Catholic News Issue 23 2018

A publication of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2018

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 076/06/2018

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

VOL 68

NO. 23

INSIDE

Powerful images of faith in Christian art contest

Affirming the goodness in other religions The Church sees all people as children of the same heavenly Father, says Archbishop Goh n Pages 4-5

What is it about this painting that captured the hearts of the judges at this year’s Angelico Art Award Open Category? Who are they? Recognise them?

Catholic High marks Founder’s Day A look at its celebrations and pastoral programme

Ms Irene Wong’s “Selah Moment” painting (right) was among the close to 100 entries submitted for the Christian art competition organised by HeartSpace, a Catholic art therapy ministry.

n Page 6

Our parish communities Featuring the Church of St Ignatius n Pages 8-9

A selection of contestants’ entries was held at 10 Square, Orchard Central, from Oct 20-26. n

Why young people fall out with the Church

n Turn to Page 2

Comments from some of them and a priest

for the full story

n Pages 10-11

A sign of love and care to the poor, elderly Jared Ng It was a Sunday walk with a special significance. It was an event to bring the message to our needy, aged and underprivileged that the community do love and care for them.

The two-kilometre walk organised by Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) was held on Oct 28, and attracted some 500 people. Among them were volunteers, donors and residents from the three nursing homes under CWS – St Joseph’s Home, St Theresa’s Home and Villa Francis Home For The Aged – as well as St

Vincent Home, a shelter home set up by CWS for people needing public assistance.

Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development, who was the guest-of-honour, flagged off the walk.

The event saw participants walk under the morning sunshine from the Singapore Flyer to the Merlion at the Merlion Park.

Able-bodied participants assisted the wheelchair bound elderly by pushing them as they chatted and enjoyed the view at Marina Bay. Games, music and food awaited par-

ticipants as they made their way back to the flyer. The residents from the various homes were also treated to a ride on the Singapore Flyer which certainly made their day.

“Regardless of their physical and financial challenges, they should not feel alienated and should continue to remain connected with their Singaporeans,” said CWS in a press release.

This is the second time CWS has organised a walkathon. The first was held at Labrador Park on April 30 in 2017. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Raising awareness of social services Special carnival held at Agape Village n Page 14

Why Catholics pray for the dead Fr Ignatius Yeo explains this practice n Page 18

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qu co Ms Kristen Ho with her painting, “Prayer”, which won the top prize in the Youth Category.

Ms Irene Wong’s “Selah Moment” won her the top prize in the Open Category.

Expressing their faith through art An artist’s powerful portrait of herself in prayer and a moving depiction of the biblical characters of Naomi and Ruth as they caught sight of Bethlehem, their destination.

These were the two winning entries in this year’s Angelico Art

Award, which seeks to provide a platform for Christian artists to reflect upon and express their faith.

Describing the entries for the art competition this year, Mr Lee Suan Hiang, former CEO of the National Arts Council and one of the judges, remarked: “Every

piece was a labour of love and so well executed.”

The theme for this year’s award was “Prepare the Way for the Lord”. It was the second time that the award was held. The first was in 2016.

The competition this year attracted close to 100 entries, as

Catholic News survey coming up Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ and all Valued Readers, The Catholic News, which has been published since 1935, is our only Catholic Newspaper in Singapore. We thank you for your support through the years.

But we are not resting on our laurels. We want to serve you better by seeking your views on what you hope to read more in our pages and how we can improve the Catholic News experience for you.

We will soon be conducting both an online survey that will go out via our Catholic News

website, by email to our subscribers as well as on social media platforms. To complement this, we will have face-to-face focus group discussions with various groups of Catholics.

We hope that you will help us with this task of making the Catholic News experience better for all so that you will get the best value out from your very own Catholic Newspaper.

So look out for more details on how you can participate in this survey in our next edition! n Archbishop’s Communications Office

19 October 2018

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Johan Rita Wongso SSCC is appointed Parish Priest of the Church of Blessed Sacrament for a term of six [6] years in accordance with can. 158 with effect from 28 October 2018.

2. Fr James Yeo is reappointed Rector of the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS) for a term of five [5] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

3. Fr Peter Zhang CDD is reappointed Vice Rector of the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS) for a term of five [5] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

4. Br Gabriel Wong is appointed Assistant Spiritual Director for the Archdiocesan Commission for Apostolate for Mandarin Speaking (ACAMS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

“Sanctitatem Vitae, the Sanctity of Life” by Mr Joshua Yang.

CHANCERY NOTICE 5. Fr Dominique Deme MEP is appointed Assistant Priest at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour for a term of three [3] years with effect from 1 January 2019.

6. The following have been appointed to the Board of Caritas Singapore Community Council for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018: a. Mr Lum Hon Fye b. Mr Ong Hoon Meng c. Mr Tan Tee How d. Ms Agnes Liew e. Ms Peggy Yee f. Sr Wendy Ooi FSP 7. Mr Andrew Quek is appointed to the Board of ABLE SEAS Ltd for a term of two [2] years with effect from 15 October 2018.

8. The following Commissioners of the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools have had their appointments

many as the first time, and attracted entries from people aged from 14 to 74.

HeartSpace, a Catholic art therapy ministry, organised the competition to raise funds for the Catholic Foundation.

According to Ms Joanna Tan, who runs HeartSpace, the winning entry in the Youth Category, titled “Prayer” by 18-year-old Kristen Ho, “stood out at once”.

It was “a stunning self-portrait and a very reflective and personal piece”, said Ms Tan. Describing her painting, Kris-

“I AM” by Ms Angela Kek.

CHN/CN/2018/016

renewed for the following terms: a. Mr Gerard Lee 20 October 2018 – 21 October 2021 b. Mr Kenneth Tan 20 October 2018 – 21 October 2021 c. Dr Koh Thiam Seng 1 January 2019 – 31 December 2021 d. Mrs Pauline Wong 1 January 2019 – 31 December 2021 n

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

ten said, “The best way to show our love towards God is through spending time with Him in prayer. Prayer opens the doors to our hearts for complete surrender, thus paving the way for Him to have His way.”

In the Open Category, Ms Irene Wong’s portrait of Ruth carrying her elderly mother-in-law on her back as they approached Bethlehem, their destination of rest, won her the top prize.

According to Ms Tan, Ms Wong is caregiver to her mother who suffers from dementia, and the image of Naomi and Ruth was an inspiration for her work, titled “Selah Moment”.

A total of 36 artworks were selected for the Angelica Art Award exhibition, held at 10 Square, Orchard Central, from Oct 20-26.

Other entries which also won the judges’ hearts included Mr Joshua Yang’s “Sanctitatem Vitae, the Sanctity of Life” which garnered a High Commendation Award. The painting portrays a stained-glass depiction of the sacredness of life with Christ as the source of light shining through Mary and the saints.

Another was Ms Angela Kek’s “I AM”, a colourful contemporary representation of the Creation, which won an Honourable Mention Award. n

Archbishop’s Office relocated Due to redevelopment and repair works scheduled to take place, the Archbishop’s Office will be temporarily relocated to 199, Ponggol Seventeenth Ave, Singapore 829645.

From Oct 31, kindly direct your mail and packages to the address indicated.

All contact numbers to the Office remain the same. n

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BUILDING THE CHURCH FOR TOMORROW 3

Sunday November 11, 2018  CatholicNews

Giving in Faith & Thankfulness gift campaign report 2018 Quarter 3 The GIFT (Giving in Faith and Thankfulness) campaign was launched in Advent 2016 to support the archdiocese’s vision of a more vibrant, missionary and evangelising Church.

Every Catholic is challenged to pledge a monthly contribution for the archdiocese’s operational and building needs. This quarterly report updates on the campaign’s progress.

contributions to date Contributions through GIFT continues to be strong. Quarter on quarter, collections have grown from that of 2017.

A record $7.0 million was collected in this quarter, more than twice the previous quarter’s collection of $3.3 million.

This surge in contributions was largely due to Shepherds Night and the generosity of

breakdown of contributions

givers to the St Francis Xavier (SFX) Seminary Building Fund.

Funding was needed as the SFX Seminary Building approached completion, and the laity responded to this call.

Through this show of support, contributions to the needs of the archdiocese this year has reached $15.2 million.

Nov-Dec 2016

Jan-Mar 2017

Apr-Jun 2017

Jul-Sep 2017

Oct-Dec 2017

$1.8m

$3.5m

$2.2m

$6.8m

$4.2m Nov 2016 - Dec 2017 : $18.5m

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP

Jan-Mar 2018

Apr-Jun 2018

$4.9m

$3.3m

$1.2m $1.6m $1.2m $1.9m $1.1m $1.4m $0.7m $0.8m $0.9m $1.5m $0.6m $1.0m $0.8m $1.9m $2.1m

2017 2018

$3.3m $2.7m $3.0m

Jul-Sep 2018

$7.0m

Jan 2018 - Sep 2018 : $15.2m

With the prayers, support and encouragement from the Catholic community, there was an overall increase in giving to the GIFT campaign.

With the exception of August, the giving increased month-on-month for this year as compared to 2017.

To date, GIFT has received $33.7 million since its launch in November 2016.

We are grateful for your love and support.

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5

sfx seminary building

Through the GIFT campaign, Catholic Foundation has raised $17.9 million to date, for the construction of the new SFX Seminary Building.

Both the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary and the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS) are now located under the same roof.

Sharing the compound with St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah), the seminary building is built on freehold land and is now equipped with upgraded facilities for the formation of future shepherds and for lay Catholics, for the archdiocese.

Archbishop William Goh blessed the completed SFX Seminary Building on 22 August 2018. This marked the end of the building project that began with a ground-breaking ceremony held on 26 October 2016.

thanksgiving mass

Catholic Foundation will be organising its 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Mass to praise and thank God for the support garnered through the GIFT campaign.

The occasion is also an opportunity to express gratitude to the various organisations that have worked tirelessly towards achieving the vision of the archdiocese.

It promises to be a special event that will bring the Church together. There will be a reception after Mass.

All are welcome to join us in this celebration.

Details of Mass are as follows: Celebrant : His Grace, Archbishop William Goh Date : Monday, 3 December 2018 Time : 6.30pm - 7.30pm Venue : The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

CITY DISTRICT Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Church of St Bernadette Church of St Michael Church of Sts Peter & Paul Church of St Teresa Church of the Sacred Heart St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street)

Jan - Sep 2018 $168,968 $39,690 $112,067 $242,093 $119,662 $71,753 $160,751 $139,533 $15,441

EAST DISTRICT Church of Divine Mercy Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church of St Stephen Church of the Holy Family Church of the Holy Trinity

$254,866 $584,366 $229,337 $63,590 $308,449 $226,374

NORTH DISTRICT Church of Christ the King Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church of St Anthony Church of the Holy Spirit Church of the Risen Christ St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah)

$257,354 $84,020 $145,207 $650,967 $220,522 $220,550

SERANGOON DISTRICT Church of St Francis Xavier Church of St Vincent de Paul Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church of the Transfiguration St Anne’s Church

$293,727 $297,458 $338,262 $422,056 $101,497 $191,080

WEST DISTRICT Blessed Sacrament Church Church of St Francis of Assisi Church of St Ignatius Church of St Mary of the Angels Church of the Holy Cross

$130,921 $85,999 $429,753 $295,874 $309,890

OTHERS Contributions by mail not identifiable to a parish CF fundraising receptions and restricted funds TOTAL

$476,649 $7,512,566 $15,201,292

your involvement matters Though the GIFT campaign has seen Catholics stepping up to support the needs of the archdiocese, much more prayers, time and resources are needed to realise the vision. The response of every Catholic is crucial in building up the Church for generations to come.

pray

act

give

Visit gift.catholicfoundation.sg or pick up a GIFT envelope today to play your part in the mission of our Church. All contributions, big and small, will make a difference.

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Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

This paradigm shift came when Christianity moved out of Europe to other parts of the world, having to interface with other rich religions, like Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism The Church sees all men and women as brothers and sisters of the same Heavenly Father, writes Archbishop William Goh.

All

of us desire world peace, beginning with our own nation, our community and our family. Without peace, there can be no unity among the peoples of the world. Division in the world is caused by fear, selfishness and injustices. This is further reinforced by the exclusive approach of most religions.

Such exclusive claims of religions make believers of other faiths feel alienated and rejected. This causes religious tension, fanaticism and rivalry. That is why we need to promote a more inclusive approach in dealing with other religions.

This exclusive approach of religions is of course not new.

This is true even in the history of Israel. However, it is important to understand the historical background of why such an exclusive position was taken. In those days, Israel was struggling to be a nation. She had to fight against the many other tribes that were already in Palestine. Therefore, it was necessary for Moses to unite the people with a common faith, a common culture and a common identity. The way to promote unity in those days was conceived in terms of homogeneity and uniformity.

Hence, it was important that the Israel-

ites distinguished themselves from the rest in terms of religion, culture, politics and values. By the time of Christ, Israel was no longer an independent nation.

Indeed, since the exile, they were under the domination of foreign powers.

Yet, they still could keep their identity based on race and religion.

Within this context, the Gentiles were considered second class, even if they worshipped the God of Israel. This was what St Paul told the Gentiles. “Do not forget that you had no Christ and were excluded from membership of Israel, aliens with no part in the covenants with their Promise; you were immersed in this world, without hope and without God.” For those Gentiles that did not accept the God of Israel, they were regarded as condemned and lost. No matter what they did, they would never be considered as the Chosen People of God. This belonged exclusively to the Jews. Furthermore, the insistence on observing the laws of Moses strictly created not just division among themselves but also distanced them further from the Jews.

So, with the coming of Christ, Jesus as the God-man broke all

barriers between God and man; and among all peoples. As the incarnation of God, Jesus showed us the face of God in person. He told Philip, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” (Jn 14:9f) In Jesus, we come to know who God is. It is for this reason that Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (Jn 14:6f)

Jesus revealed to us that there is One God and that we have one Father. God is the Father of all of humanity. We are all His children, therefore we are all brothers and sisters. Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” (Mt 5:44f)

What divides us from God and from each other is because of our sins of selfishness. However, Jesus removed the fundamental barrier between God and us by eradicating our hostility against God because of our sins. “But now in Christ Jesus, you that used to be so far apart from us have been brought very close, by the blood of Christ.” With the death of Christ on the cross, Jesus reaffirms that all our sins are forgiven. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”

(Rom 5:6-8)

Consequently, salvation is no longer by observance of the laws but by faith in God’s love and mercy in Christ. “For he is the peace between us, and had made the two into one and broken down the barrier which used to keep them apart, actually destroying in his own person

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Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

the hostility caused by the rules and decrees of the Law. This was to create one single New Man in himself out of the two of them and by restoring peace through the cross, to unite them both in a single Body and reconcile them with God. In his own person he killed the hostility.”

Christianity has been an inclusive religion right from the start. It embraces all men and women from all nations, cultures, economic and political situations. In Christ, all are loved and accepted by God. This is why the Christian Church eventually became known as the Catholic Church, because of its universality in its identity, openness to all, regardless of who we are. All are loved by God without exception. This was the message of the Good News preached by the early Church.

However, when Christianity broke out of the shadow of Judaism and reached out to the Greek World, where there were many other religions, it had to adapt to the Greek culture and language. In the same way, when the whole of Europe embraced Catholicism, there was homogeneity in politics, religion, culture, language and values. It was thought that Christianity had been spread to the whole world. Again, as Christianity moved out of Europe, it confronted many other rich religions,

like Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism in other parts of the world. This called for a paradigm shift in how the work of evangelisation should proceed.

The Church no longer maintains that outside her, there is no salvation. Instead, the Church teaches, “Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.

Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel.” (LG 16)

The Church even positively affirms the goodness in other religions and their practices.

“Likewise, other religions found everywhere try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing ‘ways,’ comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites.

The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions.

She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those

precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.” (Nostra Aetate 2) This is a bold affirmation that not only all can be saved through their own religions but that they also contain different levels of truth and holiness in their way of life.

Having stated these principles clearly, the Church offers from her beliefs and conviction that Christ is “‘the way, the truth, and the life’ (Jn 14:6), in whom men may find the fullness of religious life, in whom God

learn from each other the truths they present, the positive values of respect and love, and their spirituality in prayer and worship. Indeed, in the final analysis, all men and women are brothers and sisters of the same Heavenly Father. Instead of seeing each other as enemies and competitors, we must see each other as friends, helping each other to find the fullness of truth, love and life.

This was what our Lord said in the gospel about union with Him. When the servants “dressed for

has reconciled all things to Himself. The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men.” (NA 2) So whilst not denying the value of other religions, the Church offers Christ as a gift to those who wish to seek the fullness of life, love and truth which we encounter in Christ Jesus.

action” and ready to welcome the master who wants to share the joy of the wedding feast with them, the servants would no longer be servants but his friends. Instead of the servants serving the master, he served them in return.

When there is mutual love, the distinction between master and servant no longer exists because they are one in love with each other. So too, like the servants, we must be ready to welcome others who might not be believers in Christ but who want to share our love and joy. Let us welcome them with open arms, non-believers and sinners alike, so that entering into this love, they too would be filled with the joy of God’s love.

It is therefore critical that in the light of globalization and migration, we increase our understanding of each other’s religion, appreciate, respect and

(The full version of Archbishop’s Daily Reflection was first published on 23 October 2018, Tuesday, 29th Week, Ordinary Time)

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A series of activities to mark Catholic High anniversary

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F b C Secondary school students working on a quiz as part of the celebrations.

CHS pastoral programme A Mass was held concurrently for primary and secondary sections at Catholic High Founder’s Day celebration.

The unfurling of a banner by Fr Henry Siew set off a line up of activities to mark the 83rd Founder’s Day celebrations at Catholic High School in Bishan.

The celebrations, held from Oct 8-13, with the theme “ConneXions” set the students on the path to learn the milestones in the school’s 83 years of achievements.

For students in the primary school section, they were given quizzes to help them learn more about the late Fr Edward Becheras, who established Catholic High School (CHS) in 1935.

They took turns to visit the statue of Fr Becheras to learn about his life and contributions. Guided tours were also conducted by teachers at the Galerie Evergreen

which is the school’s heritage gallery.

At the secondary school section, the celebration also began with quizzes held during morning assemblies.

Students were also given a presentation of Fr Becheras life story in the form of a skit. There was also the “Amazing Race” – a discovery trail of key sites in the school including the Galerie Evergreen.

The graduating cohort also collated photos and designed class tiles to depict their collective legacy and aspirations – just like what past graduates had done.

The highlight of the celebrations was the unveiling of the school mascot, a life size “Panthera Catholicus” (a dark green panther), mooted and concep-

tualised by student leaders with inputs from the school-wide student population. The panther was chosen as a mascot because of it traits, namely, courage, loyalty, love and brotherhood.

The combined school events culminated in the Founder’s Day thanksgiving and Eucharistic celebration held concurrently in both primary and secondary schools on Oct 12. At the primary school, Fr Paul Lim presided over the Eucharistic celebration while Fr Henry Siew was at the secondary school celebration.

On Oct 13, the Catholic High Alumni held its annual gathering at Ban Heng restaurant at HarbourFront where they reminisced about the old days in CHS and had dinner and fellowship.

In conjunction with its focus on the student’s holistic growth and spiritual development, the CHS pastoral programme is run in alignment with the Church’s liturgical calendar. For example, the school will hold Easter celebrations, rosary prayers in the months of May and October and Stations of the Cross during Lent.

These are often run with the help of parent volunteers and parent support groups, who are the cornerstones of many partnerships.

The spirituality programme is headed by the School Chaplaincy team chaired by Fr Henry Siew with Fr Joe Lopez as chaplain. Together with the School Management Committee, they continue to build the Catholic faith education within the school. For example, chapel sessions are held every alternate Tuesdays and Fridays for the lower and upper Primary respectively. Hands-on programmes in arts and craft, parable reflections and praise and worship engage students so as to form a deeper understanding on the faith.

This is further strengthened by the weekly Jesus & I sessions.

In the secondary school section, the Catholic students and those who are interested in deepening their faith can attend weekly Religious Moral Education sessions conducted by teachers. They also have a choice of attending twiceweekly sessions with the Young Christians Society (YCS) facilitated by mentors from YCS. Masses are held every other week to allow students to appreciate the Catholic liturgical life.

Students across all levels are exposed to the Spirituality Education programme crafted from the seven themes of Catholic Social Teachings on matters of human dignity, common good in society, social organisation and concern for social justice. This is to help them to understand the challenge of living responsibly and building a just society.

A number of students and their families have been led to the faith through the school’s pastoral programmes. Take the story of Dominic Halim, 16, who was baptised during Easter this year at the Church of the Holy Cross.

Dominic was inspired during one of the school’s penitential services ministered to the students. He then sought to find out more about the faith and eventually received catechetical instructions from his Catholic teachers.

Another story is the Teo family who were touched by life in a Catholic school. Mr Charles Teo, his wife Catherine and their son, Cavan, had no prior knowledge of Catholicism. It was by chance that Cavan registered in CHS, and returned home after school one day and asked his parents about the “Jesus & I” lessons. His poignant question, “Mummy, where will you be if I go to Heaven next time?” set off much self-reflection for his parents about the religion.

This then led to Cavan attending catechism classes at the Church of St Francis Xavier.

Three years later, his parents joined the RCIA and the whole family was eventually baptised during Easter. n

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The First International Buddhist-Christian Dialogue for Nuns from various parts of the world.

Fostering dialogue between Buddhists, Catholic nuns Just why did 70 nuns from 15 countries, many travelling across the globe to congregate in Taiwan, meet in a Buddhist monastery?

It was a landmark conference indeed for all the nuns who were participating in the First International Buddhist-Christian Dialogue for Nuns, held from Oct 13-20, in the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monstery in Kaohsiung. Of the 70 nuns, 30 were Buddhists from countries such as Australia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore.

The theme for the dialogue was Contemplative Action and Active Contemplation: Buddhist and Christian Nuns in Dialogue. Their aim

was to foster mutual understanding between Buddhists and Catholics.

Their discussions focused on various items related to the theme such as the origin, evolution and present-day situation of monastic Religious life for women in Buddhism and Christianity; Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplation and service to humanity.

And, it was well worth the trip for the 70 nuns from Taiwan, Korea, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, the Philippines, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Norway and the US. There was also a representative from the World Council of Churches.

Canossian Sister Theresa Seow (far right) together with Venerable Fa Xun and Benedictine Sister Manuela Scheiba from Germany.

Singapore’s Canossian Sister Theresa Seow, who attended the conference, said she hopes Catholics “will learn the importance of Church documents that guides our decisions in interreligious dialogue.”

“The Catholic Church believes that there is a ray of truth in other religions and as Catholics, we can also learn that truths revealed in other religions can also help

us to be better persons,” she said.

The conference was organised by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, in collaboration with Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery, the Association of the Major Superiors of Religious Women in Taiwan and Dialogue Interreligieux Monastique/ Monastic Interreligious Dialogue.

There were plenary and small

group discussions, one-on-one interaction as well as attendance at Buddhist chanting and Catholic liturgy. The programme also included visits to the Female Buddhist College, the Buddha Museum and the Wanchin Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

And the takeaway for the participants was that the event has helped to build understanding and friendship among Religious women so that they may build bridges connecting the different spiritual paths.

Their witness to Religious life can be meaningful and joyful through detachment from consumerism, materialism and individualism and that others can be encouraged to walk on the path of holiness.

As a follow-up to the dialogue, Sr Theresa said she will share with her fellow Religious who are involved with interreligious dialogue on what took place during the conference. She will also contact the Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Punggol to organise an informal meeting. n

8 OUR PARISH COMMUNITIES

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

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Ignatian spirituality and its focus on going green Catholic News features the Church of St Ignatius in this series on parish communities.

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The Church of St Ignatius serves about 6,500 parishioners every weekend.

Jared Ng Helping to create a sustainable earth deserves the attention of everyone. Reasons for going green include protecting wildlife to curbing the effects of global warming.

So important is this subject that even Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si’, on care for our common home, said that “we need a conversation that includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all”.

The Church of St Ignatius, at King’s Road, has taken up this call to go green by reducing the use of plastic and prioritising programmes that raise awareness on creating a sustainable environment.

Even caterers appointed for the church’s events are reminded not to use any plastic plates or cutlery; the weekend canteen is also moving away from the use of single-use plastics.

A Farmer’s Market event was held in September to push the parish’s green movement. During the event, parishioners could buy organically farmed vegetables, fruits and herbs and view the edible garden in the church. Volunteer gardeners were also present to share about planting edibles.

A second Farmer’s Market was scheduled to take place on Nov 3.

“There has to be a conversion of lifestyle ... and a move towards a greener environment,” said Jesuit parish priest Fr Colin Tan, 57, who has given talks on Laudato Si’ to ministries to get them involved with the green movement.

He plans to get speakers to share about environmental pollution and hopes that this movement towards a more sustainable earth can be an example for other parishes to follow.

As a Jesuit-run parish, St Ignatius Church also places an emphasis on sharing the Ignatian spirituality with parishioners. According to Fr Colin, the Ignatian spirituality is “a spirituality for everyday life”.

It is a pathway to “deeper prayer, good decisions guided by discernment, and living a life of service to others”. Next year, he plans to conduct an parish-wide Ignatian retreat as part of an ongoing formation of the laity.

This formation includes a social mission thrust which has seen the church support refugees such as the Rohingya in Myanmar. During the church’s feast day celebrations on July 29 – in honour of St Ignatius of Loyala’s July 31 feast day – about $800,000 was raised for the Rohingya refugees, said Fr Colin, who has served as parish priest since January this year.

In October 2017, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) put up a Prayer

Awareness Display over three weekends for St Ignatius parishioners to reflect on and pray for the plight of the refugees in Myanmar.

The foyer in front of the main church played host to pictures and contemplations on the refugee crisis, their living conditions, and the struggles they are facing.

For October this year, parish-

ioners were encouraged to pray the rosary and lift up their prayer intentions to Mary by using post-it notes.

The notes are then pasted onto a rosary bouquet and prayer wall to form a cross. This initiative is part of the Pope’s appeal to pray for the Catholic Church to fight against evil.

On weekday evenings, the youth spend their time in the church

A Farmer’s Market event with focus on organically farmed vegetables.

studying and enjoying each other’s company. The De Vita Christi Youth Community (DVC) of St Ignatius Church, established in 2010, is made up of five youth ministries – the RCIY, worship ministry, facilitators ministry, youth choir and a young adults ministry.

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Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

For October, parishioners were encouraged lift up their prayer intentions to Mary by using post-it notes.

and a place where they can just hang out,” said youth coordinator Ms Cheryl Lek. Throughout the year, the DVC, with about 250 members, works with the catechists to run catechism camps and faith formation programmes that focus on individual and communal growth.

Of the estimated 6,500 parishioners that the church serves every weekend, about 300 are from the expatriate community, coming from places such as Africa, America, Mexico, England, Poland, Italy and Japan.

Activities such as wreath-making workshops during Advent and social gatherings, known as Fish Fry, enable local and foreign parishioners to enjoy food, games and fellowship, and are organised to help foreigners integrate into the life of the parish.

Catechism classes for students from internationals schools are also available. Known as the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), they are run by volunteers with the support of catechists. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Some of the prayers written on post-it notes.

HISTORY In late 1957, Archbishop Michael Olcomendy requested the Jesuits to build and run a parish church in the West district of Singapore.

Irish Father Kevin O’Dwyer was the clerk-of-works responsible for overseeing the construction of the church. When it was opened on Feb 12, 1961, he was appointed parish priest, a position he held till September 1974.

The church has been self-supporting since its opening. When there was a need for a parish hall and catechetical centre, parishioners were able to raise enough funds to build these facilities which were completed in July 1973.

The new parish hall extension, which was used for classes, meetings and the Sunday canteen was completed in 1990. That same year, the sanctuary in the church was reconstructed.

The church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. n Source: http://stignatius.org.sg/home/about-us/our-history

Members of the expatriate community taking part in a wreath-making workshop.

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Why do some young people fall out with the Church?

In this second part of a sampling of views from young people, Catholic News finds out why they left the church. JARED NG reports.

Our young people are constantly bombarded by messages contradictory to Christian beliefs and they face challenges everywhere: social media, music, school, friends, family and even within the Church itself.

With all these distractions, some find their faith to be “irrelevant”. Others, who Catholic News spoke to, shared some reasons on why they left their youth communities.

“I lost all sense of community and faith when I saw how my youth community was focusing more on social status than their faith life,” said Nathanel (all names in this story have been changed).

“We spent more time going to clubs and the beach than we did in church ... I’m not saying social occasions are wrong, they are important, but the reason for having a faith community for me, is so that one has a platform to share his struggles and challenges. There wasn’t that anymore in my community so I left,” said the 18-yearold, who was involved with his community for about three years.

Gerald, 19, said his community became “more focused on relation-

ships” rather than “evangelisation and reaching out to other youth to journey with”. Gerald was involved with his community for more than four years before leaving.

Those who got involved in intimate relationships started to miss community sessions and there were other couples who broke up which

ly.” As a result, she started to go to church on her own for a good two years but soon shied away after she was met with tough family circumstances and trials in her life.

Sean, 20, who journeyed with his community for about two years, said his experience during the last months there left a “bad and dis-

Having been totally disconnected with the Church, attempting to reintegrate oneself back can be quite intimidating.

One suggestion on what the Church could do is to organise informal meetups for those who have left. meant they left the community to avoid seeing each other, he said, adding that the “gossip and chatter ... hurt me personally”.

Shanice, 20, said that “there was a lack of support in church ...

My group of church friends drifted apart so I did not have a proper group of people to go with initial-

tasteful impression” on him because “I’ve met a number of hypocrites to pretend to be God-loving but gossip about others who they pretended to be friends with.”

Erika, 20, said that her parents “weren’t very supportive of me attending youth group activities – they felt like it would be a dis-

traction from school. And the environment in the youth community wasn’t very conducive for prayer and the direction wasn’t so much towards growing my faith but more so for fun.” She was involved with her community for about three years.

Having been totally disconnected with the Church, attempting to reintegrate oneself back can be quite intimidating.

One suggestion on what the Church could do is to organise informal meet-ups for those who have left. Doing so allows them to be able to be around other young people who “share and can relate to my struggles,” said Nathanel. “I think for this to happen, there needs to be better outreach or publicity of the type of programmes that are available for youth like myself.”

Concurring, Sean said that forming “such a group for lapsed young people may be one way to kickstart bringing them back.” Erika added that having such a group would be good for her and others to share what is troubling them because of the “close and personal interactions” that could take place.

On their programmes prefer-

ence, the interviewees said social gatherings and sessions focused on healing would be appealing.

“I believe for those like me, there needs to be healing before anything,” said Gerald.

“I think a great programme would be a camp, a few days for youth to come together and receive pastoral direction as well as to share their hurts,” said Nathanael.

“That way, a foundation of sorts can be built ... with the help of a priest or youth director. There can be continued sessions for youth who have left the church but are hoping to reintegrate themselves back in,” he added.

Acknowledging that most young people who have strayed from the Church would not bother attending Church events, Erika said friends play an important role in reaching out to them.

Shanice also suggested having camps where everyone new has a designated buddy so he or she would not feel alone. n

The first part of this feature appeared in the Oct 14 issue of CN.

n See Father Terence Kesavan’s reflection on the facing page.

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Young people said sessions with a focus on healing would be appealing.

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Father Terence Kesavan, studying Catechetics in the US, says young people need mentors that inspire them to grow and live out their Christian life.

If you were to ask me about one of the most important yet lacking aspect of the way our faith is lived out, I would say it is community. A faith has to be lived and grown in a community.

During my time as a seminarian in the Church of Christ the King, it was something I pushed for among the youth groups, because I felt they were too focused on the function of the ministry. So, it is quite ironic, and yet so telling of the problem, that a number of youth spoke about their youth community not being a place to grow in their faith.

Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have heard many people using the word “community”, but now everyone calls it a youth community instead of ministry or group. But do they really know what it means to be community? Or is it just a change of terminology.

Community is a way of life that is lived, not taught.

It is like trying to say that I can teach someone how to be married, or how to have a happy family, just by reading a text book.

Some of the theories may help, but the best way is to see and learn from it in practice.

That is why those who come from broken families, often end up making the same mistakes, because they have not seen and learnt from good examples. So, since these youth are looking for community and not finding it, the problem then is that there isn’t that strong of a culture that can inspire and encourage them to grow in their faith.

Many youth look around, in their families and social circles, and do not have role model Catholics that can give them a vision of something more than being a Sunday or lapsed Catholic.

Many parishes do not have a young adult community that young people can look up to and think, that is what I want to be.

They don’t see role models who are prayerful, interested to read and learn more (Bible, and other spiritual inputs), and using the gifts for ministry.

All they see are older Church members or those just doing a function, and living a double life outside of church, which is a bigger scandal

than just being a Sunday Catholic.

So why would a young person, who is still trying to find his or her identity, want to step out of their comfort zone and try to be holy when that means being different from what a “normal Catholic” seems to be.

No matter what we do in Catechism class or how many mission trips we go for, if the general culture is one of mediocrity, and just fulfilling obligations, then that is what most of our youth will become. There needs to be a change in culture and mindset, of what it means to be a Catholic, and sadly mindsets do not change very fast.

It almost seems like a chicken and egg thing. If I need to experience a culture for the younger ones to learn from, then it is a vicious cycle because this current culture will always be propagated.

This brings me to the next point, spiritual accompaniment.

This is a skill or method that we are very lacking in. We can call it mentoring or journeying but basically someone more experienced walking with someone less experienced.

Somehow it seems to only be found in spiritual direction and especially for those discerning vocations.

We can say that the parents or godparents should be playing that role.

Yes, they should be playing that role when the children are young although not many are. However, once they reach their teens, psychologically they distance themselves from their parents, that is where the need for mentors who are closer to their age is important.

Young people are looking for role models to inspire them to grow and live out their Christian life; to see others who have fallen in love with Jesus, and to want to do the same.

But we can’t just leave it as a passive observation, there also has to be an intentional effort to journey with the younger generation, across all ages.

Evangelii Nuntiandi 41 has a quote, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses” (Pope Paul VI, Address to the Members of the Consilium de Laicis, Oct 2, 1974). n

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Deepavali message 2018 Photo: PIXABAY

Dear Hindu Friends, Happy and blessed Deepavali! We share your joy at this time of festival – may the light of the Diyas illuminate your hearts and homes, and those of your families, friends and communities in the year ahead!

On 15 May 2018, an interfaith conference was held in Rome which brought Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh religious leaders, academics and believers together. It was entitled “Dharma and Logos: Dialogue and Cooperation in a Complex Age”; and concluded with a Joint Declaration by the delegates which included these statements: “We emphasise the importance and need to increase our commitment to common dialogue and mutual collaboration, in the spirit of love and truth, while remaining deeply rooted in our respective religious traditions to be able to effectively meet the challenges of our time and build a culture of encounter and dialogue.”

When Pope Francis granted a special audience for the conference delegates on 16 May 2018, he said: “I am most appreciative of the efforts of those who made possible this initiative... Dialogue and cooperation are essential at a time

It is with heartfelt hope and happiness that we celebrate with you this festival of the triumph of Light over darkness, Good over evil, Knowledge over ignorance, Love over fear.

like our own, when complex and unprecedented factors have led to increased tensions and conflicts, accompanied by violence, on both a small and a large scale. It is a cause for thanksgiving to God when religious leaders actively foster a culture of encounter by offering an example of fruitful dialogue and by working together effectively in the service of life,

human dignity and the care of creation.”

We thank God for your leaders who have worked tirelessly with us and those of other faiths to build bridges of trust and the ongoing renewal of our friendship here in Singapore. Indeed, such cohesion and cooperation are integral in these challenging times when remaining “deeply rooted

in our respective religious traditions” is increasingly becoming more difficult for faith believers.

The times we live in today are permeated, both in the real and virtual world, with fake news that seek to amplify stereotypes and prejudices, erode the dignity of the human person, disregard care for creation and the sanctity of human life and corrode the family

entity as the foundation of society.

There is an urgent need for us to embrace our unity in religious diversity, “in the spirit of love and truth”, and to collaborate with each other more than ever, in guiding and forming consciences that will courageously and faithfully uphold the moral values we believe in. We must continue to renew our belief in each other, knowing that ultimately, Love and Truth will prevail, and that the Transcendent Light will dispel the shadow of these dark times.

So it is with heartfelt hope and happiness that we celebrate with you this festival of the triumph of Light over darkness, Good over evil, Knowledge over ignorance, Love over fear.

Wishing you a very Happy Deepavali, Saal Mubarak!

Most Rev William Goh Archbishop of Singapore

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By Jennifer Ficcaglia God was unhappy with King Ahab of Israel. Ahab was evil and did a lot of bad things, one of which was marrying Jezebel, a pagan who got the king to worship the false god Baal.

So the Lord sent His prophet, Elijah, to give Ahab a warning.

God said that no dew or rain would fall on the land for a long time. The dew and rain would only come again when God instructed Elijah to say so.

After Elijah delivered God’s message, God told him to go into hiding.

“Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan,” God said. “You shall drink of the wadi, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.”

Elijah had plenty to eat and drink at the Wadi Cherith. But, since there was

a drought, the wadi – which is a stream bed that has water in it only during the rainy season – eventually dried up.

God had another plan for Elijah’s care.

“Arise, go to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow there to feed you,” God told Elijah.

Elijah went to Zarephath. As he entered the city, he saw the widow, who was gathering sticks to make a fire. He called to the woman and asked for a cup of water. As she was leaving to get Elijah a drink, he also asked that she bring him a crust of bread.

“As the Lord, your God, lives, I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug,” the widow replied.

“Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Felicitas St Felicitas was a Christian who lived in Italy in the second century. She is said to have been a widow who had seven sons.

Felicitas also was said to be very devoted to works of charity. She won many people to the faith, which greatly upset local pagan priests, who often complained about her.

Around the year 165, Felicitas was arrested for being a Christian. She was ordered to worship pagan gods or face death. After she refused to worship the false gods, the Roman emperor had her executed.

Felicitas was buried in the cemetery of Maximus on the Salerian Way in Rome, and we honour her on Nov 23. n

for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.”

Elijah told her to not be afraid and to make him a little cake before making something for herself and her son.

“For the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth,’” he said.

The widow did what Elijah asked.

And just as God had said through Eli-

jah, the widow’s jar of flour and jug of oil did not go empty, and she and her son had plenty to eat for a long time. n Read more about it: 1 Kings 17

Q&A 1. Where was the first place God told Elijah to hide?

2. Who was afraid of running out of flour and oil?

Wordsearch: n RAIN

n BREAD n PLENTY

n DEVOTE n PLAN n CAKE

n SEASON

n PREPARE n PROPHET

n EARTH n CHARITY n WORSHIP

ESSAY: How do you show that you have faith in God?

Bible Accent: God performed another miracle through Elijah while the prophet was staying with the widow in Zarephath.

One day, the widow’s son became very ill. He became sicker and sicker until he stopped breathing and died.

“Why have you done this to me, man of God?” the widow asked Elijah. “Have you come to me to call attention to my guilt and to kill my son?”

Elijah looked at the woman.

“Give me your son,” he told her.

Elijah took the boy from his mother’s lap and carried him to the upper room of the house where the prophet had been staying. He laid the child on the bed and called out to God. “Lord, my God, will you afflict even the widow with whom I am staying by killing her son?” Elijah cried.

He again called out to God. “Lord, my God, let the life breath return to the body of this child,” Elijah prayed.

God heard Elijah’s prayer and returned the son to life.

Elijah then brought the boy back downstairs to his mother.

“Now indeed I know that you are a man of God, and it is truly the word of the Lord that you speak,” the widow said to Elijah. n

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided from 1 Kings 18, put a T next to the sentences that are true and an F next to the ones that are false.

1.

Obadiah saved 100 prophets from being killed by Jezebel. (verse 4) 2.

There were 5,000 prophets of Baal. (verse 22) 3.

God told Elijah to end the drought in the fifth year. (verse 1) 4.

All of Israel was summoned to Mount Carmel. (verse 19) 5.

Elijah told his servant to look at the sea three times. (verse 43) ____

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Important guide for couples planning for a church wedding A wedding is for a day but a marriage is for life. And, for most couples planning your wedding date a year ahead is not something unusual. After all that’s what you need to do to plan the logistics from printing the invitation cards, buying a gown to booking the restaurant.

Now you should also add to the list on booking a slot with the Church for the wedding ceremony. The preparation will include a discussion with the priest to witness the exchange of vows and the programme for the church wedding. A point to note is that the church wedding is not just

Sun

a ceremony. It is the moment when sacramental grace is bestowed upon the Catholic couple; graces that we cannot do without in marriage.

There is also a spiritual preparation for marriage and there are two preparatory programmes available, namely, Engaged Encounter and Marriage Preparation Course.

Contact your Parish Priest or the Parish Office for more details about booking your wedding date. Visit https://bit. ly/2ShbFuz to read more about the above. n

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n Page 16: Pope urges stronger marriage preparation Activity station showcasing services of Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE).

A carnival to raise awareness of social service programmes It was a carnival with a difference at Agape Village in Toa Payoh. While visitors could still enjoy the fun and games, there was an underlying objective at each activity booth.

Staff from various social groups were present to share with visitors about the variety of social service programmes and rehabilitation services offered by Caritas’ member and partner organisations.

The event, held on Oct 14 at Agape Village in Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, was organised by Caritas Singapore together with Potong Pasir Zone 1 RC and the Singapore Wellness Association (SWA).

More than 500 people turned up at the exhibition booths which offered free dental screening to educational talks on healthcare and rehabilitation exercises.

Apart from the Catholic charities and organisations, PERTAPIS Senior Citizens Fellowship Home, located near Agape Village, also participated in the carnival with an exhibition booth. The residents from the home put on an upbeat drum performance for visitors. PERTAPIS is a social service provider that reach-

es out to the community through education and residential care.

Ms Rafidah Rafid, Deputy Head of the home, said that the carnival enabled her to “know more about the services and programmes that Caritas has to offer, and to know better how we can collaborate. It would certainly help us as we reach out to our clients too.”

Throughout the carnival, children and elderly participated in activities that promoted play and rehab.

There were games, facilitated

by SWA members, from the kampong days such as carrom, chapteh, pick-up sticks and even a Zumba exercise routine.

In the multi-purpose hall, visitors learnt about social services such as fostering, clinical intervention, mental health care, care for people with special needs and even dental care.

Booths were set up by Caritas member organisations such as Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE), Boys’ Town, Clarity Singapore, Family Life Society, Mamre Oaks and Mount Alvernia Outreach Clinic. n

PERTAPIS Senior Citizens Fellowship Home sharing information about their services and programmes.

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Spreading the message through songs ...

Ms Janet Sullivan Whitaker (foreground in white) wowed the crowd with her smooth and powerful vocals.

Many Catholics are familiar with the song In Every Age. But what is it like to hear it from the composer herself? Well that’s what a group of people got at two parishes recently.

And, they were just overwhelmed.

Ms Janet Sullivan Whitaker, the song’s composer, was in Singapore and performed at a concert titled Light and Hope, held on two evenings – at the Church of Divine Mercy on Oct 19 and the Church of St Ignatius on Oct 20.

Organised by CANA The Catholic

Centre, the event was an opportunity for the audience to encounter the Gospel through beautiful and contemplative music.

Ms Whitaker, a composer and recording artist from the Diocese of Oakland, California, wowed the audience with her smooth and powerful vocals. Joining her in the concert was Paulist Father Ricky Manalo, who has written numerous articles and books on liturgical ministry and music.

The stories shared by Fr Ricky

and Ms Whitaker behind each music composition reinforced the message of hope in today’s world.

Two choirs – the children’s choir from the Church of St Mary of the Angels and another choir made up of parishioners from various churches – were also part of the performances.

Making a special appearance, Carmelite Fr Edward Lim joined Fr Ricky in singing This Holy Light (composed by Fr Ricky) and God of Mercy (composed by Fr Ricky and Mr Bob Hurd). n

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Holy Father urges stronger preparation for marriage

CNS file photo

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

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spoken of the need for stronger and more effective catechesis in preparation for marriage. This is necessary, he said, because “you can’t play around with love”, especially when it comes to making a vow that lasts a lifetime.

Speaking to thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on Oct 24 during his weekly general audience, he stressed that a marriage preparation programme that involve just a few meetings is not preparation, “it is fake”.

It is the full responsibility of the parish priest and bishop to make sure the proper amount of time and discernment have been spent preparing for something that is a true sacrament, not a just formality.

A couple cannot promise to be faithful “for better, for worse” and to love and honour each other eve-

ry day of their lives “only on the basis of good intentions or on the hope that things ‘work out’. They need to base it on the solid terrain of God’s faithful love”, he said.

Pope Francis was continuing his series of talks on the Ten Commandments, and was reflecting on the Sixth Commandment, “Thou shall not commit adultery”, during this audience.

Every heart longs for unconditional love and fidelity, Pope Francis said. “Indeed, no human relationship is authentic without fidelity and loyalty.”

Men and women whose lives are “woven with fidelity” are “faithful and trustworthy in every circumstance”, he said. But “our human nature is not enough” for bringing about this beautiful way of life, he said. “It is necessary for God’s fidelity to come into our lives and ‘infect’ us.” n CNS

Learn from mistakes of the past VATICAN CITY – Young men and

women today need to learn from their elders what led to the great wars of the 20th century so they won’t fall for the same mistake, said Pope Francis.

“It is important that young people know the results of the two wars of the last century,” he Pope said on Oct 23 during a book launch.

Hundreds of people packed the auditorium of the Augustinian Patristic Institute across the street from the Vatican for the presentation of “Sharing the Wisdom of Time”, which is inspired by the Pope’s call for “an alliance” between the young and old.

During the event, the Pope took questions on various issues.

Responding to a comment on the hostility directed at migrants these days, he recalled the stories

he heard of World War I from his grandfather, and how these helped him understand the pain experienced by thousands of immigrants from Italy, Poland and Germany who arrived in Buenos Aires during World War II. Elderly people who have lived through war must pass on their experiences to today’s generation, the Pope said.

Young people, he added, must “understand how populism grows, for example that of Hitler in 1922 and 1923. They must know how populism grows: by sowing hate.”

Hatred is a path of destruction that is often disguised with seemingly just reasons, the Pope said.

For example, Hitler “covered it up with maintaining the purity of the race”, which is the same reason being used today to justify refusing to help migrants and refugees. n CNS

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WORLD 17

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

Pope open to visiting North Korea – Vatican official VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has expressed his openness to visiting North Korea, the Vatican has confirmed.

What has already been published in the press is true, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, told journalists, Vatican News reported on Oct 19.

South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in, who is a Catholic, visited the Pope the previous day and told him that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had asked Mr Moon to inform the Pope of the invitation.

Asked if the Holy See was already at work to prepare for such a visit, the Cardinal replied: “No. We have to wait a little now in order to formalise things more.” He described this as a “first step” in the form of a “verbal expression of interest”.

“A trip of this kind needs serious preparation,” he added.

According to Yonhap, the Korean news agency, Mr Moon’s press secretary told reporters the Pope said he would accept “if an [official] invitation arrives and I can go’.”

During the meeting, the Pope praised Mr Moon’s efforts to promote peace in the Korean peninsula.

“Move forward without stopping. Do not be afraid,” the Pope told Mr Moon, according to Yonhap.

In a statement released after the meeting, the Vatican said Pope Francis and Mr Moon discussed the Church’s role in promoting “dialogue and reconciliation between Koreans”.

“Strong appreciation was expressed for the common commit-

South Korea President Moon Jae-in meeting Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, after a Mass for peace for the Korean peninsula in St Peter’s Basilica. CNS photo

ment to fostering all useful initiatives to overcome the tensions that still exist in the Korean Peninsula, in order to usher in a new season of peace and development,” the Vatican said.

The evening before his meeting with the Pope, Mr Moon attended a Mass for Peace in the Korean Peninsula presided by Cardinal Parolin.

Addressing those present

after the Mass, President Moon said the historic signing of the Pyongyang Joint Declaration between North and South Korea as well as their commitment to ending the decades-long military confrontation were “blazing the trail for a noble endeavour that will secure the future of peace for the Korean Peninsula and the whole world.” n VATICAN NEWS, CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

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REFLECTION

Prayers to help the departed seek eternal life

Our prayers can assist the deceased in their journey to seek eternal life.

CNS photo

Fr Ignatius Yeo It has become quite common practice for Catholics to display flowers or candles to remember their loved ones who have passed on. This gesture is done almost instinctively to honour their memory and perhaps even as a way of offering a prayer for them.

It is expected for all to want to find a fitting way to remember those who have left us. Unfortunately, some have come to question why we pray for the dead.

In the Catholic Church, there has been a long-standing tradition to pray for the souls of the deceased.

How did this tradition come about and why is it still important today?

Our Catholic custom of praying for the dead is rooted in our belief in the very nature of Heaven.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church in describing the vision of the New Jerusalem of God’s eternal kingdom: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of Heaven.” (CCC 1030).

Since many believers who die have not lived as perfectly in God’s friendship, and do not die in a state of perfection. Thus, they are not yet prepared to enter Heaven and behold God’s face.

However, at the same time, they have not made the choice to totally

separate themselves from God and may have expressed regret for their sins and been forgiven. But their love of God at the time of their death may not have been as profound and as perfect as it should have been.

Thus, souls of departed individuals who have not yet been completely purified of their sins, must undergo purification after death.

How can we assist the souls of our departed loved ones?

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council cited that the Church has honoured the memory of the dead from the beginning (Lumen Gentium 50). The early Christian community in Rome gathered in the catacombs under the city to pray for those faithful followers of Christ who had been buried there.

They believed that their prayers served to assist those who had died.

The Church today refers to the souls in Purgatory as “our brethren … who having died are still being purified” (Lumen Gentium, No. 51). Hence, they continue to be important members of the Church, of the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ according to the belief in the communion of saints. We are able to assist the faithful departed by our prayers, just as they can also help us by their prayers (CCC 958).

This fact demonstrates that God’s mercy does not stop at the moment of death. Instead, divine mercy continues even after that moment to prepare a soul to receive God’s

loving embrace in Heaven.

The Catholic Church has taught for centuries that by offering our prayers, we assist those who have died in commending their soul to God’s unfailing mercy.

We can also assist the souls of our departed loved ones not only by our prayers, but also by offering a Mass in their name, by giving alms, by indulgences or by doing other works of penance consciously for their benefit (CCC 1032).

During this month of November, a month in our Catholic calendar dedicated to prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, let us remember to keep them especially in our prayers and works of charity.

Let us remember that these prayers and works can be extremely powerful in assisting the souls of our loved ones in their journey to attaining eternal life and peace.

Did you know?

Pope St Gregory the Great (540-604) would often offer Masses on behalf of the souls in Purgatory. He recounted the story of a monk who repented of his sins while lying on his deathbed. St Gregory, who was the abbot, instructed that Masses should be said in his favour. After 30 days, his soul appeared to a brother announcing that he was now free of Purgatory and had entered Heaven – traditionally these Masses are known as Gregorian Masses for the Dead. n Fr Ignatius is a lecturer at the St Francis Xavier Seminary and CTIS.

Beyond anger – an invitation to a deeper empathy Recently I attended a symposium where the keynote speaker was a man exactly my age (early 70s) ... Since we had both lived through the same cultural and religious changes in our lives, I resonated with much of what he said and with how he felt about things. And, in his assessment of both the state of affairs in our politics and our churches today, he was pretty critical, even angry. Not without reason. In both our governments and our churches today there isn’t just a bitter polarisation and an absence of fundamental charity and respect, there’s also a lot of seemingly inexcusable blindness, lack of transparency and self-serving dishonesty. Our speaker was plenty eager to point these out.

And for the most part, I agreed with him. I feel the same way that he does. The current state of affairs, whether you’re looking at politics or the churches, is depressing, bitterly polarised, and cannot but leave you feeling frustrated and accusatory at those whom you deem responsible for the blindness, dishonesty, and injustice that seem inexcusable. But, while I shared much of his truth and his feelings, I didn’t share where he landed. He landed in pessimism and anger, seemingly unable to find anything other than indignation within which to stand. He also ended very negative in terms of his attitude towards those whom he blames for the problem.

Bitterness and anger, no matter how justified, are not a good place to stay. Both Jesus and what’s noble inside of us invite us to move beyond anger and indignation.

But that’s not easy to do. In the face of injustice, dishonesty, and wilful blindness, all of our natural instincts militate against empathy. Up to a point, this is healthy and shows that we’re still morally robust. We should feel anger and indignation in the face of what’s wrong. It’s understandable too that we might also feel some hateful, judgmental, thoughts towards those whom we deem responsible. But that’s a beginning (a healthy enough starting point) but it’s not where we’re meant to stay. We’re called to move towards something deeper, namely, an empathy which previously we did not access. Deep anger invites deep empathy.

At the truly bitter moments of our lives, when we’re feeling overwhelmed by feelings of misunderstanding, slight, injustice, and rightful indignation, anger and hatred will naturally arise within us. It’s okay to dwell with them for a time (because anger is an important mode of grieving) but, after a time we need to move on. The challenge then is to ask ourselves: How do I love now, given all this hatred? What does love call me to now in this bitter situation? Where can I now find a common thread that can keep me in family with those at whom I’m angry?

How am I called to love now? How do I love in this new situation? That’s the challenge. We’ve never before been called upon to love in a situation like this.

Our understanding, empathy, forgiveness and love have never before been tested in this way. But that’s the ultimate moral challenge, the “test” that Jesus Himself faced in Gethsemane.

In the face of injustice our natural instincts spontaneously begin, one by one, to shut the doors of trust and make us judgmental. They also invite us to feel indignation and hatred. We need something beyond feelings of bitterness and hatred for our long range health.

Empathy is that something.

While not denying what’s wrong, nor denying the need to be prophetic in the face of all that’s wrong, empathy still calls us to a post-anger, a post-indignation, and a post-hatred. Jesus modelled that for us and today it’s singularly the most needed thing in our society, our churches, and our families. n

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REFLECTION 19

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

SIGN OF HOPE FOR THE CHURCH

Priests spend long hours working out solutions at Synod on Young People Catholic youth still passionate about their faith Father Jude David Many eyes have been on Rome in recent months and I am glad that there has been a positive reason for this because many have been interested in the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment that has been called forth by our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

This synod has captured not only the attention of Catholics from around the world but also non-Catholics who are eagerly waiting to see how the Church responds to young people and desires to accompany them in their journey of life.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a recording of a talk show by the BBC entitled Heart & Soul that was specially recorded in Rome in conjunction with the synod that is underway in this city. Several of us Singaporeans who are studying in Rome decided to attend this recording to listen to what the young people whom the BBC had invited had to say about the synod and about the Church.

It was a heartening experience for me because despite some negative comments, the majority of young Catholics who were interviewed spoke passionately about the Church and her teachings and their desire to be part of her life.

We often think that young people do not care about the Church but in reality, many of them who have met the Lord deeply care and love the Church and are will-

ing to sacrifice for her mission.

What a sign of hope!

Whilst I am not privy to the proceedings of the synod and we all await reading the guiding documents that will come out, I would like to share how it speaks to me as a bystander in the Eternal City witnessing the synod unfold

them that they matter to her and that the Church is willing to invest the kind of time and resources that have gone into organising this synod.

Some of the synod Fathers who have come from all over the world have been staying in the house that I am living at and it is

as well as my perspective as the Chaplain for the Office for Young People (OYP) in Singapore.

Whilst there may be many issues that demand the attention of the Church in this time, it is of great encouragement to young people all around the world that the Church is clearly saying to

evident from their faces how demanding the long days have been on them. They leave early in the morning and come home late in the evening and they have been at it for almost a month. The shepherds of our Church care deeply for our young people. What a sign of hope!

The synod is primarily a time of listening for the Church.

Many young people have been invited as auditors from around the world. These young people are being listened to and they are also listening to what the bishops are carrying in their hearts. Above all, the synod is ultimately the time of listening to the Holy Spirit as He guides the Church in the pastoring of her young flock. What a sign of hope!

As at every level of the Church, there are diverse perspectives, priorities, approaches and experiences and it may be difficult to find a consensus on what is the best way forward. I do not think that we can expect the synod to come up with a one size fits all solution that will suddenly bring back all our young people into the Church.

However, it does bring to focus what the Church is primarily called to do for our young people in all their diverse circumstances – to inspire faith in them and to accompany them in discovering and living out their God-given mission in the Church and in the world.

I do not think the synod would give us something radically new or different from what we have been doing in Singapore. Whilst it is true that we have our share of people leaving the Church in Singapore and we must continue to reflect on how we can arrest this phenomenon, I am also glad to note that we have been work-

ing very hard as an Archdiocese to recapture the hearts of our young people for Jesus Christ and His Church. The mantra at OYP, which is the official arm of our Archdiocese overseeing the pastoral care of young people, is “Raising up a Generation for Christ” and we have been working tirelessly for this to be realised.

I vividly remember the words of Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila, who was also present at the current synod, when he addressed youth ministers from Asia some years ago at a meeting and he told us that we need to be like Jesus going out to the well to meet the Samaritan woman (John 4:67). Jesus did not wait for her to look for Him, He went out to her.

Cardinal Tagle challenged us to go out to the “wells” where our young people are gathering today because they certainly are not gathering at the well of the Church.

My time in Rome thus far has been a time of meeting many new people, especially priests from all over the world and as I hear their stories and about their respective pastoral situations, I feel very encouraged for what we have back home in Singapore. We may be a small Catholic community with a relatively short history but we are certainly alive and kicking. What a sign of hope! n Fr Jude is currently studying Dogmatic Theology in Rome.

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Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

Sun

Compile d by Jared Ng and Christo pher Wo ng

Love and Bananas – Jan 26 from 3pm-5.15pm.

Bending the Arc – Feb 23 from 3pm-5.15 pm.

For more information, E: canatheplacetobe2013@gmail.com; T: 6338 4080; W: www.canafilmfest.com. Love offerings welcomed.

Nov 3 and Nov 10 My Child is Made for More Nov 3: 9am-1.30pm. Nov 10: 9am-4.30pm. Venue: Lifelong Learning Institute, 11 Eunos Road 8, S408601.

My Child is Made for More will enable you to be the primary sexuality educator of your child.

It addresses the sexuality issues facing your child, including pornography, pre-marital and casual sex.

The approach is to focus on dignity, respect, sexual honesty and authentic freedom, not consequences.

For tickets: T: 6488 0278 (Look for Hershey/Sophia).

For more information, W: education@familylife.sg; W: madeformore.peatix.com.

Nov 9 to Nov 11

Oct 24, 31 and Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 Basic Catechist Course Level 2 – Human Sexuality* Time: Every Wednesday from 7:30pm-10pm.

Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Road, S549102. *NOTE* Participants are required to have attended Basic Catechist Course Level 2 – Intro to Morality. Cost is waived for 2018. Register using the following URL: https://cms.catechesis.org.sg/civicrm/event/ info?reset=1&id=249. For more information, T: 6911 0400; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; W: www.catechesis.org.sg.

Retreat for dating couples: Love and right relating Venue: Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West St 42.

A weekend of prayerful reflection and meaningful discussion for dating couples as they discover and understand their relationship. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. Contribution: $250.

Movie Afternoons Venue: 55 Waterloo St, #02-01, S187954. CANA invites you to repeat screenings of popular films that were featured in our recent Cana Film Festival 2018.

On Wheels – Nov 3 from 3pm-4.45pm.

Keeper – Dec 15 from 3pm-5.15 pm.

Guide for Funerals in the Archdiocese

Death of a Catholic

Deaths and funerals are often a time of distress for families. Making funeral arrangements under these circumstances can be challenging especially with the need to coordinate multiple issues.

Nov 10 commencing Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis (MCC) 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).

Nov 10 TO Nov 11 A Religious-Charism Retreat Nov 10 (9am)-Nov 11 (3pm). Venue: Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Have you wondered about the different Religious orders in Singapore? What makes each charism so special and unique in answering God’s call to vocation? Open to all from ages 25–45.

Facilitators: Celina Lin & team. Cost: $120 (non-AC), $140 (AC). To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/rcr18; T: 6467 6072.

N

AES 65th Anniversary Dinner Time: 6pm-10.30pm. Calling all Assumptionknights to return, reconnect, rejoice at AES. Co-organised by Assumption English School and Boys’ Town Alumni. To register: T: 6572 9100 (Nurasyikin), E: aes@moe.edu.sg; W: http://assumptionenglish.moe.edu.sg/.

U Ti Th sc ho w it fe ap Ch

Nov 16 to Nov 18

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Nov 16

“A Ti (4 su fo Ve ad W T:

The family or funeral director must secure parish venue and priest first before booking the crematorium

Funeral Is it parish of the deceased?

The Archdiocese of Singapore, in helping to streamline the process for families of the deceased, has outlined the broad principles to assist the bereaved.

1 2

As a principle the funeral is normally arranged at the parish of the deceased.

5

The parish of the deceased is determined by the parish that he/she normally had been attending for their Masses and liturgical services.

The parish secretary will assist in sourcing a priest of the parish or another priest for the families to conduct the funeral rites.

6

For all other logistics in relation to the funeral day and rites, it will then be directed to the parish that will be conducting the funeral.

3

Before arranging a time or day of funeral and cremation, do contact the parish concerned to determine the availability of a priest.

7 8 9

In the case of dispute, the territorial parish will assume responsibility for the funeral.

In the event that the parish that was contacted is not the parish of the deceased, it would be the duty of the secretary to forward the information to the relevant parish and inform the families concerned.

Faith Formation Session Time: 2.30pm-5pm. Venue: CANA 55 Waterloo Street Title: Growing the community with faith and love into an inclusive extended family. Speaker: Bryan Shen.

For registration: T: 9784 2891 (Luke); E: cfsmsg@gmail.com.

Prayer Experience Retreat #25 Time: Nov 16 (8.30am)-Nov 18 (6pm). Venue: Catholic Spirituality Centre. A semi silent retreat where you will learn to connect with God in prayer, listen to Him, communicate with Him, receive healing in prayer and grow in the spiritual life. Conducted by Fr Andrew Wong and Catholic Spirituality Centre Retreat Team.

Registration opens on Oct 5. Cost: $120. For more information, T: 6288 7901; W: http://www.csctr.net/.

Nov 3, Dec 15, Jan 26 and Feb 23

4

Nov 10

If the parish venue is not available, the parish should arrange for an alternative venue.

In exceptional cases, the Mass for the funeral can be held at the venue of the wake.

Family contacts parish of the deceased

The parish of the deceased is determined by the parish that he/she normally had been attending for their Masses and liturgical services

Parish office contacts correct parish of the deceased

In the case of dispu will assume respo

ws

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

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

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.

n

Nov 18 to Nov 24 Week of Guided Prayer @ Church of the Holy Cross The Sojourners’ Companions invites you to learn how to pray with Scripture and develop a closer relationship with the Lord. Taster on Nov 18 from 2pm5pm. Nov 19-23: daily 30mins at home and 30mins with personal prayer guide at the church, at a convenient time between 9am-10pm. Closing on Nov 24 from 2pm5pm. To register: W: www.sojourners.sg; E: wogp@sojourners.sg. Registration is also available on Nov 10 and 11 at the church foyer or parish office after Mass. Cost: $30.

8 nt

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0 2.

Nov 23 to Nov 25 Quieting the Soul: Singapore Time: Nov 23 (7pm) to Nov 25 (4pm).

Venue: St. Patrick’s House (behind St Patrick’s Sch) 490 East Coast Rd, S429058. Step aside from the busyness of life to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection and to deepen your relationship with God. This is an individualised weekend retreat, guided by a trained spiritual director who will help you process your prayer and to discern God’s voice. By Cenacle Sister and team. Cost: $250. To register: W: www.cenaclemission. com. Please register before Nov 10.

Nov 17 Understanding Homosexuality Time: 1pm-5pm. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

This talk provides insights from the psychological sciences into the lives of people who experience homosexuality in conservative communities. It explains why the condition is not chosen by the person who has it and the factors that contribute to it. It aims to remove fear, prejudice and misconceptions while suggesting an appropriate stance. Please register at the office at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

Dec 5 to Dec 7

Nov 17 “A Life Surprised By ... ” – A Retreat for Young Adults Time: 9am-5pm. Venue: Verbum Dei Singapore (4 Sommerville Road S358228). Come, and let Him surprise you! “A Life Surprised By ...” is a one-day retreat for young adults aged 20-40 years old organised by the Verbum Dei missionaries and disciples. Cost: $50 per adult (includes tea and lunch). To register: W: tinyurl.com/alifesurprisedby. For more information, T: 6274 0251; E: Vdeisgevents@gmail.com.

Fr Anthony Ho 50th and Fr Francis Lee 43rd Sacerdotal Anniversary Celebrations Fr Anthony Ho’s and Fr Francis Lee’s sacerdotal anniversary Triduum Mass at St Anne’s Church with celebratory dinner in church dining hall on Dec 7 at 7.15pm. Dinner tickets at S$50/pax or $500/table.

Tickets can be purchased at church office on a first come first serve basis.

Mass Timings: Dec 5: 8pm, Dec 6: 8pm (Rosary at 7.30pm on 5th and 6th).

Funeral Arrangement Policy in Singapore Based on Senate Communication

s it parish of he deceased?

Is parish venue availabe?

Is priest available?

Priest negotiates date and time of funeral with the family

Parish ffice contacts orrect parish the deceased

Parish office looks for another venue

Parish office looks for another priest

The logistics will be arranged by the parish where the funeral is held

the case of dispute, the territorial parish will assume responsibility for the funeral

For more clarification or information, please contact your parish priest.

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/announcement-advertisement-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.

Dec 7 to Dec 9 Come Alive: A Weekend Retreat Dec 7 (7pm)-Dec 9 (5pm). Venue: Montfort Centre. Pray with the songs from the movie, “The Greatest Showman”.

Discover who you are and discern God’s dream for you.

Where are you fully alive and what keeps you from being fully alive? Closing date for registration: Nov 23. Cost: $330 (Single); $250 (Twin). To register: E: anthonyatmontfort@gmail.com; T: 9631 1943.

Dec 8 Catholic Business Network (CBN) Christmas Dinner Time: 6:30pm-10:30pm. Venue: Hotel Jen Tanglin.

A Christmas fundraising dinner for CBN project “Bursaries for Needy Students” and other events.

Table costs: $5,000 (VIP), $3,000 (regular), $300 (per head for regular table). Emcee: Bernard Lim. For more information, E: celine@cbn.sg; T: 9858 4782.

Dec 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Time: 5.40pm-7.30pm. Venue: Church of Christ the King. Join us for a special rosary and Mass to celebrate the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn. Celebrant: Fr John Sim. Organised by Pregnancy Crisis & Support. For more information, T: 6339 9770; E: help@pregnancycrisis.sg.

22 IN MEMORIAM

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of Thirty-ninth Anniversary

MARY ONG LIAN NEO Departed: Nov 8, 2016 Fondly remembered by your children, grandsons and loved ones.

Thirty-second Anniversary

Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

SAVARIDASS FRANCIS HENRY NATHAN ANTONIA Departed: June 15, 1979 Departed: Feb 16, 1986

Thirty-first Anniversary

NATHAN ANTHONY Sept 10, 1987

First Anniversary

BENEDICT HENRY NATHAN Departed Jan 22, 2017

First Anniversary

SELVANATHAN CARMENTO Apr 2, 2017

You left us beautiful memories Your love is still our guide Although we cannot see you You are always at our side.

Deeply missed by your loved ones.

Thirty-seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

Twenty-fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

CAROLINE TAN KIA TECK Departed: Nov 7, 2005 Ever since God took you 13 years ago, our memories of you continues to be treasured very dearly in our hearts and minds. We cherish the many good times we enjoyed as a family in your presence. You extended your LOVE, CARE and CONCERNS to us. Your CHEERFUL SMILE and your GENTLE VOICE brought COMFORT, PEACE, JOY, HAPPINESS and LAUGHTER to all of us. Now even though, we have been apart, we missed your presence dearly. Our love for you continues on forever. We thank God for providing us the many treasured moments with you during your earthly times.

Fondly remembered by husband Francis Claudius, daughter Geraldine, family members, relatives and friends.

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

CHRISTOPHER ONG (BABY) Departed: Nov 5, 2009 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all.

Some day we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

Dearly loved and missed by all loved ones.

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

REV. FR. MATTHIAS TUNG Departed: Nov 5, 2007 A simple and humble shepherd who guided his flock with love.

Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings.

Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Nativity of the B.V.M. on Saturday, Nov 3, 2018 at 4pm.

In ever loving memory

ANTHONY WONG PING MOON Born: Sep 20, 1912 Nov 15, 1992

ANNA HO LILY ANGELINA CHUN HEE WONG Born: Feb 21, 1914 Born: Mar 25, 1951 Called to eternal rest: Oct 29, 2012 July 2, 2010

Yahweh is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

In meadows of green grass he lets me lie.

To the waters of repose he leads me; there he revives my soul.

Psalm 23 Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of our parents Sixth Anniversary

Twenty-third Anniversary

TERESA LOH POH HWA Departed: Nov 8, 1981 Not just today but everyday In silence we remember.

Always remembered

by Dad, Mom, Sisters, brothers and friends.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

PATRICK PHUA

ANNIE LIM GUEK KHIM Departed Nov 11, 2012 Dec 1, 1995

Always remembered by loved ones at home.

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING Once again thank you holy apostle St Jude Thaddeus for prayers answered.

Also heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our Father Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy, Mother Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our

Lady of Lourdes, Sts Joseph, Anthony, Jude and all the Holy Angels and Saints for the unfailing favours granted, miracles blessings, protections and prayers answered during most times of need. Please continue to bless, intercede, protect, guide and watch over me and my family especially my husband and daughter.

ANNE CHUANG Departed: Nov 2, 2015 Remembering you is easy We do it every day Missing you is the hardest part As it never goes away To hear your voice.

To see your smile To sit with you and talk for awhile Would be our greatest wish Today, tomorrow, our whole life through We shall always love and remember you.

Always remembered by loved ones.

JOACHIM MARIE Departed: Nov 11, 1993 Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Lovingly remembered by wife, children and granddaughters.

V. P. JOSEPH DAS Departed: Nov 11, 2000 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 Remains the same.

Forever cherished by family and loved ones.

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

IN LOVING MEMORY EDWARD PETER Born: Jun 18, 1936 Departed: Nov 12, 2012 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.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul rest in peace. Amen Fondly remembered

by Martin (Sydney), Charles (Singapore), Raymond (Melbourne), their families and loved ones.

PATRICK CHONG ELIZABETH TAT CHEONG WANG AN KHENG Departed: Sep 3, 1998 Departed: Jul 27, 2006

The angels came to take you home And you left us all alone We know you keep watching us from above As we still pray for the one we love.

Always fondly remembered

by Ben and Juli.

Sun

ws

IN MEMORIAM 23

Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

CLAUDIUS BERNARD FERNANDEZ Departed: Nov 12, 2007 Your heart of gold stopped beating Two smiling eyes at rest God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best The tears in our eyes will wipe away But the love in our hearts Will forever stay.

Always remembered by wife Jennifer, children Claudine, Leon, Tricia and all loved ones.

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G 6

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In loving memory of Father Son

ALBERT OEN ALEX OEN BOEN KWEE KIM HAW (Twenty-eighth (Twenty-first Anniversary) Anniversary) Departed: Dec 6, 1990 Departed: Nov 10, 1997

In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Always remembered by daughter / sister granddaughter / niece and all loved ones.

Twenty-first Anniversary In loving memory of

KENNETH GEORGE BHEEM 23.4.32 – 13.11.97 Memory of you, dear, still casts a gentle glow It braces our days and lights our paths wherever we may go.

Lovingly remembered by wife Praxedes, children, Vincent and Cassandra, Michael and grandchildren, Bradley, Gerard, Russell, Catherine, Melissa, Michelle, Matthew and loved ones.

In loving memory of our beloved parents First Anniversary

Fourteenth Anniversary

SONNY PAUL PATRICIA CHUA WEE Departed: July 9, 2017 Aug 4, 2004.

For one who lives in Christ, death is the passage of the earthly pilgrimage to the heavenly homeland, where the Father welcomes all his children, “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues”.

We remember, We celebrate, We believe.

Fourteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTHONY ALOYSIUS Departed: Nov 5, 2004 Remembering you is easy We do it everyday The hardest part – we wake up missing you Knowing that it is another day without your presence; The feeling never goes away To hear your voice. To see your smile To sit with you and talk for awhile Would be our greatest wish today Today, tomorrow, our whole life through We shall always love and remember you.

Your family and loved ones.

In Loving Memory of Our Dearest Papa & Mummy

JOSEPH SILVA & JULIANAL SILVA At Home in Glory with the Lord Jesus Christ November 8th 1986 & March 29th 2003

A light from the home has gone, The voices we loved to hear are stilled Gone are your faces we so dearly loved Leaving a vacuum in our home Never shall your memories fade Sweet thoughts of you will always remain.

Mass will be offered at OLPS Church on Saturday, 3rd Nov 2018 at 6.30 pm.

Lovingly remembered and cherished by all.

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Sunday November 11, 2018 n CatholicNews

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