Warning: Random post ahead. Read with caution.
On my way to tuition today, a thought came to my mind about the Catholic church and the Catholics that I see and then, I realised how thankful I am to be in this close community of God-fearing and God-loving people, who will always yank me to reality from my little space I like to crouch in.
I have gotten to know a couple of friends on exchange here in Singapore over the past few months, some who have already returned to their own country, and many times when the topic of religion is brought to the dinner table, they never fail to ask me the same question.
"How do you know the God you believe in is a true God? If He is, why can't He just remove the pain and suffering from all the people in the third world country? Why must there be killings and wars?"
Having to explain to them that there is a fine distinction between human-willed actions and God-invoking actions, they still don't get it. I tried not to get frustrated (otherwise they'll start thinking, Christians can never explain properly and they only want to force others to agree - which isn't even ME in the first place) with them and their lack of understanding, sometimes even brushing the issue aside so I don't have to deal with it. I felt I didn't have enough capacity in me to reach out to these people, to get them to understand that there are certain things that God puts in place for us and sometimes, we humans just decide to wreck everything because WE are just being imbeciles (sometimes, we are. We have our moments!)
Most of them whom I've spoken to have left the church, Catholic or protestant, and felt that they could lead their lives on their own without guidance from the One above. Agnostic, I'd call them, believers of the Risen One yet do not fully embrace the totality of what they believe.
Recently, I got myself acquainted with two Spanish guys who stay in my hall and interesting enough, they are Catholics as well. My first Catholic friends who aren't from Singapore. One of them belongs to the Jesuits in Madrid and enjoys working with the ministry and the other is a believer of the faith but haven't been going to church because he doesn't agree with some of the rules that are in place. Since they arrived in Singapore, they have yet to attend mass. I suspect they don't know the nearest Catholic church to school but at the same time, I felt there were reasons behind their reluctance for going to mass.
I spoke to the one who hasn't been to church in a while and told him that if he liked, he could come along with me for mass in CTK. To which he responded,
"I know I am a Catholic but I cannot agree with what the Catholic church says. I cannot go for mass because I can't even bring myself to say the verses which we're made to recite. I can't even sing the hymns because I'll feel like a hypocrite. I'd like to go with you one day but I won't go for communion."
One can only wonder: do we respect these people for their honesty? I am thoroughly impressed that he has so much reverance for the church, in the sense that he doesn't want to be a hypocrite if he should attend mass - he wants to be there in spirit and in heart. An embracement of totality? How many of us can say for certain that there are certain Sundays when we attend mass without our spirits or hearts there? We're just there because we KNOW we have to be there. But it's equivalent to putting an empty shell (with the opening to the ground) near a hermit crab that's in need of a home. God's trying to crawl in but we're not making ourselves available, especially during mass.
I don't know what I should say to them. It brings me back to the days when I was in doubt (and maybe even now). Which led to this post. If I didn't have this ministry, I suppose I'll be one of the fallen sheep, lost in the jungle, never able to find its master. I'll never find the pack. Perhaps, I'd even be swallowed by a wolf.
You guys are a quintessential part in my spiritual life. I don't know who I'd turn to if I had any doubts about this religion. Who else can better direct my incessant questions and help me in my faith formation if not you guys? Really.
I look at myself 10 years down the road when I might not work in Singapore anymore. Will I become like them? Forget about the church, leading a life of my own because I feel that I can achieve what I need in my own power? Will I lose the close community that I have back at home and be that little lost sheep wandering around? What will become of me if my final destination for my career isn't in Singapore?
Archbishop spoke about mission, about multiplying our church community. If these Spanish friends of mine could see the need to attend mass even when they are in Singapore, and return to Madrid with a newfound enlightenment to the faith they're born into, they could add on to the multiplier effect all the way in Madrid! Imagine that. Across the world, a miracle is happening. People are flocking to church because of the influence of two people who once thought they could do nothing.
It is an increasing problem in most countries where the Catholics are no longer the youths but the elderly crowd instead. Sit at any pews in a Catholic church and you probably find yourself staring at a sea of white/grey heads bobbing silently in agreement to the Priest's homily. Youths. They slowly move away from the Church. What can we do to reach out to these people and encourage them to participate in Church activities? What can we do to influence them?
I hate to think of the word, "Nothing", because everything is possible. The question is, "HOW?" rather than saying we can't do anything. I can't help but wonder to myself. In a foreign land all by myself, attending mass alone, how can I actually do something to get the youths back? Is there anything at all? Anything?
I am very thankful for the formation of RCIY. The outreach to youths is very important. I think about our mission in spreading God's word and I look forward to starting a new RCIY journey with the sponsors and the inquirers. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead because I know that God will make it smoother for us to go through, with lessons that will enrich our lives and make us a better person. I am ever thankful that my path of being a sponsor is directed by God because without this ministry, I'm probably nowhere-to-be-found.
Thank you sponsors, for always holding me back when I attempt to "run" away from the rules of the Catholic church, for being so patient with my questions and for looking out for my well-being.
I told you it is a random post. Really filled with incoherent thoughts.
Don't say I didn't warn you before you reach the end of this post. *Smile*
With Love.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
I, THANK YOU
Dear Sponsors,
today during the confirmation mass, as our neophytes went up for the anointing of the chrism, sealing of the holy spirit, i was reflecting on the whole program, the ups and downs, the good and the bad.
when i got this task to be in charge of the confirmation program 3 months ago, i was in a rather panic stage coz i had like less than 3 months before the confirmation and frankly speaking, there was alot to be done. i would really have to thank BERNARD, KENNY and KIRSTEN(ex rciy sponsor) for sitting with me at mos burger and painlessly planning the program with me. i still remember kirsten helping me draw the timeline, bernard and i discussing which part of the program to keep and which part we can do without then kenny giving us pointers and reminding us what's impt and all.
then it's the opting and assigning of sessions which i got to thank everyone. thank you for putting up with me, the bad tempered, demanding and uncompromisible old woman when i assign u all with sessions and none of you actually said no or argued with me. as i reflecting back, i am really amazed that u all actually put up with me...haha... but really THANK YOU THANK YOU. without all of your support, many things could not happened like canteen, like YGA. THANK YOU JOY and BERNARD for making the YGA different, meaningful for our neophytes. now YGA has a meaning, serving has a meaning. THANK YOU DAPHNE and JOYCE for convincing EDWARD and KIMBERLY to take charge of the canteen and in the end, impacted EDWARD's spiritual life. he changed so much that i couldn't even believe the EDWARD i see now is the same guy i saw 2 years back!
i also want to thank LOIS for taking charge of the camp, CASS, BERNARD and KENNY being part of the camp comm. i will never forget the times when we stayed under cass's block to plan session, the tele conference meeting we have so we can get the camp program out. those were the difficult times and when we can't seem to perserve and seem stuck, thanks for being there for each other, so we can eventually come out with a program that is so enriching, so spirit filled for the neophytes.
and the rest of the other sponsors for doing all the other sessions, whether it's class or camp. THANK YOU CASS for playing all the songs. u r power! i never see someone learn songs as fast as you!THANK YOU JORLYN for allowing me to lead worship with you during the camp so that i fianlly know what isit like to lead worship, THANK YOU EUGENE for lending us the powerful sound system that our camp seem like i dunno how to put it, just pro...ha. THANK YOU VINCENT and DARYL for fixing the room up with the so many wires, so many mics and so many what have you and THANK YOU AARON for the laptop. THANK YOU ELAINE, DAISY, MERLI for doing the food and admin. you girls are just power! THANK YOU FREDDIE for the log and never saying no to my buying requests and giving moral support in my sessions. THANK YOU PATRICK for log and also returing the keys when we accidently broguht them back with us after we break camp. and THANK YOU all the other sponsors for doing the sessions. the camp really empowered our neophytes and impacted them to totally be sealed with the holy spirit today.
i need to thank all of you too when we need to chase for the details, the family spirit was so strong and the we really managed to gather the info and send to the secretary within 3 days. without the cooperation of everyone, this really could never be happening. today, as i sit there thinking, i really think we make miracle happen. THANK YOU ALL. THANK YOU ALINA for taking charge of confirmation, for handling paul sim, for doing such budget yet beautiful and meaningful confirmation gifts, for being so steady and cool when i am nearing frantic as usual. THANK YOU MOARIE for booking and ordering and serving us at uncle david's, the food is superb especially the pig and the price is perfect. of coz, cannot forget about SIMON for letting us go his house to chill after that, you really have alot of games! THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU ALL.
i wont forget THERESA, the parish secretary for helping us with the certs, though she wasnt exactly very friendly but she really did helped us so much, UNCLE ERIC who helped us with the rooms, ALL the 3 priests who helped us throughout this journey especially FATHER ROBERT. i wont forget my 2 bosses, BEN and AARON. thank you AARON for lending me your listening ear and analysing things for me, thank you for single handling the session we supposed to do together. i will missed the time when we analyse alot of stuffs and make bold speculations about the future. thank you BEN for giving me so many advices until i blur, thank you for always able to calm me down when i panic with your so many funny logics, thank you for reminding me to let go when it's time to let go. oh ya, and i cannot forget money man ARTHUR for all the money, always turning up with money when we need it, keep accounts and all the times when you keep us focused on our objectives during our many discussions. THANK YOU.
lastly and most importantly, i thank GOD, OUR FATHER, JESUS, MY SAVIOUR and HOLY SPIRIT, MY GUIDE. THANK YOU COZ IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT I CAN TAKE THIS UP AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TRUE MEANING OF DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH THE PROCESS. THANK YOU! YOU ARE AMAZING!
today during the confirmation mass, as our neophytes went up for the anointing of the chrism, sealing of the holy spirit, i was reflecting on the whole program, the ups and downs, the good and the bad.
when i got this task to be in charge of the confirmation program 3 months ago, i was in a rather panic stage coz i had like less than 3 months before the confirmation and frankly speaking, there was alot to be done. i would really have to thank BERNARD, KENNY and KIRSTEN(ex rciy sponsor) for sitting with me at mos burger and painlessly planning the program with me. i still remember kirsten helping me draw the timeline, bernard and i discussing which part of the program to keep and which part we can do without then kenny giving us pointers and reminding us what's impt and all.
then it's the opting and assigning of sessions which i got to thank everyone. thank you for putting up with me, the bad tempered, demanding and uncompromisible old woman when i assign u all with sessions and none of you actually said no or argued with me. as i reflecting back, i am really amazed that u all actually put up with me...haha... but really THANK YOU THANK YOU. without all of your support, many things could not happened like canteen, like YGA. THANK YOU JOY and BERNARD for making the YGA different, meaningful for our neophytes. now YGA has a meaning, serving has a meaning. THANK YOU DAPHNE and JOYCE for convincing EDWARD and KIMBERLY to take charge of the canteen and in the end, impacted EDWARD's spiritual life. he changed so much that i couldn't even believe the EDWARD i see now is the same guy i saw 2 years back!
i also want to thank LOIS for taking charge of the camp, CASS, BERNARD and KENNY being part of the camp comm. i will never forget the times when we stayed under cass's block to plan session, the tele conference meeting we have so we can get the camp program out. those were the difficult times and when we can't seem to perserve and seem stuck, thanks for being there for each other, so we can eventually come out with a program that is so enriching, so spirit filled for the neophytes.
and the rest of the other sponsors for doing all the other sessions, whether it's class or camp. THANK YOU CASS for playing all the songs. u r power! i never see someone learn songs as fast as you!THANK YOU JORLYN for allowing me to lead worship with you during the camp so that i fianlly know what isit like to lead worship, THANK YOU EUGENE for lending us the powerful sound system that our camp seem like i dunno how to put it, just pro...ha. THANK YOU VINCENT and DARYL for fixing the room up with the so many wires, so many mics and so many what have you and THANK YOU AARON for the laptop. THANK YOU ELAINE, DAISY, MERLI for doing the food and admin. you girls are just power! THANK YOU FREDDIE for the log and never saying no to my buying requests and giving moral support in my sessions. THANK YOU PATRICK for log and also returing the keys when we accidently broguht them back with us after we break camp. and THANK YOU all the other sponsors for doing the sessions. the camp really empowered our neophytes and impacted them to totally be sealed with the holy spirit today.
i need to thank all of you too when we need to chase for the details, the family spirit was so strong and the we really managed to gather the info and send to the secretary within 3 days. without the cooperation of everyone, this really could never be happening. today, as i sit there thinking, i really think we make miracle happen. THANK YOU ALL. THANK YOU ALINA for taking charge of confirmation, for handling paul sim, for doing such budget yet beautiful and meaningful confirmation gifts, for being so steady and cool when i am nearing frantic as usual. THANK YOU MOARIE for booking and ordering and serving us at uncle david's, the food is superb especially the pig and the price is perfect. of coz, cannot forget about SIMON for letting us go his house to chill after that, you really have alot of games! THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU ALL.
i wont forget THERESA, the parish secretary for helping us with the certs, though she wasnt exactly very friendly but she really did helped us so much, UNCLE ERIC who helped us with the rooms, ALL the 3 priests who helped us throughout this journey especially FATHER ROBERT. i wont forget my 2 bosses, BEN and AARON. thank you AARON for lending me your listening ear and analysing things for me, thank you for single handling the session we supposed to do together. i will missed the time when we analyse alot of stuffs and make bold speculations about the future. thank you BEN for giving me so many advices until i blur, thank you for always able to calm me down when i panic with your so many funny logics, thank you for reminding me to let go when it's time to let go. oh ya, and i cannot forget money man ARTHUR for all the money, always turning up with money when we need it, keep accounts and all the times when you keep us focused on our objectives during our many discussions. THANK YOU.
lastly and most importantly, i thank GOD, OUR FATHER, JESUS, MY SAVIOUR and HOLY SPIRIT, MY GUIDE. THANK YOU COZ IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT I CAN TAKE THIS UP AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TRUE MEANING OF DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH THE PROCESS. THANK YOU! YOU ARE AMAZING!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Magnificent Rosary, Wonderful Food, Super Fun Nite
What a wonderful nite we've had today. Sigh... Simon wasn't around with his Mensa Games (suitable for me). But Ben brought his Jenga (special kind).
It's really damn fun and you have forfeits to do la...
We managed do 1 OUR FATHER and 3 HAIL MARYs in Teochew...after which we continued in English.
But what really struck me today was the feeling of prayer community. This is really a bonding session. Not only with my fellow Bros and Siss of RCIY but also with GOD!! WOOHOO!!! And looking at Freddie pray really really really moves me...
you take a look...
Yup.... that's Freddie praying....
Vincent and his Jenga Stunts
Kancheong Spider Meeeleee
We also had chilli crab, 2 spring chickens, Tom yum beehoon, prawns, Mui Chai, Fish balls, poh piah, hum, fried dumplings and CORNERSTONE!!!
Bernard simply can't resist....
AND THIS IS THE BEST PART! GREG'S FORFEIT!! TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO:
What a wonderful nite we've had today. Sigh... Simon wasn't around with his Mensa Games (suitable for me). But Ben brought his Jenga (special kind).
It's really damn fun and you have forfeits to do la...
We managed do 1 OUR FATHER and 3 HAIL MARYs in Teochew...after which we continued in English.
But what really struck me today was the feeling of prayer community. This is really a bonding session. Not only with my fellow Bros and Siss of RCIY but also with GOD!! WOOHOO!!! And looking at Freddie pray really really really moves me...
you take a look...
Yup.... that's Freddie praying....
Vincent and his Jenga Stunts
Kancheong Spider Meeeleee
We also had chilli crab, 2 spring chickens, Tom yum beehoon, prawns, Mui Chai, Fish balls, poh piah, hum, fried dumplings and CORNERSTONE!!!
Bernard simply can't resist....
AND THIS IS THE BEST PART! GREG'S FORFEIT!! TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO:
Friday, October 06, 2006
Thanx for the Community
Really will like to take this oppunity to thank you all for blessing my house with ur presence, ur food and ur prayers...It is a wonderful experience and i could hear everyone reciting the rosary in mandrain so loudly lar..That is damm powerful sia. I really felt the holy spirit within us when we are praying and the reciting of the rosary sounds like the angels are singing HOLY HOLY HOLY. 
I tink in the whole service to RCIY of my life, yesterday is the most uplifting experience of community i ever had sia...THat is damm cool lar..I tink we the sponsors really lift up the session we do for the confirmation camp..
Each and everyone of us recognising GOD in our life and we, the community support each other and we go forth to spread the good news of the LORD...HOOOO it is indeed a follow up session of the camp too izzit it?
This is the first time i really feel that the whole RCIY community is supporting mi and praying together with mi during this time of trials. Thanx you guys and girls.
And most importantly i wanna thanx The Almighty Father, Our redeemer The Son and our energy giver The Spirit. Without them wun be forming this RCIY community and serve HIM. Not forgetting Our Mother of Perpetual Help, who is the Queen of Peace and with all the saints and the angels that are praying with us all the while.
Juz to give u all feed back..My mum really enjoy ur presence and the prayer for her...She felt happy and felt very touch..Hoooo that is ultimate man. Keep on keep my mother and my familiy in ur daily prayers yar...
Monday, October 02, 2006
Prayer in Chinese is actually quite amazing.
I must say that although I really don't know what I was reciting, I was reciting it anyway and did a translation in English in my head.
It was especially funny when Jeri sat us down to recite the words after her. It was as though we were all in a classroom with a teacher leading us to read! And read, we all did, with the enthusiasm that we have, even if we had to struggle.
It's amazing. I honestly CANNOT read the words, and I don't even understand the hanyu pinyin. Not to mention, I really didn't understand the words until like maybe, the third decade of the rosary. I then decided that to facilitate my understanding better, I should try to infiltrate the English version in to make sense of the words. Although I think I pronounced the words wrongly. Hehe. *sheepish grin*
I still can't say the "Glory Be" properly. :(
However, I want to thank everyone who took part in this prayer meet as well, especially to Jeri and Kenny for preparing the Chinese rosary for us! I know it's difficult to type in Chinese, what more include the pinyin for it. Ok at least I can't type in Chinese! I'll take a million years to find the words.
Thank you Ber for opening your house (so convenient for me. Hurhur!) and having your mom prepare deeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious curry! Yummy! And everyone else who helped to fill our tummies in one way or another.
The games and lanterns and sparklers as well! How can I forget that. Brought back memories of my childhood days, burning lanterns (not lighting them. BURNING them.) and attempting to set half the playground on fire with candles. We only did it to a bench. DAMN. (Meli you should have came down to play with the sparklers as well since you bought them!)
It was indeed one of the best best best best prayer meet I've ever ever had. And Jeri, although I didn't understand your prayer, I know it is good. Because I could feel the Spirit.
:)
It was especially funny when Jeri sat us down to recite the words after her. It was as though we were all in a classroom with a teacher leading us to read! And read, we all did, with the enthusiasm that we have, even if we had to struggle.
It's amazing. I honestly CANNOT read the words, and I don't even understand the hanyu pinyin. Not to mention, I really didn't understand the words until like maybe, the third decade of the rosary. I then decided that to facilitate my understanding better, I should try to infiltrate the English version in to make sense of the words. Although I think I pronounced the words wrongly. Hehe. *sheepish grin*
I still can't say the "Glory Be" properly. :(
However, I want to thank everyone who took part in this prayer meet as well, especially to Jeri and Kenny for preparing the Chinese rosary for us! I know it's difficult to type in Chinese, what more include the pinyin for it. Ok at least I can't type in Chinese! I'll take a million years to find the words.
Thank you Ber for opening your house (so convenient for me. Hurhur!) and having your mom prepare deeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious curry! Yummy! And everyone else who helped to fill our tummies in one way or another.
The games and lanterns and sparklers as well! How can I forget that. Brought back memories of my childhood days, burning lanterns (not lighting them. BURNING them.) and attempting to set half the playground on fire with candles. We only did it to a bench. DAMN. (Meli you should have came down to play with the sparklers as well since you bought them!)
It was indeed one of the best best best best prayer meet I've ever ever had. And Jeri, although I didn't understand your prayer, I know it is good. Because I could feel the Spirit.
:)
Ben's experience at Bernard's house with God
I had a really wonderful experience at Bernard’s house earlier! As I was praying the Rosary in Chinese, I can feel and experience GOD through the Community! As we chorus the prayer together, the chords went straight to my heart! It was as if God was with us all…and we are sharing it with other people. I can finally understand what it means to Share God with Other people as a Community!
Although all our Chinese sucks, it was our efforts to keep going despite how it sound that was truly Christ! The best part of it all is the “Ave Maria” that’s cool, after singing it so beautifully for the entire rosary, Jer finally tells us that it was wrong! Haha…I thank God for the experience! It was absolutely beautiful… I really hope this sense of community can foster and thrive in our community of RCIY Christ the King. Perhaps we can invite the Inquirers/Neophytes to join us…after all it’s because of them that we are into this ministry! =)
- Ben
Although all our Chinese sucks, it was our efforts to keep going despite how it sound that was truly Christ! The best part of it all is the “Ave Maria” that’s cool, after singing it so beautifully for the entire rosary, Jer finally tells us that it was wrong! Haha…I thank God for the experience! It was absolutely beautiful… I really hope this sense of community can foster and thrive in our community of RCIY Christ the King. Perhaps we can invite the Inquirers/Neophytes to join us…after all it’s because of them that we are into this ministry! =)
- Ben
a GOOD prayer meet
hi all,
my first post, just a little something to share on my holiday. haha. anyway, thanks for coming to prayer meet today. after so many prayer meets, this is one with the highest attendance...ha... but i must say all of you are good, really, even though your chinese may not be fluent but all of you put in effort, like michelle from cannot read till becoming one of the loudest saying hail mary and many of you who i noticed were really reciting the hail mary, reflecting on the words.
Thank Bernard also for opening up his place for us so we can go there and bond and also pray for his mother. i really hope, by god's grace, his mother will recover soon. well, today is also a new exprience for me. i really never in my whole life say so many chinese biblical terms, somemore i din prepare anything at all. usually, when i do my chinese devotion for school, i will write down and practice with kenny. today, really, whatever came out of my mouth is the spirit. i was actually quite nervous at the beginning coz i am really worried i say the wrong stuff but after saying 50 hail marys in chinese, all i can think of is later at closing must lay hands on ber's mum, thank god's blessing and ask for mother mary's intercessions. i have no idea where my words came from but i want to believe it's the spirit who guided me to say all this.
well, i hope all of you have a new exprience also, chinese prayers may seem difficult to understand but just like english prayers, when u reflect on the words, they are just as powerful as english ones, personally exprience the power of god through the hail marys and hail holy queen today. maybe next time we will do divine mercy in chinese? i dun mind going through the trouble of typing everything in chinese again so long we all gather together to pray, reflect and exprience HIS power through prayers.....
WAN FU MA LI YA, ZHU YU NI TONG ZAI....
God bless
my first post, just a little something to share on my holiday. haha. anyway, thanks for coming to prayer meet today. after so many prayer meets, this is one with the highest attendance...ha... but i must say all of you are good, really, even though your chinese may not be fluent but all of you put in effort, like michelle from cannot read till becoming one of the loudest saying hail mary and many of you who i noticed were really reciting the hail mary, reflecting on the words.
Thank Bernard also for opening up his place for us so we can go there and bond and also pray for his mother. i really hope, by god's grace, his mother will recover soon. well, today is also a new exprience for me. i really never in my whole life say so many chinese biblical terms, somemore i din prepare anything at all. usually, when i do my chinese devotion for school, i will write down and practice with kenny. today, really, whatever came out of my mouth is the spirit. i was actually quite nervous at the beginning coz i am really worried i say the wrong stuff but after saying 50 hail marys in chinese, all i can think of is later at closing must lay hands on ber's mum, thank god's blessing and ask for mother mary's intercessions. i have no idea where my words came from but i want to believe it's the spirit who guided me to say all this.
well, i hope all of you have a new exprience also, chinese prayers may seem difficult to understand but just like english prayers, when u reflect on the words, they are just as powerful as english ones, personally exprience the power of god through the hail marys and hail holy queen today. maybe next time we will do divine mercy in chinese? i dun mind going through the trouble of typing everything in chinese again so long we all gather together to pray, reflect and exprience HIS power through prayers.....
WAN FU MA LI YA, ZHU YU NI TONG ZAI....
God bless
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Wonderful Ppl in Camps
Hey hey Sponfrienders of RCIY.....I tink everyone felt the same way...This time round the holy spirit really feels the whole room and most importantly in our heart...It is so neophytes focus and we can see sponsors helping out each and other ppl...Wow how i hope for this day to come..A U-Turn for RCIY to the expressway, where GOD will guide us and lead us and let us be HIS instruments once again with such a community like this.
I really will like to take this chance to affirm each and everyone of you to make this camp happen...I will not be coming from a 3rd party view instead a 1st party...Each and everyone of ur small gesture make mi feel a deeper level with GOD during this camp...That is wonderful, that is wat we wish to obtain as a family right? As we teach the neophtyes wat are their gifts and talents are, dun forget that we also do have and every gesture, every concern, every effort, every smile do make a different...Sponsors that comes for this camp i really want to thank you for making this happen...This is so call a warm fuzzy from me...
LOIS:Thanx for taking up this role of I/C to take lead of all the sponsors in this period of time and be the timekeeper to keep on reminding mi "Wat time start" "Wat time end" so that the camp can start and end in time.
BEN: You really let mi feel GOD's peace thru your hug after the sunday mass.
Daryl: Thanx for the muture respect u have given when u ask whether any help was needed, if not you will go and write warm fuzzy next door.
JASMINE: The P & W really wonderful,although u are neavous but thru you, God send his holy spirit to you to calm u down and lead HIS ppl
CASS: Thanx for letting mi play the guitar together with you, it has been very long since i use instruments to praise GOD
Joyce: Thanx for the Kao Bei-ing and ur laughter...Sometimes the joke is not funny but when u laugh it spread like wild fire
Alina: Thanx for colouring my foot nails with marker..Now it is still stain and thanx for the everlasting gong gong smile that will let ppl smile back.
Daph: Another person that colour my foot nails and betray alina that is one of them too. And thanx for the complaining so that i can noe the latest gossip..
Kenny: Wa thanx bro for playing the music instruments together and thanx for the chit chatting at the balcony...Long time since we have done that liao
Jeri: Wa this is more best..My best buddy that really care like a family member sia..Nv fail to nag to wake mi up and once i wake up, she pass mi her toothpaste straight away..Izzit it sweet?
Freddie:Thanx for the Logistic and your presence during every session really let mi feel good especially when the session is done by mi.
Meli: Ur sharing really touch mi that say that set the needs for the inquirers and sponsor always met the objective...Didn't noe that we are that wei da sia
Daisy: Thanx for the drink you make and make sure every admin thing is in place and helping to cut the bible passage
Elaine: Thanx for bringing the envelop and by helping to cut the bible passage and ensuring the bus and the food come in time...
Arthur: Thanx for affriming mi about my ability in the personal warm fuzzy it is really a boost for mi.
Mor Mor: Thanx for offer mi the small towel for mi to cover my leg during the nite.
Eugene: Thanx for being there in the camp. When i woke up and see a face that nv been in camp before, i was tinking "RCIY got new blood and new hope liao"
Joy: Hey sponsor, thanx for keeping on affriming mi that i am a good sponsor..It really reflect on how good a sponsor i have when i was an inquirer. It also give mi the extra strength to go out to serve
Greg: Thanx for taking the effort to find out my strength, it really let mi have a better understand for you and me
Vincent: Wa thanx for the wrestling every morning, it do give us energy to carry on for the rest of the day journey
Jorlyn: Thanx for taking initaitive to take on worship leader, if not the camp comm will have problem and u can see jeri keep on going out to lead...
Eric: Really salute you as a responsible guy. Really make sure that everything is confirm all rite for your session.
Aaron: I do really enjoy our staircase gathering...It is really nice sharing each side of our stories and also thanx for being so attentive during my testimony. It really calm my nerves down.
Patrick: Hey bro thanx for reminding mi that muz be inquirers focus thru you action when u nv failed to share and chat with them and let them feel belonging to RCIY
Wow now than noe we got so many sponsor ah...Good job guy..Keep up the good work...Lets carry on supporting each and everyone in this ministry and so we can leverage each ppl strength from each ppl weakness.
Zachary
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Inspired by the Holy Spirit after Confirmation Camp 2006
It was Monday morning, the day after the Confirmation camp had ended. I had a marvellous morning. God had given me a brand new day that I should take care of. I had begun my journey refreshed after a fantastic retreat into God's Embrace.
I am so grateful to God and to the Confirmants for giving me this opportunity to once again feel his presence. It's been sometime since I last had this wonderful feeling of "letting God take control while you just enjoy the view". It was indeed fantastic!!
It was here that God took the wheel and I let him drive. For HE said what HE wanted to say and did what HE wanted to do. I was an instrument. How Marvellous HE is!
Praise GOD for teaching us P&W!! We definitely felt HIM there!
Thank GOD for the giving us this wonderful experience!!
ALLELUIA!!!!
It was Monday morning, the day after the Confirmation camp had ended. I had a marvellous morning. God had given me a brand new day that I should take care of. I had begun my journey refreshed after a fantastic retreat into God's Embrace.
I am so grateful to God and to the Confirmants for giving me this opportunity to once again feel his presence. It's been sometime since I last had this wonderful feeling of "letting God take control while you just enjoy the view". It was indeed fantastic!!
It was here that God took the wheel and I let him drive. For HE said what HE wanted to say and did what HE wanted to do. I was an instrument. How Marvellous HE is!
Praise GOD for teaching us P&W!! We definitely felt HIM there!
Thank GOD for the giving us this wonderful experience!!
ALLELUIA!!!!
A Special day for that special Girl
A Special day for a Special Girl
On the 23rd of September, We celebrated the birthday of a very special Sponsor in RCIY. She's gifted in Music, P&W and never complains about the tasks she's given... God has truly blessed RCIY with a marvellous present of CASSANDRA...
This very day, I'd like to present her a birthday prayer:
Look with favour, we pray, on your child, Cassandra, as she begins another year. Grant that she may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen her trust in your goodness all the days of her life.
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy Birthday CASS!!!!!
..."Do I look so young???"....
..."Hope you like your present!!!!"....
On the 23rd of September, We celebrated the birthday of a very special Sponsor in RCIY. She's gifted in Music, P&W and never complains about the tasks she's given... God has truly blessed RCIY with a marvellous present of CASSANDRA...
This very day, I'd like to present her a birthday prayer:
Look with favour, we pray, on your child, Cassandra, as she begins another year. Grant that she may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen her trust in your goodness all the days of her life.
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy Birthday CASS!!!!!
..."Do I look so young???"....
..."Hope you like your present!!!!"....
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Confirmation Camp 2006
As RCIY goes into a weekend(22nd - 24th September 2006) of Prayer, Recollection and Empowerment, we appeal to you readers to pray for us and the confirmants attending the camp.
We truly need all your prayers that we may be inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit that has already been granted to us.
May the Spirit fill our hearts, our minds and our lips in all that we do.
Thank you in advance.....
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints.
I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me.
O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon.
Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.
Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.
Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.
Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.
Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.
Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Priests are boring? Think again.
It is strange how we always perceive priests as people who are constantly locked up in prayer, confessional box, or celebrating mass. We rarely view them as people who "have a life" (like us), or "fun" although some priests are just more interesting than others.
In any case, if you ever hear me complaining about a boring "lifeless" priest, please remind me of my experience yesterday. Not all priests are like that!
We had our investiture mass, where we handed over our 15th Exco positions to the newly elected 16th. All was good, although I felt a little odd mingling around with the NTU people. I was the only NIE member who went. My partner-in-crime had something on prior to that and couldn't make it. Apart from two or three members from the Exco, I had no one I could really talk to. Of course, yesterday just proved to me that I am such a huge social butterfly if I want to be. I managed to put aside all the awkward feelings I had and spoke to the entire 15th Exco (individually) as though I knew them for the entire year. True, we were together for a year serving but I was only concentrated on fulfilling my tasks in NIE than to help out for the NTU side. That resulted in the distant feeling.
After dinner, a couple of the girls suggested going clubbing and asked me along. As much as I can be a party animal, work always comes first so I hesitated before I heard the news: our chaplain agreed to come clubbing with us! Odd, isn't it? Naturally, to satisfy my curiosity as to whether priests can go clubbing (or have fun), I went along with the crowd to see if he was simply lying (which of course, would be a sin, ain't it?)
He even drove us to double O and allowed us to keep our bags in his car. He said to us that he'll be our protector against evil that night and when Jesus walks into Double O.........................
You figure out the ending to that.
Of course, his dreams of evangelising at a CLUB didn't go very well. He danced with us, and drank with us but most of all, he kept us safe from the prying hands of some raging hormonal males on the dancefloor.
After clubbing was supper, where the girls thrashed out about how most men on earth are scumbags. Instead of admonishing us, he was extremely patient in listening to our grouses. It felt like a mini confession, just that he definitely couldn't absolve us like that. We managed to ask about his past (but he kept tight lipped) and found out a little more about priesthood.
All in all, this changed my perspective of priests. Some of them may feel really inflexible, boring, and we can hardly relate to them about our personal problems but there are others out there who are willing to step down to our level, walk the path we walked, see from our perspective and understand where we're coming from. They are not quick to judge, not quick to point fingers that we should have known better or think that we're all hopeless. Of course I know it's not their job to do so but sometimes, you just can't help feeling you're never good enough.
I really appreciated Father's presence (I'm not going to reveal who it is. If you know, good for you) last night. Without him, I wouldn't have learnt so much over supper or had so much fun laughing at him in the car. I wouldn't have discovered that priests CAN have a life. It's amazing how I noticed he CAN stay away from temptations and how he practiced it in front of us that night.
Priests ARE amazing people, really.
In any case, if you ever hear me complaining about a boring "lifeless" priest, please remind me of my experience yesterday. Not all priests are like that!
We had our investiture mass, where we handed over our 15th Exco positions to the newly elected 16th. All was good, although I felt a little odd mingling around with the NTU people. I was the only NIE member who went. My partner-in-crime had something on prior to that and couldn't make it. Apart from two or three members from the Exco, I had no one I could really talk to. Of course, yesterday just proved to me that I am such a huge social butterfly if I want to be. I managed to put aside all the awkward feelings I had and spoke to the entire 15th Exco (individually) as though I knew them for the entire year. True, we were together for a year serving but I was only concentrated on fulfilling my tasks in NIE than to help out for the NTU side. That resulted in the distant feeling.
After dinner, a couple of the girls suggested going clubbing and asked me along. As much as I can be a party animal, work always comes first so I hesitated before I heard the news: our chaplain agreed to come clubbing with us! Odd, isn't it? Naturally, to satisfy my curiosity as to whether priests can go clubbing (or have fun), I went along with the crowd to see if he was simply lying (which of course, would be a sin, ain't it?)
He even drove us to double O and allowed us to keep our bags in his car. He said to us that he'll be our protector against evil that night and when Jesus walks into Double O.........................
You figure out the ending to that.
Of course, his dreams of evangelising at a CLUB didn't go very well. He danced with us, and drank with us but most of all, he kept us safe from the prying hands of some raging hormonal males on the dancefloor.
After clubbing was supper, where the girls thrashed out about how most men on earth are scumbags. Instead of admonishing us, he was extremely patient in listening to our grouses. It felt like a mini confession, just that he definitely couldn't absolve us like that. We managed to ask about his past (but he kept tight lipped) and found out a little more about priesthood.
All in all, this changed my perspective of priests. Some of them may feel really inflexible, boring, and we can hardly relate to them about our personal problems but there are others out there who are willing to step down to our level, walk the path we walked, see from our perspective and understand where we're coming from. They are not quick to judge, not quick to point fingers that we should have known better or think that we're all hopeless. Of course I know it's not their job to do so but sometimes, you just can't help feeling you're never good enough.
I really appreciated Father's presence (I'm not going to reveal who it is. If you know, good for you) last night. Without him, I wouldn't have learnt so much over supper or had so much fun laughing at him in the car. I wouldn't have discovered that priests CAN have a life. It's amazing how I noticed he CAN stay away from temptations and how he practiced it in front of us that night.
Priests ARE amazing people, really.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
a litre of tears
hey RCIYians...
it's my first post on this family blog.... YEAH!..
anyway i just wanted to share my thoughts with you guys..
i would really recommend this japanese show ' a litre of tears' to everyone..
This show, based on a true story, is about Aya, who was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinocerebellar degeneration. This disease causes brain cells to degenerate. Overtime, Aya began to lose her ability to walk and talk. This disease has no known cure and the rate of degeneration varies. When Aya was diagnosed with this disease, she was only 14 years old. Just starting high school in a prestigious shcool, she had a vibrant life awaiting her. But after the effects of the disease began to set in, she suffered the effects of discrimination from the society. Fortunately, she had the support of her family and boyfriend.
The wonderful part of this show is that it talks about her journey and battle with this incurable disease. When she first discovered she was suffering from this disease, she asked God why she was chosen. Also, she questioned the meaning of life..... which struck me very hard...
Although she was miserable that she was chosen to suffer, but she was nonetheless grateful to God for giving her a supportive family. Due to her illness, her whole family banded together to support her..... She also discovered the meaning of life is not only to walk and talk.. but about using what is left of her to help and inspire others....
indeed, she inspired me... i went on to buy her diary and letters that she wrote during her battle with her illness..." Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing.” is an example of something she wrote in her diary... althought it is simple, it showed me how courageous she was....
i really cannot describe how wonderful this show is... it's not the typical lovey-dopey show... if any of u would like to watch it, i can lend u the vcd... if not it's available on you-tube...
to bernard... i dun know how much this helps... when my mum was diagnosed with cancer last year.. my first reaction was to cry... later i thought, crying does not help... i prayed for help.. prayed and prayed.. i remembered asking why it was my mum... but i understood one thing.. at least my family really got together to support my mum and our relationship improved... i am thankful and grateful to God for listening to my prayer and helping to cure my mum...
i'll pray for your mum too, and remember, God is with you always... no matter where you are... no matter how far you think he is... He loves you! just pray and leave everything to HIM.. for He does everything for your good and He will never give you a cross too heavy for you to bear...
jasmine
---who is so touched by love and courage!!!
it's my first post on this family blog.... YEAH!..
anyway i just wanted to share my thoughts with you guys..
i would really recommend this japanese show ' a litre of tears' to everyone..
This show, based on a true story, is about Aya, who was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinocerebellar degeneration. This disease causes brain cells to degenerate. Overtime, Aya began to lose her ability to walk and talk. This disease has no known cure and the rate of degeneration varies. When Aya was diagnosed with this disease, she was only 14 years old. Just starting high school in a prestigious shcool, she had a vibrant life awaiting her. But after the effects of the disease began to set in, she suffered the effects of discrimination from the society. Fortunately, she had the support of her family and boyfriend.
The wonderful part of this show is that it talks about her journey and battle with this incurable disease. When she first discovered she was suffering from this disease, she asked God why she was chosen. Also, she questioned the meaning of life..... which struck me very hard...
Although she was miserable that she was chosen to suffer, but she was nonetheless grateful to God for giving her a supportive family. Due to her illness, her whole family banded together to support her..... She also discovered the meaning of life is not only to walk and talk.. but about using what is left of her to help and inspire others....
indeed, she inspired me... i went on to buy her diary and letters that she wrote during her battle with her illness..." Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing.” is an example of something she wrote in her diary... althought it is simple, it showed me how courageous she was....
i really cannot describe how wonderful this show is... it's not the typical lovey-dopey show... if any of u would like to watch it, i can lend u the vcd... if not it's available on you-tube...
to bernard... i dun know how much this helps... when my mum was diagnosed with cancer last year.. my first reaction was to cry... later i thought, crying does not help... i prayed for help.. prayed and prayed.. i remembered asking why it was my mum... but i understood one thing.. at least my family really got together to support my mum and our relationship improved... i am thankful and grateful to God for listening to my prayer and helping to cure my mum...
i'll pray for your mum too, and remember, God is with you always... no matter where you are... no matter how far you think he is... He loves you! just pray and leave everything to HIM.. for He does everything for your good and He will never give you a cross too heavy for you to bear...
jasmine
---who is so touched by love and courage!!!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
RCIY Confirmants Canteen 2006
RCIY Canteen was a HUGE SUCCESS!!
Let's take a look and what our wonderful confirmants did for the RCIY canteen held on the 3rd of September. Don't you guys think that the confirmants (you know who you are) did a SUPERB JOB?!? I think you guys can go start a Kopitiam....
Here's a Few of the Photos I took that day...
↑Justin giving us a huge pose. $2 for all the Fishballs!!
↑Poor Francine playing with the wings??!?
↑Wonder what Christopher is doing.....
↑Isn't this just sweet. Gulp gulp.....
↑No more Prawns for the mee siam.. They're MINE!!
Let's take a look and what our wonderful confirmants did for the RCIY canteen held on the 3rd of September. Don't you guys think that the confirmants (you know who you are) did a SUPERB JOB?!? I think you guys can go start a Kopitiam....
Here's a Few of the Photos I took that day...
↑Justin giving us a huge pose. $2 for all the Fishballs!!
↑Poor Francine playing with the wings??!?
↑Wonder what Christopher is doing.....
↑Isn't this just sweet. Gulp gulp.....
↑No more Prawns for the mee siam.. They're MINE!!
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