Dear parishioners While pondering over my message for our Newsletter, I chanced upon the weekday Mass reading from St Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11. The first line caught my attention “Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping”. St Paul reminds us that there are no shortcuts in the service of God and His people just as there is no harvest without labour for the farmer. Hence it is imperative that we sow to the best of our ability. This is especially true of formation work and spiritual growth. In giving ourselves and our time to further the kingdom of God, it is best to avoid shortcuts. When called to a particular task or ministry in the parish, we are to give it our all. Any withholding of our time and service will make our effort far less effective. All leaders know that their personal efforts would be in vain if members give their support grudgingly. Our Parish Pastoral Council leaders cannot lead effectively if ministry and organisation leaders do not share the same level of enthusiasm for and commitment to the overall objectives of the parish. When faced with lack of support and enthusiasm, people wish that the parish priest issue a diktat that all should follow. This is wishful thinking if not naivety. Even if people comply under such circumstances, many would not give their all, that too grudgingly. We need to work smart which is not the same as taking shortcuts. Some people expect miracles from a magic program believing that if only we introduce a particular program, everything would fall into place. Rather than playing by chance, it is better to rely on the collective wisdom of past experiences in order to chart the future course. Continuity of leadership and service is essential; it is a pity that sometimes this is not fully appreciated. In the same passage, Paul says to give cheerfully for “God loves a cheerful giver”. It seems ridiculous that often we have to persuade and implore before someone makes a gift of his service. Finally there is the constant need to purify our intention in the service of God and His Church. That we are not serving for our own ego or our name or for self but for the needy; that we are doing it not out of the need to be served, but out of the desire to serve as Jesus did as a servant, humbly without counting the cost. God bless. Fr Patrick
Cover pix: Photographer Ronnie Khoo, Catechist - Marine Drive SCC The 2011 PA encouraged the two hundred parishioners who were present, to ponder and deliberate on how our parish could pray and work together to be “One Church, One Family” in light of our Baptismal Calling - growing in personal holiness, serving one another and being co-responsible in Christ’s mission to spread the Good News of His love to all we meet. The group discussions revolved around three questions. One Faith: How can we grow in personal and communal holiness? One Family: How can we cultivate community love and support spiritually and materially? One Mission: How can we encourage more participation in Church ministries and community service? Responses to the first question centered largely on the need for more education on how to be better Christians, for more resources to be made available and for increased dialogue between priests and parishioners. The need for more connectedness in the community resonated in many suggestions to help increase community love and support – a more warm and hospitable parish, a strong home environment, greater focus on God’s Word and Prayer. Several parishioners recommended an Awareness Day for church ministries to enable higher participation and for greater unity among MOGs/NCCs. These and many more ideas offered at the PA will be further analyzed by the newly elected Parish Pastoral Council. Watch this space for more updates from the OB desk.
Christian Meditation is a form of prayer. It is a discipline, a commitment, a promise to the Lord – to sit down to meditate regularly twice every day, and to keep returning to the mantra in spite of countless distractions. As disciples, we trust that through this discipline, we will be brought ever closer to Him. The ancient symbol of the labyrinth reminds us not to expect simple linear progress. Many times we may seem to be just wandering round and round. However there are no mistakes or wrong turnings on this journey of meditation because we trust the Lord, who is at the centre, to lead us and to guide us. And from the very beginning, wherever the path takes us, we are never too far from the centre.
What matters is to be faithful
A person who has just started meditating is as close to the Lord as another who has been meditating for twenty years. The beginner may have a serene and beautiful meditation experience while the experienced one may struggle through a dry period of difficulties and distractions. What matters is that both of them remain faithful through it all. As the poet T.S. Eliot said “For us there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.” Just like the poor widow whom Jesus praised for giving all that she had – if we are greatly distracted yet we persevere in sitting through the meditation period - we have given it all we’ve got.
Do not try to measure your success
The mantra begins sound in our heart
to
As we start our meditation, our mind is full of daily fears, worries, distractions and it is an effort to keep coming back to the mantra. Then it seems to sink deeper inside us. We are not so much saying the mantra, as sounding it in our heart. And then increasingly we begin to listen to it. And as we listen, it brings us to a place of silence. (The process usually takes at least fifteen minutes – which is why we recommend at least twenty minutes for the period of meditation.) But the silence is not a goal to be achieved! As soon as you say to yourself “Ah, I am in silence!” you have been distracted by your thoughts – and the only thing to do is to faithfully return to sounding the mantra.
A gradual
Meditation is not a technique; healing process there are no performance goals As we continue meditating over to be achieved. There is no a period of time, we may come to “success” to be measured. We a deeper level of consciousness don’t give ourselves a rating The ancient labyrinth in the Cathedral of where old memories, hurts, depending on whether we were Chartres is a symbol of the journey of faith. emotional wounds begin to totally free from distractions or surface. We need not worry or be unduly concerned. If whether we had a beautiful experience, or any other they arise during our meditation period, we gently let matters. In fact we should not evaluate or judge our meditation because it is through the distractions and go of them and return to our mantra. Jesus, the Divine difficulties that we grow. Each time that we are Healer, is reaching out to heal these wounds. And as distracted – and each time we then humbly return to time goes by, we will find the burden has been lifted the mantra – we grow in faithfulness and in discipline. from our hearts. In meditation, there are no instant results. The changes take place gradually, like the seed that grows unseen in the dark. All that we have to do is try our best to be faithful to the discipline, and He will make all things beautiful, in His time. This article was compiled from many sources, especially the talks of Peter Ng and the writings of Laurence Freeman. Books and other resources on Christian Meditation can be obtained from the bookstore outside the Meditation Room (contact Daulet at 64697671 or email her at daulet@pacific.net.sg). The book and CDs referred alongside can also be obtained from Katong Catholic Bookstore, next to Holy Family Church. The next article in this continuing series on Christian Meditation will be “John Main and the WCCM community, world wide and in Singapore.”
What makes our meditation Christian?
It is our faith which makes our meditation Christian. We are joined to the Spirit of Jesus who prays within us. “God has sent into our hearts the Spirit of His son, crying ‘Abba, Father!’” (Gal 4:6). The Spirit prays without words: “We do not know how to pray, but the Spirit prays within us in groans that cannot be put into words, and he who can see into all hearts knows what the Spirit means.” (Rom 8:26)
Are breathing and posture important?
Fr John Main did not give much emphasis to breathing and posture because he wanted to keep the discipline simple and not turn it into a technique. When you get too interested in technique, you forget the purpose of meditation, which is prayer. Meditation involves the whole person, body, psyche and spirit – so what we do with our body in meditation, is of great importance. Our position expresses an attitude of reverence. We need to sit upright, relaxed and alert, without being in pain or discomfort. Learning to breathe well using the abdomen, and to sit upright with a straight spine, helps us enter into a state of stillness, simplicity and silence.
Is it necessary to meditate twice a day? I find it difficult to fit in two slots.
For newcomers, it will be a challenge to find the time to meditate twice daily. Start to meditate faithfully once a day for 20 minutes, either in the morning or evening. This will require an adjustment to the daily routine, and may require some sacrifice such as giving up some of your favourite television shows. After one or two years, try to fit in the second meditation period. The rhythm of meditating twice daily brings serenity to our lives, as morning meditation opens the day while the evening meditation closes it. The experience of many meditators is that in making time for meditation, we actually gain time. This is because the quality of our life is considerably enhanced by meditation. Please send all your queries on meditation to: meditatorQA@gmail.com
Meditation Groups
GROUPS & TIME
CONTACT DETAILS
Tuesday, 8pm (Beginners group)
Janey
janey_tan@yahoo.com.sg
Wednesday, 7.30pm
Rebecca (Hp: 9835 7835) Stella (Hp: 9644 4342)
rebeccalim49@gmail.com
Thursday, 8pm
Francis (Hp: 9368 7773)
francisteo7@gmail.com
Friday, 8pm (Young Adults group)
Duane (Hp: 9748 6673)
adre1986@gmail.com
kon.stella@gmail.com
If I, therefore, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. (Jn 13:14-15) Service to others increases our spirituality and should be a way of life for all Catholics. In this article, we recommend books that give an insight into what it means to serve others in a Christ-like manner and to offer your time, talents and treasure (stewardship) to your neighbours and to the community. We hope that these and other books of related topics, available at Wellsprings Bookstore, would help foster a better relationship with God and the people around us. We have also included a book for children which explains the need to share with others the gifts that God has bestowed on us, irrespective of our age.
Mother Teresa’s Prescription: Finding Happiness and Peace by Paul A. Wright
Among the hundreds of fine biographies, pictorial essays and meditation-based books about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, this book is refreshingly unique. The reader encounters Mother Teresa and her prophetic message for a busy modern world through the eyes and memories of Paul Wright, a highly successful American cardiologist, who tells the story of his life-changing, five-year friendship with this saint-in-the making. With wonderful anecdotes and personal reflections, Wright tells us how unhappy and unfulfilled he was in the midst of professional prominence and financial success. Recalling his encounters with Mother Teresa and her work in Tijuana and Calcutta, he leads us to conclude that Mother Teresa had a prescription for happiness and peace, a universal message for all of us. She pointed Wright to the mandate issued by Jesus in Matthew 25 – Just as you did it for one of the least of my brethren, you did it for me.
The Believer’s Edge: The Secret to a Healthier, Happier, more significant life by Dr. Owen Phelps, President/CEO of the Midwest Leadership Institute.
He is a popular author, speaker and mentor who helps individuals and organizations achieve excellence. His background includes experience as a business owner, an executive in a large religious organization, and a member of the faculty of Cardinal Stritch University's College of Business. Scientific research reveals that religiously active people make good neighbours, build better communities and live happier, healthier lives. The Believer’s Edge is a charming parable that illustrates the benefits of religious faith and practice through the story of Derek, a family man who senses that he is losing his way. Then he meets a cast of colorful characters who tell him about the benefits they enjoy by being active in a religious community. In the end Derek has a choice about what to do with that information. Readers who aren’t active in any religious organization will find The Believer’s Edge intriguing. Readers who are religiously active will find it affirming. "When I finished I couldn’t wait to discuss it. This is a book that can move people to action." - Tom Nichols, International Sales Trainer "An engaging guide to timeless truths of Christian life and to joy and healing power found in faith and community." - Phil Hodges, co-author of The Servant Leader
Grateful Caretakers of God’s Many Gifts: A Parish Manual
by Father Joseph M. Champlin, Rector at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Syracuse, New York. He is the author of the Sacrificial Giving Program series published by The Liturgical Press.
This book builds on Father Champlin’s original sacrificial giving publications in both the theory and practice of how to motivate parishioners to become active stewards of their faith. It has immense value for those concerned about fostering grateful caretaking in a parish - an ongoing task that requires vision, courage and trust. Grateful Caretakers of God’s Many Gifts provides a theological and biblical basis for stewardship and gives detailed guidance for sharing time, talent, and treasure for the Church and the world in gratitude for our abundant blessings - transforming willing parishioners into grateful caretakers of God’s many gifts. It also offers the history, foundational principles and implementation steps for sacrificial giving - a form of stewardship. Father Champlin shows that the sacrificial giving process has been proven in practice, is biblically and theologically sound, actively involves lay persons, touches the hearts of parishioners, is uncomplicated and inexpensive to implement, produces impressive short-term results, and provides long-term possibilities. CHILDREN
The Catholic Kid's Guide to Stewardship by Elizabeth M. Johnson
FOR
Kids are amazing! Show them real need, appeal to their generous hearts, and they will surprise you with their creativity and perseverance in doing good for others. The Catholic Kid's Guide to Stewardship is based on the seven corporal works of mercy on the belief that even the youngest child can make a difference. The author has collected some memorable and touching true stories of what kids have accomplished and are still accomplishing! She centers each chapter on Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, offering passages the kids can read on their own or with their families. Also included are idea starters that suggest ways in which kids can be stewards, depending on their age, gifts, and inclination. Each chapter also contains a Note to Parents and Catechists, emphasizing practical points to watch for or to discuss with their children, plus a Stewardship Prayer. The book concludes with a chapter on stewardship resources. Written for ages 9 to 12, The Catholic Kid's Guide to Stewardship provides inspiration not only for the children but for adults as well. An invaluable resource for religious educators and parents! The above recommendations have been made in consultation with and have been used with the permission of Wellsprings Bookstore.
Ignatian spirituality is rooted in the practice of seeing and finding God in all things. It serves as a guide to living our daily lives in union with God. We do not need to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of this world in order to find God. God can be found in every part of our lives – in our office and our homes, in our relationships and friends, in our joys and sorrows, in the sublime beauty of nature or in the mundane household chores. Ignatian Spirituality can be described as an active attentiveness to God joined with a prompt responsiveness to God, who is ever active in our lives. Central to Ignatian Spirituality are the “Spiritual Exercises”, which help one grow in intimacy with God. Prayer in the Ignatian Tradition St. Ignatius himself wrote the “Spiritual Exercises” - a compilation of meditations, contemplative practices and prayers developed through personal experiences. Prayer in the Ignatian tradition is imaginative, reflective, and personal. It encourages the faithful to develop and delve into an intimate relationship with our loving God. Daily Examen In line with the Ignatian spirituality of seeing God in all things, the Daily Examen is a reflection taken from a technique described in the “Spiritual Exercises”. The Daily Examen is the centre of a Jesuit’s prayer life. It is a rule set by St. Ignatius that all Jesuits are to practice the Examen twice a day – once at noon and another time at the end of each day. The Examen allows one to review the events of the day and see how God is present and at work in us. (See accompanying box on how to pray the Daily Examen) Gospel Contemplation In the “Spiritual Exercises”, St. Ignatius provides three methods to pray and contemplate on the scripture passages. Gospel contemplation engages one’s five senses, enabling one to better comprehend Jesus’ words and actions, such that God is no longer a distant being only to be understood through profound philosophical thoughts and theological arguments. Gospel contemplation is my favourite method of contemplation, as it immerses me in the gospel story. We can see, hear and feel Jesus and the other characters as we watch the Word of God unfold before our eyes. Like Jesus, we feel compassion for the adulteress in Chapter 8 of the Gospel of John, and we see this woman pleading to Jesus for help. We feel her regret, her helplessness and her desperation. When no one throws a stone at her and Jesus says to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more” (Jn 8:11), we feel a great sense of joy and gratitude on behalf of this woman. We also feel the warmth of God’s love and are comforted as we realize the depths of God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. (See box on opposite page for a stepby-step guide on Gospel Contemplation) Apart from Gospel Contemplation, the other two methods are Word Meditation and Measured Rhythmical Recitation. Word meditation is similar to 'Lectio Divina', which consists of slow recital of the text of a prayer, psalm or scriptural passage while reflecting on the meaning of each word. In Measured Rhythmical Recitation, one chooses a vocal prayer like Our Father and after an opening prayer, recites it by the rhythm of respiration - pronounces the words with each breath or respiration while mentally praying with it. This method helps to make us conscious of our breathing and through it we are reminded of the gift of life or of the spirit in us. However, it is important to note that the three methods of prayer and contemplation prescribed by St. Ignatius in the “Spiritual Exercises” are not exhaustive. Since each one of us shares a unique relationship and method of communication with God and not everyone has the same disposition for a particular method of prayer, St. Ignatius recommends us to use any other method of prayer and meditation as long as it brings us to a closer relationship with our Creator.
The Daily Examen (Compiled by the Singapore Jesuit Community)
1. Be aware of God’s presence. Begin by asking to be illumined by His light. To see with the light of honesty, the truth in our life. Not be blinded by the shadows of falsehood in our lives. 2. Review the day with gratitude. Pray in gratitude for what you are honestly grateful for and not what you should be grateful for. God’s grace is with us in both good times and especially the hard times. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. Discern your feelings for they are a window to your sub-conscious. Your feelings and reactions today reveal the truth of where you are. 4. Pick an emotion and pray with it. Now that you have listened to your emotions, pray with it, by telling God that you are lonely, sad, joyful, at peace, or even angry with Him. Be honest as you share, allow your emotions to flow. 5. Look towards tomorrow. Look forward in faith and hope. “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Cor 12:9)
Pope Paul VI once said, “Wherever in the Church, even in the most difficult and extreme fields, at the crossroads of ideologies, in the social trenches, there has been and there is confrontation between the burning exigencies of man and the perennial message of the Gospel, here also there have been, and there are, Jesuits.” Pope Benedict XVI also quoted this in his address to the members of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. Who are the Jesuits and what do they do? Why are they held in such high esteem in the Church?
St. Ignatius and the Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus, founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, is a religious order of priests and brothers called Jesuits and they form the largest single male religious order in the Catholic Church today. Even though he lived more than 500 years ago, St. Ignatius was no different. Like all young people, he was searching for meaning in life. As an officer in the military, he longed for power, fame and glory. He was ambitious and he aspired to serve the King of Spain as a noble in his Court. However, his dreams were shattered when he was severely wounded by a cannon ball while trying to defend Spain against the French Invaders in Pamplona. His right leg was
broken and his left leg seriously wounded. Admiring his courage, the French invaders sent Ignatius back to his home, the castle of Loyola, rather than imprisoning him. While he was slowly recuperating from his injury, Ignatius was extremely bored and asked for some romantic novels to kill time. To his disappointment, there were no other books in the castle except for a book on the life of Christ and another on the lives of saints. After reading these books, Ignatius’ heart was set on fire. He went on a long and difficult journey, using his new-found fervor, passion and strength for the service of God. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus with his companions on 27 September 1540. His feast day is commemorated on 31st July each year. St. Ignatius is a role model for all, especially for the youths of today. Although his ambitions were unfulfilled, God had taken his desire for fame and glory and transformed it to a deep longing to conquer the world for Christ, the Eternal King. God works in unexpected ways in each and every one of us. All we have to do is to seek God with a sincere heart and submit ourselves to His Will, and our souls will find joy and fulfillment. As St. Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Continued on Next Page ...
Gospel Contemplation
(Source: The Jesuit Singapore website: http://www.jesuit.org.sg/html/prayer/how.to.pray.html)
Preparation Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths slowly. Allow your thoughts to settle. Relax. Focus your attention on feeling the air entering and leaving your nostrils. Be aware that God's Spirit is present within you — believe that He is in every part of you. Graces Speak to the Lord. Ask Him for the graces and blessings you need, for example, to love more, to cope with the concerns in your life. Believe that God wants to give you what is best for you. Word of God Choose a gospel passage to pray on. Contemplation Imagine yourself present at the actual scene of the Gospel with Jesus and the crowd, etc. Imagine and feel yourself present there… Be really there. See, feel, smell, taste, hear everything that is happening. Remember that God is touching you in a real way through what you experience. Therefore, talk to Jesus, listen to Him… Let go… He understands. End Your Prayer In your own words, thank God from your heart, or say an “Our Father” or “Glory Be”.
To the Greater Glory of God
The Jesuits strive to see God in all things and use their God-given talents to do all things for the greater glory of God, hence their motto – “Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam”, which means “To the greater glory of God” in Latin. This explains why the Jesuits worldwide are actively involved in very diverse fields, ranging from education (schools, colleges, universities, seminaries) and intellectual research to missionary work, conducting retreats and the administration of parishes. Throughout modern history, the Jesuits have been in the forefront of many social and theological movements and scientific research. Some notable Jesuits of modern times include paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, John LaFarge - who worked for inter-racial justice, and theologian John Courtney Murray. Today, there are many research institutes and schools set up by the Jesuits worldwide - the Jesuit Social Research Institute in New Orleans, the United States, as well as the Loyola College of Culion and the Manila Observatory in the Philippines, among others. God has endowed man with intellect hence it is only fitting that man uses this gift to render the highest service to God, His Church and His people which is in line with the Jesuit charism – to be ready to go anywhere, to do anything and to serve any person for God’s greater glory. Contrary to what some people believe, the Jesuits do not see the pursuit of knowledge as an end in itself, as this might end up in intellectual pride. Neither is the pursuit of knowledge and intellect meant to set them apart from the other religious orders as the crème de la crème of the Church. The Jesuits are not people with a head yet devoid of a heart. Even in the intellectual ministries, the Jesuits reach out to the poorest and most needy in society to ensure that no child is left behind or denied education because of poverty. In the United States, the Jesuits have set up the Cristo Rey Network, which comprises 24 high schools throughout the United States that provide education to the poor and needy youths from urban neighbourhoods.
Prayer for generosity by St Ignatius
Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give without counting the cost. To fight heedless of the wounds. To labour without seeking rest. To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward Save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen.
The Jesuits are also active in many social ministries. Set up in 1980, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international organization of Jesuits and volunteers from the laity who reach out to refugees and asylum seekers. JRS operates at national and regional levels and has programs in 51 countries, directly rendering assistance to more than 500,000 individuals which includes providing healthcare and social services to providing emergency relief assistance and human rights protection.
Me: A Jesuit? Why Not?
I am sure by now you have been inspired by St. Ignatius and you ask, “Can I be a Jesuit?” The Jesuit community welcomes all young men who desire to serve God and others using their God-given talents. It is preferable that potential candidates have at least an A-level academic qualification to cope with the academic rigour and demands of the Jesuit formation. Do feel free to drop an email to Br. Jerome Leon, SJ, at jerometleon@gmail.com or call the Jesuit Novitiate at 64672790 should you be interested to find out more. Fret not, the Jesuit Fathers have assured that there are no strings attached! And so finally, I conclude in the words of St Ignatius, “Go forth and set the world on fire”.
The Jesuits in Singapore The Irish Jesuits arrived in Singapore in 1950 following the invitation of the late Archbishop Michel Olçomendy. Today, the Jesuit community in Singapore resides in Kingsmead Hall (a building next to the Church of St. Ignatius) and they serve the needs of the local archdiocese. While their main apostolate is the administration of the parish church of St. Ignatius, they are also active in many different ministries in the Archdiocese of Singapore. They meet the spiritual needs of the staff and students at Catholic Junior College and serve the Tamil-speaking migrant workers. They also act as Spiritual Directors to the Catholic Medical Guild, the Legion of Mary Praesidiums and charismatic groups, among others. Besides, they also co-ordinate and oversee the activities of the Jesuit Refugee Services for Singapore.
The Superior General of the Society of Jesus celebrating the Eucharist at St. Ignatius Church with Jesuits from the Asia-Pacific region.
My Journey from RCIA to NCC Helence Lim
Chairperson, PPC Exco 2011-13
You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forever more. (Ps 16:11) Every time I read this Psalm, I thank and praise our Lord for His call in March 2004 – when I was feeling most depressed and for guiding me to this Way of Life.
I persevered…
I began my journey with the RCIA at the Church of the Holy Family in 2004 and was baptized a year later. As a neophyte, blurred and armed with just a superficial knowledge of the NCCs, I decided to learn more about the Catholic Social Teachings. I prayed. And He answered. Whenever I saw posters or leaflets announcing some new activities in our parish, He gave me the strength and courage to participate even though no details or explanations were offered and I was just left on my own, wondering why people are so unfriendly, yet still address each other as brothers and sisters in church. Being thick-skinned and bolstered by the courage He bestowed, I persisted in my efforts. I struggled as resolutely as I could while trying consciously to be humble. My faith grew deeper and it became more entrenched in early 2007, after I attended one of the home prayer sessions organized by the Joo Chiat NCC.
Rooted in the Word of God
We always hear about the basic principles of Catholic Social Teachings. But do we really understand these principles? Although I have attended the Catholic Social Mission in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and many other programs along the way, I realize that these teachings have only just begun to sink in. I have pondered over the basis behind the formation of the NCCs and why have the NCCs been accorded a pastoral priority over other parish organizations or ministries. In the NCCs, our task is to make the Word of God come alive, even though this is the prerogative of all baptized Catholics across all ages. The NCC is a basic structure of parish life in the Church. It is a homebased community, not unlike that of an extended family, and membership is predetermined based on one’s Catholic faith and registered address. The NCC has four primary objectives - meeting together with the power of the Word of God, bonding together in close relationship as a community of Christian believers, praying together in communion with the Universal Church, making real together the Gospel in our lives. Gospel-sharing helps us to become the Lord’s disciples. The NCC is thus akin to
a little “church” in the neighbourhood - to reach out more readily, if not more confidently, to one another beyond the physical confines of the Church. Many of us fear to come forward to lead in the NCCs but if there is a “calling”, does it really mean we are being “called” to His mission? Reaching out is easier said than done!
Our goal – One Church, One Family
I would like to thank our parish priest, Father Patrick Goh, for his staunch support and encouragement in developing the NCCs. Though we are still struggling, we are confident that one day, we will be able to build a vibrant Parish community where all of us come together as ‘One Church, One Family.’ Despite our limited knowledge, we will grow if we diligently follow the fundamentals of our Catholic Social Teachings. Our goal is to bring together every parishioner of the Church of the Holy Family through the NCCs. The NCCs, like the SCCs before, are all-inclusive and membership is based on one’s residential address. With your help, we can meet this goal. Each of us merely needs to “spread the word” about the NCC in the neighbourhood - to share, to care, and to love one another just as Jesus taught us.
Always guided by the Holy Spirit
My intense involvement in the NCCs during the last three years has enriched my faith and strengthened my will to serve, even though I was constantly nervous and kept breaking into a cold sweat initially. But the Holy Spirit has, time and again, guided me and given me the strength and conviction to overcome all difficulties. I can see and feel the presence of Jesus when I accompanied a fellow NCC member to the hospital for chemotherapy or when I was called to witness a death-bed baptism on a Sunday afternoon. Today, I like to thank God for His love and for the opportunity to serve the parishioners of the Church of the Holy Family through the Joo Chiat NCC. I pray that our NCCs will become lively Christian communities rooted in the Universal Church. I would like to conclude with the words of Blessed John Paul II in reference to the NCCs - “These communities decentralize and organize the parish community, to which they always remain united. Because the Church is communion, the new 'basic communities', if they truly live in unity with the Church, are a true expression of communion and a means of construction of a more profound communion. They are thus cause for great hope for the life of the Church.” - Pope John Paul II, The Mission of the Redeemer, Pg 51. During the Senate meeting in December 2010, a decision was made to change the name SCCs (Small Christian Communities) to NCCs - Neighbourhood Christian Communities - which all parishes are obliged to adopt by the second half of 2011.
When I was a prefect in secondary school, I used to think that leadership was top-down and hierarchical. However, I have since learned that Servant Leadership is a friendlier and flexible style of leadership. This leadership philosophy emphasizes teamwork, mutual trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power. It can produce effective and sustainable results. The servant leader understands that power is to serve others and not for self-aggrandizement.
Of Toes & Body Parts
Let me show you an analogy of servant leadership. Have you heard about the annual World Toe Wrestling Championships? In this competition held in England, competitors sit on the ground, and challenge each other. By using just their bare big toes, which are locked firmly together, they win when they manage to “pin” the other’s feet down for more than three seconds. In a way, this unique competition gives honor to a part of the body that we often ignore, until they get hurt. However, there are no unimportant parts of our bodies, only those we think are unimportant! St Paul asserts that the foot is definitely part of the body, just like the ears, and the eyes. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? (1 Cor 12:15) Even though there are many members, there is only one body. The whole body or church is not made up only of catechists. Similarly, not everyone sings in the choir. Therefore, God strengthens His church by using different stones of shapes and sizes and He binds them with strong leadership. But how do we define a leader? Should a leader be one who is
In his book, Outrageous Mercy, WM. P. Farley shared the story of a British officer captured by the Japanese in WWII. His captors were unable to get him to confess certain secrets because of his iron-willed discipline. In their search for a personal weakness to break him, they discovered that he hated filth. So they dug a pit, lowered him into it, and filled it up to his neck with human excrement. He became mad within several days, and told them everything. They broke him by immersing him in the one thing he hated most. Now, sin is even more offensive to God. The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. (Gen 5:5-6) Jesus, the Good Shepherd, magnified His love for us by dying on the cross to redeem mankind! But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our inequities, upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed… The Lord has laid on him the inequity of us all. (Is 53 5-6) It is nearly impossible for finite minds like ours to even comprehend what it means for the sinless Christ to die for our sins.
You too are called…
A true leader loves his flock as his own and lays down his own life for them. Therefore assuming a leadership position in church has nothing to do with being a charismatic C-level executive, a rock star or a rabble rouser. Can you
able to bring in large numbers of crowds in flashy convention halls
empty yourself completely as Jesus “emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave” (Phil 2:7)
charismatic enough to reach out to youths
put others’ interests before your own
influential enough to solicit donations
love the flock entrusted to your care as your own
While such leadership abilities are useful in captivating general audiences, it does not reflect the true humility of servant leadership - serving humbly the lowest and the poorest. Catholic servant leadership is patterned on the teachings and life of Jesus in contrast to worldly leadership which focuses on power, wealth, status and prestige accompanied by manipulation, control, domination and competition.
A Servant Leader is like the Good Shepherd
Jesus was not portrayed as an eagle or a heroic warrior. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (Jn 10:11)
draw out the best in others so as to complement their gifts and talents reach out to the marginalized and the less fortunate in the community through works and acts of service If your answer is “YES” to all the above questions then each one of you is called to be a servant leader in your homes, your neighborhood, your communities, our Parish and in the Church. Therefore, even if you think of yourself as the most overlooked and ignored member of this Catholic family, you still have value. Just like your big toe.
Mark Chew was a cradle-born Methodist. He was baptized at Holy Family Church in 2006. He is currently a business developer, leadership coach, and the author of "Discover Your Leadership Style". He specializes in leadership management and personal mastery. You may contact him at http://chewmark.com/ and www.facebook.com/Discoveryourleadershipstyle.
Finally a Tribute to Tony from the Family Life Ministry We must thank God for His gift of Tony to all of us. If anyone is closer to God, it has to be Tony — never a harsh word for others, often so calm, so quietly supportive, putting others before himself and having this knack of making others feel special and loved. Tony, we will always cherish your smile, your hug, the gentle way you plant a kiss, reaching out to one and all; young and old, you wouldn’t miss. You’ve lived your life so meaningfully, We know dear Gwen you loved so truly; Yet you still found so much more to give. There is a lot to learn from the way you lived. God’s plan is, and always will remain a mystery. We pray that your passing will lead us to a spiritual discovery.
EDITORIAL TEAM
While we remain here on our earthly shores, No one knows for sure, of course When we will receive that final call. So we need to pick ourselves up when we do fall, And remember that as long as we walk close to Him He will guide and strengthen us from within. Yes, Tony, we pray that we too can emulate you. We may not be able to fill your shoes, But give our best to love and serve, we surely can. From now till we meet you in that promised land We will always remember and cherish you, as we say goodbye with a heavy heart. To us, your FLM family, you have never really departed. Your family in Christ.
PUBLISHER Church of the Holy Family CHIEF EDITOR David Nayar EDITOR Violet Rosario SUB-EDITORS Christine Lye, Sharon Lin, Leonard Yeo, Lisa Marie Tan DESIGN & LAYOUT Karlyn Goh All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be published in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.
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