Catholic News Issue 25 2018

A publication of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore SUNDAY DECEMBER 9, 2018

SINGAPORE $3 / WEST MALAYSIA RM$9

MCI (P) 076/06/2018

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Canossa Convent bids farewell as an all girls’ school Boys will join the school from next year Jared Ng Nov 13 was a historic occasion at Canossa Convent Primary School as it marked its last thanksgiving celebration as an all girls’ school.

From next year the school in Sallim Road will be going co-ed after 77 years.

Canossa Convent Primary students were joined by students from Canossaville PreSchool and Canossian School for the hearing impaired, together with the teachers, staff, and Canossian Sisters in embracing this last phase of the school’s journey.

Both Canossaville PreSchool and Canossian School for the hearing impaired are coed schools. The predecessor of Canossaville Pre-School was Magdalene’s Kindergarten, also co-ed, which started in 1972.

Canossian School for the hearing impaired started in 1956.

Acknowledging that some may be sad that this phase of the school was coming to a close, Redemptorist Father Clement Lee encouraged all present “to look forward to the changes ahead” and to thank the Lord for the blessings which will come next year. Speaking at the Mass, he asked everyone to pray for peace amid the upcoming changes.

To mark the switchover, a flag ceremony was held in which the current school flag was replaced by the new flag.

Principal Eugenie Tan said the only change to the new flag is the school’s new name, Canossa Catholic Primary School.

Items such as the old school flag, newspaper clips announcing the school going co-ed, the student report book and

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NO. 25

INSIDE Our Shepherd’s Voice Just how prepared are we for our long journey?  Pages 6-7

Being “A Man for Others” Montfort Junior students raise funds for disaster victims  Page 9

Advent Penitential Services and Simbang Gabi schedule  Page 10

Journeying with HIV/AIDS patients A volunteer shares her experiences

Canossa Convent Brownies marching in with the new school flag.

exercise book, and class photos, were placed in a time capsule which is to be kept in the school’s heritage gallery.

A heartfelt moment was shared as all present sang the school song as one.

The announcement on the school going co-ed was made in January this year. Canossian Sister Theresa Seow, in an interview then with Catholic News, said the aim was to “move with the times and to respond to the needs of the community”.

Some of these needs include catering to parents and their sons, living in the MacPhersonAljunied area, who are affected by the merging of MacPherson Primary School and Cedar Primary School. Going co-ed will also cater to newer estates around the area, such as the upcoming Bidadari estate.

 Page 14

Preparing for Christ’s coming during Advent Fr Ignatius Yeo offers suggestions  Page 19

2019 Catholic News calendar Redemptorist Father Clement Lee blessing a student at thanksgiving Mass.

Besides, “many of our Canossian schools abroad have already gone co-ed, like in Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, Timor Leste and Italy,” said Sr Theresa.

Boys are expected to make up 40 percent of the school’s Primary 1 cohort next year.  jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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The deeper meaning behind the design of Queenstown’s church

Mr Steve Paul Yong explains the church’s unique roof structure to a tour group.

If there’s something that will first catch the eye of the casual passers-by in Queenstown, it is often the church with the sharp roofs that looks like a tent.

The unique architecture of this church in Queenstown has attracted not only those who are seeking God but others who are curious to know more about the process that went into the design of the building.

Indeed the design is to symbolise the “Tent of Meeting” in the Old Testament (Exodus 33:7-11) where those who wanted to consult the Lord would gather. Moses, according to biblical records, pitched the tent outside the Israelite camp in the wilderness. There, Moses met with God. And this interesting fact was shared with a group of 30 people who went on special two-hour tours on Nov 10, organised as part of an Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) programme.

Three parishioners – Mr Richard Lowe, together with Ms

Jesselyn Koh and her husband Mr Steve Paul Yong – worked with the URA to highlight the church as part of the Singapore Architectural Heritage Season.

This month-long programme by the URA was to celebrate Singapore’s built heritage and well-restored buildings.

Designed by Gordon Dowsett of Iversen, Van Sitteran and Partners, the most prominent feature of the church is its slate roof which is constructed in folds. Inside the church, there are colourful windows panes and the high timbered ceiling. The high ceiling was to provide ventilation in Singapore’s tropical climate.

The visitors were also invited to sit in the pews while explanations were given on the various parts of the church, such as the confession booth, communion rail, sanctuary, altar and tabernacle. They were also taken to the choir loft for a bird’s eye view of the church’s interior and to see how the church is laid out in the shape of a cross.

Visitors learning about the various parts of the church’s interior.

To wrap up the tours, the visitors had a chat with Indonesian parish priest Fr Johan Wongso, from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the Religious congregation that runs the church. They also met with Dutch priest, Fr Anthony Hutjes, who impressed them with his Mandarin language skills.

One visitor, Mr Ben Goodger, 56, said he enjoyed the tour as it provided information about the unique history of the church.

He added that his group was very pleased to be able to have a chat with the priests.

Blessed Sacrament Church, which looks like an origami artwork with its sloping roofs, was completed in 1965. It was accorded conservation status in 2005.

The church was built to cater to the needs of the residents of Queenstown, the first satellite town under the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), the forerunner of the Housing Development Board. 

Things you never knew about us, The Catholic News.  The paper first published in 1935 as the Malaya Catholic Leader.  Over the decades, the name was changed to The Malayan Catholic Newsletter. It later became the Malaysian Catholic News which then evolved into today’s The Catholic News in 1974.  Some of the advertisements in the paper’s earliest days included those for Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Pilot pens and Kodak film. We even had beer advertisements in those days!  CN was the main Catholic paper providing extensive coverage of the modernday saints-to-be Pope John Paul II’s Nov 20, 1986, and Mother Teresa’s 1985 visits to Singapore.  The Catholic News went full colour in 2003.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in-Christ and all valued readers, come on board and be part of the force to make our

Catholic News more dynamic. We are looking for public feedback on how we can improve the only Catholic news agency in Singapore.

Support us by taking part in our first online survey ever (and this is yet another fact for us to chalk up)!

We’ll let you know when we release the survey and when we do, just go to The Catholic News website (www.catholicnews.sg) and give us your honest opinions. Our survey should take no more than five minutes of your time, but the fruits of your effort will definitely help us leap into the future.

This is just a gentle reminder that this is coming soon. We are very grateful for your support through the years but we want to serve you better.

To complement the online survey, we will also have face-to-face focus group discussions with various groups of Catholics. Look out for more details on how you can be part of our focus groups in our next edition! 

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BUILDING THE CHURCH FOR TOMORROW

Sunday December 9, 2018 n CatholicNews

my gift to

Advent is a time of solemn yet joyful preparation for the birth of the Christ-child. Many people around the world also spend time trying to find the perfect gift for friends and family.

the gift of my talent

the gift of my treasure

Cooking is a passion I developed from my mother. I currently serve in the Kitchen & Service Ministry at Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC) following a very real, personal encounter with God during a CSC retreat.

I serve as a warden in the Stewards at the Banquet Ministry in the Church of St. Anthony. Every third Sunday of the month, we help gather the second collection that goes to the GIFT campaign. I, too, have been contributing to GIFT every month since February 2017. I recognise the needs of the archdiocese, such as providing for our ageing priests and maintaining our church buildings for the benefit of all Catholics. I want to do my part.

Pray, Act, Give.

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

Gift Now

gift.catholicfoundation.sg

In my early youth, I had various faith experiences and tried a few Protestant churches. I lived a worldly life, often partying late into the night. I enjoyed hosting and cooking for guests, basking in their attention and praise.

The Lord had other plans for the talent He gave me. After many years out of church, I was invited to the Little Rock Bible Study Group at St Ignatius by some soccer friends.

This led to my faith exploration and eventual baptism into the Catholic Church in 2006.

By then, I was already married and blessed with two sons.

Though I struggled to live out my faith initially, I felt His hand guiding me. I was better able to focus on my family, and rebuilt it on Christ.

During my Conversion Experience Retreat, I experienced His unconditional love and healing. In gratitude, I offered Him my service at CSC but wasn’t sure which ministry would enable me to best give back to the Lord.

At the subsequent Prayer Experience Retreat, we used Ignatian contemplation to immerse ourselves in a biblical scene. I reflected on Jesus’ healing of a blind man, Bartimaeus, by the road outside Jericho. I was drawn to the vivid sight of live chickens being held by His entourage. As I wondered about its meaning, I saw Jesus dusting sand off His sandals at the front doors of CSC. He then sat down at the dining table and gestured for me to cook Him a meal.

This, to me, was a clear sign that the kitchen was my calling.

Jerome Chang, banker, 54 years old (pictured, extreme right)

What is your talent?

Ask God how you could use it to serve Him and your brothers and sisters in Christ.

I initially gave $10 a month, increasing it later to $20. I occasionally forget to check if my bank account has sufficient balance, but I always ensure that the second deduction is successful. It takes discipline to budget my expenses - a small sacrifice for God. When I was younger, I would make excuses when my mother asked me for money and splurge on myself and my girlfriend instead. I even used to spend up to $30 a week on 4D. All this changed in 2014 when I truly came to know the Lord, after so many years as a Catholic. My transformation started very simply, when a friend asked me to join him as a warden.

I had never imagined doing that as I was a hot-tempered person, but agreed - I somehow ended up also attending the Life in the Spirit Seminar. I had a powerful experience! The Lord opened my heart and soul to make me realise that there had been something missing in my life all this time – Him. I finally saw how wonderful and generous God is.

At work, to help me through the long hours when on shift, I read the Bible, pray the rosary, or play recordings of prayers and songs. I know that I am never alone, that God is with me.

I am happy that I can help the Church, and plan to increase my contribution further. My only regret is that I did not give back to God earlier – but then again, it’s never too late to start!

Basil Rudolph de Roza, security officer, 72 years old (pictured, extreme left)

Is the Lord prompting you to be generous with your resources? Set aside an amount each month and help to grow the Church.

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BUILDING THE CHURCH FOR TOMORROW

the church

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But hat ca e i e to a y esus i self e i ite four atholics to share their story ehi d the differe t ifts they ha e i e the hurch, to help fulfil the pastoral isio of the archdiocese

the gift of my time

‘My Awesome God’. That’s how I address Him who loves me and with whom I am deeply in love. His love leads me to offer Him my time and serve Him in whatever way I can.

I have been doing different forms of volunteer work since school days, and e en worked with non rofit organisations locally and while living abroad. Though I had been involved in my parish of St Francis Xavier through activities such as Bible tudy and eighbourhood atholic ommunity, my service took a different, more intense focus in 2015 after the Conversion Experience Retreat, during which I had a personal encounter with my Awesome God. ne of the erses that s oke to me was, Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10). My dear brother whom I am very close to was unexpectedly called home to the Lord a few months earlier when he was overseas. God helped me to embrace what had happened, and reminded me that no matter how much I may love someone, God loves me all the more. I am His precious beloved child; without Him, I can do nothing.

It was like being baptised again. I thirsted to grow deeper in my faith, to never take it for granted. I went through a discipleship programme to see how I could best serve Him, and joined the Catholic Spirituality Centre Intercession Ministry and my parish’s lector ministry.

In my job, I interact with colleagues, clients and candidates daily. I enjoy talking to people, and look for opportunities to share my faith with them, e en ta i dri ers hen the Catholic Foundation called for Ambassadors last year, I signed up without hesitation. This is another avenue for me to serve Him. I want to bring the vision of the archdiocese to everyone, and spread the message of GIFT and His love.

I am just a vessel, His instrument. As Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta would say, ‘Do small things with great love’. I am glad I can serve Him. That is my gift to my Awesome God. ildred rose, e ecuti e search co sulta t, al ays s eet pictured, fifth fro ri ht

Have the passion to serve God but can’t find the time in between your commitments?

Why not make time for Him instead?

the gift of my work

I was baptised as an infant, but I grew up caring very little about the faith. Sure, I attended Mass and went for catechism classes, but in my early youth, I found the faith boring. Instead, I played truant from school, struggled with an addiction, and as a result, did very badly in my studies. y life turned around during the onfirmation retreat. e were asked to write a lo e letter to God, and as I reflected on my past 16 years, I realised that He loved me deeply, despite my sinfulness. I broke down and could not stop crying. My catechist, noticing my tears, ministered to me.

I shared with her what I had experienced during the session and my life’s struggles. She explained that what I was looking for was peace and freedom, and that I had tried everything, except Jesus. This was the beginning of my healing and liberation. From then on, I chose Jesus as the King of my life.

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T F GI ION.S T A D N FO U

Eager to tell others about Jesus, I joined acts29, a faith community involved in overseas mission, where I spent much of my formative years learning to live simply, in solidarity with the poor, and carry out the mission of Christ. I was taught how to pray the Sacred Scriptures, discern my Christian vocation, and forge meaningful relationships with members of my community who supported me in my faith journey. Part of my transformation involved giving up my old bad habits and cutting off from friends who were a bad influence on me. By the grace of God, I have since been leading a life that is more meaningful, purposeful and Christ-centred.

I worked in the arts and entertainment industry for a while, but after much prayer and discernment, I decided to resign and dedicate myself to work for God. Having encountered God in a powerful way, I came to realise the urgency of the New Evangelisation. I pray that through my service at ONE, others too may come to experience the love of God our Father, and have their lives transformed by Jesus. yl ester i

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If the Lord is calling you to serve Him in a radical way, consider working for your parish or the archdiocese.

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The full version of this Archbishop’s Daily Reflection was first published on 16 NOVEMBER, 2018, Friday, 32nd Week, Ordinary Time

here was a supposedly intelligent and successful king. To entertain him, he had a fool. But this fool was a real fool; not just playing the role of a fool. The king would laugh at the fool for the foolish things he said and did. One day he gave the fool a staff. He said, “Take this staff and keep it till you find a bigger fool than yourself.” Many years down the road, the king was old and was dying. His family, his court officials, his ministers, his servants, and last of all, the fool stood around his bed. The king in sadness said, “I have called you to wish you all farewell. I will

be embarking on a long journey. I will return no more to this palace.” Then the fool came up and said to him. “In the past, whenever you went on a journey to distant places or to some other country, you would always dispatch messengers, security guards, police, and soldiers ahead of you to make preparations for your journey. So, may I enquire what preparations your majesty has made for this long journey you are about to undertake?”

“Alas!” replied the king, “I have made no preparations.”

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Look at how much we worry and plan, and scrutinise all the details before e buy an insurance for old age, go on a trip, or even an outing among friends. , isn’t there something more important that we should be making preparations for? rchbishop William Goh gives the answers.

ture Readings: (2 John 4-9; Luke 17:26-37)

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if we see many vultures hovering over the sky, we know that a carcass is there. The signs that warn us of the future are also present before us.

We see someone who appears to be in the best of health suddenly suffer a heart attack; a young man at the prime of his career meets with an accident and is disabled for life; a professional discovers she has fourth stage cancer; a businessman finds his business collapsing because of changing economic conditions.

Truly, many things are not predictable in life. We are like this great king who became a fool at the end of his life. He had done much for the kingdom, but he did not make provisions for himself. We can be very successful in life, making achievements and a name for ourselves in this life, but a failure in the eyes of God.

When that time comes, we cannot bring anything of this world with us.

We cannot bring our loved ones with us.

We cannot bring even a pin out of this world, much less our wealth and property. Everything would have to be left behind. Remember Lot’s wife.

Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it; and anyone who loses it will keep it safe.

So how can we live in such a way that we are always prepared for death?

St John gives us the answer, which is to love one another. “It has given me great joy “Then,” said the fool, “you may have this staff back since I have finally found a bigger fool than myself.”

Indeed, are we prepared for the last journey we take in life? Have we made provisions? This is the question that the Lord is asking of us when He spoke of the coming of God’s Kingdom. The truth is that the kingdom will come when we least expect. He said, “As it was in Noah’s day, so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating and drinking, marrying wives and husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and the Flood came and destroyed them all.”

to find that your children have been living the life of truth as we were commanded by the Father.

I am writing now, dear lady, not to give you any new commandment, but the one which we were given at the beginning, and to plead: let us love one another.” There is only one commandment in the final analysis, which is the commandment to love one another. Love is the only commandment and indeed the only law. “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”

(Rom 13:8-10)

What is more, the writing is all on the wall.

What does it mean to love?

Jesus said to the disciples, “Where the body is, there too will the vultures gather.” In other words,

We all claim to love and yet we are hurting each other. Even the gangster and the mafia claim

that they are doing all the illegal things out of love.

Men and women, or even those of the same sex orientation, have sexual relationships outside of marriage in the name of love.

“To love is to live according to his commandments: this is the commandment which you have heard since the beginning, to live a life of love.” This is what the responsorial psalm says as well. “They are happy whose life is blameless, who follow God’s law! They are happy who do His will, seeking him with all their hearts. I have sought you with all my heart; let me not stray from your commands. I treasure your promise in my heart lest I sin against you. Bless your servant and I shall live and obey your word.”

The laws of God are to guide us to live a life of love, compassion and justice. When we live out these laws, we find peace in our soul.

When that time comes, we cannot bring anything of this world with us.

We cannot bring our loved ones with us.

We cannot bring even a pin out of this world, much less our wealth and property.

Everything would have to be left behind.

Jesus is for us the Way, the Truth and the Life. In Christ Jesus, we are shown the example of unconditional love, humble and selfless service, unconditional forgiveness, compassion and charity. St Peter wrote, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.” We too must walk the footsteps of our Lord. 

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Photo: CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY

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Volunteers learn about fire-fighting at Church of Divine Mercy.

Parishioners learn skills to handle emergencies The Archdiocese’s emergency preparedness received an added boost when volunteers at two parishes stepped up to learn life-saving skills which could be used in emergencies in church and even in their homes.

At the Church of Divine Mercy on Nov 17, 32 members of the Parish Emergency Response Team (PERT) took part in a Singapore Civil Defence Force Tier 2 Community Emergency Pre-

paredness Programme (CEPP).

This focused on practical training in first aid, CPR-AED (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Automated External Defibrillator) and fire-fighting.

At the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on Nov 16, nearly 400 volunteers signed up to be part of the PERT. The first 40 volunteers were scheduled to attend their CEPP training on Dec 1 with the SCDF. 

Sisters Rose Pacatte (left) and Nancy Usselmann speaking at a workshop. Photo: JOHNSON KOH

Nuns’ workshops help Catholics use digital media responsibly Marie Tay

Volunteers signing up to be part of the Parish Emergency Response Team at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church.

Photo: RICHARD LIM

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Everyone is on social media these days. Many people – from the youth to working adults and retirees – have different social media accounts for work, friends and other social circles.

How do we live as Catholics in today’s digital world?

Sister Rose Pacatte and Sister Nancy Usselmann, Daughters of

Saint Paul nuns from the US and educators on Media Literacy, gave some pointers at two media workshops on Nov 5 and 6.

At the workshops titled Bridging Faith and Life in a Digital World, held at CANA The Catholic Centre on Waterloo Street, the nuns touched on topics that included Digital Literacy, Media Mindfulness and Digital Discipleship.

Each workshop saw a turnout of about 50 participants that included several Religious members and a priest.

Participants learnt how to be more discerning when using social media and to act on the values that they believe in when engaging with the digital world, such as integrity, honesty, charity, compassion and social justice.

Short clips were taken from films to illustrate these points.

For example, a scene from the movie Crazy Rich Asians showed how gossip about someone was

easily spread across the world through text messages.

Short interactive sessions helped participants reflect on how to be mindful on social media and to use it responsibly and wisely.

The Sisters also shared the acronym T.H.I.N.K. to help participants reflect before responding, reacting or communicating in social media: T=Is It True?

H=Is It Helpful?

I =Is It Inspiring?

N=Is It Necessary?

K=Is It Kind?

The workshops concluded with a media pledge – to use media in a way that helps one grow in faith and spread the Gospel.

A quote from Daughters of St Paul’s co-foundress, Venerable Thecla Merlo, was also shared: “How beautiful and holy it is to communicate Jesus to others – that Jesus whom we want to always carry in the centre of our hearts.” 

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“A Man For Others” – Montfort’s way to relieve disaster On Sept 28, much of Palu, Donggala and Mamuju in Sulawesi, Indonesia, was devastated by an earthquake and a subsequent tsunami. The disaster claimed thousands of lives, injured many others, destroyed infrastructure and homes, leaving survivors without shelter and basic needs.

At Montfort Junior School, staff and parents wanted to teach the students to be A Man For Others, which is the vision of school. As such, a jumble sale to raise funds for the disaster victims was organised on Nov 14.

Appeals were sent out to students and parents to donate items at the jumble sale and the huge box that was set up to receive items overflowed many times over.

Parent volunteers took turns to come in every couple of days over a period of one and a half months to sort, clean and price the items. Everything was priced low – from 10 cents up, to make them affordable to everyone.

Student “buskers” started practising for their guitar, dance

A Montfort Junior School student customising his fabric pouch at the arts and crafts stall.

Student “buskers” put on guitar performances as part of the entertainment.

and singing performances once exams were over. Others wrote notes of empathy, support and encouragement for the survivors of the disaster and these were put up on a cardboard Christmas tree. Many also signed up to help out at the jumble sale.

On Nov 14, the jumble sale opened in the morning to crowds of excited boys. Stalls selling pre-loved toys were the most popular. At the art and craft stall, students could

much yelling, trying to step on each others’ balloons which were tied to their ankles.

Some Primary 6 students were rostered to interview younger students, asking them what they knew about the disaster in Indonesia, why they wanted to help and how they could help. Some shared that for them, being A Man For Others means being helpful to those in need and being willing to sacrifice time and money in order to be

purchase fabric pouches for $3 and customise them using a variety of stencils and paint.

Also available were drawstring bags with silk-screened popular superheroes.

Over at the entrance of the school canteen, the busker groups provided entertainment and spectators dropped love offerings into a donation box.

In the school courtyard where the game stalls were, students were running around, amid

kind. Most heart-warming were the students who spent their money, buying items for family members and caregivers and also, the big-hearted students who volunteered to be rostered for helping out in the various segments of the jumble sale.

The event raised about of $2,500 for the disaster victims.

More than that, it brought together students and adults working together with compassion and service in their hearts. 

Buddhist monks, North District camp to build a lay people visit community in the larger Church Divine Mercy Church Five monks and three Buddhist lay people from Sri Lanka were given a special tour of the Church of Divine Mercy in Pasir Ris on Oct 29.

It was their reward for graduating with First Class Honours from the Buddhist and Pali University in Sri Lanka. The trip was to let them experience the multiracial, multicultural and multireligious aspects of Singapore life.

They were accompanied by monks and lay Buddhists from the Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple here, which organised the visit.

Father Damian De Wind gave the visitors an overview of the various features of the church, such as the altar and the holy water font during the three-hour tour.

He also gave them a history of the church and explained what the Divine Mercy devotion was about, as well as elaborated on the church’s patron saint, Saint Faustina (1905-1938).

She was a Polish nun and her apparitions of Jesus inspired the Catholic Church devotion to the Divine Mercy. 

Father Damian De Wind explaining the various features of the church to Buddhist monks and lay people.

Youth communities can be found in almost every church in the local archdiocese. But what about a district community?

In an effort to foster bonding and fellowship among the youth from the North District parishes, a youth camp will be held from Dec 17-20 for all youth, aged 13-25, belonging to parishes from this district – namely the Churches of Christ the King, St Anthony, Risen Christ, Holy Spirit, Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah).

The aim of the camp, to be held at St Anthony’s Church, is also to allow participants to experience a community in the larger Church and the joy of being in this community. “We will also like to help the youth see that although we may be from different parishes and all walks of life, we are still ultimately one universal Church,” said Vanessa Chan Lin, a youth representative from St Anthony’s Church.

The camp is organised by the North District Youth Council (NDYC), made up of youth representatives from most of the churches in the district. Their chaplain is Father Cornelius Ching.

According to the NDYC, the

Youth from the various North District parishes with Father Cornelius Ching (back row sixth from left) after a board games day at Holy Spirit Church.

idea for such a camp started a few years ago. The council felt that it would be a great activity for the youth in the district to grow together and support each other outside their parish as a larger Church. However, at that time, the district youth were not familiar with each other, so a few other activities were organised in the past two years before they felt it was the right time for the camp.

Some of these activities included an overnight Lenten Walk in 2017, in preparation for Easter. Starting at 9 pm at St Anthony’s Church, youth from the various North District churches walked through the night until

they reached their destination at Holy Spirit Church. Along the way, there were various stops where they engaged in various activities.

On National Day this year, the youth took part in an Amazing Race games day where they had to complete various activities such as a game of captain’s ball and hand out inspirational Christian messages to passers-by.

One other bonding activity saw the youth come together for a board games day at Holy Spirit Church on Sept 29.

Those interested in registering for the camp can go to http:// tinyurl.com/ndyouthcamp. 

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ARCHDIOCESE OF SINGAPORE

Simbang Gabi 2018 Organised by the Filipino Parish Communities in Singapore Overall Coordinator for Simbang Gabi 2018: Rizaldy Sapiera.

Filipino Migrant Chaplain: Fr Charlie Oasan

CITY CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH No Penitential Service CHURCH OF STS PETER & PAUL Monday, December 10 at 8pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Sunday December 9 at 8.45am & 5.30pm (both in Tamil) Tuesday December 11 at 8pm (English) CHURCH OF ST TERESA Wednesday, December 12 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL Thursday December 13 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Friday, December 14 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) Monday, December 17 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART Tuesday, December 18 at 8pm EAST CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY Monday, December 10 at 10.30am & 8pm CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN Tuesday, December 11 at 8pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Wednesday, December 12 at 10.30am & 8pm CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Thursday, December 13 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Friday, December 14 at 10.30am & 8.30pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE Monday, December 17 at 8pm

Dates/times accurate at time of printing.

NORTH CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA Friday, December 14 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Monday, December 17 at 10.30am & 8pm CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Tuesday, December 18 at 8pm CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Wednesday, December 19 at 10.30am & 8pm CHURCH OF ST ANTHONY Thursday, December 20 at 8pm ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH (BT) Friday, December 21 at 8pm SERANGOON CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Wednesday, December 12 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Thursday December 13 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Friday, December 14 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION Monday, December 17 at 8pm ST ANNE’S CHURCH Tuesday, December 18 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Wednesday, December 19 at 8pm WEST BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Friday, December 14 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Tuesday, December 18 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS Wednesday December 19 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Thursday, December 20 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI Friday, December 21 at 8pm

DAILY MASSES IN THE FOLLOWING PARISHES FROM DEC 15-23 AT 8PM:

CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Arman B: 97976507, Bobby Q: 97643327 Pasir Ris. Bus#: 58, 88, 359 (Red West Loop) BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Mylene M: 96378722, Mary: 98009570 Commonwealth. Bus#: 93, 153, 147, 123, 196, 198, 855, 961 CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA Elmer D: 93826874, William V: 97610892 Yishun. Bus# 804 DEC 15, SATURDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI Kenneth O: 84815693, Daisy D: 97108366 Lakeside or Boon Lay. Bus#: 99, 174, 198, 240, 246, 502 ST ANNE’S CHURCH Geraldine Q: 92359267, Alex Q: 92399824 Sengkang. Bus# 50, 119, 136 CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Luz G: 91376938, Third G: 96340743 Serangoon. Bus#: 50, 70, 103, 854 DEC 16, SUNDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Edil E: 96583526, Dodeth V: 84440213 Bus# 5, 14, 16, 32, 65, 75, 139, 175, 195, 970 CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN Rey D: 97453947, Manulet B: 87884685 Mattar. Bus#: 40, 61, 62, 63, 65, 66, 135, 154, 155 CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA) Rhey T: 90122243 Novena

CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS Bong E: 82015842, Lang C: 91769340 Clementi.

Bus# 33, 96, 151, 183, 189, 196

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Lanie A: 92343638 Bugis. Bus#: 48, 57, 130, 851, 960 DEC 20, THURSDAY, 8PM

DEC 17, MONDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Arman A: 97679102, Charles M: 91698509 Bukit Batok. Bus#: 61, 852 CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Nilo L: 98242199, John A: 82829013 Kembangan.

Bus#: 2, 24, 25, 28, 67, 854 DEC 18, TUESDAY, 8PM

CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Tess C: 81233508, Jessica B: 82691324, Anley A: 90836000 Bras Basah.

Bus#: 7, 14, 16, 36, 171, 175, 700, 857, 518 CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Tosing K: 96246061, Helen P: 87404489 Toa Payoh.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Nilo L: 98242199, John A: 82829013 Kembangan.

Bus#: 2, 24, 25, 28, 67, 854 DEC 19, WEDNESDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Nilo L: 98242199, John A: 82829013 Kembangan.

Bus#: 2, 24, 25, 28, 67, 854 CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Chona P: 81369819, Melanie S: 92725997 Farrer Road.

Bus#: 48, 153, 165, 174, 186, 961

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Lanie A: 92343638 Bugis. Bus#: 48, 57, 130, 851, 960 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Betty C. 96582456, Robert M: 93848265 Ang Mo Kio. Bus#: 22,24,135 DEC 21, FRIDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Lanie A: 92343638 Bugis. Bus#: 48, 57, 130, 851, 960 CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Edison A: 96553225, Daisy L: 90995035, Ness S: 93669584 Hougang. Bus# 62, 74, 102, 112, 113, 119, 136, 147, 324 CHURCH OF ST ANTHONY Richard A: 96749360, Juan M: 96933764 Woodlands. Bus# 912, 912B DEC 22, SATURDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA DEC 23, SUNDAY, 8PM

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Maricel O: 83001374 Serangoon/Kovan The Masses in the following churches will be in Tagalog: OUR LADY OF LOURDES ST VINCENT DE PAUL IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY NOVENA CHURCH

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Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

r u o g n i r a p e r p – for

Valerie Siew As the liturgical year comes to a close with the Feast of Christ the King each year, I look forward to Advent, which is that special season of the year when we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming at Christmas.

In my family of five children, we often look forward to a more relaxing time without any school work or exams to worry about. Advent for us begins with the making of our own family Advent wreath which marks the preparation of our home and our hearts to welcome Jesus at Christmas.

Unlike commercial Christmas wreaths that are usually made with brightly coloured

decorations, our Advent wreath’s focus is on its four symbolic candles. These candles represent and reflect the anticipation that we should hold in our hearts as Christ’s coming draws near. While Christ has already come that beautiful morn many years ago; with each Advent we remember and celebrate with child-like anticipation the joyful hope that His coming gives to us.

Beginning with the purple candle for the first week, we are reminded of the HOPE we have for the coming of our Lord Jesus.

In the second week we celebrate PEACE – recalling how Christ comes as our Prince of Peace – to bring us in communion with Him. The sober purple gives way to a rose or pink coloured candle on the third week, usually referred to as Gaudete Sunday or

s u s e J ’

JOY Sunday. As Christmas draws nearer, Gaudete Sunday builds the growing anticipation in our hearts that very soon – in just one more week – as Isaiah (9:2-3) promised we would celebrate the light and joy of Christ. Finally, the last week of Advent is celebrated when we light the final purple candle of LOVE, where we are

The Advent wreath’s focus is on its four symbolic candles.

These candles represent and reflect the anticipation that we should hold in our hearts as Christ’s coming draws near.

reminded that God loves us so much, He sent His only Son Jesus to be with us and to save us.

Some Advent wreaths will include a fifth white candle that is placed within the centre of the wreath once Christmas arrives that Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus Christ our light and Saviour has come into the world.

Each Sunday evening during Advent, we come together as a family to light the next candle and to pray. Every time a new candle is lit up, we are reminded of how Christ’s light overcomes the darkness of the world.

Thank goodness for the Advent Reflection booklets that the Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE) gives out every year! These are usually our guide on how to pray as a family during Advent as we light up our wreath.

I first started making my own Advent wreath several years back. As I made the wreaths, I would reflect more deeply on the meaning of Advent. As part of my reflection, instead of the random

Materials for wreath making:

1 2 3 4 5 6

An Advent wreath made by the writer.

Medium sized circular floral foam 1 branch of noblis fir leaves 4 Advent candles (3 purple and 1 rose)

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Toothpicks Floral tape or scotch tape Pine cones and cinnamon sticks, plastic poinsettias, ribbons and Christmas baubles for decoration

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Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

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items placed into the wreath, I would make a conscious effort to put items that help me give meaning to the wreath and to my faith.

For example, using three cones or poinsettias to represent the Holy Trinity; three bundles of three cinnamon sticks reminds me of the gifts of the Holy Spirit; including cinnamon sticks that bring to mind the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh etc. Sometimes when I do Advent wreaths for my friends, I would also add in the flowers to represent the number of members in the family.

When using fresh flowers, I would choose floral materials that can last. These include African bush flowers like protea, wax flowers and even scented materials like lavender stalks and eucalyptus leaves, that look good even when they dry out over the weeks. Alternatives like using dried flowers where the colours do not fade even with time, and plastic poinsettias

CHANCERY NOTICE 19 November 2018

APPOINTMENTS 1. Mgr Francis Lau is reappointed a Tribunal Advocate for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

can also be considered.

So the beauty of a homemade Advent wreath is that you can put in items that reflect your own family’s uniqueness. The leaves of the wreath can be done with fresh fir leaves, purchased from the floral wholesalers around Singapore. When you water the fir leaves faithfully, they do not dry out and can still look nice and green throughout Advent.

However, there were years when I just left my wreaths without watering, and the firs would gradually dry out to a sort of brown grey colour. For me, this is also a beautiful thing in itself, as I imagine that my sins, just like the leaves, are fading away, taken over by the gradual brightness of the candles around the wreath, reminding me that the light of Christ needs to grow and glow in my heart to welcome Christ on Christmas morn.

Whether your choice is to make or to buy an advent wreath, I pray that this Advent will be a blessed one for you and your family. 

Steps to putting together your Advent wreath

1 2 3

Purchase a circular floral foam and allow the foam to be soaked in water for about 2-3 mins Tape some toothpicks to the bottom of the candles, so that the end of the toothpick protrudes out about 1 inch from the bottom, making sure that the toothpicks are securely fastened to the candles Stick the candles at equal distance from one another around the foam.

4 5 6 7

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Cut the branches off from a fir branch, with the cut end being slightly angled to allow for absorption of water from the foam Carefully place the leaves around the candles so that the tips of the leaves are away from the candle and are SHORTER than the candle Place the decorations around the wreath One tip to ensure that your wreath does not catch fire is to either use a candle holder or use battery chargeable tea lights.

2. Fr James Yeo is reappointed Spiritual Director for the Apostolate for Catholic Truth (ACT) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

3. Fr John-Paul Tan OFM is reappointed a member of the Archdiocesan Media Advisory Council for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

4. Fr Christopher Lee is reappointed Assistant Archdiocesan Master of Ceremony for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

5. Fr Terence Pereira is appointed a member of the Professional Standards Office (PSO) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

6. The following are reappointed as “Members” of the Caritas Singapore Community Council for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018: a. Mgr Ambrose Vaz b. Fr John Paul Tan OFM 7. Mgr Philip Heng SJ is reappointed a member of the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning of Resources-Finance for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

8. Fr Kenson Koh is reappointed Spiritual Director for the Catholic Aids Response Effort (CARE) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

9. Fr Terence Pereira is reappointed Diocesan Director for the Pontifical Missions Societies for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

10. Deacon Clement Chen is reappointed a member of the Board of Trustees for Caritas Singapore for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 October 2018.

11. The following are reappointed as members of the TRCAS Chinese Mission Fund for a term of two [2] years

CHN/CN/2018/017

with effect from 18 October 2018: a. Fr Timothy Yeo – Chair b. Fr Henry Siew – member 12. The following have been appointed to the Board of Trustees for Caritas Singapore for a term of two years with effect from 5 January 2019 for a term of two [2] years: a. Ms Janet Ang – Chairperson b. Mr Laurence Lien – Vice-Chair c. Mr Kwek Mean Luck – Member d. Mr Ng Kee Choe – Member e. Mr Tan Cheng Han – Member f. Ms Teo Swee Lian – Member

OTHER MATTERS Bethany East Clergy Residence With the opening of a dedicated senior clergy care residence named the Bethany East Clergy Residence at 576 Changi Road, the following priests will begin their residence at this new home from the first week of January 2019: • Fr Joseph Jeannequin MEP • Fr Michael Arro MEP Statement of Suitability (Bishops and Major Superiors) The Chancery would like to commend the cooperation of parishes and entities in implementing and observing the requirements for the Statement of Suitability for Ministry for priests and lay persons from outside the Archdiocese.

The exemption for SSM applies only to Bishops and Major Superiors of clerical Religious Institutes when it comes to the requirement for concelebrating at the Eucharist. However, Parish Priests and Rectors are to ensure the bona fide status of these persons and contact the Chancery if in doubt. Those hosting these persons are encouraged to help facilitate the verification with the churches involved.

ERRATUM The appointments of the new members to the Board of Caritas Singapore Community Council as published in the Chancery Notice of 19 October 2018 (CHN/CN/2018/016) will take effect on 5 January 2019 instead of 18 October 2018. 

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

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Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

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Because we CARE, we give new meaning to HIV/AIDS patients Diana Lee, a volunteer, shares her experiences Four years ago, at the blissful age of 67, a nagging desire to be a volunteer enveloped me. Whenever I hear a homily, read a spiritual book or watch my Korean TV dramas, my conscience would suddenly come alive, telling me to “do something”. But what was I to do, where, and with whom?

As a member of the Light of the Lord Covenant Community at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, I have for over three decades, built discipline in my prayer life. I know it was God calling me to “get up and serve” and so I readily let Him lead me to where He knew I would serve best – and He led me to the Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE).

The Lord has taken my 40 years of experience as a nurse, who had encountered the sick and the suffering daily, to His beloved children at CARE. These children of God were likewise sick and suffering from an illness not understood by many, but unlike those in hospital, they suffer in silence, fear and shame. They do not have any visitors as many are abandoned by their families and shunned by their friends.

These children of God, stricken with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), come to CARE in a broken state, harshly judged and unloved by those closest to them and by society at large. They are not only physically and emotionally tormented, they are mentally and spiritually destroyed.

I remember a resident sharing with me how his life was “hell on earth”, and how he was often bullied and made to feel worthless. He would bury all the pain deep within

Catholic AIDS Response Effort volunteers and staff (facing camera in black and white tops), together with residents having a singalong session.

his heart, and when he was brave enough to face the pain, he would confide to himself by writing on his Ipad, consoling himself with every word.

That day, he could no longer find any more words of consolation, so he handed me his Ipad, dejectedly. I read pages and pages of his broken dreams and loneliness, his despair and longings. I can still remember the feelings I had when I first read his story.

I had wondered if I were in his shoes, would I be able to survive all the hurt and pain on my own.

There was another resident whose story I would remember for a long time. He was telling me how he would visit his family but was never allowed into the house. He would converse with them outside the gate until one day the neigh-

I remember a resident sharing with me how his life was “hell on earth”, and how he was often bullied and made to feel worthless.

He would bury all the pain deep within his heart, and when he was brave enough to face the pain, he would confide to himself by writing on his Ipad, consoling himself with every word.

bours noticed this strange behaviour and started to question. He was then allowed in, asked to sit on a chair beside the door, and had a boundary drawn around the chair. A bottle of Dettol and mop were placed nearby.

When he stood to leave, his family members immediately started to prepare the cleanup. He told me this story quietly, with a very brave front, although I could see tears in his eyes. He accepted his situation and knew never to go home again to disturb them.

It is these heart-breaking stories and many others that

made me realise that I have to be a trusted friend to these residents, not just a volunteer who come to visit as and when.

I have to make a commitment to them even if it means being there every week, to listen to their stories and to share my faith.

Residents at CARE come from all religions and creeds, ages and ethnic groups, so they are free to join in the singing sessions if they wish.

I have been thoroughly blessed in my journey with CARE, making many new friends among the volunteers.

We trust one another explic-

itly, we pray together, and we work as a team. I believe our camaraderie has given some confidence to the CARE residents that we are here for them.

Although this journey has its many uphill battles, one of which is the perils of aging – I am 71 this year – it is very encouraging for me to see the residents starting to appreciate life again, slowly but surely, with some courage and a bit more resilience.

They have started to take more pride in their “homeaway-from-home”, cleaning up the community areas, even taking good care of the residence’s pet fish and rabbits.

They have less disagreements among themselves now, and have started to do gardening, carpentry works, cooking, candle and rosary making, and even started to sing and dance in their little moments of joy.

Some have even converted to Catholicism.

For us volunteers, we are given training at Tan Tock Seng Hospital to understand the needs of HIV patients better. We attend social mission conferences, participate in useful experiential workshops, and receive regular spiritual lessons from Father Kenson Koh, CARE’s spiritual director.

The journey of volunteerism has been fulfilling, to say the least, and so I urge fellow retirees like me, who hear His call, to not be afraid to take the risk to do something out of our comfort zone.  The CARE website is http:// www.care.org.sg/.

About CARE Diana is a volunteer with CARE which was founded in 1992 with the Christian dedication of promoting the dignity of the human person. Its mission is to be the face of God’s love to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) from all walks of life and background, regardless of their race or religion.

At CARE, this has been realised mainly through the provision of holistic care in the form of spiritual, psychological, emotional, financial and physical support to PLWHAs.

The main focuses are: • CARE shelter for men where they experience companionship of staff and volunteers who journey with them, helping them to overcome their emotional and social issues.

• Non-residential programme for people with AIDS who are living on their own and who require support and assistance.

• Advocacy programme to raise awareness of HIV/

AIDS and promote greater understanding and acceptance.

Once a year, on World AIDS Day, CARE joins the rest of the world in praying for and with PLWHAs that we may empathise with them and embrace them in Christian friendship so that they feel accepted and find the hope and courage to go on living meaningful and fulfilling lives.

The annual World AIDS Day Mass is scheduled to take place on Dec 2 this year at Novena Church. 

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Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

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St John of Kanty St John of Kanty was born in Poland in 1390. He spent most of his life as a professor of sacred Scripture at the University of Krakow.

John also was a parish priest for a short time. But this was not a position that he had requested. It is said that he was forced into it because someone at the university was jealous of his popularity.

After his tenure at the parish, he returned to the university, where he impressed upon his students the importance of practising moderation and good manners when facing controversies.

John had a reputation for holiness and was famous for his generosity to the poor of Krakow.

John died in 1473, and we remember him on Dec 23. 

hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”  Read more about it: Luke 3

Q&A 1. Where was John living when he heard the call of God? 2. Who did people think John could be?

Wordsearch:  PROMISE  CROWD  SMOOTH  MANNER  STRAIGHT  PATH  DESERT

 SACRED  REQUEST

 PREPARE  PRAISE

 IMPRESS

ESSAY: Advent is a time of watching and waiting for the Messiah.

How do you and your family celebrate the coming of the Messiah during Advent?

Bible Accent: There are many prophesies throughout the Old Testament that predict the coming of Jesus as the Messiah, and many of them are found in the Book of Isaiah.

For example, Isaiah 7:14 and 9:5 talk about Jesus’ birth.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name Him Emmanuel” (Is 7:14).

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon His shoulder dominion rests. They name Him Wonder-Counsellor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (Is 9:5).

Isaiah 60:6 refers to the Magi visiting the infant Jesus: “Caravans of camels shall cover you, dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and heralding the praises of the Lord.”

And Isaiah 53 talks about Jesus dying for our sins.

“But He was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by His wounds we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, all following our own way; but the Lord laid upon Him the guilt of us all” (Is 53:5-6). 

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters in each word and arrange the words to form a quotation from the children’s story. ywa ___

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SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

baptism started to wonder if he was the Messiah that God has promised His people.

John made it clear that the Messiah was still to come.

“I am baptising you with water, but one mightier than I is coming,” John told them. “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of His sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His

Answer to puzzle:

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The priest Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, had a son named John.

In the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the word of God came to John while he was living in the desert.

John then began travelling throughout the region of the Jordan River, telling all who would listen that they needed to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins.

John fulfilled what was written about in the Book of Isaiah: “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the

rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” Crowds of people came to be baptised by John.

“You brood of vipers!” he said to the people. “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance. ... Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

People of all walks of life asked John what they should do. He told people to share their second tunics and their food with others. He told tax collectors not to collect more than was required, and he told soldiers not to falsely accuse people and to be satisfied with their wages.

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Prepare the way of the Lord.

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Free meal for kids in a Manila slum. CNS file photo

Filipinos urged to shoulder the burdens of the poor MANILA – Church leaders in the Archdiocese of Manila marked World Day of the Poor on Nov 17 by sharing a meal with residents from the city’s urban poor communities.

At least 300 needy people attended the “lunch and sharing with the poor” event at the University of Santo Tomas following a Mass officiated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila.

In his homily, the cardinal urged Catholics not only to listen to the “cries of the poor” but also “to shoulder their struggle in our everyday lives”.

“Acts of mercy and compas-

sion” to those in need are the reasons why the Church observes the Day of the Poor, he said. Pope Francis in 2016 declared the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time — Nov 18 this year — as World Day of the Poor for Catholics to “reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel”.

Manila Archdiocese celebrated the special occasion a day earlier.

Cardinal Tagle in his message said “there will be no celebration if we do not care for [the poor]”.

He called on Filipinos to “admit to our own state of destitution” and “to dare listen to

the poor and associate ourselves with them”.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that an estimated 22 million Filipinos or about one-fifth of the population live below the national poverty line.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis railed against social inequality during this year’s observance, saying that “the din of the rich few” was drowning out the voice of the needy.

At a Mass attended by about 6,000 poor people at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the pope noted that “injustice is the perverse root of poverty”.  UCANEWS.COM

Nun who helped saved Jews during Holocaust dies at 110 KRAKOW, POLAND – A Polish Dominican nun who helped save Jews during the Holocaust has died at the age of 110.

Sister Cecylia Maria Roszak, believed to be the “oldest nun in the world”, died on Nov 16, the Archdiocese of Krakow announced.

A Catholic News agency report said that Sr Cecylia was born on March 25, 1908 in the town of Kielczewo and entered a cloistered convent of Dominican sisters in Krakow at the age of 21.

In 1938, she travelled with fellow nuns to Vilnius (now in Lithuania) where they hoped to set up another convent. However, the outbreak of World

War II hindered their plans.

For two years, Vilnius was under Soviet occupation, and then under German occupation after the Nazi invasion. During this time, Sr Roszak and her Sisters, led by their superior, Mother Bertranda, hid 17 members of the Jewish resistance in their convent, risking their lives to do so, reported Catholic News Agency.

In 1941 the Jewish refugees returned to the Jewish ghetto to help establish the resistance there.

In September 1943, Mother Bertranda was arrested, the Vilnius convent was closed and the nuns were dispersed.

Sr Roszak eventually re-

turned to Krakow and her congregation’s motherhouse, where she would serve as porter, organist and cantor over the years, and as prioress several times, reported Catholic News Agency.

In 1984, she and the nuns who had been at the Vilnius convent were awarded the honour of “Righteous Among the Nations” by The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, which recognises non-Jews who took risks to help Jewish people during the Holocaust.

On March 25, 2018, she celebrated her 110th birthday at her convent, and was visited by Archbishop Marek Jedraszewski of Krakow.  CNA

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Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

CNS photo

Follow Mary’s “yes” to God, Pope says ahead of World Youth Day VATICAN CITY – Serving others requires listening to God in prayer first, so that one can say “yes” to God just like what Mary did, Pope Francis said in a message for World Youth Day 2019.

“To be at the service of others does not only mean to be ready for action. It means also to be in conversation with God with an attitude of listening, just like Mary,” the Pope said in a Nov 20 video message, reported Catholic News Agency. “[Mary] listened to what the angel said to her and then she responded,” he said. “It is by relating to God in the silence of our hearts that we discover our identity and the vocation to which God is calling us.”

Whether one’s vocation is marriage, consecrated life, or the priesthood – “all these are ways of following Jesus,” the Pope said. “The important thing is to discover what God wants from us and to be brave enough to say ‘yes.’”

Pope Francis is scheduled

to visit Panama in January for World Youth Day, an international gathering of young people started by Pope John Paul II in 1985.

The theme for this World Youth Day, held from Jan 22-27, is Mary’s fiat from the Gospel of

“To be at the service of others ... means also to be in conversation with God with an attitude of listening, just like Mary.”

– Pope Francis

Luke: “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

In his message ahead of the event, Pope Francis said there are many young people, believers and non-believers, who want to do something good for

others, especially for those suffering.

“This is a strength in young people, a strength that all of you possess. It is a strength that can change the world,” he said.

God’s plan is “meant to make our lives fruitful and produce many smiles and happy hearts. To respond to God positively is to take a first step towards being happy and towards making many people happy,” said Pope Francis.

“May Our Lady be with you on this pilgrimage,” he said, “and may her example encourage you to be brave and generous in your response.”

Mary, under the title of Santa Maria la Antigua, has been an important figure in the Catholic Church in Panama for centuries.

She was officially declared the country’s patroness under that title by the bishops’ conference in 2000, reported Catholic News Agency.  CNA

17

Pope Francis praying in front of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in this file photo.

Pray for frankness, boldness from Holy Spirit – Pope to journalists VATICAN CITY – Break through every wall of gloom and resignation and help the world realise people need to care for one another as they are all one human family, Pope Francis told Catholic journalists.

Addressing some 340 students, alumni and faculty representing the Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists – a Catholic school of journalism based in Munich, Germany, he urged them to continue to call out injustices, follow ethical standards and put people first.

The Institute was established 50 years ago, after the Second Vatican Council, to provide Christians with professional training in journalism, media and communications.

“As Christian journalists, you stand out for your positive approach towards people and for your professional ethics,” the Pope said.

The work is more than just a job. It is a responsibility and commitment, especially today when it has become all too easy “to let oneself be carried away by popular opinion, defeatism and a pessimism that paralyses and blinds”.

“By force of habit, we no longer stand up to evil. We ‘let things be’ or as others have decided they ought to be,” he said, quoting from his apostolic

Pope Francis arrives for a meeting at the Vatican with students, alumni and faculty of the Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists. CNS photo

exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), which asserted the need for boldness, passion and inspiration to fight the seduction of complacency.

The Pope encouraged the journalists to pray for this frankness and boldness, or “parresia”, from the Holy Spirit who

“helps us trust in the truth of Christ that makes us free”.

“Let us get past the wall of sorrow and resignation and let’s help people open their eyes and ears and, above all, their hearts so they can look out for each other and realise they are the sons and daughters of one Father,” he said.

“Thank you, because as journalists you turn your gaze to people, and you call what is injustice an injustice,” he said.

“Thank you for also talking about things that are beautiful,” which may not end up on the front page, but still put the human person in the spotlight.  CNS

18

OPINION

Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102.

Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055.

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ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Jared Ng: jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

IN MEMORIAM: Racquel Castanares: memoriam@catholic.org.sg

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

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Richard Paul: subscriptions@catholic.org.sg

Please include your full name, address and phone no. for all letters to the editor.

All decisions on submissions rest with the CatholicNews. Published submissions will be edited.

The views or positions presented in articles in CatholicNews do not necessarily represent the views of the Church.

Advertisements that appear in CatholicNews are not necessarily endorsed by the Church.

REFLECTION

Change your mindset, step out in faith and always trust in God Patti Lamb Have you ever found yourself in a “faith valley?” By that, I mean a place where your spiritual life would really benefit from an answered prayer or an unexpected blessing or something in the “win” column?

Recently, I took a walk with a friend on a Saturday morning. She shared that she feels there’s been some interference between God and her.

“It’s like the heavenly cell towers are down, and my prayers aren’t quite reaching His ears,” she said.

My friend explained that she sensed some sort of disconnect, like communication means were broken and it felt like God couldn’t hear her prayers – or even her praise.

I could relate with her feelings and told her that I was in need of a faith infusion too.

We both expressed that we know God is good – all the time – but there are points in our spiritual journeys when He feels far away. Our conversation turned to a few of our friends, who were also encountering some “faith testers” in various forms.

One friend was nervously awaiting the outcome of her mother’s medical tests; another friend’s marriage was undergoing turbulence. These friends of ours, close to God and faithful to Him in every way, also struggle and encounter faith valleys. No one seems to be exempt from the stings of this earthly life.

I called my friend later that weekend to share an entry I read from a devotional book called “Jesus Always” by Sarah Young.

“Trust in my unfailing love – thanking me for the good you do not see. When evil seems to be flourishing in the world

around you, it can look as if things are spinning out of control. But rest assured: I’m not wringing my hands helplessly, wondering what to do next. I am still in control, and there is behind-the-scenes goodness in the midst of the turmoil. So I urge you to thank me not only for the blessings you can see, but for the ones you cannot see ... You must not let confusing circumstances shake your faith in me. When your world feels unsteady, the disciplines of trusting and thanking me serve to stabilise you.”

prayer to cling to when life’s circumstances present challenges to our faith: “I trust you.

I thank you. I love you. Amen.”

My friend and I realised that heaven’s cell towers aren’t down and we’re still getting service, but we need to change our mindsets and step out in faith.

She texted me with a quote from author John Ortberg: “Peace does not lie in getting God to give me other circumstances. Peace lies in finding God in these circumstances.”

And that’s what I think we all truly struggle with – accept-

We know God is good – all the time – but there are points in our spiritual journeys when He feels far away.

The author referenced St Paul’s Letter to the Romans, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments and how unsearchable His ways!” (Rom 11:33).

God’s ways are so far above anything our finite human minds can comprehend.

I circled back to the last line of the passage, and suggested to my friend that we “use the disciplines of trusting and thanking to stabilize us.”

We came up with a new

ance of God’s will. I keep finding myself praying for resolution A, B or C to this or that petition, but my prayer should be to acknowledge that God, creator of heaven and Earth, has a firmer grasp on what’s best for me than my tiny human brain can conceive.

Gracious God, wherever we are today, please help us find you there.  Lamb is a columnist of The Criterion, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, USA.

Sun

Our lack of welcome “Widows, orphans, and strangers”, that’s code in scripture for the three most vulnerable groups within a society at any given time. And both the great Jewish prophets and Jesus, Himself, assure us that ultimately, we will be judged by how we treated these while we were alive.

It’s interesting to look at any given book in the Bible ask this question: “What did the author of this book consider as the very essence of religion? You’ll get different answers. For example, if you had asked that question to the authors of Exodus, Deuteronomy, or Numbers, they would have answered that what was central to their faith was proper religious practice, keeping the Commandments and being faithful to the other prescribed codes of religious practice of their time.

However, when the great prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Joel) came along they painted a different picture. For them, true religiosity was not identified simply with fidelity to religious practice; it was judged rather on how one treated the poor. For them, the quality of your faith is to be judged by the quality of justice in the land; and the quality of justice in the land is always to be judged by how “widows, orphans, and strangers” fare while you are alive. For the prophets, the practice of justice took priority over proper religious belonging and fidelity to religious practice.

We see numerous sayings by the prophets that warn us that what God wants from us is not sacrifice on altars but fair wages for the poor, not the recitation of prescribed prayers but justice for widows, and not the honouring of religious festivals but the giving of hospitality to strangers.

After the prophets, we have the great wisdom figures in Jewish history. For them, the essence of religion was neither faithful religious practice nor simple outreach to the poor, but having a wise and compassionate heart, out of which you would then be faithful to both proper religious practice and outreach to the poor.

This is the tradition that Jesus inherits. What does He do with it? He ratifies all three.

For Jesus, true religiosity asks for all of these: faithful religious practice, outreach to the poor, and a wise and compassionate heart.

For Jesus, you don’t pick between these, you do them all. He tells us clearly: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14); but He also tells us that we will ultimately be judged on the basis of how we treat the poor (Matthew 25); even as He tells us that what God really wants from us is a wise, compassionate heart (Luke 6 & 15).

For Jesus, we are true disciples when we have compassionate hearts out of which we keep the commandments, humbly worship our God, but make it a religious priority to reach out to the most vulnerable groups in our society. Indeed, on this latter point, Jesus’ warnings are much stronger even than those of the great Jewish prophets. The prophets affirmed that God favours the poor; Jesus affirmed that God is in the poor (“whatsoever you do to the least, you do to me”). How we treat the poor is how we are treating God. Moreover (and I doubt we’ve ever taken this seriously) Jesus tells us that, at the final judgment, we will be judged for heaven or hell on the basis of how we treated the poor, particularly on how we treated the most vulnerable among them (“widows, orphans, and strangers”). In Matthew 25, He lays out the criteria upon which we will be judged, for heaven or for hell. Notice that in these particular criteria there aren’t any questions about whether we kept the commandments, about whether we went to church or not, or even whether our sexual lives were in order. Here we’re to be judged solely on how we treated the poor. It can be rather frightening and confusing to take this at face value, namely, that we will go to heaven or hell solely on the basis of how we treated the poor.

I highlight this because today so many of us, sincere, churchgoing, Christians do not seem to have either an eye or a heart for the “widows, orphans, and strangers” around us. Who are the most vulnerable groups in our world today?

Let me risk stating the obvious: Among the “widows, orphans, and strangers” in our world today are the unborn, the refugees and the immigrants. Happily, most sincere Christians are not blind to the plight of the unborn. Less happily, too many of us are religiously blind to the plight of millions of refugees looking for someone to welcome them. Every newscast we watch tells us that we’re not much welcoming the stranger.

How soon we forget God’s warning: “You are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners” (Deuteronomy 10, 18-19). 

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REFLECTION

Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

19

How to prepare for the coming of Christ Advent is a time of penance, anticipation and joy Father Ignatius Yeo

Floral décor

Catholics may find some similarities between the season of Advent and the season of Lent.

For a start, both seasons employ the use of purple vestments, a “rose” Sunday (Gaudete in Advent and Laetare in Lent), and the elimination of the Gloria in Mass – all identifying them as “penitential seasons”.

The seasons in fact lead up to an important Solemnity of the Lord (Christmas and Easter) and that’s the reason why they are “penitential seasons”.

So, what’s the difference?

During the penitential season of Lent, we recognise our sinfulness, our “fallenness”, both individually and as a community. Lent is a time of repentance, a time of penance to strive to cooperate with the graces to reform our lives.

Lent is a season when we take the opportunity to forsake ourselves and instead join ourselves to Christ by participating in His redemptive sufferings. It leads up to the Resurrection, a time of incredible joy. But we must first pass through Holy Week, a time of intense remembrance of the Lord’s passion.

Thus, Lent is a more subdued and sombre season.

However, although Advent also is a time of penance, the focus on Advent “penance” is directed to preparation and readiness. This contrasts with expiation and redemptive suffering in Lent.

Advent is anticipatory of Christ’s coming and we use penance to be ready and waiting for Him. Though Advent doesn’t

During Advent, the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. This is outlined in The General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM 305].

During Lent, it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Exceptions, however, are Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities and Feasts.

Thus, unlike retail stores, shopping centres, public buildings and homes that start gearing up for Christmas earliest

by November (or September for Filipino families), churches are advised to appear sombre during the entire season of Advent, with the exception of an Advent wreath (which is also a decoration).

This sobriety offers us the chance to be a little “out of sync” or a little counter-cultural which may not be a bad thing.

The experience of “being out of sync” could be a “catechetical moment”. In a way this could be a helpful moment to teach us something about our faith. The dissonance between how the Church and society at large celebrates Christmas is that the Church celebration begins, not ends, on Dec 25.

The shopping season and Christian Church calendar overlap, but don’t connect.

By the same token, it should not be restricted to completely avoid listening to Christmas music until Dec 24 either. 

have the penitential pull of Lent – where people give something up for 40 days or do something extra – that doesn’t mean the season should slip by without opportunities for spiritual growth.

Our joyful Advent “penance” is primarily focused on removing anything that blocks Jesus from entering the door of our hearts. In fact, the Code of Canon Law does not list Advent

Advent is anticipatory of Christ’s coming and our joyful Advent “penance” is primarily focused on removing anything that blocks Jesus from entering the door of our hearts.

as a penitential season.

Canon 1250 states that “the penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent”.

Although local authorities can establish additional penitential days, this is a complete listing of the penitential days and times of the Latin Church as a whole, and Advent is not one of them.

Fr Ignatius is a lecturer at the St Francis Xavier Seminary and CTIS.

What are carols?

The word “carol” actually means dance or a song of praise and joy.

The root of the word lies in dance. In Old French, “carole” means “kind of dance”. In Latin, “choraula” means “a dance to the flute,” and in Greek, “choraules” means “flute player who accompanies the choral dance”.

Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago. Although there were some carols centring around religion, the songs were originally secular – up-tempo melodies with alternating choruses and verses associated with traditional dances.

They were pagan songs, sung at the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year, usually taking place around Dec 22) or interstice celebrations as people danced round stone circles.

Early Christians took over the pagan solstice/ interstice celebrations in preparation for Christmas and gave people Christian songs to sing instead of pagan ones.

Incidentally the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a revered carol inspired by the “O Antiphons” which is sung from Dec 17 in accordance with the Liturgy of the Hours. 

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WHAT’S’ON

Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

Sun

Compile d by Jared Ng and Christo pher Wo ng

Dec 8

Dec 18 to Dec 21

Jan 2

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.

Combine University Retreat Time: Dec 18 (10am)-Dec 21 (6pm). Venue: Office for Young People (OYP), 2 Lorong Low Koon, S536449.

This Advent season, join us for the Combined University Retreat (CUR) 2018 as we prepare to welcome Jesus at Christmas, as one Church. “Where is the infant King of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and have come to do Him homage.” (Mt 2:2) All university students (local and overseas) are welcome.

To register: W: www.tinyurl.com/CUR18registration.

For more information, E: gerald.oyp@catholic.org.sg.

Book o Time: E Highlan A total 23). Co $160 if Biblica registra W: http

Dec 29

School Are yo Jesus c life tha Witnes is for y for you informa

Dec 15, Jan 26 and Feb 23 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.

Keeper – Dec 15 from 3pm-5.15 pm.

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.

Dec 16

Dec 5 to Dec 7 Fr Anthony Ho’s 50th and Fr Francis Lee’s 43rd Sacerdotal Anniversary Celebrations Fr Anthony Ho’s and Fr Francis Lee’s sacerdotal anniversary Triduum Masses at St Anne’s Church with dinner in the church dining hall on Dec 7 at 7.15pm.

Dinner tickets at $50/pax or $500/table. Tickets can be purchased at church office on a first-come-first-served basis. Mass Timings: Dec 5: 8pm, Dec 6: 8pm (Rosary at 7.30pm on 5th and 6th), Dec 7: 6pm.

Dec 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

Thanksgiving prayers, petitions, rosary at 11.45am.

Mass at 1pm. Please bring along last year’s prayer books.

Organised by the IHM Family Rosary Prayer Group.

Christmas Recollection Time: 9:30am-5pm. Venue: 47 Jurong West St 42.

An invitation to spend a day of prayer to prepare for the feast of the Nativity of the Lord (Mass included).

Facilitator: Cenacle Sisters. Love offerings welcomed.

To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com.

Love in the City Time: 2pm-4pm. Venue: The Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street. Why do we do what we do during Christmas? In a light-hearted talkshow, we will learn the reasons for the ways we celebrate Christmas. Invite your non-Catholic friends and family members to help them understand and experience Christmas with a difference. Organised by Office for the New Evangelisation. To register: W: www. one.org.sg/events; T: 6911 0420; E: enquiry@one.org.sg; W: one.org.sg.

Jan 12, 2019 to Jan 18, 2019 Quieting the Soul: Chiang Mai Venue: Seven Fountains Spirituality Centre, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A special retreat to begin the new year.

Spend five days of quiet prayer and solitude with God in a peaceful sanctuary in Chiang Mai. A spiritual director will accompany you to journey into your own heart and into the heart of God. By Cenacle Sisters and team. Cost: $600 (excluding airfare). To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com. Deadline for registration: Dec 15.

Starting Jan 19, 2019 Bridging Programme 2019 Catechetical programme for children/youth (aged 9-13) who are seeking baptism, or baptised but have missed formal catechesis, or dropped out of catechesis and now wish to rejoin. For more information, T: 6911 0400; E: bridging@catechesis.org.sg; W: https://tinyurl.com/y7c694g5. Closing date: Dec 20.

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WHAT’S’ON

Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

Jan 22, 2019 to May 28, 2019 Book of Psalms by Carmelite Fr Ferdinand Purnomo Time: Every Tuesday from 9.30am-11.30am. Venue: 2 Highland Road, #03-17, CAEC Building, S549102.

A total of 16 sessions (no class on Feb 5, March 19, April 23). Cost: $140 if paid by Dec 21; $150 if paid by Jan 21; $160 if paid from Jan 22. Organised by the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate. For the course description and registration: W: https://goo.gl/forms/ooXUGzFcXAD5gpG63.

Crossword Puzzle 1224 1

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Jan 16, 2019 to April 3, 2019

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Genesis: Reading the Biblical Creation Account Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Bernadette, parish hall. A 14-week study by Fr Valerian Cheong. Read Genesis: 1) To understand Creation. 2) Know God deeper and better. 3) Gain a deeper faith in God’s promises. 4) Set foundation to learn the rest of Bible. Organised by the Biblical Apostolate Team.

No registration required, For more information, E: batSB@outlook.com.

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School of Witness Are you desiring more of Jesus? Do you believe that Jesus can bring new hope and new life in areas of your life that are wilting and feeling dry? If so, School of Witness 2019, conducted by the Office for Young People, is for you! This is an 8 week live-in discipleship school is for young people aged between 18-30 years. For more information, T: 6285 2571; W: www.oyp.org.sg.

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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.

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Where Jesus met the Samaritan woman 5 Boss monk 10 Soft pulpy mass 14 Sewing case 15 Armistice 16 Double curve 17 Pertaining to the Bible 19 Bright star 20 Definite article 21 Restraint 22 Pilsner 23 Pious platitudes 24 Jails

26 Commandment that forbids taking God’s name in vain 29 Spoil 30 Tree part 31 She taught with her husband Aquila 35 Swiss mountain range 36 Large wading bird 37 Prompted 38 Confinement 40 Enjoyed 41 Mercury or Saturn 42 Not winners 43 Catholic author of A

Good Man is Hard to Find 46 “Te ____” 47 Hackneyed 48 AKA Matthew (Lk 5:27) 49 Genetic marker (abbr.)

52 Father of Joseph (Lk 3:23) 53 ____ of Faith 56 Biblical garden 57 Trademark 58 Goliath lost his 59 Traveled 60 Debtors 61 Wan

DOWN 1 Direction from the Jordan to Bethlehem 2 Engrave 3 Decoy 4 Nero’s full deck?

5 Be present at Mass 6 Rumor 7 Set afire 8 Wood sorrel 9 No. starting with an area code 10 Communal way of life in the Church 11 Disco era phrase 12 Years Jacob promised to work to marry Rachel 13 Listens to 18 Trick 22 Hayes of “The Mod Squad” 23 First Christian Roman Emperor 24 Enamel 25 Ascend 26 The Wise Men followed it

27 Perry’s creator 28 Drinking vessels 29 _____fatty acid 31 Second in authority to 5A 32 Biblical physician 33 Sly look 34 Does sum work 36 Roman statesman 39 Anglo-Saxon writing symbol 40 St. _____ Bertrand 42 Evens 43 Opposite one of two 44 Doctrine 45 Greased 46 Postpone 48 Roundish projection 49 “What you sow does not come to life unless it ____.”

(1 Cor 15:16) 50 Shem’s father 51 Actor Griffith 53 Middle Eastern grp.

54 Inexperienced 55 ____ Na Na

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No 1223

P O P E

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IN MEMORIAM

Sunday December 9, 2018 n CatholicNews

Sun

S e c no d A n n i ve r s ar y I n l vio ng m e m or y of

M A R JO R I E V A L B E R G D e p a rte d : D e c 7 , 2 0 1 6 I n our hom e , s he i s f ondl y r e m e m be r e d, S w e e t m e m or i e s c l i ng t o he r na m e ; T hos e w ho l ove d he r i n l i f e s i nc e r e l y , S t i l l l ove he r i n de a t h j us t t he s a m e .

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‘‘O taste and see that the LORD is good!

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E l e ev n t h A n n i ve r s ar y I n l o vi gn m e m ro y of

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GUIDE FOR FUNERALS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE For more information, visit http://www.catholic.sg/get-assistance/getassistance-faqs/ and click “Funeral Guide and Policy”

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Sunday December 9, 2018  CatholicNews

A PARENT’S PRAYER Dear God, Thank you for my family. You have given me a loving, supportive spouse and wonderful, caring children. The blessings you have showered me with are more than I could ever ask for.

Protect my family with your Precious Blood. May we, as parents, embody the teachings of the Gospel through the unconditional love for our children. Help us to always be kind and patient with each other, reflecting your all embracing lo e, so that others may witness your gentleness through our actions. each us to affirm our children, be resent for them and to rioritise family time together.

Lord, I pray for the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family. May it continue to help empower families to be fully alive in loving, as you love. Guide us to be gifts to the Church and to do our part in building the Church for tomorrow.

Amen.

“

Our families, our homes are true domestic churches.

They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to become faith.

POPE FRANCIS

The Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF) is one of the organisations funded by the GIFT campaign. It was established in 2014 to be the umbrella body for the Catholic community to realise the Church’s vision for the family, to evangelise families, and have families evangelise.

ACF works through its network of 13 family partners to educate, form, transform, protect and celebrate families, and encourage families to follow God’s design.

Help answer the call to build the Church today for tomorrow with a contribution.

Details at gift.catholicfoundation.sg

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