltd for a term of two [2] years with effect from 16 August 2018.

13. Fr Antony Kuttianickal CMI

is appointed Assistant Priest to Church of the Transfiguration for a term of three [3] years with effect from 15 September 2018.

14. The following have been reappointed members of Catholic High School’s Management Committee for a term of three [3] years with effect from 1 October 2018: a. Mr Siew Weng Loon Henry – Chairperson b. Mr Su Guaning – Vice Chair c. Mr Wong Ann Kin – Hon Treasurer d. Mr Heng Yeow Meng – Hon Secretary e. Mr Chong Keen Loon David f. Mr Han Chee Juan g. Mr Khua Kian Keong

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h. Mr Lam Chun Kai Simon i. Mr Laurence Lien j. Mr Lim Teng Sherng k. Ms Phua Siok Gek Cynthia l. Ms Soh Lai Leng Magdalen 15. Fr Andrew Wong is appointed Spiritual Director of Catholic Spirituality Centre for a term of three [3] years with effect from 5 November 2018 and will take up residence at the centre.

16. Fr Ignatius Yeo is appointed Parish Priest of Church of St Anthony for a term of six [6] years with effect from 5 November 2018.

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17. Fr Edmond Chong is appointed Assistant Priest of Church of St Anthony for a term of three [3] years with effect from 5 November 2018.

Fr John-Paul Tan, OFM, JCL, Chancellor Chancery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore #07-01 Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187954 Email: chancery@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday September 2, 2018  CatholicNews

talent unveiled at shepherds night The event was organised by the Archdiocesan Land and Properties Singapore (ALPS) to raise funds for the SFX Seminary Building Fund. This is to pay for the last leg of the building’s construction.

Fr Valerian Cheong, Rector of SFX Seminary, welcoming the guests.

It was a historic night at the newly-constructed SFX Seminary Building at 618 Upper Bukit Timah Road on Saturday, 28 July 2018.

Some 200 priests, religious and lay Catholics filled the auditorium of the building for the momentous Shepherds Night – a dinner organised to garner support and funds for the outstanding cost of the SFX Seminary Building.

The night lived up to its name.

The Shepherds of today, and of tomorrow, showed their talents in so many different ways.

Before dinner began, the 10 seminarians took lay guests on small group tours of the library, classrooms and chapel, describing their life at the seminary as they went along.

Dinner consisted of five specially curated dishes, starting with Shepherd’s Pie to more exotic dishes like Shepherd’s Balls in Broth and Beef Goulash with Polenta Cake and Sour Cream. The dishes were all prepared from recipes contributed by Brother Bernard Tng, and Fathers Cary Chan, Cornelius Ching, John-Paul Tan, and Valerian Cheong. Guests received a souvenir booklet with the recipes included, so

that they can recreate the dining experience in their homes.

It was heartening to see that our priests not only serve food for our souls but also for our stomachs. And while the guests were tucking away, several priests and the seminarians took to the stage in song, dance, and humorous skit.

The crowd participated and showed their appreciation as they clapped and joined in the quiz and sing-along session. More so, they contributed generously. The evening raised $2.3 million.

While table sales accounted for a significant amount, contributions and pledges received that evening made up the majority. This included a one-for-one matching donation of $1 million made by a generous contributor who wished to remain anonymous.

A very special thank you to all who were moved to contribute towards the development of the SFX Seminary Building.

Your contributions have helped ensure a brighter future for the Catholic Church here in Singapore.

Together, we can truly build a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church.

Fr Michael Sitaram and parishioners from the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in a dance performance.

Archbishop William Goh saying grace before the dinner.

Fr Cornelius Ching educates the crowd on all things Catholic with his inimitable humour.

Our archdiocese envisions a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church. As the fundraising arm of the Archdiocese of Singapore, the Catholic Foundation has launched the Giving in Faith & Thankfulness (GIFT) campaign to urge every Catholic to participate in making the vision of the archdiocese a reality.

Gift Now

gift.catholicfoundation.sg

Emcees, Brothers Eugene Chan and Justin Yip charmed the guests with their repartee.

Fr Luke Fong with a violin recital for the first time in public.

a series contributed by

The seminarians did a skit of a fictitious monastery.

Fr Henry Siew with his renditions of songs in Mandarin and dialect.

Fr Eugene Vaz giving a singalong session to wrap up the night.

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Caritas Singapore gets new Executive Director It is the call to share our professional talents and to get closer to God that lead many to work at Caritas Singapore. Caritas Singapore is the social arm of the Catholic Church for about 12 years now, with 27 Catholic charities and services under her umbrella.

Ms Christine Wong has taken over the reins from Ms Bernadette Lau since Aug 1. She is certainly a familiar face in the field of social work, as she was previously the Executive Director of the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). She has served in the social service sector in Singapore for over 30 years, including her tenure with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and the Methodist Welfare Services.

She led the development of SOS services in the areas of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention over the last 10 years. Under her leadership, SOS garnered the NVPC (National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre) Volunteer Management Award in 2008.

Ms Wong worked closely with many agencies in the areas of suicide prevention. She launched the SOS Conference which featured their first local books – “Why” written by a suicide survivor who had sadly lost both her parents through suicide, and “Aly” by a local teenager who lost her best friend to suicide.

The late President S.R. Nathan had graciously accepted her invitation to be the Honorary Member of SOS, and he also fronted SOS’ World Suicide Prevention Campaign in 2014. SOS’ Patron Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development, fronted the same campaign online in 2016.

Ms Wong’s passion and expertise in social work is recognised internationally. She was invited as Speaker in the US, Japan, and at

Ms Christine Wong (left) takes over the reins as Executive Director from Ms Bernadette Lau.

Thailand’s Annual Mental Health Conferences from 2015-2017.

She is also a familiar face at local conferences.

She holds a Master of Science (UK) and an MA in Social Work.

She is an accredited Social Worker and a registered member of the Singapore Association of Social Workers and is also certified by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) as a Crisis Worker.

Said Ms Wong on her new role: “As the social service arm of the Church, Caritas Singapore is uniquely placed where we can show God’s love by reaching out to others to show our love in action.

“Many people I have worked with seemed hopeless. They are searching for an answer to life’s problems and the meaning of life, and there is a void and emptiness in them. I also look forward to

strengthening and building on the existing good work under Bernadette’s tenure as ED and bring it to another level together with all our partners.”

Meantime, her predecessor, Ms Bernadette Lau, after serving for seven years as ED of Caritas Singapore, will continue as Special Advisor to the Chairman till the end of August.

Ms Lau joined Caritas Singapore in July 2010, before which she had spent 11 years in the social service sector in Singapore and 19 years in the private sector

as an accountant/controller.

During her time at Caritas, she set up the Advocacy desk and supported the Advocacy Committee chaired by Mr Laurence Lien in January 2011 which led to the organisation of the Caritas Roundtable forum, the first of which was held in May 2012.

Ms Lau shared, “The highlight of my time with Caritas Singapore was the setting up of Agape Village, even though it was also very challenging. We had many meetings with member organisations to get their consensus, including

‘As the social service arm of the Church, Caritas Singapore is uniquely placed where we can show God’s love by reaching out to others to show our love in action.’

– Ms Christine Wong, Caritas’ new Executive Director

the 2012 leaders’ retreat where we had the envisioning exercise of Agape Village, and then seeing it come to fruition. Agape Village is now in its third year of operations to partner the poor.”

She developed a sound financial system and governance reporting structure for Caritas Singapore, ensuring compliance with the Charities Code of Governance, even garnering the Charity Transparency Award from The Charity Council in 2016.

She was appointed Caritas Singapore’s coordinator to oversee and ensure compliance with the Caritas Internationalis Management Systems (CIMS), ensuring that the organisation meets minimum standards of governance, organisational infrastructure, financial viability and accountability, and compliance with ethical codes of conduct.

She was also appointed as Assessor to assess other CI Members’ submission of the CIMS. Ms Lau added, “Even though I am sad to leave this great place and wonderful colleagues, board and committee members, I feel another calling at this time in my life that I have to answer. The gift of a grandson is more than I can ask for, and also is the time to spend with the family; this is the role that God is directing me towards at this point in my life.”

Caritas chairperson, Ms Janet Ang, expressed her thanks to Ms Lau for her “dedication and passion in ‘partnering the poor’ with our Caritas family”.

She also welcomed Ms Wong, saying, “We look forward to her leadership and contributions as she brings her years of experience in the social sector, and her professional competence as a social worker and leader in social services.” n

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Inauguration of North District Games Day A race with a different focus …

It was a special National Day celebration for 40 young Catholics on Aug 9 as they came together for the inauguration of the North District Games Day – where they held a form of the popular reality TV game show The Amazing Race coupled with various sports to give it a twist; such as captain’s ball and “running tic-tactoe”. Two teams face off against each other in a race to see who can complete the tic-tac-toe sequence first.

Besides incorporating more physically demanding activities, there were many other events that challenged the participants as they visited locations such as Bishan Park and Thomson Plaza for the games that lasted from 8.45 am-1.30 pm. At specific stations, they were required to praise God via action songs and write down inspirational Christian messages on pieces of paper to be given to strangers. These messages would also have to include lyrics from National Day songs.

The purpose of the games was to foster fellowship among the youth of the North District churches.

Joshua Loo, 16, from the Church

of the Holy Spirit, said it was pleasant to meet new friends. The games were great in bonding everyone, especially since each team comprised of young people from different parishes, he said.

Cefannie Ramos, 19, from the Church of Christ the King, said the experience was refreshing and interesting as it created the platform for the youth to mingle with those from other parishes.

The bond was quickly formed as they had similar experiences to share and this reminded her of what it meant to be brothers and sisters in Christ, she added.

Daniel Gerard, 15, from the Church of St Anthony, said it was great laughing and chatting with other participants during the event.

The event was organised by the North District Youth Council, made up of representatives from the six parishes in the district: Church of Christ The King, Church of the Holy Spirit, Church of the Risen Christ, Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Church of St Anthony and Church of St Joseph (Bukit Timah). n

Captain’s ball is one of the challenging games.

A pose for the album for the participants from the North District churches.

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If only your

FAITH is the size of a MUSTARD SEED… IN

Excerpt from Archbishop’s reflection 11 Aug 2018.

Scripture readings: [Habakkuk 1:12-2:4; Matthew 17:14-20]

the first reading, we hear the cries of the poor for justice and liberation. In the days of old, as in our days as well, the poor and the vulnerable were often manipulated. They were at the mercy of the rich and the powerful. Those who had power use their position to influence people, to buy over the rich to help them become richer and more powerful and buy over the poor for their support. Indeed, we see such politics everywhere in the world at every strata of society, whether in the corporate, political or religious world. When we suffer injustice at the hands of others, causing us to suffer much, even to the extent of us losing our job, family and reputation, how can

we continue to believe in a God of justice?

Indeed, when we are down and suffering immensely because of unjust and cruel people around us, we begin to lose faith in God. This was the case of the prophet Habakkuk. He was prophesying at a time when the Babylonians were rising in power. He

Remember how often we implored God’s intervention in our illness, financial woes, relationships at home and at work… But does He answer to all our prayers? The answer is He will, but He has a plan which we do not see clearly. So, we must keep faith.

To achieve this, writes Archbishop William Goh, we need to keep our hope strong, so as to keep our faith strong, and have patience.

could not understand how God would allow the Babylonians to punish Judah.

He found it difficult to reconcile God’s love for His people and at the same

When we suffer injustice at the hands of others, causing us to suffer much, even to the extent of us losing our job, family and reputation, how can we continue to believe in a God of justice?

time, not helping those who were suffering. Is not this the case for us as well?

When we seek God’s help in our illness, financial difficulties, in the predicament we are in, and the answer appears not to be forthcoming, we too will begin to lose hope.

Indeed, like the prophet in that situation of helplessness, we too would also question the justice of God. He said, “Are not you, from ancient times Lord, my God, my Holy One, who never dies? Lord, you have made this people

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Hence, the Lord sought to awaken the faith of His disciples, “Faithless and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you?

The Lord later explained Bring him here to me.” Thus, “when to the disciples why they Jesus rebuked were unable to heal the it the devil came out of the boy boy. He said, ‘I tell you who was cured solemnly, if your faith from that mowere the size of a mustard ment.” Faith is necessary to alseed you could say to this low God to take over our lives mountain, ‘Move from and be in charge here to there’, and it would of us. The Lord later explained to move; nothing would be the disciples why impossible for you.’ they were unable to heal the boy.

He said, “I tell you solemnly, if your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it would move; nothing would be impossible for you.”

How can anyone arrive at such faith, even if one’s faith is as tiny as the mustard seed? It is not that we do not want to have faith, but we feel inadequate to surrender in faith because of fear, lack of trust or dare not be disappointed. Indeed, many of us hope for God to intervene in our illness, financial woes and difficult relationships with our spouse, boss, in-laws or colleagues, but the situation remains unchanged.

Hence, when the Lord said to the father, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ (Mk 9:23f) This too is our prayer as well. Many of us do believe in God but our faith is at different levels.

How then can we grow our faith? How can we overcome our unbelief? Faith thrives on hope. The stronger the hope, the stronger the faith.

Without hope, there can be no faith. We all live by hope.

The prophet Isaiah said, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow

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an instrument of justice, set it firm as a rock in order to punish…. Your eyes are too pure to rest on wickedness, you cannot look on at tyranny. Why do you look on while men are treacherous, and stay silent while the evil man swallows a better man than he?”

So too, the case of the man whose son was possessed by an unclean spirit. In desperation, he turned to the Lord and said, “take pity on my son: he is a lunatic and in a wretched state; he is always falling into the fire or into the water. I took him to your disciples and they were unable to cure him.” The disciples were asked to help but could not drive the spirit out of the boy. (cf Mk 9:17f)

It is not that we do not want to have faith, but we feel inadequate to surrender in faith because of fear, lack of trust or dare not be disappointed.

Indeed, many of us hope for God to intervene in our illness, financial woes and difficult relationships with our spouse, boss, in-laws or colleagues, but the situation remains unchanged.

tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa 40:29-31) The letter to the Hebrews said, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” (Heb 11:1f) For us, Christians, we have not just hope but we have a certain hope in Christ. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are certain of the future ahead of us, and our victory over sin, injustice and death. This hope is given to us in the presence of the Holy Spirit as a foretaste and a pledge of what is to come. “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom 5:2-5)

At times, we feel that He is not with us or is not on our side, but He is working slowly but surely to liberate us and to bring justice on earth.

Instead of taking things into our own hands, we must allow the plan of God to unfold itself.

It is this hope in Christ that we are able to persevere even in the face of injustices, suffering and evil. This was how St Peter asked the Christians who were under persecution to do, namely, to praise God for a living hope. “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

(1 Pt 1:3-5, 8f) That is why we need to affirm that our God is in charge and in control of our history and that of the world. God has a plan which we do not see clearly.

He told the prophet to “Write the vision down, inscribe it on tables to be easily read, since this vision is for its own time only: eager for its own fulfilment, it does not deceive; if it comes slowly, wait, for come it will, without fail.” So, we must trust and believe that God knows what

He is doing. At times, we feel that He is not with us or is not on our side, but He is working slowly but surely to liberate us and to bring justice on earth. Instead of taking things into our own hands, we must allow the plan of God to unfold itself.

So, faith requires patience and perseverance. We need to remain calm and wait patiently for the Lord to act. It is our impatience and wanting to take things into our own hands that cause us even more problems. Jesus was never rash in fulfilling the mission of His Father. He knew when to withdraw when the opposition got stronger. He knew when to act when it was time to stand up against His opponents. He was never reactive, unlike the apostles. This is also required of us.

Let us take to heart the reminder of our Lord through the prophet when He remarked, “See, how he flags, he whose soul is not at rights, but the upright man will live by his faithfulness.”

When we are not focused and when we take things into our own hands, using unjust and devious means to get what we want, we will always remain fearful, anxious and lacking peace in our soul.

However, if we live a just life, and a life of faith in God that He is the just judge who rules over the earth as the psalmist says, our lives will be secure. n

… if we live a just life, and a life of faith in God that He is the just judge who rules over the earth as the psalmist says, our lives will be secure.

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Genevieve takes her audience on a melodious journey

Genevieve inspiring her audience with her songs.

Marc Tan

healing that she wanted to share.

The titles of her songs give an It was a Saturday evening concert idea of her faith journey: Famous, with a difference for the parish- He Loves it When I Sing, High ioners of the Church of St Igna- on the Mountain, I Will Speak tius. Instead of just engaging the for You, and Abba (which she reaudience with a musical presenta- minded the audience is more like tion, singer and song-writer Ge- “Daddy or Dada”) In her own words: nevieve Toh captivated them with Abba, Abba... her melodious voice and shared That’s who you are to me her journey to find Christ.

I couldn’t earn it, I don’t Held at the church itself on Aug 11, Genevieve, was accompanied deserve it But your Grace made me your by a team of singers and musicians mostly from the parish, and her sis- child Her compositions ter, Germaine Toh. ranged from energisThe concert was in Abba, Abba... ing rock anthems to aid of the AHUVA That’s who quieter introspective Good Shepherd Chilacoustic ballads, with dren’s Home located you are to me arrangements for full at Marymount Centre, I couldn’t earn it, band with backup Toa Payoh Lorong 8.

Through 11 of her I don’t deserve it singers to solos where she accompanied heroriginal compositions But your Grace self on the piano. prefaced by some Before moving to words of explanation, made me New York, Genevieve scripture and exhoryour child spent many years tation, Genevieve – Lyrics from one serving in the music took her audience on of Genevieve’s songs ministry of St Ignaher journey through tius Church. Many her past four years.

Genevieve, who started out as parishioners remember her leading a classical pianist, arrived in New the choir at the Saturday 6pm Mass.

Genevieve is a mother of two York City in 2014 as her husband had found a job there. She was boys, aged 8 and 12. She has redrawn to the city’s vibrant music leased two albums and also three scene and set about writing her singles.

Genevieve told Catholic News own music. Although she did not set out to be a Christian music she had a “wonderful” and “spiritartist, her earliest compositions anointed” experience performing already had a spiritual dimension. this concert, especially with the As she related in her sharing, “great collaboration of us all as over time she overcame her early brothers and sisters in Christ”. For struggles and began to feel more her, the concert was not just about relaxed as she learnt to rest in her the music but the “faith journey increasing trust in Jesus. Her songs behind the music”.

Genevieve was in Singapore to became more infused with her experience of her relationship with visit family members and friends God. She has found that music can and is expected to return to New be a source of healing and it is this York at the end of August. n

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Sunday September 2, 2018  CatholicNews

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The Family – The Little Church The family is a little church with the same mission as the universal Church, and is the primary place where the faith is passed on from one generation to the next. Many of the 603 laws in the Old Testament focus on the family to ensure its survival and wellbeing, including laws around marriage, diet in the home, sexual activity, purity of the husband and wife, and education of the faith in the home.

Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia quoted the poet Jorge Luis Borges: “Every home is a lamp stand.” Love begins at home, spreading from family to family, from house to house. Indeed, this is how the early Church began and grew. In the New Testament we see how the early Church centred on family homes. Christians met, prayed and served the community

from within their homes. With no church buildings as we have today, Christianity flourished in a domestic setting.

In Singapore, some of our parishes have set up Family Life Ministries (FLMs), helping their parish priests in supporting the family of families within the Church. While most events and activities celebrate family

FLM – Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Recognising the massive responsibility of chairing the parish’s FLM, taking over the mantle in the ministry that was started some 20 years back, Alex Budiman and his wife Annabell were somewhat reticent about serving as chairpersons. Yet they also understood the enormous impact they could have on people’s lives, which has partly been why it’s been a difficult journey for a couple that just wants to get the balance right.

“We weren’t sure how effective we could be,” explains Alex. “We were reluctant to accept the nomination at the end of 2015, given that we were relatively new members and were not necessarily familiar with the charter and operations of the ministry. We are so grateful to Daniel and Shelley, who we took over from as chairpersons, as they

encouraged us a lot and provided the support we needed, staying in the ministry for the first 18 months to help provide a smooth transition. We inherited a team of eight couples as the core team.”

Bringing FLM to the next level Although well supported by the core team to ensure continuity, one of the challenges the couple has faced has been the turnover of members in the ministry over the last two years. Blessed with new couples volunteering, the current core team stands at eight couples, and Alex and his wife are ready to bring FLM to its next phase of development.

“We have had a busy first two years, which has included being able to chart the course of the ministry for the next phase as well as bringing back the popular Family Camp to Our Lady of

Perpetual Succour (OLPS) after a long hiatus. Fortunately, we received wonderful support from Father Kenny Tan, the Faith Sycas (OLPS youth ministry), the altar servers and other ministries. We couldn’t have been happier to hear the testimonies from the families on the last day of the camp,” explains Alex.

“But we have so much more to achieve. Our ministry tends to be more centred around events to promote family bonding and formation. The challenge is to find a “sweet spot” that addresses family needs aligned with our vision and mission of supporting families to recognise the role of parents as the first catechists and the family as the first Church. This could prevent some of the family issues experienced by so many families today.”

milestones and promote family bonding, there is also the need to help our couples and families have a basic understanding of the ‘higher whys’ and of God’s master plan for marriage and family; as it was from the very beginning.

As a lot of these truths have been drowned out by the noise of the world seeking to redefine gender,

Supporting Christ-centred families Given that parents set the tone and are the critical success factors in creating a Christ-centred family, the OLPS FLM is on a mission to increase the involvement of parents in FLM and within their own families. The demands and responsibilities in a competitive and high-cost Singapore consume a lot of a parent’s time and energy.

But outsourcing faith formation to the catechesis programme is not sufficient. It has to start in the home. They want to set up a support system in FLM that will guide parents through their roles as leaders of a Catholic family.

Alex also feels that if more parents were involved with FLM, this would bring greater insights into their needs and how FLM can tailor programmes for better support.

Wanting to reach more families “We wish we had a larger turnout at some of the events

marriage and family, this FamFare issue discusses the challenges faced and the successes achieved by two FLMs. We hope that it serves as inspiration for other parishes to set up their own FLM to evangelise families and to have families evangelising other families, building up a vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church.

and programmes. It takes a lot of coordination and effort to hold each one, so we hope more families can participate and benefit. We have done a few faith formation programmes but we need to do more,” Alex explains. “We always welcome and need more volunteers to help with event planning and coordination. We have been fortunate to receive support from our volunteers so far. Our motto is God always provides and our ministry can certainly testify to it. We have a programme/event about once every six to eight weeks and we meet as a core team monthly for two hours. This meeting includes faith formation for the first hour.”

Alex also hopes to be able to learn what other parishes have done and take onboard what has been successful, which is something he looks to ACF to be able to coordinate, along with a roadmap on programmes to support families.

The rewards are worth it It has been a challenging, yet rewarding, two years. Asked whether parishes that don’t have an FLM should start one, Alex’s reaction is a wholehearted Yes!: “Families today need help more than ever. We’ve also seen that the more you give, the more you receive. The extra benefit we get from serving is seeing how the families benefit from and enjoy our programmes. We also journey with fellow core team members and have become close friends by serving in the ministry.”

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FLM - Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace

Helping families live their faith

When parishioners Galvin and Margarita Loh got married in 1983, there was no one to guide them through what was required nor to help them plan their wedding mass. They were lost, and ended up collecting mass booklets to see what others were doing. Recognising the need, they approached Lawrence and Bertilla Chea to consider forming a team to work together. In 1986, the working team was formed to assist couples for their wedding in Queen of Peace Church (QoP).

It takes a village …

But the Lohs were not able to carry on as their family grew to include five children. Lawrence and Bertilla then continued the project to assist couples preparing for their wedding.

Then in August 2015, they accepted an offer from the PET from the ACF to help set up a Family Life Ministry (FLM). The QoP FLM was officially formed in Oct 2015. One of the main areas undertaken by the FLM was to provide assistance to couples preparing for their wedding and during Infant Baptism, and the Lohs have noticed the improvements that FLM has brought to Catholic families through the experiences of their own childrens’ weddings and grandchildren’s infant baptism.

Having provided assistance to couples for the past thirty-two years, Bertilla, who chairs FLM, explains that everyone in the ministry has their particular roles, but that they all pull together to pitch in to ensure that the families are always supported.

“It’s not without its challenges, that’s for sure,” explains Bertilla.

“And that’s not just sacrificing our personal time, but in meeting the needs of the families in living their faith.”

Over the years, the team has learnt from experience and provided a comprehensive checklist that couples go through to ensure the smooth running of their celebration. The liturgy takes precedence over the ceremony itself, to ensure priorities within their faith are clearly understood.

“Of course we are prepared to help in any way we can because of the strong team spirit within FLM,” explain Bertilla. “Every wedding and baptism is a beautiful and memorable experience for us as we see the joy of families rejoicing in a new beginning.

We also realise that when people come into the ministry, they usually end up getting more and more involved. The busier you are, the more God will call you.

It’s a blessing and a privilege for us.”

The work of the ministry is greatly supported by the priests of the parish. Says Father Timothy Yeo: “I’ve witnessed the growth and enthusiasm of

What sort of support will PET (ACF) provide?

the group, which has promoted vibrant evangelical parishioners committed to enhancing family life. God has called them to be active and they do what they do with love and passion, promoting friendly relationships and growth in spirituality. As priests of the parish, we usually don’t have much time to get into the details of the wedding celebration and infant Baptism, so it is great to have the support of our FLM.” A team working together stays together

31

Marriage Encounter Weekend

31 August – 2 September (Friday – Sunday) Lifesprings Canossian Sprituality Centre 100 Jalan Merbok Singapore 598454

7 – 9 September (Friday - Sunday) Friday 8 pm – Sunday 6 pm Marriage Encounter House 201B Punggol 17th Avenue Singapore 829651

beginningexperiencesg@gmail.com

Initiating, planning and reassessing the plan to improve and adapt in order to respond fruitfully to meet these challenges.

•

Forming the membership. PET recently included a plan to organise formation sessions for its FLM members with a programme called ‘The Theology of the Family’, which is based on the biblical vision of the family, authored by Dr Joseph Atkinson.

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Encouraging a Praying Community within the FLM, prayer being an integral part of any Church Ministry.

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Providing the FLM with a directory of existing Enrichment Resources through the Family Partners of ACF.

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Share and have discussion on the ‘Catholic Life Journey’ (from womb to tomb) with the FLM members. This is to help understand and close the gaps that may exist in the family in the parish.

To find out more about FLMs, please get in touch with the PET Coordinators Alphonsus and Cyrine Gregory: alcyrine@gmail.com

A model to learn from Social media has greatly enhanced communication within the group without the need for so many meetings. The team is now able to feedback to each other and get things done faster Many parishioners have commented on just how well organised the ceremonies and events are, be it weddings, infant baptism, Milestone Wedding Anniversaries as well as the outdoor Stations of the Cross.

“There is no hierarchy in our roles,” Bertilla concludes. “That’s why everyone is happy to pitch in and serve when needed. We do what we can for the glory of God. We have forged great friendships and fellowships with our members over the past three years and have built a very closely knitted ministry.”

For a list of family events in the Archdiocese visit

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Beginning Experience

http://besingapore.com

Identifying the needs and challenges of the family to live out their faith.

•

catholicfamily.org.sg/events

September 7

Join us for a lifetime of change - helping those who are divorced, separated or widowed to come to terms with their loss so that they are free to love.

•

The wonderful camaraderie of the team is seen through the many activities that FLM has undertaken over the years, including the organising of the Parish Priest’s 20th Ordination Celebration, the annual Milestone Wedding Anniversary, amongst others. This is further extended to regular social activities, such as shopping trips to Johor Bahru, aimed at bringing the families closer through bonding activities.

Catholic Family Events in August - September 2018 August

The Parish Engagement Team (PET), a sub-committee of the ACF, will be with the Parish Representative in setting up a Family Life Ministry from its conception, to its infancy, to its growth into a life-giving Ministry by:

Discover the weekend that has been transforming marriages all over the world for more than 40 years.

For couples married two years and above. wwmesg.org/me-weekend-selector to book a weekend.

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Sexual Risks Growing In Our Midst – How to Protect Our Children

Pieta Monthly Support Session for Bereaved Parents

22 September (Saturday) 9.30 am – 12.30 pm Lifelong Learning Institute 11 Eunos Road 8 Singapore 408601

25 September (Tuesday) 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Agape Village 7A Lorong 8 Toa Payoh Singapore 319264

A forum that brings together experts, parents, teachers, youth workers and youths to discuss the sexual risks surrounding children today and what parents, teachers and youth workers can do to protect them from the many sexualised influences in their midst.

We meet as a group of bereaved parents to find mutual support through prayer, scripture and sharing of experiences.

No need to register, just walk in.

Fee: $10

Pieta.singapore@gmail.com

To register:

facebook.com/PietaSingapore

For enquiries:

https://sexualityforum.peatix.com/ 6488 0278

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CHOICE Weekend

Retrouvaille

28 September – 30 September Friday 7 pm to Sunday 6:30 pm CHOICE Retreat House, 47 Jurong West Street 42, Singapore 649368

28 – 30 September Friday 7 pm to Sunday 6.30 pm Marriage Encounter House 201B Punggol 17th Avenue Singapore 829651

CHOICE is for single young adults aged between 18 – 40 years old (Catholics and Non-Catholics) seeking some time to re-examine the values, lifestyle and relationships in their own lives.

For couples with marital problems including those who are considering marriage separation and those who are already separated or divorced but want marriage help.

registration@choice.org.sg

retrouvaille.singapore@gmail.com

Hillary (9790 0537) Carrie (9671 6695) Francesca (9710 9680)

+65 6522 8750

This section is produced by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family and is published on the last issue of each month. For more information on Catholic family life matters, visit catholicfamily.org.sg.

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Boarders are given the opportunity to grow and develop their potential.

In this series on Catholic social service organisations, Catholic News features Boys’ Town. It celebrates its 70th anniversary as a place for young boys who need care and guidance to nurture them for their adult life.

Jared Ng WHAT started as a residential care for war-torn orphans after World War II has today evolved into a continuum of services and a onestop children and youth centre.

Boys’ Town helps children and youth from disadvantaged and disengaged families who have faced hardships resulting from troubled home situations, financial struggles, abandonment and abuse.

The charity serves both boys and girls, from infant to young adults and its services include residential, fostering, youth outreach, clinical intervention and family reunification.

Boys’ Town aims to create “an environment for the boys to receive an education,” said Executive Director Designate Roland Yeow, 41, who was a former Boys’ Town boarder. Not only that, they also receive character formation as well as opportunities to grow and develop as a person, he said.

Dr Yeow, who has a PhD in management (organisational learning), said the charity’s programmes centre mainly around sports. “It’s not just play ... we want to facilitate elements of teamwork and also use sports as a form of therapy.”

For 17-year-old Timothy (not his real name), much of his time is spent studying so that he can reach his goal of enrolling in an Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Besides the sports activities, he shared that he enjoys the “friends and brotherhood” in Boys’ Town.

Another boarder, 17-year-old Damien (not his real name), said his time in the charity so far has taught him to “respect others, treat others with care and be independent.”

There are currently about 40 boarders in Boys’ Town.

This year also marks 70 years of mission for the charity and a special Mass was held on Aug 17 to commemorate the milestone.

Archbishop William Goh in his homily, spoke about the love of God that has been brought across to boarders through the programmes, staff and volunteers of Boys’ Town.

He said that this tangible presence of the love of God will help boarders “to be socially integrated, to grow in moral character and to be contributors to society.”

Other events held this year to mark the 70th anniversary included a Emmanuel Service Festival on May 18 that saw boarders and staff participate in social programmes

including spending time with the elderly from GoodLife! Makan, a programme by Montfort Care that offers a place for seniors to have meals and companionship.

The event was named in honour of the late Brother Emmanuel, who was director of Boys’ Town for more than 30 years. He passed away on Aug 31 last year.

On Sept 15, there will be an open house in Boys’ Town with a photo exhibition of its key services and tours of its facilities.

The residential services in Boys’ Town are divided into four categories: n The 10-bed Shelter which admits boys between the ages of 10 and 13 who have suffered traumas including physical or sexual abuse. n The 51-bed Group Home which admits boys between the ages of 11 and 18 who come from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. n The 10-bed Hostel which serves as a temporary place to stay for older youth who have no family or other forms of support. Usually between the ages of 16 and 21, these youth require a place to stay while completing their National Service or tertiary education.

Sports is part of the curriculum for character building.

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n The 12-bed Therapeutic Group Home takes in youth aged between 13 and 17 who have gone through multiple complex traumas and are emotionally dysregulated on a regular basis.

PART of the residential services also includes the Boys’ Town Alternative Schooling (BTAS) programme.

It is designed as a temporary supplement to mainstream education and follows the Ministry of Education’s approved curriculum.

BTAS offers a holistic, customised and structured environment for students from upper primary to upper secondary school. Classes are run under a low student-teacher ratio, allowing more personal time for student-teacher interaction.

The programme addresses the needs of boys that typically cannot be met at a regular school, such as students who have behavioural issues, have missed school for a few years or are at risk of dropping out.

It aims to prepare these students to return to their regular school or to graduate from the programme with an N or O Level certificate and enter tertiary education or the workforce.

To complement its existing youth services and programmes, the Boys’ Town Adventure Centre was launched in 2016.

It provides challenge courses,

Archbishop William Goh with Gabrielite Brothers Dominic Yeo-Koh (on his right) and John Albert (on his left), priests and altar servers after the 70th anniversary Mass of Boys’ Town. Photo: VITA Images

mountain expeditions and outdoor sports certification for both boarders and the public. Whether it is scaling a natural rock wall or traversing water rapids, participants are made to reflect and learn how to work around the environment they are in.

The centre has an adventure tower and bouldering room within the Boys’ Town campus.

Boys’ Town also runs an outreach programme, YouthReach, that helps vulnerable boys and girls, typically between the ages of 10 and 21, who face a range of issues such as self-harm, struggles in school, association with gangs,

under-aged sex, conflicting relationships and addictions.

The programme, based in Tampines and Toa Payoh, sees youth workers befriending vulnerable boys and girls in the area through specialised intervention to develop personal, social and educational growth.

YouthReach was first set-up in 1999 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary as a drop-in centre for at-risk youth. It was handed over to Boys’ Town in 2010. Each year, the programme engages more than 300 youths. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Dr Roland Yeow, Executive Director Designate of Boys’ Town, sharing some moments with the boarders.

HISTORY In 1948, Boys’ Town was started

by Gabrielite Br Vincent with the support of Australian philanthropist William Thomas McDermott. It started caring for orphans and poor children who were victims of World War II. In 1955, its facilities were extended with the construction of a new administrative building and dining hall.

In 1999, Br Emmanuel

stepped down as Director General after 30 years of service.

A Training and Research Department was set up in 2009 to build a stronger pool of youth workers to better understand the evolving needs of young people.

The charity marked its 70th anniversary with a series of events including a Mass celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. n

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Mary shows us the way to Jesus Father Paul Pang, CSSR My memory of the Novena devotions stretches back to over 60 years when I was still a non-Catholic.

They were conducted in a parlour in the Redemptorist House, with about a dozen people. As the number of devotees increased, the devotions were transferred to the tiny chapel adjacent to the priest’s residence.

And, the numbers still continued to grow and the chapel had to be demolished to make way for a larger one. Eventually, it became necessary to build the two side wings. Today, because the Church was declared a conservation project, we were not allowed to demolish it to make way for the new Church. So the right wing merged with the new Church.

What attracts the large crowd of people of different races and religions to the Novena devotions?

Redemptorist Fr Juan Campos, who spent many years of his life in China, said: “It is not we who draw the crowds. It is Mother Mary.” Fr Kevin O’Shea, a visiting Redemptorist, said the people flock to the Novena because we all need a mother figure in our life.

When I was studying in Australia, the Redemptorists conducted a procession which was held

in Jalan Besar Stadium. I like to think of Mother Mary as the “jalan besar” (highway) that leads us to Jesus. Many in their letters of petition had asked for material favours such as passing their exams, getting a job. But, these favours were also signs of her motherly loving care. Mother Mary, by answering

Fr Paul Pang.

our petition for material favours, leads us to love her and her son.

Mary is all powerful with God because she is his Mother. St Alphonsus Liguori said: “Mary has only to speak and her Son executes all.” (Glories of Mary p 156). And, he quotes an Abbot Godfridus: “that although Mary obtains favours by asking, yet she asks with a certain

maternal authority, and therefore we ought to feel confident that she obtains all she desires and asks for us.” (Glories of Mary p 157) With what compassion and desires she prays for us? St Alphonsus quotes the devout Blosius (a Benedictine abbot and spiritual writer in the 15th century): “Sooner would heaven and earth be destroyed than would Mary fail to assist anyone who asks for her help, provided he does so with a good intention and with confidence in her.” (Glories of Mary p 111) When we gaze at the Icon of our Mother of Perpetual Help, we see in her eyes a profound sadness. She is sad because her Son is grievously offended by our sins; she is sad because her Son is to make expiation for our sins by suffering and dying on the cross; she is sad because sinners refuse to repent and will end up in the fires of hell for all eternity.

St Alphonsus said: “Salvation is our only business in this world.”

Obstinate sinners reject the one thing necessary (Luke 10:42). Our devotion to Mary is not just a lot of fanfare, not merely being lifted up by coming to an astonishingly beautiful Church like the new Novena Church. We must always bear in mind that Mary leads us to Jesus who died and rose again to

The annual Novena procession invariably draws large crowds. File Photo

bring us the one thing necessary, SALVATION. Standing beneath the cross, Mary surrendered her maternal rights by giving us her son’s life for our salvation. Having given her son, she gained the human race as her children represented by John: “Woman, behold your son” (Jn 19:26) and to John who represents us, Jesus said: “Behold, your mother.”

When Pope Pius IX gave the Icon of our Mother of Perpetual Help to the Redemptorists, he commissioned us: “Make Her Known”.

You can share in this mandate of the Pope to make her known. In the Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, St

Alphonsus prayed: “I love you, O most amiable Lady. For the love I bear you, I promise to serve you always, and to do all in my power to make others love you too.”

So, be loving children of Mary by bringing others to the Novena devotions on Saturday and to the procession on Sept 2. Bring especially those who are suffering, distressed, troubled who as yet do not know Mother Mary’s love for them.

Remember the consoling words of St Alphonsus, the Marian Doctor: “No true child of Mary can be lost.” n Fr Pang, 82, is the first Singaporean Redemptorist priest.

“Our devotion to Mary is not just a lot of fanfare, not merely being lifted up by coming to an astonishingly beautiful Church like the new Novena Church.

We must always bear in mind that Mary leads us to Jesus who died and rose again to bring us the one thing necessary, SALVATION.”

Archdiocesan Land and Properties Singapore

The Archdiocesan Land and Properties Singapore is an organization of The Titular Roman Catholic Archbishop of Singapore.

Its main role is to assist and advise on land and property matters. ALPS is looking for suitable candidates for the following position.

ACCOUNTANT The candidate will be responsible for bookkeeping and preparation of financial statements relating to properties that are managed by ALPS. Desired Attributes: - A professional or technical qualification in bookkeeping or accounting - Able to handle full sets of accounts - Minimum 5 years’ hands on experience - Good organizational and planning skills - Strong eye for details Interested applicants are to send their resume stating their experience, expected salary and availability to alps@catholic.org.sg not later than 9 September 2018.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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A call for volunteers to help strengthen family values in society David Fong The late St Pope John Paul II was convinced that the well-being of both society and the Church depends on the vitality and strength of the family.

He could see during his time that the family would be subject to numerous forces that would seek to destroy it or in some way deform it. The complementary nature of man (husband) and woman (wife) and its purpose (indissoluble union and procreativity) have been increasingly rejected and a false vision of reality substituted for God’s created order.

In Familiaris Consortio, he wrote, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family. It is, therefore, indispensable and urgent that every person of good will should endeavour to save and foster the values and requirements of the Family.”

Indeed, the need is great, and more help is sought after in the marriage and family apostolates, whether in the Family Life Ministries in the parishes or at any of the Family Partners (FPs) of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF). Serving singles, engaged couples, newly-weds, married couples and parents of various ages in

different life stages and situations.

According to Steven and Lilly Yeo, Coordinators at Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE): “Both laity and priests have an equal and indispensable role in preparing couples for marriage. More hands are always needed. But we have to ensure the ones leading and conducting the programme are well-

formed in the Catechesis on Marriage and Family.”

There’s much to be gained too from those who are involved in marriage and family apostolates.

Said Anselm and Karen de Souza from the Marriage Preparation Course (MPC), “The experience of presenting at MPC has offered us an introspective look into our

own journey as a couple in our marriage. Reflecting on key moments of our lives in the highs and lows, then realising that God is always present with us brought us joy, comfort and peace.

“The greatest gift we received is knowing that we cannot tell the engaged couples about Catholic marriages without living out our own marriage as God intended and thereby this has helped us focus on our own marriage and to work at being an authentic sign of God’s loving presence to the people we serve.”

Besides, CEE and MPC, the other FPs include Choice, Couple Mentor Journey, Marriage Encounter, Couple Empowerment Programme, Natural Family Planning, Marriage Retorno, Retrouvaille, Surviving Divorce, Beginning Experience, Pieta, Family Life Society, Christian Family Social Movement and Couples for Christ.

For more information on how you can help, please contact any of these FPs whose contact can be found on the ACF web-site: https://catholicfamily.org.sg/familypartners/  David Fong is the Executive Director of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family.

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GET CONNECTED: 2 LORONG LOW KOON, SINGAPORE 536449 T 6285 2571 | 6286 0341 W www.oyp.org.sg For enquiries, please email: info.oyp@catholic.org.sg

FEATURE

Working Adults Leaders Commissioning Mass

come together to celebrate this shared call and mission.

As we go on to tend to our respective flocks, I pray that we keep this special commission in our hearts. The Little Flower puts it best in her account of her entrance into the cloister, “But the joy I was experiencing was calm, the lightest breeze did not undulate the quiet waters upon which my little boat was floating and no cloud darkened my blue heaven.” (Story of a Soul, 69v).

UPCOMING

Emmaus in the City

The newly commissioned working adults community leaders

by Arielle Elise Chua It is as if God perfectly arranged this special date for us, with readings that spoke of how we are His people, and that He writes His law in our hearts. The Gospel reminded us that just as Jesus chose Peter to be His rock, He also chose us to lead in this specific way, to form our brothers and sisters into disciple-makers. The leaders of OYP’s Working Adults Communities were commissioned at a Eucharistic celebration on 9 August 2018, which also happens to be a very special day for Singapore.

In the days leading up to this, I felt a sense of wistfulness, knowing that three out of the four people I was serving with would be stepping down. Theirs are souls that have shown me God’s love, and I will miss dreaming with them. However, God has been so good in putting together the next group of shepherds for my community. He arranged everything in His time, raising up new leaders to feed His sheep, and to tend to His flock’s needs.

On the day of the commissioning mass, the incoming

leaders and I spent the morning learning about the foundations of Christian leadership, and what captured my heart was the way that Jesus led his disciples. He is the perfect leader: strategic, intentional, and bent on completing the mission which he set out to fulfil. Prayers were said, praises were sung, and a meal was shared.

And just like that, it was time for Mass. One by one, I spotted my community members and other familiar faces as they entered the hall. I could not help but feel joy in knowing that this was God’s work, that He had allowed us to take part in this. He had brought us so far, even if most of the time, we were daunted by the road ahead.

He turned me around and allowed me to see how far we as a community, have come.

Before the gathered communities, we received our mission: to be Christ’s light to our respective communities, to bear His mind, to carry His heart, and to be His voice.

A wise priest once told me that as leaders of the community, we must lead as Christ did, that is, to lay down our lives for our friends. Another wise priest described it as “hanging on the cross with Jesus”. It was beautiful to

Date: 7 Monday nights (from 1 October to 12 November 2018) Time: 7.30pm - 10:00pm Venue: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Annex Building, Level 3) As young working adults, it is easy to fall into the illusion that anything other than God can satisfy us, or give our lives the meaning and purpose we yearn for. As St Augustine says - “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Do we desire to discover the wisdom of these words in our lives? Come and join us on this 7-week journey to re-discover your relationship with God! Sign-up today, at: tinyurl.com/emmausinthecity (Note: This series is open to all young working adults. You are highly encouraged to participate in all 7 sessions)

FEATURE

5 Signs That You Should Attend A Young Adults Retreat tentional withdrawing in order to regroup and regain strength. Similarly, we need to consistently find time to step back from the frontline of life to pause and reflect.

Otherwise, the rigours of life can easily overwhelm us.

When was the last time you retreated? If your last retreat was your confirmation camp, I encourage you to give Jesus a chance to re-establish intimacy with you.

2. You attend mass every Sunday or even serve in a ministry but still feel empty.

by Mitchell Tan I attended Treasure#7 where I served as a small group facilitator. On the surface, it may seem like I had sacrificed a precious weekend to serve and help out, but in truth, I received so much more than I gave. Are you a young working adult who is seeking for more? Here are five signs that it may be time to sign up for a retreat!

1. Your last retreat was your confirmation camp.

To retreat is to move back from the front line of battle.

It is not conceding defeat, but rather, involves an in-

FINAL.indd 1

Having served in a ministry for ten years, I took pride in it, and thought my spiritual life was fine. However, it was a subtle lie that masked my lukewarm faith. We are called to live a faith that is alive. Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Treasure helped me to uncover the deep truths of who God is and who I am to Him. Through the retreat, I came face to face with the person of Jesus and now, He is my saviour and friend.

3. You carry a lot of past hurts that you cannot seem to let go of.

In secondary school, I was often bullied. It was difficult to revisit the pain and anger that I had buried for years, which I realised was necessary in order for healing to begin. When I sought prayer for this during the retreat, one of the prayer team members saw an image of Jesus sitting beside me in an empty classroom. I was greatly comforted by that beautiful image and realised that Jesus had been by my side in all my struggles. It was a mo-

ment of immense healing. What Jesus reveals, He heals – do not be afraid to face your wounds!

4. You feel alone in your faith journey.

After I attended Treasure as a participant, I was introduced to a community of young adults and have since joined them. My community members are companions for this lifelong journey towards Jesus. I know that with them, I can keep on walking in my pursuit to become more Christ-like. The truth is, it is difficult bear the torch of Christ alone. It can easily fizzle out when life gets rough. Having brothers and sisters in Christ to journey with however, keeps flame burning even at the most challenging of times.

5. You desire more.

There is a certain part of your heart that knows there is more. No matter the thrills of life, your heart remains unsatisfied. You wonder if there is more to your life and about what your purpose and calling is. A retreat often provides the opportunity to take these questions to Jesus and let Him speak to you. Take a leap of faith and sign up – come to know the great plans the Lord has for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Treasure is a retreat for young working adults aged 18 to 35 years, seeking a time of encounter with the Lord. Our next run is happening from 20th to 23rd September 2018.

To register, visit: http://oyp.org.sg/treasure10

16/8/18 11:01 AM

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By Jennifer Ficcaglia One day, Jesus told the apostles a parable to show the importance of watching for the coming of the Son of Man. He told the story of a man who was going on a journey. Before he left, he put his three servants in charge of his possessions.

The man gave each servant money according to his ability. The first received five talents, the second received two talents and the third received one talent.

After the man left, the first servant immediately traded his talents and made five more.

The second servant quickly put his talents to work and made another two.

But the third servant buried his one talent in a hole he had dug in the ground.

After a long time, the man came

home. He asked his servants what they had done with the money he had entrusted to them.

“Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more,” the first servant said.

Likewise, the second servant showed that he had doubled his talents.

The man was happy that these servants had prepared for his return.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant,” he told each one. “Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.

Come, share your master’s joy.”

Then the servant who buried his talent came forward.

“Master ... out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.

Here it is,” the third servant said.

The man was not pleased.

“You wicked, lazy servant!” the man cried, saying that the servant could

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS: St John Gabriel Perboyre St John Gabriel Perboyre was born in France in 1802. In 1818, he joined the Congregation of the Mission with the dream of being a missionary. After his ordination in 1826, however, he was assigned to seminary formation in France.

He was finally sent to China in 1835 to learn the language so he could work in Hunan to rescue and evangelise abandoned children.

When he was working in Hubei in 1839, he had to go into hiding due to Christian persecution. A recent convert turned him in, but he refused to betray other missionaries or trample on the cross. He was tortured at least 20 times before being martyred in 1840. We remember him on Sept 11. n

have at the very least put the money in the bank so it would earn interest.

“Take the talent from him and give it to the one with 10,” the man commanded. “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

But the man was not yet done punishing the third servant for his unwise decision.

“And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,” he said,

“where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth”. n Note: A talent is a weight and unit of currency, used especially by the Romans and Greeks in ancient times.

Read more about it: Matthew 25

Q&A 1. What did the man give each of his servants?

2. Why was the man angry at the third servant?

Wordsearch: n PARABLE n HOPE n DECISION n WISE n HAPPY n PLEASE n CONVERT n RESCUE n CHINA n POSITIVE n FORWARD n MISSION

BIBLE TRIVIA: What does the Bible say that the love of money is the root of?

(Hint: 1 Tm 6:10)

Bible Accent: Answer to puzzle: 1. bridegroom; 2. foolish; 3. awake; 4. door Answer to Bible Trivia: All evils.

PUZZLE: In Mt 25:1-13, Jesus also told the parable of the 10 virgins to show the importance of watching for the Son of Man’s return.

Below are several sentences from the parable. Look up the Bible verse and fill in the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. Behold, the ________! (verse 6) 2. Five of them were ________ and five were wise. (verse 2) 3. Therefore, stay _______, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (verse 13) 4. Lord, Lord, open the ________ for us! (verse 11)

Answer to Wordsearch

The Bible has quite a bit to say about money and managing finances.

For example, Scripture says that we must think correctly about money, striking a balance between laziness that leads to financial ruin (Prv 6:6-11) and obsession with gaining wealth, which leads to evil (1 Tm 6:9-10).

Scripture also points out that it is wise to save money.

In Prv 21:20, we read that “precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes them.” In 1 Cor 16:1-4, we learn that Paul urged believers to slowly save their money so they could donate to the church in Jerusalem.

If we don’t think ahead and save, we risk going into debt and may have to borrow money, making us “the slave of the lender” (Prv 22:7).

Part of managing our wealth also includes sharing it with others. In Acts 20:35, Paul says to “keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

And in Mt 6:19-21, Jesus also reminds us that earthly possessions are not as important as storing up treasures in heaven. n

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Sunday September 2, 2018 яБо CatholicNews

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20 ASIA

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

Caritas seeks to end hunger in South Asia NEW DELH – The Catholic Church agency Caritas has launched a project that aims to end hunger across South Asia by 2030.

Caritas India introduced the programme in collaboration with its international partners to help farmers adapt methods to cope with erratic climate conditions, Asian Church news agency ucanews.com reported.

“Climate change is a global challenge and affects agricultural production and human well-being.

It hits hardest where people directly depend on agriculture for food and livelihoods,” said Mr Sunil Simon, project director in India.

The Smallholder Adaptive Farming and Biodiversity Network was launched in June during Caritas Asia’s regional conference in Bangkok.

“The unique programme aims to address our common goal of ending hunger by 2030,” said Mr Christoph Schweifer, secretary general of Caritas Austria, a partner in the project.

Caritas organisations in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan will implement the programme with the support of Caritas Austria and Caritas Switzerland.

The effort aims to fight hunger and malnutrition by promoting local food through small-scale farming in selected areas of South Asia

in response to climate change, Mr Simon said.

The programme will contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture in South Asia.

India has nearly 191 million hungry people – 25 percent of the world’s total – who do not have a

India has nearly 191 million people who do not have a complete meal each day. CN file photo

complete meal each day, said the UN’s 2017 report on the state of food security and nutrition.

The project aims to create a network of farmers to discuss their environment, climate and agrarian economy to pinpoint their specific problems. They will then identify locally acceptable solutions and test them to arrive at the best solution for growing crops. n UCANEWS.COM

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WORLD 21

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

About witness, dreams and love...

ROME – Members of the Catholic

Church sin and give scandal, it’s true, Pope Francis said, but it is up to each Catholic to live the faith as authentically as possible and witness to the world the love of Jesus.

“The best way to respond is with witness,” the Pope said on Aug 11 in response to a young man who said, “The useless pomp and frequent scandals have made the Church barely credible in our eyes.”

Pope Francis spoke about witness, dreams and true love during an evening meeting with some 70,000 young adults, aged 16 to 30, gathered at Rome’s Circus Maximus at the end of a pilgrimage. Most of them had walked at least 80 km over the previous three or four days.

Representatives came from 195 of Italy’s 226 dioceses, and 150 bishops walked at least part of the way with groups from their dioceses.

The best way to respond to a stuffy, lifeless Church or to Church scandals, the Pope told them, “is with witness. If there is no witness, there is no Holy Spirit. The Church without witness is just smoke.”

One participant, Letizia, 23, told the Pope she wanted to be an art historian, but was advised to study economics because it would pay better. Another, Lucamatteo, 20, told the Pope dreaming big

Italian young adults light up the night with their phones during an evening meeting with the Pope. CNS photo

dreams is frightening, and Martina, 24, said she wants to start preparing for marriage and a family, but everyone seems to think it’s more important to have a career first.

“Dreams are important,” the Pope told them. “And the dreams of the young are the most important of all – they are the brightest stars, those that indicate a different path for humanity.”

One of the greatest dreams of all, he said, is the dream of finding true love, pledging oneself to another for life and creating a family. It is so important and so holy, he said, that it should never take second place to one’s career.

True joy and happiness come from finding what is most precious, what “is worth saying ‘yes’ to and giving your life to,” the Pope said. n CNS

22 OPINION

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

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REFLECTION

What is my ultimate destination in life?

Monsignor Philip Heng, SJ In the last two parts of our journey in “Living a More Discerning Life” series, we reflected on discovering the deeper meaning of our daily living and our lack of “self-awareness” that can prevent us from living a more meaningful, peaceful and joyful life.

In this third part, it would be valuable that we reflect on the “ultimate destination of our life.” A greater clarity of this would give us a better sense of the direction, purpose and quality of our daily living.

What do most parents dream of for their children? Many, if not all, hope that they become “successful” in their lives. To achieve this, they perhaps hope that their children will study well, score good grades, have a good job, live comfortably, and better still become rich and famous. Parents know that such dreams do not come on a platter. Thus, parents make much sacrifices for their children.

A week ago, one parent told me, “I am not rich, but I spent about $5,000 a month on my son’s tuition fees”. When I asked, “Why so much?” She said, “Well, he took tuition for every subject. And, in the end he scored straight As for all of them!”

It is certainly very noble of parents to make such big sacrifices for their children, and have such ambitious dreams for them. However, in this reflection on our lives, a more basic question is, “What sacrifices have we made to help our children live more meaningful and happier lives?” Is this aspiration more important and a better reflection of our love than the straight As we hope they achieve?

It is obvious to many of us that academic achievements, a good job, material things and wealth will not provide true happiness. This is apparent from the high suicide and depression rates, even among those who are rich and famous. Perhaps

we should take a moment to reflect on what God, our creator and Father, aspires for each of us, his children?

God wants us to experience true happiness by living a meaningful life using the talents and many blessings that He has bestowed on us.

This leads us to an even more important question that everyone of us needs to reflect on. This question is, “What is my ultimate destination in life?” We all know in our heart of hearts that ultimately, we all want to live a happy and fulfilling life while on earth and die a peaceful and happy death that opens the door to the infinite and

Our sincerity to become more like Jesus’ disciples through all the sacrifices we made in the challenges we faced ... have actually been the path of “holiness” of Jesus ...

However, some of us may understandably say that we have not been living our lives as fully, in the ways that Jesus has taught and shown us. While there may be much truth in this, let us ponder on: “In the worries, woes and waywardness of our life . . . was Jesus not always present to us? Also, when “all was well” for us, was it not because it was God’s Light and

Photo: VITA Images

We all know that ultimately, we all want to live a happy and fulfilling life and die a peaceful and happy death that opens the door to the everlasting happiness of God in heaven. everlasting happiness of God forever in heaven.

For this we need to face the reality that we would one day have to die, and as such let us ponder and interiorise this Truth of the Good News of heaven that Jesus has won for us and is giving as a gift to us. In being more conscious of such Truths, we will draw strength from Jesus in times of our pains, trials and challenges. We will also be more inspired to become more like Jesus in the way we live: more forgiving, compassionate, selfless, and generous with our time, talents and treasures.

Love that gave us the consolations we experienced?

So, let us be more fully conscious of our need to be renewed in our faith and believe even more deeply, that the ultimate purpose of our earth’s journey is to praise, revere and serve God, and reach our final destination where our true “Home” is. Let us also allow this Truth to permeate our hearts and give us the wisdom to persevere in our faith lovingly, amidst the challenges we face daily. n Msgr Heng is Rector of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Why I believe in God SOME of my favourite authors are agnostics, men and women who face life honestly and courageously without faith in a personal God. They’re stoics mostly, persons who have made peace with the fact that God may not exist and that perhaps death ends everything for us. I see this, for example, in the late James Hillman, a man whom I greatly admire and who has much to teach believers about what it means to listen to and honour the human soul.

But here’s something I don’t admire in these agnostic stoics: While they face with courage what it should mean for us if God doesn’t exist and death ends our personal existence, they don’t, with the same courage ask the question of what it should mean for us if God does exist and death does not end our personal existence. What if God does exist and what if the tenets of our faith are true? They need to face that question.

I believe that God exists, not because I have never had doubts, or because I was raised in the faith by persons whose lives gave deep witness to its truth, or because perennially the vast majority of people on this planet believe in God. I believe that a personal God exists for more reasons than I can name: the goodness of saints; the hook in my own heart that has never let me go; the interface of faith with my own experience, the courage of religious martyrs throughout history; the stunning depth of Jesus’ teachings; the deep insights contained in other religions; our sense of connection inside the communion of saints with loved ones who have died; the things we sometimes intuitively know beyond all logical reason; the essential triumph of truth and goodness throughout history; and, yes, even the very ability of atheists and agnostics to intuit that somehow it still all makes sense, points to the existence of a living, personal God. I believe that God exists because faith works; at least to the extent we work it. The existence of God proves itself true to the extent that we take it seriously and live our lives in face of it.

Simply put, we’re happy and at peace to the exact extent that we risk, explicitly or implicitly, living lives of faith. The happiest people I know are also the most generous, selfless, gracious and reverent persons I know. That’s no accident.

Leon Bloy, a 19th-century French novelist and poet, once asserted that there’s only one true sadness in life, that of not being a saint. We see that in the story of the rich young man in Gospels who turns down Jesus’ invitation to live his faith more deeply. He goes away sad. I know that existentially: I’m happy and at peace to the exact extent that I take my faith seriously and live it out in fidelity; the more faithful I am, the more at peace I am, and vice versa.

Inherent in all of this too is a certain “law of karma”, namely, the universe gives back to us morally exactly what we give to it.

As Jesus worded it, the measure you measure out is the measure that will be measured back to you. What we breathe out is what we’re going to inhale.

If I breathe out selfishness, selfishness is what I will inhale; if I breathe out bitterness, that’s what I’ll meet at every turn; conversely, if I breathe out love, graciousness and forgiveness, these will be given back to me in the exact measure that I give them out. Our lives and our universe have a deep, innate, nonnegotiable structure of love and justice written into them, one that can only be underwritten by a living, personal, divine mind and heart of love.

None of this, of course, proves God’s existence with the kind of proof we find in science or mathematics; but God isn’t found at the end of an empirical test, a mathematical equation, or a philosophical syllogism. God is found, explicitly or implicitly, in living a good, honest, gracious, selfless, moral life, and this can happen inside of religion or outside of it.

The Belgium Benedictine, Benoit Standaert, submits that wisdom is three things, and a fourth. Wisdom is a respect for knowledge; wisdom is a respect for honesty and aesthetics; and wisdom is a respect for mystery. But there’s a fourth – wisdom is a respect for Someone. n

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REFLECTION 23

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

Church does recognise there’s a place for science and religion Michelle M. Francl When friends and colleagues find out I work with the Vatican Observatory near Rome, their first reaction is often surprise that the Catholic Church supports a scientific research institute, particularly one that studies astronomy. After all, the Catholic Church put Galileo on trial for heresy.

As it turns out, Galileo’s difficulties were more the exception than the rule. The Catholic Church has supported science and scientists throughout her history, beginning with the early Fathers of the Church through to the 21st-century Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

The Vatican Observatory itself was founded by Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) for exactly this reason, so “that everyone might see clearly that the church and her pastors are not opposed to true and solid science, whether human or divine, but that they embrace it, encourage it and promote it”, as read in his document “Ut Mysticam”.

Many early Catholic saints, including St Augustine, St Basil and St John Chrysostom, encouraged

Christians to study the universe as a way to learn about the Creator, often referring to creation as God’s “other book”. St Anthony the Great, a monk who lived in the desert in the fourth century said, “My book is the nature of created things, and as often as I have a mind to read the words of God, it is at my hand.”

Many people know that Pope Francis is trained as a chemist, but he is not the first scientist to become a pope. At the start of the 11th century, when the first flickers of modern science began to be seen in Europe, the pope was a mathematician and astronomer.

Gerbert of Aurillac, who became Pope Sylvester II, was sent by his abbot to Barcelona in 967 to study mathematics. Gerbert wrote several popular mathematics textbooks, but it was his calculating device, based on Arabic numerals, that would introduce the decimal

system to Europe and set the stage for modern mathematics.

Religious orders have nurtured scientists and their work for more than a thousand years. Among the scientific writings of 12th-century Benedictine abbess St Hildegard of Bingen are a catalogue of local plants and animals, and a primitive theory of evolution. In 1979, St John Paul II called her “a light for her people and time”, and in 2012, Pope Benedict XVI added her to the Church’s formal list of saints and recognised her as one of the 36 doctors of the Church, for both her spiritual and scientific insights.

Gregor Mendel, known as the father of genetics, was an Augustinian monk. Mathematician and Sister of Mercy Mary Celine Fasenmyer’s doctoral thesis made possible key discoveries in computer science.

Present-day Jesuit scientists include physicists Father Cyril

The Church does not see them as opposing forces; though they are distinct they offer valuable insights to understanding the universe and our place in it. Each has something to offer the other.

Pope Benedict XVI looks through a microscope during his visit to the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, in this 2009 file photo. CNS file photo

Opeil at Boston College who explores the fundamental properties of matter and Brother Robert Macke of the Vatican Observatory who studies meteorites.

Science and religion are not seen by the Church as opposing forces, but distinct and valuable approaches to understanding the universe and our place in it. Each has something to offer the other.

St John Paul II observed in a 1988 letter to Jesuit Father George

Coyne, then the director of the Vatican Observatory, “Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.”

The universe is a wonderful mystery we are called by our Creator to explore with delight – whether we are scientists or not. n CNS Francl is chair and professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, USA, and adjunct scholar of the Vatican Observatory.

24 WHAT’S ON

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

Sun

Compile d by Jared Ng and Christo pher Wo ng

AUG 2 TO OCT 18 Gospel of Mark by Msgr Ambrose Vaz Every Thursday. No class on Aug 9 and Sept 6. Join us for a Bible study on the shortest Gospel to know our Lord deeper and better.

Time: 8pm-10pm. Organised by the Biblical Apostolate Team, Church of Christ the King, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. To register: SMS 9010 5552 (Dorcas); 9832 1538 (Lene); E: ctkbat@hotmail.com.

time of worship, Mass and prayer ministry at OYP. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/JCIBOutreach2018 or contact us at info.oyp@catholic.org.sg for more information.

SEPT 12 TO OCT 17 Basic Catechist Course Level 2 – Catholic Social Teachings Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-10pm. This course aims to facilitate catechists in their understanding and practice of what it means to uphold their Catholic identity as agents for love, peace and justice. For more information, W: www.catechesis.org.sg.

AUG 19 TO OCT 14 Couple Empowerment Programme Venue: Church of the Holy Cross. Ten weekly sessions on Friday evenings for newly married couples (married between 1-10 years). This is a parish-based programme that presents beautiful truths about the sacramental marriage through the stories of witnesses, whilst learning life skills designed by experts.

For more information, W: www.cep-sg.org or Fb/com/sg-cep.

SEPT 14 TO SEPT 16 Discernment in Daily Life Friday (8pm)-Sunday (1pm). Venue: Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West, St 42. “God speaks to us in a language we can understand.” This weekend retreat will offer ways of learning this “language” so that we can live mindfully and meaningfully. By Cenacle Sr Linda Lizada and team.

To register: T: 6565 2895; T: 9722 3148; E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com; W: www.cenaclemission.com.

AUG 31 TO SEPT 2 Further Up, Further In: A Weekend Retreat with The Chronicles of Narnia Aug 31 (7.30pm)-Sept 2 (5pm). Using excerpts from both Scripture and C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, we journey “further up”, seeking to deepen our relationship with God while making a journey “further in”, seeking ourselves as we respond. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $260 (non-AC), $300 (AC). To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/StanGoh18; T: 6467 6072.

SEPT 1 Mass followed by prayers for healing All are welcome and no registration is needed. Time: 2pm-4pm.

You are invited to join us for praise and worship and Mass followed by prayers for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Organised by Praise@Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information, E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com; T: 9747 2467.

SEPT 6, 13, 20, 27 AND OCT 4, 11, 18, 25 Basic Catechist Course Level 1 – Introduction to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods Time: 7.30pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Teresa. This eightsession module will introduce participants to the method of catechesis as proposed by the Universal Church. The courses are recommended as the basic requirement for all catechist including home-based and special needs. For more information, W: www.catechesis.org.sg; W: https://tinyurl. com/y8joexd5; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; T: 6911 0400.

SEPT 6 TO SEPT 27 Catechist Elective Course – Liturgical Principles Time: 7:30pm-10pm. Venue: Church of the Risen Christ, 91 Toa Payoh Central, S319193. Topics such as The Theological

RCIA

Reflections on Liturgy, Revision of Missale Romanum – The Theory of Translation, Liturgical and Sacred Music, Towards Ars Celebrandi as well Living a Eucharistic Life. Register using the link by Sept 3: https://tinyurl.com/y7b4tntc.

For more information, W: www.catechesis.org.sg; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; T: 6911 0400.

SEPT 8 Meditative Prayer with the Songs of Taize Time: 8pm. Come and pray with fellow Christians and all who want to create greater trust and openness through meditative prayer. No registration needed. Organised by the Singapore Taize core group. Venue: The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street. For more information, E: bennycah@gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/en.

SEPT 8 JC/IB Mass and Outreach Time: 10am-1pm. Venue: Office for Young People (OYP), 2 Lorong Low Koon, S536449. Shoutout to all JC/IB students!

This coming September break, we want to meet you for a

SEPT 15 Basic Catechist Course Level 1 – Evangelisation & Mission Workshop Time: 9am-5pm. Topics include Evangelisation in the Pedagogy of God, the Evangelisation Cycle, Proclamation of the Kerygma and Practical elements of evangelisation.

Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre. Please register using the following URL:https://cms.catechesis.org. sg/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=221.

For more information, E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; T: 6911 0402; W: www.catechesis.org.sg.

SEPT 15 Movie Screening Movie screening of Summer in the Forest at Vivo City Golden Village Cinema. Time: 3:30pm-5:30 pm. This movie follows Jean Vanier and l’Arche, a residential community home for men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) worldwide.

Book tickets at www.canafilmfest.com.

SEPT 15 New Wine Conference 2018 Time: 9.30am-4.30pm. Come and discover what it means to be called to holiness in today’s world. Speakers at the conference include Msgr Ambrose Vaz, Fr Ignatius Yeo and Fr Luke Fong. Conference is for PPC and its EXCO, Ministry leaders and members and Small Christian Communities.

Organised by Office for the New Evangelisation.

Venue: SJI International, 490 Thomson Road.

To register: W: www.one.org.sg/events; T: 6911 0420.

RCIY

A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 2, 2019 RCIA (Mandarin) @ Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Every Sunday from 9am-10.30am. Organised by Church Of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, 31 Siglap Hill, S(456085).

For more information, T: 9771 2135; W: www.olps.sg.

JULY 7, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIA @ Church of Divine Mercy New RCIA journey will begin on July 7 and thereafter every Saturday in the parish hall, Level 2. Time: 3pm. RCIA forms available at parish office. For more info, contact Raj (9626 6202) / Timothy (9618 9826) or email: rciacdm@gmail.com

JULY 3, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIA @ Church of St Ignatius Every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius Hall.

For more information, T: 6466 0625 (Angela); T: 9628 6472 (Sandra); W: https://tinyurl.com/stignatius-rcia.

JULY, 10 2018 TO APRIL 20, 2019 RCIA @ Church of St Teresa Every Tuesday from 7.45pm-9.30pm at the chapel.

To register: E: rcia@stteresa.org.sg.

JULY 6, 2018 TO JUNE 24, 2019 RCIA (Cantonese) @ Church of Sts Peter & Paul Every Friday from 7.45pm-9.30pm at parish second floor, room 8. For more information, T: 6337 2585 (parish office); T: 9712 0452.

JULY 13, 2018 TO MAY 10, 2019 RCIY @ Church of the Risen Christ Every Friday from 8pm-10pm. For more information, T: 9857 2241; E: rciy@risenchrist.org.sg.

Although classes have started, those interested are still allowed to join, and get catch-up sessions

JULY 14, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIY @ Church of St Ignatius Calling all young people who are not Catholic aged 17-24.

Key dates: welcome tea and information session: July 14 (4pm-6pm). Introductory Sessions: July 21 and July 28 (4pm-6pm). Subsequent RCIY sessions will commence on Aug 7 and continue every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm.

For more information, T: 9724 7613 (Eliza); T: 822 83419 (Aaron); T: 9817 2118 (Debbie); E: rciy.ignatius@gmail.com; W: https://tinyurl.com/ignatiusrciy.

JULY 24, 2018 TO MAY 28, 2019 RCIA @ Church of the Holy Spirit Time: 7:45pm-9:45pm. We also invite adult Catholics to enrol as sponsors. All sponsors will be required to go through an “Introduction to RCIA” training, which will be provided by the RCIA core team.

To register: W: https://bit.ly/RCIA2018.

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WHAT’S ON 25

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

SEPT 20 TO SEPT 23 Treasure #10 Treasure – Encounter retreat for young working adults.

The Office for Young People (OYP)’s Treasure Retreat is a live-in retreat for young working adults below 35 years of age. Come to encounter the saving love of Jesus Christ, and meet others who desire to live a life of discipleship.

Cost: $130 per participant. Register at http://oyp.org.sg/ treasure10. For more information, E: treasureretreat@gmail.com.

OCT 26 TO OCT 28 Montfortian Experience Retreat (MX6) – Christian Discipleship Time: 6:30pm (Fri)-1:30pm (Sun). A Christian disciple is a person free with the freedom that comes from God, detached from everything and devoid of self-interest. Venue: Montfort Centre. Animator: Br Dominic Yeo-Koh, SG, Br John Albert, SG. Cost: $130 (twin/sharing). For more information, E: enquiries@montfortcentre.org; T: 6769 5711.

SEPT 22 Celebrating Life Together Conference for parents and caregivers of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Time: 10am-4pm.

Venue: Agape Village, 7A Toa Payoh Lor 8, level 1, S319264.

Prominent speakers will address burning topics of legal; mental health and behavioural issues; caregivers’ self-care concerns and integration and inclusivity of adults with IDD. Free admission. Registration required via URL: https://www. eventbrite.sg/e/conference-tea-dance-registration-47700759255.

NOV 10 COMMENCING Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis (MCC) St Patrick’s School 85th Anniversary Dinner This is a two-year, part-time, distance-learning course for those interested to develop his or her faith. It includes practical aspects of catechesis, as well as a solid foundation in key areas of theology and spirituality. Organiser: Office For Catechesis. E: actp@catechesis.org.sg (Jane).

SEPT 22 Sexual Risks Growing in our Midst – How to Protect our Children Time: 9.30am-12.30pm. Calling all parents, teachers, catechists and youth workers. Family Life Society is conducting a forum that promotes awareness on the many sexual risks our children face, how to prevent it and intervention skills in safeguarding their safety. Register at marketing@familylife. sg with your name, email, mobile number and number of tickets required. Each ticket is $10. Deadline for registration is on Sept 10. For more information, T: 6488 0278.

EVENT SUBMISSIONS WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http://www.catholic.sg/events/announcementadvertisement-request/.

Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www.catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date.

NOV 17 St Patrick’s School 85th Anniversary Dinner Time: 7.15pm. All alumni are invited to join us for this celebration and fellowship. Venue: Fairmont Hotel.

Tickets are available at the school office.

T: 6344 0929 (school hours). Per head: $150. Per table: $1,380. Extra costs apply for specially requested halal food.

SEPT 22 Connected Couples, Strong Relationships Time: 9am-6pm. Learn how you can create a deeply satisfying and long-lasting relationship with your partner.

Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $180 per couple. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/couples18; T: 6467 6072.

SEPT 23 Celebrating Life – Tea Dance Mamre Oaks’ first ever tea dance party for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), to show what they do best, and that’s to have fun, dance and sing.

Time: 2pm-5pm. Venue: Agape Village, 7A Toa Payoh Lor 8, level 1, S319264. Free admission to all adults with IDD, with one accompanying parent or caregiver.

Registration required via URL: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/conference-tea-danceregistration-47700759255.

For more information, T: 6801 7476.

What is the role of a sponsor?

Sponsors are members of the Christian community called to accompany the catechumens through the RCIA journey. Sponsors represent the Church to the catechumens by making the catechumens feel welcome and at home in the parish and introducing them to other members of the community, to parish activities and events. Sponsors are also companions, guides and mentors tasked to support and be a source of strength and encouragement for the catechumens throughout the journey. The sponsors hand on living traditions of the Church to the catechumens by word and example.

For those interested in becoming a sponsor in your parish community, contact the Office for Catechesis at rcia@catechesis.org.sg

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26 IN MEMORIAM 30th Anniversary In loving memory of

JOHN BAPTIST LEE KEOK SENG DOB: Jan 15, 1921 Departed: Sep 7, 1988 Jesus I Trust in You His life was earnest, his actions kind, A generous hand and an active mind, Anxious to please, loath to offend, A loving father and faithful friend.

Always remembered by wife, children and loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

MARY NG CHENG SEOK Called to Her Reward on Sept 4 2016 An Awesome Soul She lived life to the fullest with a megawatt smile.

Wife, mother, motherin-law, grandma, sister, aunt and friend – she showered us with affection and unconditional love – she lives on in our hearts.

Fondly remembered by her family, loved ones and friends.

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

SHIRLEY GAN KIM NEO Departed: Sep 4, 2004 Sweet thoughts of you and fond memories fill our hearts again.

With all our love Mum, we shall always remember you.

Your children and grandchildren.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you, I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you, to whom God

has given such great power, to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude, pray for me and all who invoke your aid. Humbly in need of your intercession.

Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers.

Classified advertisement rates: Minimum S$40 for the first 25 words.

Additional words: $1.00 a word.

ROSIE WEE GEOK HAY Departed: Sept 1, 2008 Rest in peace, dear loving mum Ten long years have passed away You’re gone, but we remember you all these years Your children, Irene & Peter.

Peacefully sleeping, resting at last, The world’s weary troubles and trials are past In silence he suffered, in patience he bore, Till God called him home to suffer no more.

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING

In loving memory of

RATCHAGANATHAN S/O A SEBASTIN Departed: August 30, 2016

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Deeply missed by loved ones.

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of HENRY CHOW AH CHONG Departed: Sep 5, 1993 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

Always remembered by his family and loved ones.

TERRY THOMAS Departed: Sep 2, 2008 Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.

‘Yes’, says the spirit, “they will rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them.”

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

ROSALINE PFEIFFER Departed: Aug 28, 2015

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Our Lord Jesus knew what was best He took you home for eternal rest We wiped our tears and tried not to be sad And remember the precious times we had.

Dearly missed by family and friends.

Mass will be celebrated at Novena Church on Aug 28, 2018 at 12.15pm.

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Fondly remembered and cherished by family and loved ones.

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LEE GUAN LENG ALBAN ALPHINE BERNARD CHRISTIAN Departed: Aug 30, 2014 Departed: Sep 3, 2007 Gone from our lives In our hearts One so dear you will always live But in our hearts Your love, your voice Forever near. and your smile Dearly missed and always remembered Are forever imprinted in our minds. by wife, sons and Dearly missed and daughter-in-law; always remembered daughter and son-inby wife Dora, law; grandsons and family and loved ones. grand-daughters.

CHUA YAM TECK ANDREW Departed: Sep 9, 2003 Come, you whom my Father has blessed, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you.

Fondly remembered by children Adrian, Valerie and grandchildren.

FRANCIS LEE ENG KOK Departed: Sep 8, 2010 Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

From your loved ones.

LAUZAR JESU ESTHER JANE MUTHIAPILLAY LAUZAR 1 Oct 1908 to 8 Sep 1989 8 July 1919 to 17 Sep 2009

“The blessed memories we have Of you both we’ll always cherish, Never shall both your memories fade: Our loving thoughts will always wander, To the spot where both of you are laid.”

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by family members and loved ones.

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ACROSS 1 The Inferno 5 Absurd 10 “Like ______ vessels will they be smashed” (Rev 2:27) 14 On the ocean 15 Short letters 16 Patron saint of South America 17 News article 18 Shades 19 “Born Free” lioness 20 Biblical sea

21 Evil king of the New Testament 22 _____ of the firstborn (plague) 23 Sycophant 25 Chilled 27 Computer information 28 Russell or Redbone 29 Burn-prevention rating, briefly 32 _____ of Christ 35 Catch sight of 36 Familiar pronoun, in Paris

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IN MEMORIAM 27

Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

In loving memory of our parents

PAULINA NAI GEK HOON

First Death Anniversary In loving memory of

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

JOSEPH LIM TECK KIM

Born: November 11, 1925 June 23, 1926.

Departed: Oct 6, 2017 August 29, 2003

Dearest Pa and Mummy, Though you’re both no longer here with us, we know that you’ve not left us.

Somewhere in Heaven, you’re watching over us and praying for each of us… like you always did.

When we miss you, we look for you in our hearts and memories.

We see you in our dreams.

There may be a lingering sadness when we think of you and the times we’ve spent together, but we’re glad that you’re in a much better place now… eternal life, love, peace and joy with Our Lord and His choirs of angels.

One day we shall be together again.

Till then… know that we love you both and that we’re praying for you too.

SISTER GERARD Departed: August 29, 2017 The I.J. Girls missed you in so many ways You left us sunddenly without saying goodbye We know that it’s God Will, he wants you to be with him Thank you very much for the years we shared, the love you gave and the way you cared.

Always remembered and cherished by IJ Girls.

Forty-fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DASSON STEPHEN Departed: Sept 9, 2014 The Angels gathered near your bed so very close to you.

For they knew the pain and suffering that you were going through.

Your eyes were looking homeward to that place beyond the sky.

Where Jesus held His outstretched arms, it was time to say goodbye.

Until we meet again, may God Hold you in the palm of his hand.

As we loved you, so we miss you; In our memory you are near.

Loved, remembered, longed for always, Fondly remembered by loved ones, siblings and friends.

Masses will be celebrated on: 9th Sept at 9am Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Singapore 10th and 11th Sept at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane.

Dearly loved, deeply missed and forever cherished by your children, grand-children, great grand-children and loved ones.

There is a place in our hearts which is yours alone A place in our lives No one else can ever own We hold back tears when we speak your name But the ache in our hearts Remain the same.

Lovingly remembered by your children, LILY M V CHASEchildren-in-law, CURRIER grandchildren, NEE CHEW grandchildren-in-law 24.04.1929 - 03.09.2011 & great-grandchildren.

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

Twenty-Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

ERIC ANTHONY PEREIRA Departed: Aug 23, 1973 But still the empty chair Reminds us of the face, the smile Of one who once sat there Loves greatest gift – Remembrance Sadly missed and always remembered by loving wife Theresa, Children, daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grand children and loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

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Fourteenth Anniversary

Seventeenth Anniversary

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ESTHER HO GOON MUI Departed: Aug 26, 1992 We’re assured of your love Even though we’re apart ‘Cause so much we’ve shared Is written in our hearts.

Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by family and loved ones.

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Twenty-fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANN MARY MORALES MDM CECILIA Departed: Aug 30, 2008 CHONG AH CHEAK In our home, you are Departed: Aug 28, 1993 fondly remembered.

Peaceful be your rest, In our hearts, dear mother you will always live.

Twenty five long years In our prayers, have passed away. you will always be.

In our hearts Mummy, we miss you your memory lingers in so many ways.

Sweetly tender, Lovingly remembered fond and true. and forever cherished Always remembered by sons, daughters, by daughter Theresa grandchildren and loved ones. and loved ones.

BIBIANA YEO MUI CHENG Departed: August 29, 2016 We miss you in so many ways and the things you used to say.

And when we do recall, it’s then that we miss you most of all.

Deeply missed and always remembered by family and loved ones.

In loving memory of Third Anniversary

Fifty-fifth Anniversary

ROSALINE MARIAPREGASAM APPADURAI BERNARD Departed: Sept 3, 2015 Nov 25, 1963.

Just a thought of sweet remembrance, Just a memory sad and true, Just the love and sweet devotion, Of one who thinks of you.

Deeply missed & fondly remembered by children & loved ones.

LILY SNG November 9, 1936 to March 28, 1992

BASIL PATRICK DE SOUZA March 13, 1931 to January 7, 2004

LUCY TOH-DE SOUZA August 15, 1943 to August 28, 2001

Though many years have passed, Cherished memories of you still stay in our hearts.

May you always remain in Jesus’ and Mary’s loving care.

Fondly remembered by children and grandchildren.

28

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Sunday September 2, 2018 n CatholicNews

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