Catholic News issue 26, 2016 by CatholicNews

SUNDAY DECEMBER 25, 2016

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Mary and the Christ Child are depicted in this 17th-century painting by Giovanni Battista Salvi. CNS photo

VOL 66

NO. 26

2 HOME

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

ARCHBISHOP’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

HE people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2).

who are willing to give themselves in service to the People of God either as priests, Religious, volunteers or paid workers. The Church needs volunteers to offer their time, talents, resources and expertise in the work of the New Evangelization and the renewal of the People of God. The Church needs funds to finance infrastructure, operations and to staff the different offices working together for the spread of the Good News. The Church needs funds too for the works of mercy as she reaches out to the poor and needy, the sick and elderly, regardless of race, language or religion. In whatever, we do, it is for one purpose, to share the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Peace and the Light of the world to all.

Is this not true for us today? We are ever more connected via social media and the internet, yet broken relationships are on the rise and more people feel alone and alienated. The recent US elections and Brexit have also demonstrated undercurrents of division in First World Nations. Religious wars, threats from terrorist groups, political agendas, redefinitions of family and marriage, freedom of expression personified in political leaders who advocate intolerance all serve to confuse not only the youth but all of us in this world today. As leaders and systems fail us, we too seem to be walking in confusion and darkness. Yet we do not despair, for the light of Christ comes to us at Christmas. To non-believers, Christmas is just a time for festivity and merry-making. We too can get caught up in the busy-ness of the season. Even in Church, we are in danger of this if we just focus on the external preparations – which carol to sing, how to decorate the crib, what clothes to wear to midnight Mass etc. and so we miss the wood for the trees. We miss the opportunity of preparing our own hearts to receive the baby Jesus and to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas, which is found in 1 Jn 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Christ is the gift of God in person. The Father loves us so much

The adoration of the Magi is depicted in a 14th-century painting by Giotto di Bondone. CNS photo

that He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all. (Rom 8:32). The doctrine of the Incarnation, God becoming man, is beyond human reckoning. Indeed, when we contemplate on Christmas, we cannot but marvel at the mercy and generosity of God. Knowing that God has given Himself to us totally in His Son, we can therefore be confident in approaching Him for all our needs. So we are heartened that we are not alone, we are not lost, for we have Jesus – God’s gift to the world, to guide and accompany us in our journey on Earth. Furthermore, Jesus is not simply the gift of the Father, but He gave Himself to us, freely and totally. He said, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father” (Jn 10:18). What is even more awesome is that “while we were yet help-

The Father loves us so much that He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all .... when we contemplate on Christmas, we cannot but marvel at the mercy and generosity of God. less, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom 5:6). God loves us without conditions, not because we are good or deserving. Such is the depth of Christ’s love, holding nothing back from us and yet so fully identified with us in our suffering and pain.

avInG seen what God has done for us, what should our response be? Having received Jesus as the gift of God, we are called to give Jesus, the greatest of all gifts, the light of the world to all humanity. He is the prince of peace. How can this be done? We are called to be God’s personal gift to others too. Like Jesus, we are called to

ndEEd, to celebrate Christmas means that we want to imitate Jesus in giving ourselves as a gift to others. Like the Magi, let us ask ourselves what gift we can bring to the Lord this Christmas. For it is not how much we give but how much love we put into the giving. We can give kind and affirming words (through an email, a card or just a SMS). We can give others a chance when they fail, encouragement, forgiveness, a smile or a prayer. For in giving, we make a difference to the lives of others and to the world. As St Teresa of Kolkata says, “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

give without conditions and without any expectation of gratitude, reward or recognition. Giving need not be confined to material gifts but we can also give ourselves in service to the Church and our fellowmen. For there is no greater gift than the gift of ourselves. St Paul said, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (1 Cor 5:14f)

It is therefore through giving that we share in His life and joy – “He sacrificed Himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be His very own and would have no ambition except to do good.” (Tit 2:14). May the magnitude of God’s love dawn upon us this Christmas and empower us to give whatever we can to bring light to those in darkness, so that they too may share in God’s gift of love, joy and peace. I pray that the baby Jesus be born in our hearts this Christmas, so that our faith and relationships are renewed. Wishing you all a Blessed and Holy Christmas. n

How, then, can you give the gift of yourself to the Church? The Church needs more people

archbishop William Goh

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 3

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Hai Sing students show nuns school’s robotics programme Global representatives of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) had a close-up look at Hai Sing Catholic School’s robotics and other programmes when they visited the school recently. The group of 17 nuns listened and observed intently as students shared their experiences of the school’s distinctive programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) on Dec 1. In one session, a student from the school’s Robotics Club spoke about the robotics programmes offered in the school and some of its real-world applications. Another highlight of the visit was a video conference with the Hai Sing Robotics team who were in China representing the school in the Asia Pacific Vex Robotics

Championships. The nuns conversed briefly with the team of students led by Mr Teo Yee Meng, subject head for STEM.

really hope that ‘Ithere can be an exchange programme between some of my Catholic schools back in my country with Hai Sing Catholic School.

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– Sr Rita Younas, FMM Pakistan provincial

The nuns also visited the school chapel where they learnt more about the school’s Catholic programmes.

Commenting on the visit, FMM Pakistan provincial, Sr Rita Younas, remarked: “The teachers from Hai Sing Catholic School are very innovative to design all the different lessons that can link science to robotics. I am also amazed that the students are able to speak so well on what they have learnt. “I really hope that there can be an exchange programme between some of my Catholic schools back in my country with Hai Sing Catholic School.” Malaysia/Singapore provincial, Sr Susan Thomas, remarked: “I have always heard about the Hai Sing Catholic robotics programmes but I did not have a chance to see the programme until today. It is really an eye opener to see how the school has embraced technology to design the programmes to be integrated into students’ learning.” The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary founded Hai Sing Catholic School in 1959 to provide education for girls in Punggol initially. Over the decades, the school developed programmes embracing the use of technology to boost students’ skills. It took in boys in 1990. The 17 FMM nuns were in Sin-

A Hai Sing Catholic School Robotics Club student sharing with visiting Franciscan Missionaries of Mary nuns the robotics programmes offered in the school and some of its real-world applications.

gapore for most of November and early December to discuss how to move forward the process of restructuring their worldwide community. They included members of the

FMM’s General Administration in Rome and nine provincials from parts of the region of Asia-Australia. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary is present in 75 countries. n

Seventeen Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters, including their superior, her general council, and provincials from the Asia-Australia region, met in Singapore recently.

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Canossian schools put on Christmas choral concert The six educational institutions of the Canossian Daughters of Charity came together to perform a Thanksgiving and Christmas Choral Festival recently. Titled Musica Gioiosa (Joyous Music), the festival was held at the Church of the Holy Family on Nov 18. It saw children from the ages of two-and-a-half to 17 wowing the audience of 700 with their angelic voices. The event, organised by the Canossian schools, was the first time that all six Canossian educational institutions came together for such an occasion. They are: Magdalene’s Kindergarten, Canossian Convent Kindergarten, Canossian School, Canossa Convent Primary School and St Anthony’s Canossian Primary and Secondary Schools.

The senior choirs of primary and secondary school students filled the church with traditional Christmas classics while the kindergarten students jingled their way into the audience’s hearts, getting everyone singing and swinging to familiar Christmas carols. The songs performed during the evening included Joy To the World, Ave Maria, Silent Night and Miklos Kocsár’s Salve Regina. The finale saw The Prayer of St Francis sung by the combined choirs of St Anthony’s Canossian Primary and Secondary Schools with Sr Theresa Seow, Provincial Leader of the Canossians, taking a solo lead in the first verse. The celebration of youthful verve marked the end of the academic school year and served as preparation for the birth of Christ. n

Children from Magdalene’s Kindergarten performing at the combined Canossian thanksgiving and Christmas choral festival on Nov 18.

Jason Evert event: More tickets available There are more tickets available for the Jason Evert ‘LIVE’ in Singapore event on Jan 14. Having moved from the original venue at Catholic Junior College to the MAX Pavilion, the organisers told CatholicNews that they hope Catholics of all ages do not miss out on this opportunity to hear from one of the most sought-after speakers on chastity and God’s plan for sexuality. During his one-day visit to Singapore, Mr Evert will be speaking at three different events targeted at various age groups:

Parents Mr Evert, a much sought-after speaker – because of the way he is able to connect with young people on the topics of dating, love and sexuality – will be at the Church of Divine Mercy during the first half of Jan 14 for a session with parents. Titled A Good Sex Talk for Parents, he will be covering useful topics on how parents can compete with questionable media influences that draw the young away from a pure life. He will offer techniques and information to assist parents in their task as primary faith formators of their children. Future parents are also welcome to attend the event. Mr Evert will have two similar sessions on this topic. The first session, from 9am-11am is almost full, while there are limited remaining seats for the second session from noon-2pm.

Young adults In the afternoon, Mr Evert will give a talk titled Finding Love that Lasts. Targeted at young adults but open to parents and teens, he will touch on dating and building authentic

Mr Jason Evert and his wife, Crystalina. Tickets are still available for his series of talks on chastity and sexuality on Jan 14.

relationships that will not only be fulfilling but also meaningful. It will be held at the MAX Pavilion, Singapore Expo in Changi from 3pm-5pm.

Youth The last talk of Mr Evert’s visit to Singapore is aimed at helping teens deal with issues on sexuality, pornography, modesty and how to start over when they make mistakes. The event will start at 5.30pm with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. It will be held at the MAX Pavilion. Singersongwriter Corrinne May will be performing at this session as well as the afternoon session, Finding Love That Lasts.

In addition to Mr Evert’s presentation, titled Love Matters, there will be a music segment provided by a combined praise and worship group which will also feature some priests and Religious. “Many parishes have already booked en bloc for their catechism classes, and we encourage more such bookings,” said Mr David Fong, executive director of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF), which is organising the event. Tickets, including bulk purchases, for all four talks are available at catholicfamily.org.sg/jasonevert on a first-come-first-served basis. Admission to all these sessions is strictly by tickets purchased for the respective sessions only. n

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Kids learn value of life at camp By Jacqueline Lee Five-year-old Luke Peh and his sister Serene listened to the story of St Dominic Savio and learnt that children like them were not too young to try to be saints. Elsewhere, their sister Gracie put the finishing touch of marshmallows on her kebab while their eldest sister Faith helped to guide children during the Bible camp. Luke, Serene and Gracie were among the 80 children at this year’s West District Kids’ Bible Camp. Faith was one of about 72 volunteers, made up of parents and youths from various parishes, who helped out. Titled Birthday Blast: A Celebration of Life!, the camp was held at Blessed Sacrament Church from Nov 29 to Dec 3. The organising committee consisted of parishioners from the Churches of St Mary of the Angels and St Ignatius, as well as Blessed Sacrament Church. The focus of the camp was to guide the children to discover, respect, protect, serve and celebrate life. Through this, they learnt to appreciate each other and themselves as God’s gifts. Each day centred on a theme and virtue, which were fleshed out through a Bible verse, a skit, and activities at the various camp sta-

Above: Children learning how to put Jesus at the centre of their lives during the Bible camp, held from Nov 29 to Dec 3. Photos: Jerome Ho Right: Children exercising their art skills at the Craft station during the camp.

tions – Faith, Music, Craft, Snack and Games. To tie in with the children’s preparation for the great celebration of the Lord’s birthday, the youth facilitators dressed up as characters from the Christmas story and presented an Advent message each morning. When children displayed virtues highlighted during the camp, such as showing helpfulness while working together at the Snack station or cooperating with their team members at the Games station, they received tokens. These could be exchanged for gifts at the

end of the day and it proved to be a favourite among participants. Among the youth volunteers were a number who were present to help at last year’s camp and there were those who were previously camp participants.

each day centred on a theme and virtue, which were fleshed out through a Bible verse, a skit, and activities at the various camp stations.

Expanding beyond the district, a number of youth volunteers were from parishes such as St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah), St Anne’s Church, Church of St Francis Xavier, Church of St Vincent de Paul and Church of St Bernadette. During the Mass on the final day, Fr Thomas Sukotriraharjo, parish priest of Blessed Sacrament Church, reiterated the importance of reading the Bible, and reminded parents of their role as good shepherds to their children. Ms Evelyn Peh and her husband Gabriel felt that this was a meaningful way for their family

to spend the holidays. “The camp covers a broad range of topics and the kids have learnt a lot, such as respecting their own bodies, and also made new friends. Luke was jumping out of bed every morning to come to the camp,” said Ms Peh. Mr Gary Chia found that his children benefited in getting to know children from other parishes and also grew spiritually. This is the third time the West District Kids’ Bible Camp has been organised. Previous camps were held at the Churches of St Ignatius and St Mary of the Angels. n

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

10 CHRISTMAS IN PARISHES

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

A look at how some parishes are celebrating Advent and Christmas this year

Reaching out to migrants, needy, those who have left church

A fundraiser was held over two weekends at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary prior to the Dec 17 visit to 1,000 migrants workers residing in a dormitory in Jurong. Collections from the fundraiser went to the purchase of food and toiletries for these workers.

Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour parishioners picking out gift requests, in the form of star-shaped notepads. The parish started an initiative to reach out to the less privileged in their community. Photo: ISAAC LEO

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour When it comes to Christmas, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is receiving gifts. But what about the less privileged? What about those who do not have anyone to buy them presents? In an effort to reach out to some of these people, the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (OLPS) started an initiative known as the Wish Upon A Star project. The initiative, undertaken on a parish level for the first time, hopes to spread the love and the spirit of communion among everyone in the OLPS community. From Nov 18 to Dec 25, parishioners can do their part in bringing Christmas joy to the less privileged by fulfilling a gift request. These requests come in the form of star-shaped notepads that hang on the Christmas tree found in the parish foyer. Parishioners can pick a star containing a gift request, within an affordable cost range, and make a pledge to fulfil the wish by making purchases of the items. Once the purchase has been made, parishioners will liaise with the organisers to facilitate the delivery of the items to the recipient. Examples of the requests include bedsheets, an oven toaster, a radio and a rice cooker. Before making a gift request, recipients first have to be nominated by somebody and their requests have to be reviewed by the parish organisers. Identities of the recipients are kept confidential. According to the parish, more than 100 “star requests” have already been taken up by parishioners. Ms Samantha Chan, from the OLPS Communications Office,

Children from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea performing at the Christmas pageant last year. A similar pageant will be held this before the 9pm children’s Mass on Christmas Eve.

said she hoped the project could “help somebody whom we otherwise, wouldn’t be able to do so in our daily routine. It would be nice if this project acts as a catalyst to bring people together.”

Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Over at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), the parish partnered with ACMI (Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People) to reach out to migrant workers during this Christmas season. Titled the IHM Advent project, the initiative will see about 100 volunteers distribute packets of food and toiletries to 1,000 migrants workers residing at Blue Stars Dormitory in Jurong on Dec 17.

This is the first time such an initiative has been held on a parish level. Some of the items that the workers will receive are ponni rice, basic toiletries and Red Bull can drinks. To further serve these workers, the volunteers would be serving nasi bryani during dinner while they have fellowship. Simple games and Christmas carols will also be organised as part of the entertainment for the workers. The organising committee of the project included the St Vincent De Paul Society (SSVP) of the parish and the RCIA team.

Church of St Mary of the Angels To raise awareness of certain issues facing the world today, the

The 2015 Advent pageant play in the Church of St Mary of the Angels. A similar play was scheduled to take place this Advent touching on certain issues in the world today such as the Syrian refugee crisis.

Church of St Mary of the Angels is scheduled to organise an Advent pageant play for parishioners. The plight of the refugee crisis in Syria is one of the issues the play, titled Xodus, touches on. It highlights the plight of groups of people escaping their oppressive homelands to seek a better life abroad. The journey is met with unforeseen challenges and struggles but through it all, each character slowly finds his conversion experience and comes to know of a God who is with them and continues to give them hope. The play was scheduled to run on Dec 16 as part of the faith formation programme for the lower secondary youth and on Dec 17 for the parish. In 2015, the parish held a similar pageant play titled The Calling. The play sought to challenge audience members in giv-

ing themselves to others, just as Christ did.

Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Children from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSS) were scheduled to perform a Christmas pageant for the public at the Nee Soon East Courtyard on Dec 17. The 30 children, aged 12 and below, were invited by the Nee Soon East Community Club. Organised by the OLSS Youth in collaboration with the catechists, the children will also perform for the parish congregation before the 9pm children’s Mass on Christmas Eve. A similar pageant was held last year before the midnight Mass in the church. n Continued on Page 11

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

‘Don’t give up, because life is more than an exam’

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Johanna Therese, who is dyslexic, shares how she coped with the PSLE subject-based banding which provides flexibility for a student by ofJohanna Therese often has to read fering the option of a combination a question several times for fear of of standard and foundation subjects, misunderstanding it, and struggles depending on his or her strengths. It allows the student to build with Mathematics. “I found it hard to keep up in up the fundamentals in certain class because the teachers went subjects that he or she needs more too fast,” said Johanna, who is support in. “It was easier to keep up in dyslexic. Dyslexia is a general term for class and I had more time to finish disorders that involve difficulty in up my work,” said Johanna. During the final weeks leading learning to read or interpret words, letters and other symbols. Different to the PSLE, Johanna shared that she would wake up at people are affected 4am to revise before to varying degrees. She has this for school. At its worst, Joresilience about leaving A method Johanhanna, 12, described her in wanting to na used to help her in seeing words “dance her studies involved around”, leaving her solve problems down exasperated. herself instead of breaking words into their comDespite these simply waiting ponent syllables. challenges, Johanna While she still scored well enough for the answer. had trouble underin her PSLE exami– Madam Hannizah, standing certain nations to be eligible Johanna’s form teacher concepts, Johanna for the Normal Academic stream in secondary school. had the support of her classmates, Johanna told CatholicNews her school, staff from the Dysshe began experiencing difficulty lexia Association of Singapore, keeping up in classes when she her family – who are Filipino – started primary school, however and her parish, the Church of Our she was only diagnosed with dys- Lady of Perpetual Succour. When she had trouble underlexia in Primary 4. Recalling the experience, Mrs standing a question at home, JoFatima Rala, Johanna’s mum, hanna would often call her classshared that “it was hard to accept mates to seek guidance. “They would explain it to me at first, but we [Johanna’s family] moved on and supported her even slowly and eventually I was able to answer the question,” Johanna more.” Johanna persevered through beamed. During her weekly visits to the Primary 4 and 5 before her school, St Anthony’s Canossian Primary, Dyslexia Association of Singapore suggested she be streamed into in Woodlands, Johanna would the foundation level for Primary 6. receive additional help with her The foundation level involves school work from staff members. By Jared Ng

Johanna Therese, 12, seen here with her parents, Mr and Mrs Rala. Despite being dyslexic, Johanna scored well enough to be eligible for the Normal Academic stream in secondary school.

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In class, her form teacher Madam Hannizah would often take extra time to explain concepts to Johanna. “She struggled with her math and reading but she never gave up. She has this resilience about her in wanting to solve problems herself instead of simply waiting for the answer,” Madam Hannizah told CatholicNews. At home, Mrs Rala encouraged Johanna whenever she saw that her daughter was feeling

down or frustrated. Sharing that she would “sometimes find Johanna crying about her studies”, Mrs Rala would reassure her daughter of the family’s support and love. In their parish, simple actions such as offering up prayers for students taking their major exams during Mass motivated and comforted Johanna. The church library also provided a place for her to study. Now that her exams are over, Johanna uses her free time to learn the guitar as well as look after the

younger kids in a church community her mum is involved in. Her advice to other kids who might be going through a similar situation: “Don’t give up, because life is more than an exam.” Mrs Rala had this advice for parents who may be in a similar situation: “All kids have their own unique characteristics. Always be there to support them no matter what.” n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

CHRISTMAS IN PARISHES n From Page 10

Church of St Francis Xavier Recognising the urgency of rekindling the faith of Catholics, the Church of St Francis Xavier started a prayer initiative to try and bring back to church those who have drifted from God or become disillusioned by the Church. Titled “CHRISTmas 4 Everyone”, parishioners are encouraged to put the names of friends and loved ones whom they would like to see return to God on two available “prayer trees” in the church throughout Advent. Prayers for these people are offered up at Masses. As an added personal step, parishioners are also encouraged to personally reach out to the people they have lifted up in prayer. “We printed ... cards to be

handed out as personal invitations because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for the average parishioner to reach out, to invite these same people they are praying for, to come join us at Mass over Christmas,” said parish priest Fr Brian D’Souza. The parish is also taking evangelisation one step further with plans for a fiesta on Dec 30 from 7pm-10pm. In line with the same theme, an evening of fun and fellowship has been planned as an outreach initiative, starting with households in the immediate neighbourhood who have been invited to the fiesta. Every parishioner is encouraged to invite anyone who might be alone or away from home this Christmas, or just plain curious about the Church or how it marks Christmas, to come and spend the evening on the church grounds.

The Church of St Francis Xavier started a prayer initiative that involves parishioners placing the names of friends and loved ones whom they would like to see return to the Church on ‘prayer trees’.

A parishioner hanging a prayer intention card for someone to return to God.

A child placing a Church of St Francis Xavier fiesta invitation card to one of the houses within the neighbourhood of the parish.

Aside from food and refreshments, children’s activities are being planned, alongside carolling and a pageant.

“It is our way of offering genuine Christian hospitality and to say ‘thank you’ to our neighbours, to share with all guests the joy of

the season, recognising that Jesus was born to bring hope and joy to all,” said Fr Brian. The wider parish has been mobilised by the organising committee for involvement at all levels – from personally dropping off invites in the neighbourhood, to baking for the fiesta, manning the stalls and providing child-minding services. n

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Restored cathedral resounds again with Christmas cheer at choral concert By Jared Ng The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd reverberated with exuberant music and song as the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ staged its Home for Christmas concert. Audience members were entertained with a wide repertoire of songs which included a choreographed medley of carols from more than 30 countries. The concert held on Dec 11, was the first Christmas concert to be staged in the cathedral after its restoration. It also saw the more-than-70-strong choir sing a Christmas carol for Singapore titled Light to the World, composed by the choir’s founder and director Dr Peter Low. Audience members joined in popular Christmas carols such as Silent Night and Joy to the World. To promote peace and harmony between nations, a segment during the concert saw representatives of various foreign delegations decorate a sculpture, called the Tree of Peace, with miniature flags of their country. About 36 representatives were present including those from Brazil, Finland and Germany. The miniature flag of Singapore was placed by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence. Archbishop William Goh then blessed the Tree of Peace. Part of the love offerings collected that evening went to the

The Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ performing during the Dec 11 Christmas concert. The choir entertained the audience with a repertoire of songs which included a choreographed medley of carols in different languages.

Representatives of the various foreign delegations decorated a sculpture, called the Tree of Peace, with miniature flags of their country as a symbol of peace between nations.

maintenance of the cathedral as well as its social mission outreach programme for the poor. The Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ had its beginnings as the Youth Choir at the Church of St Michael in 1965. It went over to the Church of the Risen Christ in 1971 and then to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in 2002. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Archbishop William Goh posing with Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, and his wife Ms Diana Ong (in red). Also in the photo are (front row from left) Dr Peter Low, Msgr Philip Heng, Mrs Linda Low, Msgr Francis Lau, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli (second row, third from right) and representatives of foreign delegations.

Cathedral’s Christmas attractions

LARGE NATIVITY SCENE: This large Nativity scene, which features the town of Bethlehem, can be

LIGHTED ANGELS: Twenty-six lighted angel figures can be found around the cathe-

found in the Annex Building of the cathedral. Some of its highlights are the manger, the three Kings who came to pay Jesus homage and the inn which had no room for Mary and Joseph. The Nativity set was formerly housed at the Church of St Ignatius.

dral’s compound. “They are there to attract people to the cathedral but to also act as religious icons symbolising a spiritual Christmas,” said Msgr Philip Heng, cathedral rector.

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Learning to impart religious education through art, craft, music and drama Refreshing and creative ideas for religious education. That was how some 80 preschool, primary, secondary and Catholic Junior College educators found the Religious Education Access Programme (REAP) held at the college recently. “It was so interesting to get to learn a new perspective of looking at Bible stories that we have heard so often – Zacchaeus, Birth of Jesus, Prodigal Son etc, and how to bring this out in interesting ways to present to our students so that they can be connected to them again in fresh new ways,” said Ms Gloria Gurung, religious education (RE) coordinator from CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School. The programme, held for the fourth time in Singapore, saw four facilitators from the Brisbane Catholic Education Office (BCEO) helping participants explore ways to impart religious education to teenagers and children through art and craft, music and drama. Some of the activities the participants engaged in during the Nov 25 and 26 workshop were creating “treasure boxes” using simple Gospel phrases, making rosaries with beads and pipe cleaners, and art and craft using recycled materials. The educators learnt how to comprehend the Gospel better by

understanding what is behind and within the text, and also created artwork that they felt reflected biblical quotations. La Salle Br Ignasius Heri Satrya Wangsa from SJI International High School said he felt that REAP has taught him “more creative ways” to evangelise. REAP IS organised by the

A participant uses an app for prayer and reflection.

Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS) in partnership with BCEO. Fr Edward Seah (ACCS executive director interim) noted that BCEO has provided excellent resources and support for RE teachers in the archdiocese, and that a very good relationship has developed over the years. n

School religious education teachers in a group discussion during the Religious Education Access Programme.

14 ASIA

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Church launches relief efforts after Aceh quake

An Indonesian rescue team searches for victims on Dec 7 following a magnitude-6.5 earthquake in Aceh. Caritas

Indonesia is assisting survivors. CNS photo

JAKARTA – Catholic parishes, organisations and individuals in Indonesia have sprung into action to provide emergency relief to thousands of survivors of the earthquake in Aceh province in Sumatra. The 6.5 magnitude quake devastated the Muslim-majority province on Dec 7. It killed more than 100 people, left hundreds injured and thousands more homeless. Hundreds of buildings were damaged, including 18 mosques. In a Dec 12 statement, Caritas Indonesia said that people needed emergency tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils, clean water, emergency toilets and food for adults and infants, according to their assessment. Divine Word Fr Paul Rahmat, executive director of VIVAT International Indonesia, a human rights advocacy group, said that

many Catholic organisations in Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia have started collections. “We are also preparing young people in Jakarta to be volunteers and humanitarian workers in Aceh,” said Fr Paul. Fr Eman Embu, from Ende Archdiocese in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, said that on Dec 19 they would hold a fundraising event for Aceh. He said that seminarians from St Paul Major Seminary of Ledalero will also be involved in campaigns and fundraising in parishes. On Dec 8, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims and families of the disaster. “I wish to assure you of my prayers for the victims and their families, for the injured and for those who have lost their homes,” Pope Francis said, quoted by Radio Vaticana. n UCANEWS.COM

Religious in Southeast Asia pledge to fight human trafficking PATTAYA, THAILAND – Catholic

Religious in six ASEAN countries have made a joint declaration against human trafficking. This commitment was made as the delegates from various Religious congregations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand concluded a five-day meeting on Integrity of the Human Person vis-à-vis Human Trafficking. They pledged to motivate and inspire their communities to fight for the freedom of all those who are trafficked and enslaved; to work with civil authorities, international and local NGOs, other faith communities and people of good will to eradicate human trafficking; and to do all in their power to ensure that the dignity of victims of trafficking is restored, and to give them reason to hope. The 72 delegates, including six laypersons, at the South East Asia Major Superiors (SEAMS) Congress XVI also drew up a plan of action to fight human trafficking that builds on the plan made at a previous meeting held in Singapore in 2013. The meeting, held at the Re-

demptorist Centre in Pattaya from Dec 5-9, was organised by the Association of Major Religious Superiors in Thailand. The SEAMS Congress is held every three years to encourage and enable networking and collaboration among Religious congregations in Southeast Asia. This year’s congress provided opportunities for networking and sharing of contacts and resources as well as input from experts from various organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration, Alliance Anti-Traffic, Talitha

Rohingya human trafficking victims from Myanmar are held in a detention cell near the Thai-Malaysian border in this 2014 photo. CNS photo

Kum International and Talitha Kum Thailand on the impact of globalisation on migration, fighting human trafficking through networking, and the use of online media. Participants also learned about the local context from visits to a children’s home, a port and a government shelter. The five delegates from the Conference of Religious Major Superiors (CRMS) Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei who attended the meeting included CRMS president, Friar John Wong, OFM; Sr Mary Soh, FMM; and Fr Colin Tan, SJ. n

ASIA 15

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Church slams Filipinos urged to help sinners, not eliminate them condom distribution

in Philippine schools

Manila – Cardinal Luis Antonio

Tagle of Manila has appealed to Filipino Catholics to help rather than “eliminate” sinners, and to “give them hope and offer of new life.” The prelate made the call on Dec 11, following the recent release of Manila archdiocese’s “Prayer Against the Death Penalty”. Church leaders in the Philippines have been vocal in opposing a proposed bill in congress to revive the death penalty for heinous crimes. The Committee on Justice in the House of Representatives approved on Dec 7 a consolidated bill on the revival of the death penalty for approval by the legislative body. If passed into law, the death penalty – through hanging, firing squad or lethal injection – would be meted out for more than 20 crimes. During the annual Advent recollection, attended by thousands of people, Cardinal Tagle cited the kindness of Jesus Christ that led Zacchadeus, a corrupt tax collector, to give to the poor. The Manila prelate said that “those who seem to be impure” must be given hope. Cardinal Tagle’s prayer against

Manila – A Philippine Catholic

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila appealed against the death penalty and urged Filipino Catholics to give people ‘hope and offer of new life.’ CNS photo

the death penalty, which is meant to be said in Masses throughout the Christmas season, appealed to God to “help us to work tirelessly against state-sanctioned death.” One of the prayer intentions is “for our wounded society misled by the illusion that one must take life in order to defend it.” “There is in our land a cry for vengeance and a move to fill up death row and kill offenders, but disguised as a call for justice. Let true and lasting justice spring forth,” the prayer states.

A pro-life legislator said the revival of the death penalty is bound to set back Philippine efforts to bring to justice criminals who have fled the country. Mr Lito Atienza, senior deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives, said the country will “lose the ability to bring home and prosecute drug lords, plunderers, embezzlers and even murderers who have slipped out of the country,” as many countries are repulsed by captital punishment. n UCANEWS.COM

of HIV among young people. bishop has called on the governThe minister assured that there ment to stop the sale of condoms will be counselling sessions to in grocery and convenience stores. prepare schools, teachers, and “We would like the govern- students for the distribution of the ment to really to do their best not contraceptives. to make those things available,” A bishops’ conference official, said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sor- however, expressed concern over sogon. the plan. He said con“Distributing Making doms should not condoms will only contraceptives be available “over condone sexual the counter” so that among available to young activity young people will students,” said Fr people will only not have access to Jerome Secillano, encourage them them. executive secretary Bishop Bastes of the conference’s to engage in said making conpublic affairs of‘premarital and traceptives availafice. other immoral ble to young people Instead of diswill only encouractivities,’ said tributing condoms, age them to engage Fr Secillano urged Bishop Arturo in “premarital and the government to other immoral ac- Bastes of Sorsogon. focus in the educativities.” tion of the public The prelate made the state- about HIV and AIDS. ment following an announcement “The government should inby the Department of Health that vest more in educating people it will be distributing condoms in about the perils of sporadic sexual schools starting next year. activity than procuring and distribHealth Secretary Paulyn uting condoms,” said the priest. Ubial said the health department Bishop Bastes has said that will work with the Department the plan to distribute condoms to of Education to implement the young people is “absolutely improgramme to fight the spread moral”. n UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

No last rites for those seeking assisted suicide: Swiss bishop CHUR, SWITZERLAND – A Swiss

bishop has instructed Catholic priests not to give last rites to people suspected of seeking assisted suicide, following a sharp rise in the practice in his country. “It is increasingly difficult to take the right decisions in the face of death – there’s even a sense of helplessness,” said Bishop Vitus Huonder of Chur. “The readiness of a suffering patient to commit suicide with help from a bystander places any priest in an impossible situation if called to administer sacraments. Under such conditions, their reception is impossible – all a priest can do is offer a prayer of intercession and commend the dying to God’s mercy.” In a pastoral message for Human Rights Day on Dec 10, the bishop said society was “showered with random data” and often showed a “frightening super-

ficiality towards moral issues”. However, he added that Church teaching was clear that medical treatment should “respect life as well as death” and not “impair the natural process of dying.” “Medicine’s modern possibilities have made us increasingly dependent, especially if no longer capable of judgment, on qualified persons in the last stage of our existence,” said Bishop Huonder, who is also apostolic administrator of Zurich. “But from a Christian viewpoint, life and death are in God’s hands – we do not decide about them for ourselves. Suicide, like murder, contradicts the divine world order.” Catholics make up about 44 percent of the 7.1 million inhabitants of Switzerland. Euthanasia is permitted under Swiss law subject to certain conditions. n CNS

Vatican updates guidelines for seminarians’ education VATICAN CITY – The Catholic

Church needs holy, healthy and humble priests and that requires the careful selection and training of candidates. Updating 1985 guidelines for preparing men for the Latin-rite priesthood and ensuring their continuing education, training and support, the Congregation for Clergy on Dec 7 released “The Gift of the Priestly Vocation,” a set of guidelines and norms for priestly formation. The updated document draws heavily on St John Paul II’s 1992 apostolic exhortation on priestly formation, as well as on the teachings issued by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis and by Vatican offices over the past three decades.

pope Francis poses with seminarians at the vatican on dec 10. the vatican has released the gift of the priestly vocation, a set of guidelines and norms for priestly formation. CNS photo

Highlighting lessons learned homosexual tendencies or support from the clerical sexual abuse the so-called ‘gay culture.’” Reaffirming the requirement scandal, the new guidelines state, “The greatest attention must be that seminarians study Catholic given to the theme of the protec- social teaching, the document says tion of minors and vulnerable their education must include a adults, being vigilant lest those study of climate change and other who seek admission to a seminary environmental threats. Seminaror to a house of formation, or who ians should also be encouraged are already petitioning to receive to use social media to build relationships and for holy orders have not the been involved in any The guidelines evangelisation, guidelines say, but way with any crime include seminary personnel or problematic behaviour in this area.” learning about will need to help them use the media wisely Courses on the environment and in a healthy way. protection of children The Congregation and vulnerable adults conservation for Clergy recommust be part of both and protection mends that women be seminary education on the staff of semiand the continuing of minors. naries or teach at the education of priests, it says. And bishops must be very universities where the candidates cautious about accepting priest- study, and that seminarians’ ability hood candidates who have been to relate to and work with women be considered in their evaluation, since dismissed from other seminaries. The guidelines also reaffirm most parishioners with whom the an instruction approved by Pope future priest will work are women. The guidelines acknowledge Benedict in 2005, which said, “the Church, while profoundly re- that many of the skills needed to specting the persons in question, be a good priest cannot be learned cannot admit to the seminary or to in a classroom but are the result holy orders those who practise ho- of prayer and modelling one’s bemosexuality, present deep-seated haviour on Christ. n CNS

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Pope: late Opus Dei leader’s life one of service to Church, souls CNS file photo

ture in 1982, Bishop Echevarria was named vicar general. He was elected head of the prelature after Blessed del Portillo died, and was made a bishop by St John Paul II in 1995. Bishop Echevarria was also a member of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes and the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature and participated in several meetings of the Synod of Bishops.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis ex-

pressed condolences to the members of Opus Dei following the death of Bishop Javier Echevarria, who led the prelature for over 20 years. The 84-year-old bishop, who once served as secretary to the personal prelature’s founder, St Josemaria Escriva, died on Dec 12. Expressing his condolences, Pope Francis said Bishop Echevarria, like his predecessors, “gave his life in a constant service of love to the Church and to souls”. “I join you in your prayers of thanksgiving to God for His paternal and generous witness of priestly and episcopal life,” the pope told Opus Dei members. The Spanish bishop’s death came one week after he was admitted to Rome’s Campus Biomedico hospital for a pulmonary infection, according to the Opus Dei website. Calling the bishop’s death “unexpected”, Pope Francis assured Opus Dei members of his prayers and entrusted Bishop Echevarria’s soul to Our Lady of Guadalupe, “on whose feast day he gave his soul to God”. In an interview with Vatican Radio, Msgr Fernando Ocariz, vicar general of Opus Dei, said the late bishop lived with two saints –

Vatican’s child protection website VATICAN CITY – The Pontifical

Commission for the Protection of Minors has launched a beta version of its website in English and has included its template for local guidelines on preventing sexual abuse, resources for a day of prayer for the victims and survivors as well as a mailing address to contact commission members. The website is at www.protectionofminors.va. Pope Francis’ international Council of Cardinals identified the protection of children and young adults as one of the Church’s priority needs and suggested in December 2013 that he create a commission to advise him and assist dioceses and Religious orders around the world in drawing up guidelines, handling accusations and ministering to victims and survivors. Pope Francis named the first members three months later. n CNS

Visited Singapore

bishop Javier echevarria, head of opus dei for more than 20 years, died on dec 12 in rome. He was 84.

with St Josemaria for many years and later with Blessed Alvaro del Portillo”, the founder’s successor. “And from them he learned to be very faithful to the Church, to the pope and to souls,” Msgr Ocariz said. Bishop Echevarria was born on June 14, 1932, and was appointed St Josemaria Escriva’s personal secretary in 1953. Following his ordination in 1955, he continued assisting the founder of Opus Dei until his death in 1975. After St John Paul II designated Opus Dei as a personal prela-

Bishop Echevarria visited Singapore at least four times, three of which when he was prelate of Opus Dei. His last visit was in May 2014 when he met with around 1,000 people at the Raffles City Convention Centre. During that time, he paid a courtesy call to Archbishop William Goh and Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, nuncio to Singapore. In his last two trips to Singapore, he also visited the Opus Dei centre in Johor, Malaysia, where he met some Opus Dei members and friends. He also visited the then Bishop of Melaka-Johor, Bishop Paul Tan. A requiem Mass for the late bishop was scheduled to be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit on Dec 16. n CNS, OPUS DEI SINGAPORE

GUADALUPE FEAST: pope Francis celebrated a Mass on dec 12 marking the feast of our Lady of guadalupe. He prayed that our Lady of guadalupe, patroness of the americas, would intercede to give peace, bread, a home and a strong faith to all the continent’s people. CNS photo

18 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Pontiff writes to Syrian president, pleads for peace

CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has

urged Syrian President Bashar Assad to do everything possible to end the war in his country, to protect civilians and to ensure humanitarian agencies can deliver emergency aid to the people. Syria’s SANA news agency reported that Mr Assad met new Cardinal Mario Zenari, the papal nuncio to Syria, on Dec 12, and that the cardinal delivered a letter from the pope. The Vatican confirmed the news a few hours later, saying in a statement that “in naming Archbishop Mario Zenari to the College of Cardinals, the Holy Father sought to show a particular sign of affection for the beloved Syrian people, so sorely tried in recent years”. “In a letter sent through the new cardinal,” the Vatican statement said, “Pope Francis expressed again his appeal to President Bashar al-Assad and to the international community for an end to the violence” and for a “peaceful resolution of hostilities, condemning all forms of extremism and terrorism from whatever quarter they may come”. The pope also asked Mr Assad “to ensure that international humanitarian law is fully respected with regard to the protection of the civilians and access to humanitarian aid”. After reciting the Angelus prayer on Dec 11 with people in St Peter’s Square, the pope said that he is close in prayer to the people

A nun cries as she stands inside St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral after a bomb exploded inside on Dec 11. Syrian President Bashar Assad looks at destroyed religious artwork in Maaloula in this file photo.

of the besieged city of Aleppo, Syria. “We must not forget that Aleppo is a city and that there are people there: families, children, elderly, sick,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have become used to the war and destruction, but we must not forget that Syria is a country full of history, culture and faith. We cannot allow this to be negated by war, which is a pile of abuse and falsity.” n CNS

Pope calls Coptic Church leader after Cairo attack VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has phoned Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria on Dec 12, expressing his prayers and condolences for the previous day’s terrorist attack at the Cairo cathedral that left 25 people dead. “We are united in the blood of our martyrs,” the pope told the Orthodox patriarch, accord-

ing to a Vatican statement. Tawadros II ... and our brother The patriarch thanked Pope Church, and we wish for goodFrancis for his closeness at such ness in Egypt, and call on the a sad time and asked his contin- heads of state to quickly bring ued prayers for the Copts and for those responsible to justice,” said peace in Egypt, the statement said. the official spokesman of Egypt’s On a December weekend Catholics, Fr Rafic Greiche. bloodied by terrorist attacks in He called the attack “a cowEgypt and Turkey, Pope Francis ardly, terrorist act on a house of condemned the violence and urged God”, adding that “the Church in people to hold fast to their faith and our country is suffering due to the renew their commitmurder and spilling ment to upholding of the blood of inWe are united basic human values. nocents”. in the blood of After reciting His statements the Angelus on Dec appeared on Church our martyrs. 11, Pope Francis ofof Alexandria, an – Pope Francis to Coptic fered prayers for the official website Orthodox Pope Tawadros “victims of savage of Egypt’s Coptic II of Alexandria terrorist attacks” at Catholic Church. St Mark’s Coptic On the same Orthodox Cathedral, which also site, Coptic Catholic Bishop wounded dozens, and on Dec 10 Butros Fahim Awad Hanna also in Istanbul, which killed close to condemned the attack and ad40 people, mainly police. dressed those behind it. “The places are different, but the “We tell the terrorists that no violence is the same,” Pope Francis matter what you do, Christians said. In response to the “death and will remain steadfast in their faith destruction,” there is only one re- and in adherence to their counsponse: “faith in God and unity in try, Egypt,” said Bishop Fahim, human and civil values.” whose province of Minya is a traEgyptian Catholics were quick ditional Christian stronghold in to condemn the church attack. the predominantly Muslim North “Our heart is with Patriarch African nation. n CNS

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Amoris Laetitia is result of listening, discernment: pope VATICAN CITY – Everything in Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’ document on the family, sprang from consultations with Catholics around the world and was thoroughly discussed by the bishops at the 2014 and 2015 synods on the family, Pope Francis said. “Either you have a pyramidal Church where everything Peter says is done or you have a synodal Church where Peter is Peter, but he accompanies the Church, lets it grow, listens. What is more, he learns from this reality and sees how to harmonise it,” the pope told the Belgian Catholic weekly newspaper, Tertio, in an interview conducted on Dec 7. He said the “richest experience” of the Church operating in a way that is not strictly “top down” came from the two meetings of the Synod of Bishops on the family. In preparation for the meetings, every bishop in the world, every diocese and Catholic organisation were asked for their input. The process highlighted the richness of the variety in the Church and was a sign of its “unity in diversity”, the pope said. “This is synodality. It’s not descending from on high to the base, but listening to the churches, discerning.”

Pope Francis presides at a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family in 2015. He said that everything in Amoris Laetitia, his document on the family, was approved by more than two-thirds of synod members. CNS photo

This is synodality. ‘ It’s not descending from on high to the base, but listening to the churches, discerning.’

– Pope Francis on the consultative process of the two synods on the family

He said the apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) is his contribution in response to the discussions. However, he said, “everything in there was approved by more than twothirds” of the synod members. The sections dealing with min-

istry to the divorced and civilly remarried received more “no” votes than the other sections, but still had two-thirds approval. Asked about secularism, Pope Francis said a healthy separation of Church and state is good for both, but a form of secularism that

treats religion as a “subculture” and tries to confine any expression of religious belief to within the walls of a church or other sacred space is an offence to the dignity of the person, who naturally is open both to others and to God. “A culture or political system that does not respect the openness to transcendence of the human person ‘prunes’ or cuts the person,” he said, adding that it attempts to “cut from human nature a good part of its life, which is openness”. Pope Francis also had some tough words for journalists, who must responsibly and carefully exercise their ability to influence public opinion. The media exists to promote exchanges and fraternity, to make people think and to educate them, he said. But, “given that we are all sinners,” the media, too, “can become dangerous,” especially when used to destroy someone’s good reputation or spread “disinformation” by relaying only part of the truth. “I think the media must be very clear, very transparent and – please don’t take offence – without falling into the sickness of coprophilia, which is always wanting to communicate scandal, bad things, even if they are true.” n CNS

20 OPINION

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

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Amid the darkness, hold onto hope, says pope A girl holds her baby Jesus figurine as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his apartment overlooking St peter’s Square recently. CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Christian hope is

not the same as being optimistic about the future, but is knowing that whatever dark or frightening things are going on in one’s life, God is there offering protection and light, Pope Francis said. Holding his general audience in the Vatican audience hall decorated with Nativity scenes and Christmas ornaments from the state of Queretaro, Mexico, Pope Francis announced on Dec 7 that he was beginning a series of audience talks about hope. especially during Advent and in preparation for Christmas, he urged people to read the second half of the Book of Isaiah, “the great prophet of Advent, the great messenger of hope”. The pope’s talk began with a reading of Isaiah 40, which starts: “Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.” When the prophet was writing, the pope explained, the people of Israel were in exile, they had “lost everything – their homeland, freedom, dignity and even their trust in God. They felt abandoned and without hope.” Isaiah not only proclaims God’s love and fidelity, but calls on those who still have faith to offer consolation to others and help

them “reopen their hearts to faith”. The desert – literally and figuratively – “is a difficult place to live, but it is precisely the place where one can walk to return not only to one’s homeland, but to God, return to hoping and smiling”, the pope said. “When we are in darkness and difficulty, it’s hard to smile. Hope teaches us to smile,” the pope said. “One of the first things that

When we are in ‘ darkness and difficulty, it’s hard to smile. Hope teaches us to smile.

’

– pope Francis, as he starts a series of talks on hope

happens to people who withdraw from God is that they are people without smiles. They might be able to laugh out loud – tell one joke after another and laugh – but their smile is missing.” “When we are with a baby, a smile comes spontaneously because a baby is hope,” he said. “We smile even if it’s a bad day because we see hope.” Hope does not come with power or wealth, but with trusting in God,

the pope said. It is knowing that “God, with His love, walks with us. I hope because God is alongside me. And this is something all of us can say. I have hope because God walks with me, He walks alongside me and holds my hand.” The key players in the Christmas story, he said, prove that “history is not made by the powerful, but by God together with His little ones, those small and simple people whom we find around Jesus, who is about to be born: Zachariah and elizabeth, who are old and marked by sterility; Mary, the young virgin engaged to Joseph; the shepherds, who were despised and counted for nothing.” They had hope, the pope said, and they turned the dark and twisted paths of life around them into “a highway on which to walk towards the glory of the lord”. “There’s no denying that there is a crisis of faith in the world today,” he said. “People say, ‘I believe in God. I’m Christian.’ ‘I belong to that faith.’ But their lives are far from being Christian, far from God! Religion, faith has turned into an expression.” Those who believe must convert, constantly turning their hearts to God and “following that path towards Him. He awaits us.” n CNS

What does ‘end of the world’ mean? PeoPle are forever predicting the end of the world. In Christian circles this is generally connected with speculation around the promise Jesus made at His ascension, namely, that He would be coming back, and soon, to bring history to its culmination and establish God’s eternal kingdom. There have been speculations about the end of the world ever since. This was rampant among the first generation of Christians. They lived inside a matrix of intense expectation, fully expecting that Jesus would return before many of them died. Indeed, in John’s Gospel, Jesus assures His followers that some of them would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God. Initially this was interpreted to mean that some of them would not die before Jesus returned and the world ended. And so they lived with this expectation, believing that the world, at least as they knew it, would end before their deaths. Not surprisingly this led to all kinds of apocalyptic musings: What signs would signal the end? Would there be massive alterations in the sun and the moon? Would there be great earthquakes and wars across the world that would help precipitate the end? Generally though the early Christians took Jesus’ advice and believed that it was useless and counterproductive to speculate about the end of the world and about what signs would accompany the end. The lesson rather, they believed, was to live in vigilance, in high alert, ready, so that the end, whenever it would come, would not catch them asleep, unprepared, carousing, and drunk. However, as the years moved on and Jesus did not return their understanding began to evolve so that by the time John’s Gospel is written, probably about seventy years after Jesus’ death, they had begun to understand things differently: They now understood Jesus’ promise that some of His contemporaries would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God as being fulfilled in the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was, in fact, already back and the world had not ended. And so they began to believe that the end of the world was not necessarily imminent. But that didn’t change their emphasis on vigilance, on staying awake, and on being ready for the end. But now that invitation to stay awake and live in vigilance was related more to not knowing the hour of one’s own death. As well, more deeply, the invitation to live in vigilance began to be understood as code for God’s invitation to enter into the fullness of life right now and not be lulled asleep by the pressures of ordinary life, wherein we are consumed with eating and drinking, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage. All of these ordinary things, while good in themselves, can lull us to sleep by keeping us from being truly attentive and grateful within our own lives. And that’s the challenge that comes down to us: our real worry should not be that the world might suddenly end or that we might unexpectedly die, but that we might live and then die, asleep, that is, without really loving, without properly expressing our love, and without tasting deeply the real joy of living because we are so consumed by the business and busy pressures of living that we never quite get around to fully living. Hence being alert, awake, and vigilant in the biblical sense is not a matter of living in fear of the world ending or of our lives ending. Rather it is a question of having love and reconciliation as our chief concerns, of thanking, appreciating, affirming, forgiving, apologising, and being more mindful of the joys of living in human community and within the sure embrace of God. Buddha warned against something he called, “slouching”. We slouch physically when we let our posture break down and become slothful. Any combination of tiredness, laziness, depression, anxiety, tension, over-extension, or excessive pressure can bring down our guard and make our bodies slouch. But that can also happen to us psychologically and morally. We can let a combination of busyness, pressure, anxiety, laziness, depression, tension, and weariness break down our spiritual posture so that, in biblical terms, we “fall asleep”, we cease being vigilant, we are no longer alert. We need to be awake spiritually, not slouching. But the end of the world shouldn’t concern us, nor should we worry excessively about when we will die. What we should worry about is in what state our dying will find us. As Kathleen Dowling Singh, a writer, puts in her book, The Grace in Aging: “What a waste it would be to enter the time of dying with the same old petty and weary thoughts and reactions running through our mind.” n

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Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

Take time to thank friends A reflection on friendship as 2016 draws to a close By Maria-Pia Negro Chin

CITY

NORTH

CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Dec 24 : 11pm-Carolling, 11.30pm Dec 25 : 8.30am, 10.30am & 5.30pm

ST JOSEPH CHURCH (BT) Dec 24 : 8.30pm-Carolling (M), 9pm (M), 11pm-Pageant, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.30am (M), 9am, 11am & 5.30pm

ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH Dec 24 : 7pm (F), 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8am (L) & 10am CHURCH OF STS PETER & PAUL Dec 24 : 9.30pm (M), 11pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8.30am (M), 11am & 4pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Dec 24 : 7.30pm-Carolling, 8pm, 9.30pm-Carolling (T), 10pm (T) Dec 25 : 7.30am, 9.30am (T), 11.30am, 12pm (S), 1pm & 6.30pm (T) CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART Dec 24 : 9pm-Carolling (M), 9.30pm (M), 11.30pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 9am, 10.30am, 12pm & 5.30pm CHURCH OF ST TERESA Dec 24 : 7pm-Carolling, 8pm, 11pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8.30am, 10.30am & 12.30pm CARMELITE MONASTERY 98 Bukit Teresa Road (Kampong Bahru Road), Singapore 099750) Dec 24 : 11.30pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8am CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) Under reconstruction Masses at SJI JUNIOR SCHOOL, 3, Essex Road, Singapore 309331 Dec 24 : 9pm-Carolling, 9.30pm-Pageant, 10pm Dec 25 : 8am, 10am & noon CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Dec 24 : 9.30pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8am (M), 9.30am, 11.15am, 3.30pm (IN) & 5.30pm CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL Dec 24 : 8pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8am (M), 9.30am & 5.30pm EAST CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Dec 24 : 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 9.15am, 11.30am & 6pm (M) CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE Dec 24 : 8.30pm-Pageant, 9.30pm (M), 11pm-Pageant, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.30am (M), 9am, 10.45am & 5.30pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Dec 24 : 6pm (Children’s Mass); 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.15am (M), 8.45am, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 6pm CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN Dec 24 : 11.30pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8am (M), 11am & 5.30pm CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY Dec 24 : 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 6.45am, 8am (M), 9.30am, 11.15am & 6pm CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Dec 24 : 6pm-Children’s Pageant & Mass 8.30pm-Carolling, 9pm, 11.30pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7am, 9am, 11.30am, 3pm & 5.30pm

CHURCH OF ST ANTHONY Dec 24 : 7.30pm (M), 9.30pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 9am (T), 11.15am & 6pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA Dec 24 : 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.15am (M), 8.30am, 10.15am, 12pm & 5pm CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Dec 24 : 5.30pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7am, 9am & 11.30am CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Dec 24 : 8pm & 11pm Dec 25 : 7am, 8.15am (M), 9.45am, 11.30am & 6pm CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Dec 24 : 5.30pm-Pageant, 6pm, 8.30pm-Cantata, 9pm, 11.30pm-Cantata, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 8.15am (M), 9.45am, 11.30am & 5.30pm SERANGOON CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Dec 24 : 7pm-Carolling, 7.30pm, 9pm-Carolling, 9.30pm (M), 11.30pm-Carolling, M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.30am, 9.15am, 11am & 5.30pm CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Dec 24 : 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 6.45am, 8.30am, 11.15am & 5.45pm CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Dec 24 : 5.30pm, 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 9am, 11am & 5.30pm ST ANNE’S CHURCH Dec 24 : 8pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.15am, 9am, 11am & 6pm CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Dec 24 : 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7am, 9am, 11am & 6pm

Sometime this year, two young ladies were putting together a birthday scrapbook for a mutual friend. They asked their school friends for photos of memories and letters highlighting why we love this person. This gave me the chance to acknowledge how much I love and respect my friend. It also made me realise that I should thank friends for their example and support more often. I have been blessed to meet caring friends who lead lives in ways that inspire people to be their best selves. They are also true friends who love you as you are, but they can call you out if you are not trying hard enough. These friendships encourage all friends to grow to be the best people they can be. Who are these friends in your life? How do you support them and show them that you value their friendships? Making time to show appreciation to your friends – often people whose presence changes your life for the better – fuels these friendships. There are simple ways for us to show that we are grateful for their presence, example and care. One of them is highlighting the

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Dec 24 : 7.30pm (M), 9.30pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.30am (M), 9am, 10.45am & 5.30pm CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Dec 24 : 4.30pm (T), 6.30pm (Children’s Mass), 9pm & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.30am (M), 9am, 11am & 1pm CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI Dec 24 : 6.30pm (T), 8.30pm-Carolling (M), 8.45pm (M) & M’nite Mass, Dec 25 : 7.30am, 9am, 11am and 7.30pm (MA) CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS Dec 24 : 7.30pm (Family Mass), 9.30pm (M) & M’nite Mass Dec 25 : 7.30am, 9.30am & 11.30am Note: M: Mandarin; T: Tamil; F: French; L: Latin; IN: Indonesian; Tri: Trilingual; S: Sinhalese; MA: Malayalam Please check with parishes for updates.

memories you have; another one is reaching out to thank them if something they said or did helped you to grow; yet another one is remembering them in prayer, to thank God for them. One more way to show your appreciation is to be fully present when you are with them (no cellphones or other distractions), giving them your full attention. Trying to emulate their example of being a good friend is another way to show that you value them. Another way is to continue the friendship and create more mem-

ories. This can be challenging as people move away, but it is not impossible. Finding time to meet with friends is challenging if you don’t live nearby, but the effort is worth it. We make time and spend money on things we care about, so this should be no different. When going back to our routines after the holidays, it is easy to get wrapped up in a hectic lifestyle. Things that are urgent might take time away from what is important. But making sure you appreciate your friends is one of the things that should take priority. n CNS

Crossword Puzzle 1174 1

21 24

16 19 22

26 29

WEST CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Dec 24 : 5.30pm & 11pm Dec 25 : 8.15am, 10.15am, 12.15pm & 6pm

World Youth Day pilgrims in Krakow, Poland. Finding time to meet with friends is challenging but the effort is worth it. CNS photo

39 41

44 46

45 47

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Large crucifix 5 Promised 10 View from Chamoix, to a native 14 Differ ending 15 This bird gets the worm 16 “A Doll’s House” doll 17 Apostolic ____ 19 Departs 20 Inst. of higher learning in Nashville

21 22 24 26 27 29

Arguing “____ Fideles” Runs well, as a car Breakfast dishes Crevice What you may pay after a divorce 30 “____ Angelicus” 31 Some outdoor gear 32 Insects 33 Cooks 35 Prefix with gloss or sweet 39 Land in which Ruth was born

40 41 44 45 46 47 48 49 52

Target Georgia diocese Join together Systematically arranged body of facts He could speak well (Ex 4:14) Papal residence, _____ Gandolfo Reverse Peter cut this off the soldier of the high priest Sieben follower

53 56 57 58 59 60 61

Days of fast and ___ Bog “Quo _____?” Play part Two of a kind Make real Hardy lass

DOWN 1 “Eternal ____ grant unto them” 2 Responsibility 3 Resident 4 Christmas month (abbr.)

5 Sacristy 6 Abraham was probably glad to see this in the desert 7 Sealed document 8 “Strange Magic” rock grp. 9 The study of forces in motion 10 First name of John XXIII 11 Make less tight 12 Attractive 13 Relaxes 18 “Whoever corrects the arrogant ____ insults” (Prov 9:7) 23 Members of a US political party 25 Les Etats ____ 26 Nordic Saint 27 Calculating pro 28 Hurried 29 One-celled protozoa 33 Meeting for the election of the pope 34 “No one can serve two masters. He

35 36 37

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 48 50 51 54 55

will either _____ one…” (Mt 6:24) Structure for storing grain Address for a cardinal, “Your _____” Mary ____ Killop, saintly founder of the Sisters of St Joseph Israel ending Long luxuriant hair Cook’s cover Biblical wood First month of the Jewish calendar Communication One who enjoys inflicting pain Rascal Shenanigan Amer. government agency NT book that follows John Guns the engine Prohibit “When we _____ this bread…”

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1173 W A F E R S A U L C O W S

A G A P E

R U N I N

D E S C E N E C T M A S M A A N G R H E E O Z E O R D T A Y

B A R U R G E H L S H H E U A E V S E N L Y

I L I E

B A N G S I I I

B L E E U T D G E S R E O N E P H I L R A T S I R Y C E B E E L G E P A R D E C E E N S P E S

P R A I S E

R I N G

E D E N

P E W S

M E T A A L I L A O N R E E L D E

O N C E

N E T S

T E A S E

I D L E D

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

22 CHRISTMAS FEATURE

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

How the Christmas story points beyond itself By David Gibson

HE Christmas story is vibrant and fast-moving, replete with vivid images of angels celebrating an infant’s birth and shepherds going “in haste” to find this newborn child, astonished to discover Him “lying in the manger” (Lk 2:16). Christians happily listen to this story every year. Can you imagine Christmas without it? Some may think it resembles children’s stories in certain ways, and sure, it is a marvellous story for children. But there are compelling reasons for adults to hear it again and again too. Without the story of the birth in Bethlehem of an infant named Jesus – without His birth as a real child needing a place to sleep peacefully, as all babies do – Christianity would be a very different kind of faith. The familiar scene of Jesus lying in a manger, tended by Mary and Joseph, points beyond itself to remind believers that this child is the Word of God, who “became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). Yes, He is “the Word of God.” Yes, He is the Word “made flesh.” So the story of Christmas proclaims the incarnation of God’s Son. It reveals, as the Second Vatican Council said, that the Son of God “born of the Virgin Mary” truly has been “made one of us, like us in all things except sin” (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, No. 22).

“The incarnation of the Word in a human family, in Nazareth, by its very newness changed the history of the world,” Pope Francis wrote in Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), his 2016 apostolic exhortation on marriage and the family. “We need to enter into the mystery of Jesus’ birth,” said the pope. We need, as well, “to contemplate the joy of the shepherds before the manger, the adoration of the Magi and the [Holy Family’s] flight into Egypt, in which Jesus shares His people’s experience of exile, persecution and humiliation.” A point Pope Francis wanted to emphasise was that “Jesus’ own family, so full of grace and wisdom, did not appear unusual or different from others. That is why people found it hard to acknowledge Jesus’ wisdom.” The message of the incarnation was not always welcomed by all

who considered themselves followers of Jesus. Some were convinced over the course of Christianity’s first few centuries that human flesh was unsuitable for God – that it would debase divinity for God’s Word to be made flesh.

There were those who found the Incarnation a bitter pill to swallow. They wondered how the divine Word of God could enter this world as fully as the birth of Jesus informs us He did. “The Son of God coming in our flesh and sharing the joys and sorrows, the successes and failures of our life … testifies to the astonishing love of God for all people and to the inestimable worth that He sees in them,” Pope Francis wrote in a 2013 letter to an Italian journalist named Eugenio Scalfari. The utterly charming story of Christmas is treasured by Christians for much more than its charm. It stirs thoughts of the incarnation of the Son of God and stimulates a converThe Nativity scene of Jesus lying in a manger, tended by Mary and Joseph, points beyond itself to remind believers that this child is the Word of God, who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). CNS photo

The story of Christmas is treasured by Christians for much more than its charm. It stirs thoughts of the incarnation of the Son of God and stimulates a conversation about incarnate faith – the faith of believers today who find goodness in the world and in all human life. sation about incarnate faith – the faith of believers today who find goodness in the world and in all human life, and set out to bring all that goodness into the light. So, while the Christmas story is about Jesus, it really is about us too. As Pope Francis wrote to Mr Scalfari, “Christian faith hinges on the Incarnation.” Because of the Incarnation, moreover, “each one of us is called to make Christ’s gaze and love His own.” Christian faith does not profess an “insurmountable separation between Jesus and everyone else,” said the pope. Instead, “in Him we are all called to be children in the one Father,” and thus “brothers and sisters to one another.” n CNS Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.

Singing the psalms at Christmas By Paul Senz

his season of Christmas brings to us the good news of God-With-Us and we sing with boundless joy for the wonders God has done. There are four separate liturgies for the Nativity of Jesus Christ: the vigil Mass, Mass during the night, Mass at dawn and Mass during the day. Each liturgy features different readings, but there is certainly a common thread running through them all. The psalms for Christmas Masses have a particular beauty all their own, perfectly in keeping with the beautiful, lyrical, songlike poetry that comes from the psalmist’s pen. “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord,” we hear in Psalm 89. The goodness and faith-

fulness of God can be seen as the primary feature of His relationship with His people. Throughout history, we have continually abandoned God, broken covenants and set ourselves in opposition to God’s holy law. And yet, He never falters in His steadfast love. The psalmist proclaims God’s fidelity in particular to His servant David: “Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne of all generations.” We are told that Jesus is in the line of David, and He is the purest fulfilment of this promise of God to David. In Psalm 98, we hear obvious similarities to Mary’s resplendent hymn of thanksgiving, the “Magnificat” of Luke’s Gospel. “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvellous deeds,” the psalmist implores us. “He has remembered His kindness and faithfulness toward

A choir singing during Christmas Day Mass. The psalms for Christmas Masses have a particular beauty all their own, perfectly in keeping with the beautiful, lyrical and song-like poetry that comes from the psalmist’s pen. CNS file photo

the house of Israel” (Ps 98:3). Mary proclaims to her cousin Elizabeth, praising God for His

gracious and wondrous providence in asking her to be the mother of the Saviour, “The Mighty One has

done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Lk 1:49). At the encounter with God’s magnanimous love, all creation bursts into songs of thanksgiving, celebration and worship. Humbly bowing before our God, we cannot help but cry out with gladness. Bursting with joy, we sing of the Lord’s marvellous deeds, and we marvel at His steadfastness in spite of our failings. It is no accident that Christmas is during the darkest days of the year. Just when things seem darkest, and the most hopeless, God brings forth a great light, the greatest light, and from the depths of darkness we are drawn to the light and the warmth of the face of a newborn child. n CNS Senz is a freelance writer living in Oregon with his family.

CHRISTMAS FEATURE 23

Sunday December 25, 2016  CatholicNews

Create your own Christmas traditions By Kelly Bothum

ometimes I get stuck on how I think Christmas morning should be – namely me well-rested and with a cup of coffee warming my hands as my children cheerfully take turns unwrapping beautifully wrapped presents from under the tree. In reality, I’m lucky if I can navigate through the wrapping paper and cardboard in my path to consume enough caffeine to make up for the hours spent searching for hidden presents and wrapping gifts without enough tape. But there’s one Christmas moment that always feels good, no matter how bleary-eyed my husband and I are. It’s when my kids turn out the lights in the kitchen and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus in front of a highly ﬂammable chocolate cake. This is how I know my kids get the reason for the season. They bake the cake on their own and decorate it after Christmas Eve Mass. Even though there’s an avalanche of presents coming their way in the morning, they know the real gift is the birth of our Saviour. That’s a pretty good reason to eat cake. Our Christmas cake is one of my favourite Christmas tradi-

tions, totally relatable to a crazy family of ﬁve: A baby. A birthday. A party with the people who matter most. That’s why Christmas traditions hold such power. They remind us of God’s loving hand in our lives. They strengthen our spiritual ties to faith and each other. They make us feel secure. We need that kind of power more than ever to face the challenges of a secular world. Here are some ways to create your own Christmas traditions:

A mother watches her son touch the Baby Jesus ﬁgurine. One way of creating a Christmas tradition is allowing children to offer their own prayers before a meal at Christmas. CNS ﬁle photo

day. There’s a risk of forgetting what we’re really getting ready for. The truth is, our Christmas is always perfect because of Jesus – not the tree or the presents.

to remove such visible reminders of how much goodness is in our world.

Make Christmas Eve special

Count your blessings – literally

No matter how much you decorate your home for Christmas, consider leaving something undone. Wait to put the star on top of the tree. Hang your wreath on the front door on Christmas Eve. If you set out a creche, add baby Jesus just before bed. Too often, we get caught up with the idea of a perfect holi-

Take a twist on the traditional Advent calendar by instead counting up to Christmas. Finding something to be grateful for each day. At our house, we’ve literally written our blessings on scraps of paper and taped them to our dining room wall. Two years later, they’re still there because I can’t bring myself

It’s a little dangerous to keep a hungry family from a homemade Christmas feast. But hearing your children offer their own prayer before a meal is usually worth a few rumbling stomachs. At Christmas, they get the chance after we say our traditional grace. In the beginning, it was a struggle to hear them ramble while steaming food tempted us from our plates. As they get older, I realise the beauty of hearing what matters to them. Maybe they are thanking God for their mother’s mashed potatoes or their favourite Ninja Turtle. What I hear is: “Thank you, God, for surrounding me with love.”

Christmas traditions remind us of God’s loving hand in our lives. They strengthen our spiritual ties to faith and each other.

Give your children a voice

Christmas cards Even in the age of instant con-

nection, there’s something special about a Christmas card. It means someone took the time to let you know they are thinking of you. Honour that thought by reading one card aloud each night during the Christmas season. Let your kids take turns picking the cards and share a special memory about the person who sent them. We hang our Christmas cards by our front door so they are the ﬁrst thing we see when we come in and the last thing we see when we go out. On those days when life seems extra frazzled, those family pictures and holiday wishes are like a paper hug. It’s those kind of traditions that make the holidays special. They remind us we are part of something larger than ourselves. And isn’t that what the family of God is all about?  CNS Bothum is a freelance writer and a mother of three.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT With presents to wrap, cookies to bake, cards to write and trees to decorate, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness that the Christmas season brings. But the true spirit of the holiday isn’t about conquering our to-do lists; it’s about giving and receiving. We’ve received the greatest gift from God – our salvation – in the form of the Christ Child laid in the manger. And so, in gratitude we give back to those we love. But what about giving to those unknown to us? “Let us remember the poor,” Pope Francis said in December 2013 to an audience in St Peter’s Square, “by leaving a place at the dinner table on Christmas Eve.” “The hungry, people who are

alone, the homeless, the marginalised, the war weary and especially children” should be remembered yearlong, he said, but especially at Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus, who Himself was born “homeless” in a stable, to travel-worn and weary parents, who were quite alone. Besides leaving a place for the poor at the dinner table, families also can start with their parish’s “Giving Tree,” decorated with ornaments labelled with speciﬁc gifts parishioners can buy for those

in need. During Christmas vacation, families might select a particular day to volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank. Parents can encourage their children to research different charities or nonproﬁt organisations that the family can donate to in the upcoming year. Whatever the method, remembering the poor, Pope Francis said, means remembering “Jesus, the Son of God” who is “present in all of them.” When we give to those in need, we receive Christ more deeply in our hearts.  CNS

Parents can encourage their children to research different charities or nonproﬁt organisations that the family can donate to in the upcoming year.

A Typhoon Haiyan survivor decorates a Christmas tree amid the rubble of destroyed houses in the Philippines in 2013. This Christmas, some ways Catholics can reach out to the marginalised include volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food bank. CNS ﬁle photo

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia One day, an angel visited a young woman named Mary, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph. The angel told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive and give birth to a son. She was told to name the baby “Jesus”. “Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God,” the angel said. Several months later, Caesar Augustus, emperor of the Roman Empire, decided that everyone living in the empire had to be counted in a census. He sent out a decree, ordering people to go to their ancestral hometowns to be enrolled. Since the Romans were in control of the lands in which the Jewish people lived, they had to take part in the census, too.

Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, which was in Galilee. Joseph was of the house and family of King David, so he and Mary had to travel to Judea to the city of Bethlehem – also known as the city of David – to be enrolled in the census. Mary was at the end of her pregnancy and was very close to giving birth. Even so, she and Joseph made the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, it came time for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to a son, just as the angel had told her. Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room at any of the city’s inns. There were fields around Bethlehem in which some shepherds were living and working. When the baby was born, the shepherds were keeping night watch over their flocks.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Elizabeth Ann Seton St Elizabeth Ann Seton (d. 1821) was born into an Episcopal family in New York, NY, in 1774. She married a wealthy businessman and had five children. Her husband became ill and travelled to Italy for help, but he died there. It was in Italy that Elizabeth became interested in Catholicism, and she was received into the Church in 1805. In 1809, she formed the first order of women Religious founded in the US, the Daughters of Charity of St Joseph. The order helped the poor, founded orphanages and hospitals, and worked with parochial schools. When she died in 1821, her congregation had 20 communities in the US. In 1975, she became the first native-born North American saint. We honour her on Jan 4. n

Suddenly, an angel appeared to them. They were very frightened by what they saw. “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people,” the angel said. “For today in the city of David a saviour has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

So the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, where they found Joseph, Mary and Jesus, just as the angel had said. n Read more about it: Luke 2

Q&A 1. Where did Joseph and Mary travel to? 2. To whom did the angel announce Jesus’ birth?

Wordsearch: n MANGER n LORD

n CITY

n ANGEL

n TRIP

n SON

n AFRAID

n BIRTH

n YOUNG

n ROOM

n BABY

n LANDS

BIBLE TRIVIA: What is a manger?

Bible Accent: Sentence: For today in the city of David a saviour has been born. Answer to puzzle: Words: been; today; for; the; David; saviour; in; of; a; has; born; city Answer to Bible Trivia: A feeding trough for animals.

PUZZLE: Unscramble each word, and then place the words in the correct order to reveal a sentence from the children’s story. enbe yadto orf het avdid ivsarou ni fo a sha ronb tyci ––––

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Answer to Wordsearch

Being a shepherd was a common occupation in biblical times. Shepherds oversaw flocks of sheep and goats, either for their families or as employees of other people. Sheep and goats were important sources of meat and milk, and their wool or skins were used for clothing. During warm weather, shepherds worked and lived in the fields taking care of their flocks. They led the animals to different grazing areas and made sure they had enough to eat and drink. The sheep and goats even learned the sounds of their shepherds’ voices and responded to their calls. At night, the shepherds would count the animals to make sure none was missing and looked them over to make sure they were healthy. Since the animals slept outdoors at night, the shepherds kept careful watch over them. If a wild animal tried to attack the sheep and goats, the shepherds used slings and stones or their rods – which were similar to clubs – to scare the wild animal away. When the weather grew cold, the flocks were moved indoors for the winter. When the spring came, the sheep were shorn, and the entire process of leading the flocks to different grazing areas for the spring and summer began again. n

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http:// www.catholic.org.sg/chancery/ announcement-advertisement-request/. Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. DEC 21 SHOUlD I INTErprET THE BIBlE lITErAlly? prINCIplES OF INTErprETATION Can I read the Bible like a newspaper? Does God speak to me when I pray to Him and then flip to a random passage in the Bible? Join us as we explore what the Church teaches about Biblical interpretation and the spiritual life. Organised by the Catholic Theology Network. Time: 730pm-9pm, St Joseph’s Church, Victoria St, Conference Room (inside canteen). Presenter: Amy Matthews. To register: E: theology.sg@gmail.com jAN 2, 2017 lAUNCH OF CATECHETICAl yEAr 2017 Time: 11am-12.30pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre 2 Highland Road, S549102 St Peter’s Auditorium #02-03. Please register using the following URL: http://tinyurl. com/jydqacm. For more information, contact Sylvia Stewart from the Office or Catechesis at 68583011. W: www.catechesis.org.sg; E: sylvia@catechesis.org.sg jAN 7, 2017 MASS FOllOWED By prAyErS FOr HEAlINg Time: 2pm-4pm. All are invited to join us for praise and worship and Mass followed by prayers for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Please spread the word to your family and friends. Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran. Organised by SACCRE-Praise@Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information, E: praiseatworksg@yahoo. com; T: 98170152 (Kristyn) jAN 8, 2017 TO MArCH 4, 2017 SCHOOl OF WITNESS 2017 An eight-week live-in discipleship school that aims to provide an environment of faith in which you can be encouraged and challenged to go beyond your comfort zones to grow in the awareness of who God is and who you are. Age range: 18-30. Cost: $600 (covers food, accommodation and all other overheads). To register: W: www.oyp.sg/sow17. For more information: E: juliana.oyp@ catholic.org.sg jAN 10, 2017 TO FEB 7, 2017 BCC lEVEl 1 – SCrIpTUrE Every Tuesday from 7:30pm10pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre, 2 Highland Road, S549102. Contribution: Waived for 2017. Please register using the following URL: http://tinyurl. com/gryfqms. For more information, contact Sylvia Stewart from the Office For Catechesis at 68583011. W: www. catechesis.org.sg jAN 15, 2017 TO jAN 21, 2017 WEEK OF gUIDED prAyEr AT THE CHUrCH OF ST IgNATIUS The Sojourners’ Companions invites you to learn how to pray with Scripture and develop a closer relationship with the Lord. Taster: Jan 15 2pm-5pm. Jan 16-20: Daily 30 mins of prayer at home and 30 mins with a personal prayer guide at a convenient time between 9am–10pm. Jan 21 2pm–5pm: Closure of event. Fee: $30. To register: W: www.sojourners.sg / wogp@sojourners.sg; visit St Ignatius parish office or church foyer after Mass on the weekends of Dec 10 and 11 or Jan 7 and 8. jAN 18, 2017 TO MArCH 29, 2017 BIBlE STUDy ON ST pAUl’S lETTErS TO THE rOMANS WITH Fr COrNElIUS CHINg Every Wednesday from 9.30am-11.30am. Join us for 10 sessions to study St Paul’s Letters to the Romans lead by Fr Cornelius. No pre-registration required. Registration on day of first session. Venue: Church of Holy Spirit in Room 03-11. Love offerings welcomed. For more information, E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com.

WHAT’S ON

IN MEMORIAM 25

jAN 19, 2017 CrAFT OF CATECHESIS WOrKSHOp: plANNINg FIrST rECONCIlIATION/FIrST HOly COMMUNION A retreat for children. Time: 7:30pm10pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre, 2 Highland Road, S549102. Contribution: Waived for 2017. Please register using the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/jpw2clo. For more information, contact Sylvia Stewart from the Office For Catechesis at 68583011. W: www.catechesis.org.sg

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

jUNE lEE MR GORDON yUAN NgOr STEVEN Departed: Dec 29, 2013 Departed: Dec 30, 1997 Rest in peace Time changes many until we meet again. things but not the James Kheng and all Memory this day brings Till now you are still relatives and friends. in our minds and hearts. Fifteenth Dearly missed by wife Anniversary Manjula, daughters “We remember, Caroline and Rachelyn. We celebrate, Twenty-sixth We believe!” Anniversary In loving memory of

jAN 28, 2017 TO jAN 20, 2017 ANNUAl rETrEAT Organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Malayalam Apostolate. An annual retreat for children, teens and the elderly. Venue: Holy Innocents’ High School at 1191 Upper Serangoon Road S534786. For more information, T: 62887761; E: archmalayalamcatholic.org.sg FEB 1, 2017 TO MAy 10, 2017 BIBlE STUDy ON THE gOSpEl OF MATTHEW Conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Francis Xavier. No course fee. To register: E: maisielee21@ gmail.com; E: ronlee@lucas.com.sg FEB 9, 2017 TO MAy 18, 2017 INTrODUCTION TO BASIC COUNSEllINg Every Thursday from 7.30pm-10pm. A 14-week course providing an introduction to basic counselling skills and personal development. Learn about the counselling process and its benefits, as well as develop an awareness of mental wellbeing. Participants will also get to apply problem-solving strategies and techniques in a safe, supportive environment. Fee: $600. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/itcc14; T: 64676072 FEB 18, 2017 TO FEB 19, 2017 MArITAl FIrST rESpONDErS WOrKSHOp Time: 9am-5pm. A two-day workshop facilitated by Fr (Dr) Charles Sim. It is meant for those constantly approached by close friends and relatives regarding their marital issues. With this training, these “marital first responders” can better provide frontline counselling help or a listening ear. Contribution: $250 (inclusive of lunch and tea). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/mfr2017; T: 64676072 FEB 24, 2017 TO FEB 25, 2017 A DAy OF QUIET Time: 9am-5pm. We are opening our doors to individuals desiring some personal space and quiet in their lives. For seasoned retreatants and beginner seekers who would like to experience a day in silent prayer and reflection. Prayer and handicraft resources, labyrinth walk and spiritual direction will be available. Fee: $60 (including lunch, tea). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/dayofquiet; T: 64676072 MArCH 5, 2017 TO AprIl 9, 2017 THE FIrST SpIrITUAl ExErCISES rETrEAT Time: 1.30pm-5pm. The retreat is made in daily life over four weeks. These exercises contain first-step exercises for beginners, new visions for searchers and solid food for those desiring more in their interior life. Fee: $170. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/1stexercises; T: 64676072 MArCH 18, 2017 FINDINg gOD IN WrITINg WOrKSHOp Time: 10am-5pm. A full-day workshop designed to help you write your sacred story. Through writing exercises and other activities, explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings. No prior writing experience required. Fee: $80 (includes lunch and refreshments). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/writing2017; T: 64676072 MArCH 19, 2017 INTrODUCTION TO AUTHENTIC CONVErSATIONS Time: 9.30am-5pm. The lack of authentic conversation spaces has reduced many conversations into gossip and slander. How does one facilitate and nurture safe spaces for authentic conversation that is so critically needed today? Listen to your call through the needs of the many who thirst for real conversation. Fee: $60. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/iac2017; T: 64676072

Nineteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

CyTHIA T. MArgArET lAzArOO MAry MONTEIrO Departed: Dec 21, 2011 nee grOSSE Departed: Dec 21, 2006 Always remembered and loved by family. In our hearts you will always live; your love, your voice Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of and your smile are forever imprinted in our minds. Always remembered, forever cherished by family and all loved ones. Thirtieth Anniversary In loving memory of jOSEpH ANg pOH SENg Departed: Dec 31, 2012 Dearly missed by his family, relatives and loved ones.

MDM MANgAlAM MAry Departed: Dec 31, 1986 Missed is the touch of your friendly hand, Gone is your kindness beyond recall; Gone to a world where peace and love Are given and gained by all. Lovingly remembered by sons and daughters and all loved ones.

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING Dearest Lord, Mother Mary and all the Saints, Thank you for everything that happen this year. Thank you for all the miracles you have worked for us and for all the answered prayers. Please continue to shower us with your love and blessings as we journey through the remaining of year 2016 and for the new year 2017.

BOBBy yAp TEONg SAN Feb 5, 1923 to Mr MICHAEl Dec 17, 2001 rAyAppAN Born: Jan 12, 1947 One thing I have asked from the Lord, Departed: Dec 24, 1990 that I shall seek, that Time takes away the I may dwell in the edge of grief house of the Lord But memory turns all the days of my life. back every leaf ps 27:4 Gone from our lives one so dear Always loved and But in our hearts cherished by forever near. wife Rhonda and loved ones. Always remembered by wife, children, Third Anniversary sister, brother, In loving memory of relatives and friends. my dear husband Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANNEMAlAr D/O ANTHONy NATHAN Born: Oct 23, 1973 Departed: Dec 24, 2013 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near. Dearly missed by parents and loved ones. In loving memory of Our Dearest Dad & Mom

WIlMAr TIMM Departed: Dec 29, 2013 MArIA pETErSON Remembering NEE lOW you is easy Departed: Dec 28, 2010 We do it every day Husband: Missing you is the Harry Arthur hardest part peterson (deceased) As it never goes away To hear your voice. You had a heart of gold To see your smile One of the best To sit with you and to behold talk for awhile You were generous, Would be loving and kind our greatest wish These are the memories Today, tomorrow, you left behind. our whole life through Dearly and deeply We shall always love missed by children, and remember you. grandchildren Christina and family. and loved ones.

ClyDE ErIC jONATHAN

MUrIEl EVANgElINE jONATHAN Departed Dec 29, 2002 May 6, 1990.

In our hearts you both will always live. Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds. Greatly and dearly missed by loving family and loved ones. In loving memory of Seventeenth Anniversary

First Anniversary

jOSEpH TAN MAry ONg THIAM HOCK IM NEO Departed Mar 29, 1999 Dec 22, 2015

Thoughts of you bring tears For one we love so dear But the will of God it must be In silent sorrow you will remain In our hearts eternally. Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by children, grandchildren and loved ones. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Teresa on Dec 22, 2016 at 6.00pm. Please turn to pages 26 and 27 for more in memoriam and classified advertisements

26 IN MEMORIAM In loving memory of

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

“I will go to the altar of God; To God, my joy and my delight”

In lovIng memory

(Psalm 43:4)

JOHN TEO CLARA CHER ANDREW SIAK KEE POH SIOK TEO Departed: Dec 21, 84 Departed: Jan 10, 93 Departed: Jan 26, 91

Fondly remembered by your loved ones. Twelfth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANDREW f.m. EE nov 17, 1911may 22, 1957

PETER PAuL PINTO April 30, 1916Dec 21, 1993

CONNIE PINTO nee DE ROzARIO July 20, 1916Jan 4, 2010

TERESA TEO LEE HuA Departed: Jan 1, 2007 Ten long years have passed away; you’re gone, but are still living In the hearts of those who stay. mass will be celebrated on Sunday Jan 1, 2017 at 9.30am at Church of St michael, 17, St michael’s road.

Dearly missed and will always be remembered by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of JOSEPH TAN mENg KIAT Called home to the lord on Dec 21, 2004 Dear god, Thank you for sending dearest Joseph to us as our husband, father and grandpa. He left us twelve years ago and we still love and miss him. Dearly loved and remembered, Betty and family Please turn to pages 25 and 27 for more in memoriam and classified advertisements

In loving memory of fourth Anniversary

Eighteenth Anniversary

ALbERT LIm LAm SAN Departed: Dec 21, 2008 Thank you for the years we shared Thank you for the way you cared We loved you then and we love you still Forget you, we never will. Always cherished by wife: lillian, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and loved ones. In loving memory of

KENNETH THERESA HENNRy JOSEPH AgNES JOSEPH Departed Dec 26, 2012 mar 10, 1998

WILLIAm A. muRIEL (“ARTIE”) RODRIguES RODRIguES Departed: Dec 25, 2003 Dec 19, 2005

I am sending a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings, be careful when you open it. It’s full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses wrapped up with a million hugs and with a lot of prayers. To say how much we miss and love you. We hold you close within our hearts and there is where you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. From: Benny, marie De Silva and family

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear Dearly missed by vicky, Jerry, melanie, relatives, friends and all loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

fRANCIS mOK bOON yEO Departed: December 24, 2014 Treasured memories hold you near Silent thought bring many a tear Tear in our eyes we can wipe away But the love in heart will always stay We make no outward show To what it meant to lose you Only we will ever know. Fondly remembered and greatly missed by Wife, lisa, children, James, Alice, Andrew and Irene, son-in-laws, daughterin-laws, grandchildren and loved ones.

CRuEz fRANCIS Departed: December 30, 2012 We miss you in so many ways We miss things you used to say And when old times we do recall It’s then we miss you most of all. Deeply missed and fondly remembered by wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

IN MEMORIAM 27

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

In loving and sweet memory of

Cyril viCtor Joseph reutens

Josephine mary reutens

Born: Nov 4, 1898 Born: July 25, 1909 Departed: Jan 4, 1991 Departed: Nov 22, 1978

First Anniversary In loving memory of

God gave a gentle call With farewells left unspoken, Dylan, you silently left us all our hearts still ache with sadness and Silent tears still flow For what it means to love and miss you, Dylan No one will ever know. Mass will be offered at the Church of the DYLAN Sacred Heart on CHRISTOPHER Dec 26 at 5.30 pm. PETER Departed: Dec 26, 2015 Fondly remembered by Mom, Dad, Bryan and Softly within the all loved ones. shadows

In loving memory of

You’ll always be with us, dearest Mum & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa, Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa, and we’ll always love you. FiFth anniversary In loving memory of theresa lim auGustine Goh puay Choo Gek senG Departed Feb 23, 2013 Dec 23, 1971

one thing I ask of the Lord; This I seek: To dwell in the Lord’s house All the days of my life, To gaze on the Lord’s beauty, To visit his temple Jimmy loW penG leonG Departed: December 27, 2011 God looked around His garden And found an empty place He then looked down upon this earth And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best Dearly missed and fondly remembered by your loving wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, relatives, godchildren and all loved ones.

(Psalm 27:4)

From your beloved children and grandchildren. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

First anniversary In loving memory of Christina sylvia sundram nee Joseph 24 Dec 1939-27 Dec 2009 Those we love can never be more than a thought away... for as long as there’s a memory, they live in our hearts everyday.

laWrenCe tan Choo henG Departed: Dec 26, 2015 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds Forever loved, dearly missed and cherished by wife, sons, daughter-in-laws, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren and loved ones.

Forever cherished by Stanley, children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

FiFth anniversary In loving memory of

IN LovING MeMorY oF Joseph edmond raJ Born to eternal Life: 29-Dec-2002

In our hearts your memory lingers. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart. For as long there is a memory, you will live on in our hearts. Always loving you. Please turn to pages 25 and 26 for more in memoriam and classified advertisements

Bruno Chan Chee Fai Called home to the Lord on 26 December 2011 “Time heals the wounded heart. We learn to live and the memories stay. Laughter, smiles & joy they are fewer now, Gratefulness abound. We miss you dearly. We thank God for wonderful you. Loved & cherished always by wife Bridgette, children, grandchildren & family. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary on 26 December at 6.15pm.

Sunday December 25, 2016 n CatholicNews

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