Sponsors in RCIY Church of Christ the King Singapore

You and I can make a difference!

2008-11-11T12:13:00.000+08:00

If each grain of sand were to say :
One grain does not make a mountain,
There would be no land.

If each drop of water were to say :
One drop does not make an ocean,
There would be no sea.

If each note of music were to say :
Each note does not make a symphony,
There would be no melody.

If each word were to say :
One word does not make a library,
There would be no book.

If each brick were to say :
One brick does not make a wall,
There would be no house.

If each seed were to say :
One seed does not make a field,
There would be no harvest.

If each of us were to say :
One person does not make the difference,
There would never be love and peace on earth.

You and I do make the difference.

Begin today and make the difference.

~ Author Unknown ~

No Time!

2008-09-02T00:28:00.002+08:00

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.

All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord, I came,
I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said
'Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time'

God's Promise

2008-09-01T23:43:00.000+08:00

"God has not promised skies always blue,
flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day,
rest for labor, light for the way,
grace for trials, help from above,
unfailing sympathy, undying love."

2008-08-19T22:18:00.000+08:00

Lyrics to Everybody Said (But Nobody Did) :

Chorus:
Everybody said that anybody could do
The important things somebody should do
Everybody knows that anybody could do
All the good things that nobody did

Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do
If I wanted to make my religion true
He'd do it himself but he really didn't have the time
He said that the duty was mine

Repeat Chorus (x2)

Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand
If you want to be going to the promised land
Here is something that I don't have time to do
So I better give it to you

Repeat Chorus (x2)

Well I'm too busy so I tell everybody
The work's got to get done by somebody
It could be done by anybody
But nobody, nobody, nobody did

Repeat Chorus (x2)

All the good things that nobody did (x2)

Scriptural Reference:
"The Lord has assigned to each his task." 1 Corinthians 3:5

2008-08-18T19:29:00.000+08:00

BULLDOGS AND POODLES

2008-08-13T02:18:00.000+08:00

BULLDOGS AND POODLES

The story's told of a bulldog and a poodle who were arguing one day. The bulldog was making fun of the poodle, calling him a weak little runt who couldn't do anything. The bulldog said, "I challenge you to a contest. Let's see who can open the back door of their house the fastest and get inside." The bulldog was thinking he would turn the doorknob with his powerful jaws,
while the poodle was too small to even reach the knob of his back door. But to the bulldog's surprise the poodle said, "I can get inside my house faster than you can. I accept the challenge."

So with the poodle watching, the bulldog ran to the back door of his house and jumped up to the doorknob. He got his teeth and paws around it and tried to turn it, but he couldn't get enough grip on the knob to do it, so he finally quit in exhaustion. Now it was the poodle's turn. He just did what he'd been doing every day for the last several years. He went up to the door and scratched a couple of times, then waited patiently. Within a few seconds his master not only opened the door, but picked him up in his arms, patted him on the head affectionately and carried him inside.

The difference was in the relationship. Some of us are bulldog Christians. It's all grunting, growling and trying to please God. While all God asks us to do is, "Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you."

Juliet's Touching affirmation

2008-08-12T01:08:00.001+08:00

Sigh, it's so ironic that my first post is going to be copied from someone's email......

Hmm... I was thinking that I'm gonna write an affirmation email this morning once I reach the office. But Steven was faster than me!! And yeah lah Steven, it was an attempt to touch your sexy back... you realised liao can don't say out so loudly in public? I'm very shy one leh... *blushex*

Anyway, just to share some thoughts with everyone else... was actually quite unsure about going for the retreat because although there are quite a number of familiar faces, but there's still a sense of unfamiliarity and I was apprehensive because I wasn't sure if I could "blend" in.But thanks Bernard, on the very first night, when we did the Mandala, he turned around to me to invite me to sprawl between him and Elaine just by opening up a space, patting it and saying simply, "Eh! Togetherly!" . To Elaine for inviting me to supper (because I was too shy to invite myself). I realised that this is a group that accepts and invites.

Thanks Elaine, Joy, Greg for listening to my sharing of my dad's conversion story, to Joy, Greg, Ilona and Jiazheng for listening to my job ethics dilemma story. To everyone who listened attentively and supportively as I shared and cried at the same time on the second night (argh... totally unglam!~). I could really sense the silent support. And thanks to Eric Tan who approached me to affirm me and give me his two cents after my sharing. I realised that this is a group that listens and supports.

Thanks to Kevin who checked with me on the first night if I feel alright and inviting me to speak to him if I want to after the retreat. To Steven who suggested buying Mutabak back for me (don't worry, I felt alright hanging out with two pairs of lovebirds! we had fun too! haha!) and Freddie who try to ignore his cigar calls because "Don't smoke lah... if not Juliet will feel very left out leh!" and he with Bernard who reminded me that I should sleep if I'm tired because I may not be used to being a night owl like they do during our overnight Bridge. I realised that this group is sensitive and cares for the feelings of others.

Thanks to Joy, Elaine, Steven, Dennis, Thaddeus for your sincere sharing about your labyrinth walk. Your sharing were particularly meaningful to me (hey Joy, your sharing in particular, made me more appreciative of my mum's love for me, thanks!). I realised that this is a group that trusts (us with your deep sharing).

Thanks Eric Tan for sharing the salad because he knows I also miss my vegs, for sharing the roti john with me because I probably can't finish it, thanks Elaine for sharing Milo with me when there weren't enough cups. I realised that this is a group that shares.

Thanks Steven, Eric, Ignatius, Michelle, Freddie, Dennis, Bernard, Elaine for the Bridge sessions. Bridge is my archilles' heel lahh... cannot resist one, so thanks for playing with me. I realised this is a group that plays together.

Thanks Eric Sng and Michelle for your sincere sharing about not being able to open up easily and why you've been away for a while (respectively) . We all take time to grow, just allow God to mould you in His time. I realised this is a group that's true and honest.

Thanks Greg, Ignatius and Eric Tan for being our "official resident drivers". You didn't have to, but you did. And double thanks to Ignatius who initiated driving me back because he remembered I've once mentioned I stay near him. I realised this is a generous group.

Thanks Thaddeus for your very lame milk-joke that made Elaine laugh like mad and Freddie for your many many jokes (even you falling asleep in Mass can be so tickling!). Greg and Elaine for the oreo-condense milk concoction for Iggy and Steven for your multi-layered present for him and "guess-the-present" clues. I realised this is a group that has a sense of humour.

Thanks Eric Sng for suggesting the counting of the tiles for the perfect square that we've to create and the insights that you mentioned about the pentagram (can sense Steven's tensed feelings ease immediately! ). To Greg and Steven who shared what made them love their jobs (I feel damn inspired!). I realised this is a group that shares knowledge and experiences readily.

Thanks Steven for the previous email of affirmation and Elaine for sharing that she appreciates my support during the walk in the park. I strongly believe that affirmation helps an individual grow and it is the input that we all need to walk another extra mile for another person the next time. It's free and super powerful fuel basically! I realised this is a group that affirms.

There are probably many many other incidents from the retreat that are significant to me but I don't want to bore everyone with a too-long email (considering this is my first post on this yahoo group, I'm not usually so lo so one, ok?). I really really appreciate every act, big or small, that reflects wonderful traits and values that are shining through in the group.

To end off, I'd also want to thank everyone for letting me know that my desire and struggle to build a relationship with God is not isolated - it's really great to know that we all share the common desire to walk closer with Him, no matter how tough it may be sometimes. But team, I'd like to point out that, even if God still doesn't seem THAT present/tangible to you during this retreat, perhaps you'll like to walk through the retreat in your mind again, think about your many interactions with everyone, and then perhaps, like me, you'll see a piece of Jesus in each fellow sponsor's face too.

-Jul

Ignatius' 20th Birthday!

2008-08-11T13:54:00.003+08:00

2008-07-31T00:26:00.006+08:00

NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

We have recently created a new group in Facebook.

If you haven't joined yet, then quickly log on to look for it!!

Group title: RCIY, Catholic Church of Christ the King

Fr. Robertus' Farewell

2008-07-29T22:28:00.003+08:00

A few days ago, I was sending out my usual mass sms wanting to make sure that all the sponsors remember that there was a meeting the coming Sunday. I was really excited because we were doing our farewell for Fr. Robert and it was also the last time we were going to see Gerald before he comes back from Thailand.

Even more exciting was that Steven would be joining us for meeting. It was almost depressing to get negative responses and the next thing I know, I was writing down the names of the sponsors we have and who will not turn up and who has not responded. I counted over and over again. I was afraid that if there were only the very few of us, then how would Steven think of us? Would he reconsider his decision to join us? Should Fr. Robert see that there were only so few of us, would he be unhappy or disappointed? I told Joy that "Today feels so gloomy."

I wanted to make sure that even though not many will be there, we would have food as promised. I called up Canadian Pizza and placed an advance order making a mental note to not over-order.

I woke up this morning feeling scared when I saw Bernard's sms saying he might not turn up. I must have called Iggy and Freddie a million times because I was afraid that they were going to oversleep. Something told me to stop and to surrender all my fears and anxiety to God. I said a short prayer asking that if it is God's will, may they be present at the meeting. Not only were they all at the meeting, Freddie made it to mass. I left the room to get Fr.'s present and came back to a bustling room. I was so touched by everyone's presence and then more people started to come in.

We did more than to meet this time. We shared. I believe that many of us, as we shared and listen to each other's sharing, there's this warm tingly feeling in our hearts because we remember that we are all significant and vital parts to this community that we have built and through the support of one another, we stand strong and ask that God continues to use us as his instruments to bring the Good News and Good Lord to his chosen ones.

Dear friends, what I am sharing is that, when we let go and let God be in control, He will not forsake us. Instead, He will bless us aplenty and continue to love us unconditionally. Like Joy has shared, our purpose to love is something that's struck me in Fr. William's teaching last week and I'm learning to see Christ in everyone and to love. It is definitely not easy. But I really do love you all! One day, I wish that this love we share will be our instrument of evangelism with non-believers looking at us and go, "see how they love one another."

I hope that you all had an enriching afternoon as I did. (:

With many love.

2008-07-23T10:18:00.001+08:00

We've added a New RSS Feed.
This feed links us to the Catholic News In Singapore.

Do have a read if you had not gotten the latest issue of the Catholic News!

2008-06-26T17:46:00.002+08:00

My dearest friend

I want to personally invite you to COME for the Day of Recollection to be held in My Church.

I will bring you into this day a Spiritual Banquet you will not easily forget. Close to My Heart, you will meditate upon all the Graces your heart has received, and a deep Peace will accompany your soul. I want the eyes of your soul to be always fixed on My Holy Will. This is the 'Way' that you will delight Me most. No sacrifice can be compared to this. Throughout all the exercises and what you will hear, you will remain close to My Heart. The priest who will preach during the retreat will inspire you and lead you to Me.

I want you to know of your goodness and encourage you to Trust in Me. I Love you as you are and will grant you Graces and Strength to help you overcome the world and enter into a Loving Relationship with Me forever.
I hope you will accept My Invitation and come away with My many other beloved friends to experience Me, My Father, My Spirit and My Mother. Yes, We long for you and want to share Our Gift of Life with you.

I have told you; "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; No man can come to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

So sign up and come, I long for you and I look forward to see you.

Your Forever Friend,

Jesus.

PARISH DAY OF RECOLLECTION

By Fr William Goh
Theme: “Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life”
Date: Sunday, 20 July 2008
Time: 1:30pm
Venue: Church

Programme Highlights:• Praise and Worship• Spiritual Input• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Healing Service, Confession and Eucharistic Celebration

Jesus is inviting you to spend an afternoon with Him? What is your answer to Him?

Registration forms are also available at the parish office or the booths in front and at the back foyer of the church during the weekend Masses.

2008-04-09T23:01:00.002+08:00

Dear all neophytes,

It's been almost 2 weeks since your Baptism. Mystagogia Sessions begins this Sunday, 13th April 2008. Class will most probably be from 11am - 1pm. I'm still trying to get the room available.

Please bring along $10 for a CD copy of your Baptism Photos.

I'm paying the photographer this Sunday.

Pls inform your personal sponsor if you are not able to make it. Or you can sms me too!!

2008-03-04T09:36:00.002+08:00

BAPTISM REHEARSAL REMINDER

Pls be reminded that there is a baptism rehearsal on Friday, 7th March 2008.

Details as follows:
Date: 7th March 2008
Time: 745pm - 10pm
Venue: RCIA Room

Pls check with your sponsors if you have anything to clarify.

2008-01-31T22:59:00.000+08:00

Rite of Sending Off

This sunday,3 Feb 2008, pls bring along your Godparents along for the Rite of Sending Off. You will be asked to write your name into the book of elects this Sunday at the 1130 am mass.
A briefing will be done before the mass begins.

Pls be in church by 1030am. We are joining the RCIA in the rites from now on. Pls dress appropriately. Remember what we said last Sunday. Pray pray pray..

Your big day is coming
Call Daryl at 81396644 if you need anything

2008-01-26T11:16:00.000+08:00

Session on 28th January 2008

This week's session is presented by our favourite guest speaker, Joy. She will cover a very interesting topic on the Church's History.

Please be punctual as we will be starting on time. Class will be from 9am - 12 pm.
Please make the necessary arrangements for mass.

Please bring along your signed forms as discussed!
See ya on Sunday!!

2008-01-17T23:58:00.000+08:00

CLASS ON SUNDAY

Please be early this Sunday.
We will be having Fr Robert as our guest speaker this Sunday.
We will commence at 9am sharp.

Those who have not submitted your baptism forms, pls contact Daryl at 92739592 to arrange for your forms to be sent via email.

Pls take note that the submission dateline is this Sunday, 20th Jan 2008.

2008-01-16T00:07:00.000+08:00

Role of Godparents

Everyone baptized into the church receives a godparent. Godparents assist the baptized "to lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it." That means we ask very little or very much, depending on how you look at it.

To be a godparent you must be 16, baptized, confirmed in the Catholic church, taking communion with us, leading a life in harmony with faith, and not a parent of the one to be baptized. Godparents may be chosen by the one to be baptized, by the parents or guardians, or even by the pastor or parish minister. A baptized non-Catholic may serve as a witness to the Baptism if a Catholic godparent also takes part. Only one godparent is needed, although two may serve. The baptismal godparent becomes the preferred sponsor for Confirmation.

Very often people will ask a family member to be a godparent. This has the advantage of binding families together. However, a godparent from the parish community may make a better choice. A parishioner can set a good example for the child from week to week and can represent the role of the entire parish community bringing Christ to each new member.

Some families have further expectations of godparents of young children. They may expect a gift at the child’s birthday or further assistance throughout life. Some godparents devote a lot of time with their godchildren others do not. The church does not specify these extended responsibilities; families may discuss them with their godparents.

Godparents for adults play an important role during Lent. They support the catechumen at the rite of election and the scrutinizes in addition to the rite of initiation. They usually are the sponsors who have accompanied the catechumens throughout their preparation. If the adult joining the church has already been baptized, his/her sponsor remains a "sponsor" since a godparent already exists.

During infant Baptism, we ask godparents if they will help the parents in their duty as Christian parents. We invite them to renew their baptismal vows together with the parents, and they may assist in lighting the child's candle. However, parents hold the child for the Baptism.

Requirements:
1. The Catholic Godparent is to have received Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation already and should be at least 16 years old.
2. Godparents should be the spiritual guides and spiritual witnesses for their Godchildren. They should be chosen precisely because they are models in trying to live up to the beliefs of the Catholic Faith.
3. Godparents should be married within the Faith; practicing their Faith; and living as best they can, up to the sacraments they themselves have received.

2007-12-19T15:48:00.000+08:00

Advent Penitential Services 2007

CITY DISTRICT
Thursday Dec 13: 8pm Novena Church
Friday Dec 14: 8pm Church of St. Bernadette
Monday Dec 17: 8pm Church of St. Michael
Tuesday Dec 18: 8pm Church of Our Lady of Lourdes
Wednesday Dec 19: 8pm Church of Ss. Peter & Paul
Friday Dec 21: 8pm Church of St. Teresa
Sunday Dec 23: 7:30am (T*) & 5:30pm (T*) Church of Our Lady of Lourdes

NORTH DISTRICT
Friday Dec 14: 10.30am, 8pm Church of Christ The King
Monday Dec 17: 10.30am, 8pm Church of the Risen Christ
Tuesday Dec 18: 8pm Church of St. Joseph
Wednesday Dec 19: 8pm Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea
Thursday Dec 20: 10am & 8pm Church of The Holy Spirit
Friday Dec 21: 8:30pm Church of St. Anthony

WEST DISTRICT
Monday Dec 17: 8pm Church of The Holy Cross
Tuesday Dec 18: 8pm Church of St. Mary of the Angels
Wednesday Dec 19: 8pm Blessed Sacrament Church
Thursday Dec 20: 8pm Church of St. Ignatius
Friday Dec 21: 8pm Church of St. Francis of Assisi

EAST DISTRICT
Monday Dec 17: 10.30am, 7pm, 9pm Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Tuesday Dec 18: 10.30am, 7pm, 9pm, Church of the Holy Family
Wednesday Dec 19: 8pm Church of St. Stephen
Thursday Dec 20: 8pm Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace
Friday Dec 21: 10.30am, 7pm, 9pm Church of the Holy Trinity

SERANGOON DISTRICT
Monday Dec 17: 8pm Church of the Nativity of the BVM
Tuesday Dec 18: 8pm Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Wednesday Dec 19: 8pm Church of St. Vincent De Paul
Thursday Dec 20: 8pm Church of St. Francis Xavier
Friday Dec 21: 8pm St. Anne's Church
Saturday Dec 22: 9am - 12noon, 2-5pm Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Note: All services are in English unless indicated.
(M*) Mandarin, (T*) Tamil.

2007-12-18T15:57:00.000+08:00

Caroling on 20th December 2007

Pls be reminded that the caroling this thursdays is at 130pm.

Details

Time: 1330hrs - 2200hrs (may be earlier)

Venue: Start and End at Christ the King Back Gate

Pls be there on time as the bus will leave on time.

AMEN!

2007-12-16T13:00:00.000+08:00

RCIY BBQ!!

RCIY BBQ this SUNDAY, 23rd December 2007.

Pls sms your sponsor to tell him/her if you're able to make it. Programme includes:

1. Gift Exchange (each person bring 1 gift of a $5 - $10 value)

2. BBQ

3. Eat, drink and talk nonsense

4. What else can you ask for?

Pls reply soon as we need to make the necessary bookings!!!!!

YUM YUM.... Drool Drool.......

2007-12-09T23:43:00.000+08:00

Christmas Carolling
Caroling this year will be very meaningful.
We'll be going to the homes of the parishioners with special needs in our church.
This event will be a joint collaboration with the Sodality of St Joseph(Adult Group)
Pls give your fullest support.

Details:
1st Practice:
Monday, 10 December 2007, 8pm
Church Function Hall

Actual Caroling:
20th December 2007
4pm - 10pm

Transport will be provided from church and back to church after the caroling.
Pls contact your respective sponsors to confirm your attendance.

May you have a fantastic week ahead.
Pray and prepare for camp..

2007-11-20T12:27:00.000+08:00

Class on Sunday!!

This Sunday we'll be holding our first session on Sacraments.
Pls be there on time, cos I need to start on time and end on

Details of session:
Time: 0900hrs
Venue: Rm 105

Come early k?!?!
Ses ya!

2007-11-19T23:25:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Arthur and Moarie on the Birth of Jayden Foo.
Born on the 19 November 2007!!

2007-11-18T10:19:00.000+08:00

PARISH TRIDUUM

21st November 2007 - 23rd November2007

Time : 7:30pm (Praise & Worship)

8:00pm (Mass followed by fellowship and refreshment in the Parish Hall)

Venue : Church

Thanksgiving and Petition Forms are available today and on the Triduum nights.

You are welcome to fill in and place these forms in the boxes provided at the entrance of the church.

There will be No 6:15pmMass during the Parish Triduum.

2007-11-08T23:57:00.000+08:00

Games Day

HEY HEY!!! IT's finally the weekend!!

Time for Games Day!

Meet at 1100hrs for mass.

PLS DO NOT BE LATE!

Then we will proceed fo$r lunch and games at Bishan Sports complex.

Look forward to table tennis, and board games!!

Pls RSVP your attendance at the TAG Board k?

10 commandments

2007-10-25T13:17:00.000+08:00

Hey hey finally is the end of the 10 commandments session and i tink everybody are sick and tired of mi toking in the front with inproper English rite......muhhahahaa!~!~! now u guys can relief liao...anw juz to blog it here to remind u all....and anw thanx elaine for doing the session togetherly with mi for a month....hahaa

okok the 101 commandment will be in the bible of Exodus chapter 20 and deuteronomy chapter 5.

1)You shall only worship the LORD your GOD and nobody else.(eg do not make images,do not obsesse on anything else like material goods money than GOD)

2)Do not use GOD's name in vain.(eg.Oh my GOd,Holy shit, GOd Damm it)

3)You should keep the Sabbath day holy(eg. go for mass, spend time with GOd in prayers, reflecton)

4)Respect your father and mother(eg.Is our reponsible to be obedience)

5)Thou shall not Kill( eg. Abortion, condemm ppl to affect them to go for suscide)

6)Do not commit adultery(eg. Once u lust with intention is already a sin

7)Thou shall not steal( eg. Respect ppl private propertys

8)Thou shall not lie (eg. white lie is also wrong, lie for ur own benefits)

9 & 10)Do not desire another man's wife;do not desire his house, his land, his slaves, hiscattle, his donkys, or anything else that he owns( eg. the thoughts and desire of commandments of 6 & 7)

For any quieres pls seek mi elaine or ur sponsors.....Enjoy

Ah ber

2007-10-03T00:38:00.000+08:00

Jesus, You are my Saviour

I just saw this video.
Does it apply to you?
I think I'm a victim.. But at the end of the day, Jesus Loves me and I know he will come and save me.
Look at the video..... Are you in the same situation?

2007-10-02T18:34:00.000+08:00

The G-Shaped Hole

2007-09-20T11:52:00.000+08:00

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR

HEy Guys and Gals!

Our Church is organising an LISS for you!
Come and be filled with the Holy Spirit!

WIll you be there?

Pls contact your Personal Sponsors if you wanna go.
I personally recommend that you go and understand what it means to be filled by the Holy Spirit.

The dates are written on the poster on the left.
It's on Sundays at 1130am, right after our classes.
So I suppose you need to go for mass before that.

Just check out the dates and mark them out on your calendar for now! I'll follow up with you this Sunday!

2007-09-10T21:52:00.000+08:00

A little boy found a little girl

The earth asound with sleep;
Slopes they sit on steep,
Over the valleys deep
While the deserts weep.

'Follow me,' he said;
'Weep not for the past,
In my palace deep
Panda lies asleep.'

With feet of weary woe;
She could no further go,
So among shadows maze
Desert stars they trace.

Frowning night, frowning night;
Over the desert bright,
Let the stars voice
While he makes the choice.

'I must go,' he said;
'To the lion's growl,
And among the tigers wild
In a lonely dell with a wolvish howl.'

If her heart does ache;
But she must wait,
If he returns safe
Find her in pluto cave.

2007-08-24T10:27:00.000+08:00

Feast of St Bartholomew/Nathanael

Reflections following the Daily Liturgical cycle

Friday, August 24, 2007
Rv 21:9b- 14

Psalm 145:10-11. 12-13. 17-18

John 1:45-51

From today’s readings: “The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.... The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.... Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

Bartholomew/Nathanael

Nathanael did see greater things. He was one of those to whom Jesus appeared on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection (see John 21:1-14). They had been fishing all night without success. In the morning, they saw someone standing on the shore though no one knew it was Jesus. He told them to cast their net again, and they made so great a catch that they could not haul the net in. Then John cried out to Peter, “It is the Lord.”

“There is no duplicity in him.” What a great compliment Jesus gave when he spoke thus about Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael). So often, sin sits in a stealth mode in the duplicity of our hearts, as we delight in our own cleverness in disguising our motives and misleading others in ways that are not “technically” dishonest.

To be sure, charity and humility demand something from us akin to duplicity, as we endeavor to focus on one aspect of a given action while downplaying another. For instance, if I were to make a generous donation to a charitable cause, but sought to stay out of the limelight, I wouldn’t necessarily be guilty of duplicity. However, if I flatly denied my contribution, or conversely, if I were motivated primarily by secret hopes to gain fame from it, then the charge of duplicity would be justified.

Too often, we excuse our lapses into duplicity, and can even convince ourselves of its necessity and inevitability, when the light of Christ’s Truth would remind us that the opposite of duplicity is sincerity and integrity, traits which shine so brightly in the life of Christ and are thus also found in the lives of those who, like Bartholomew, seek to follow Christ and model their lives on His example.

Courtesy of Immaculate Heart Retreat Center

2007-08-23T21:10:00.000+08:00

A Dream

The evening star does shine,
Led by the wand'ring light;
The little girl took delight,
The feet of angels ever bright:
The moon, like a flower
In heaven's high tower,
He kissed the child
And led by the hand,
Sit down by the sea
And pour sleep without cease.

2007-08-14T22:45:00.000+08:00

A PRAYER FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

Holy Mother Mary, we all rejoice with you today on the feast of your glorious Assumption into heaven. Long ago in the Garden of Eden, our first parents, Adam and Eve, were told that they would have to earn their bread in the sweat of their brow and that the earth would be cursed, bringing forth thorns and thistles. Now, after Christ our Redeemer has come, and taught us how to make use of the thorns and thistles of this life, and turn them into blessings, you, like Him, have been taken up body and soul into heaven. There, with your Divine Son, you await our coming, and prepare a place for us.

Mother Mary, it is a great comfort to us to realize that your precious body, the tabernacle of the infant Christ, is now in heaven with Him. Your being taken into heaven is also, like the resurrection of Christ's body, a pledge to us of the resurrection of our own bodies. It is wonderful to think that these hands, with which we earn our bread now in the sweat of our brow, will, because of the merits of Christ, one day, with our bodies, be glorified forever in heaven.

O most pure Virgin Mary, help us to realize this as we go about our work from day to day. Help us to have great respect for these bodies of ours, and for those of others because we recognize in them the temple of the Holy Spirit, and because we look forward to seeing each other, body and soul, with you and your Son Jesus Christ forever in heaven.

Amen.

2007-08-14T10:25:00.000+08:00

The Feast of the Assumption

(Holy Day of Obligation - 15th August 2007)
Courtesy of http://www.newadvent.org

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 15 August; also called in old liturgical books Pausatio, Nativitas (for heaven), Mors, Depositio, Dormitio S. Mariae.
This feast has a double object: (1) the happy departure of Mary from this life; (2) the assumption of her body into heaven. It is the principal feast of the Blessed Virgin.

THE FACT OF THE ASSUMPTION
Regarding the day, year, and manner of Our Lady's death, nothing certain is known. The earliest known literary reference to the Assumption is found in the Greek work De Obitu S. Dominae. Catholic faith, however, has always derived our knowledge of the mystery from Apostolic Tradition. Epiphanius (d. 403) acknowledged that he knew nothing definite about it (Haer., lxxix, 11). The dates assigned for it vary between three and fifteen years after Christ's Ascension. Two cities claim to be the place of her departure: Jerusalem and Ephesus. Common consent favours Jerusalem, where her tomb is shown; but some argue in favour of Ephesus. The first six centuries did not know of the tomb of Mary at Jerusalem.

THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
Regarding the origin of the feast we are also uncertain. It is more probably the anniversary of the dedication of some church than the actual anniversary of Our Lady's death. That it originated at the time of the Council of Ephesus, or that St. Damasus introduced it in Rome is only a hypothesis.

2007-08-07T23:22:00.000+08:00

A new hope is born....

On the 4th of August 2007, A little boy namded Thomas was born. He was to be the first son of Simon and Louisa..

How happy and blessed they are.... to have been blessed with a gift from God... a Son....

Yup yup.. You've guessed it!

Simon's Kid is out of the tummy!! He's happily born!!!

Congratulations Simon and Louisa on this very special day..

Those who wanna catch a glimpse of the yan dao kia, Thomas, go look for Simon!!!

2007-08-06T16:44:00.000+08:00

REACHING OUT IN ONE SONG

There's a concert to be held in the Church of St Mary of the Angels.
This is to raise funds for BEYOND SOCIAL SERVICES & FRANCISCANS INTERNATIONAL.
If you'd like to go, don't hesitate to give your sponsor a call. He/she may go with you too!

Venue: Church of St Mary of the Angels
Time: 8pm
Cost: $10, $20 and $50 donation tickets

Wanna go?!

2007-08-03T10:56:00.000+08:00

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 2007

Hey guys, the Annual Festival of Praise is back in Singapore.
This year they have Delirious, Don Moen, and Dr Phil Pringle. This Christian event used to be something that we would go for every year!!

You interested to go?
I think it starts tonight...
heee

A bit late right?

But well... those who are keen, the tickets are free...
In fact, there are no tickets needed.
Just have to be there early to get good seats.

And I tell you... I love Don Moen... His songs are inspiring...
I suppose you might like delirious too!

Sms your sponsors if you're planning to go k?

WOnder who's going though..

2007-07-16T21:51:00.000+08:00

God is love

We have reason and can appreciate intellectual evidence. For example, the evidence of beauty in music or in painitng is perceived by our mind, and not by our senses. An animal may hear the same sound, or see the same colour without being impressed by their harmony and proportion. Apart from the bible altogether, our rational nature is enough evidence for the existence of God.

God is love. He asks the freely given love of men and not a compelled love. Because He is just, He will not deprive us of the free will which is in line with our rational attribute. We cannot be free to love and serve God without being free to reject him and rebel against Him. Even if God wants men to be free,He cannot take from them the power to choose evil. If he enforces goodness, He takes away freedom. If he leaves freedom, He must permit evil, even though He forbids it. It is our dignity that we are master of our own destiny instead of developing like a tree that has to obey natural law.

2007-07-08T23:51:00.000+08:00

Examination of Intellect

The reality of any statement must be tested by our intellect and not by our imgination. When we can't understand any statement, it is called inconceivable. This means that the statement itself contains a contradiction itself, so that no concept can be formed with our intellect. A four-sided triangle, for example, is inconceivable, because triangle is a three-sided figure. A less-instructed athesist will ask whether God can make a weight so heavy that He cannot lift it. And so whichever answer we give, we shall admit there is something God can't do. But the question is literally meaningless: a weight that an omnipotent God can't lift is as complete as a contradiction in terms of a four-sided triangle. In either case, the words mean nothing because they cancel each other out. There is no point in piling alot of words, regardless of their meaning, and then ask ignorantly "Can God amke that?" God can do anything, but a contradiction in terms is not a thing at all.God could not make a four-sided triangle or a weight that He Himself cannot lift because that is inconceivable; that means nothing.

2007-07-02T22:48:00.000+08:00

Man endowed with freewill

If man is not free, he cannot be expected to keep laws, and should not be punished for breaking laws. There is no obligation to observe a law when it is not possible to keep it. Consciousness is another proof for freewill. We are not only conscious before acting that there are various ways open to us, but we are conscious that we may stop or hesitate acting, and after acting, are conscious of self reproach, realising that we should not have acted in a certain way. The possession of reason has to come with freewill. For example, taking another man's money may be considered as involving the moral evil of obtaining it by theft, or as exchanging your goods with him. The action of taking money itself allows a man to concentrate upon one aspect or another, proposing to himself the good or evil choice.

Sentosa!!! Photos are Here!

2007-06-26T17:13:00.001+08:00

SENTOSA PHOTOS!!

YO YO!!! Sentosa Photos are here!! Looking for yourself?CLick on Daphne to look at the album!

Remember to start thinking of which sponsor you with to choose to journey with you to your baptism!

In the meantime, Pray hard!

Photobucket Album

Canteen Photos!!

2007-06-24T09:32:00.001+08:00

Special thanks to God and everybody in the RCIY family for this wonderful canteen.

2007-06-23T23:01:00.000+08:00

Echoing Sentosa

The sun arises,
And brighten the skies;
The skylark and thrush,
The birds of the rush,
Sing louder around
With the bells' happy sound;
While our bond shall be seen
On the Echoing Sentosa.

Sitting under the oak,
Among the old folk.
The sand laughs at our play,
And soon they all say:
'Such, such were the joys
When we all, girls and boys,
In our youth time long
On the Echoing Sentosa.'

Till everyone is weary,
No more can be merry;
The sun heads to west,
And our sports have to end.
Like birds in their nest,
Are ready for rest,
And sport no more seen
On the darkening Sentosa.

2007-06-22T00:25:00.000+08:00

Canteen Song

When RCIY canteen laughs with the voice of joy,
And the stream of parishioners run laughing by;
When the bell laughs along with our merry wit,
And the car park laughs with the noise of it;

When Alastair laughs with lively green,
And Joseph laughs in the merry scene,
When Fion and Jenny and Felicia
With their delightful mouths sing 'Ho He He!'

When Victor laughs in the painted shade,
Where our table with meesiam and porridge spread,
Come, be merry, and join with Eugene and Kelvin,
To sing the delicate song of 'Ho He He!'

2007-06-15T21:34:00.000+08:00

Early in the morning

Early in the morning the world sleeping

A great and mysterious sight up in sky

Clothed with maze, with dazed moon under her feet

Silence her bit, looking away her lit

Yawning her way, let companionship speaks

As silence breaks, clouds of me breeze to her

Let fall one by one, days of still sail on.

The stars and the sea sing along with me

But my knitted emotions sew me up.

Gleaming in a body of sea water

The breath of chilled dawn splash and raise me on

Eagle’s wing, and make me rise like a sun

And like son of morning and daughter of day

And to hold her in the palm of calm hands.

2007-06-14T20:20:00.000+08:00

The shepherd

How sweet is the shepherd's word,

From dawn to morn he prays,

The sheep shall follow him all the day ,

Filled with breath, the tongue full of praise .

The lamb calls to the shepherd,

And he hears the ewes' cry,

Ever peaceful as they are,

They know their shepherd by and by.

2007-06-13T22:18:00.000+08:00

The simple Math of Christianity

In all simplicity, God is love. Jesus was sent into this world because of love. The Father loves us so much that He sent His only Son into this world to shed His blood for us, so that our sins may be forgiven. Hence, we have come to know Jesus as our Redeemer. Love took place first, and Jesus was conceived into this world, and His name was made known to all. By bringing love into this world, He brings togetherness in people. Love relates directly to the factor of ‘sum’ as it constitutes a sublime coherence in people and it adds beauty to this created universe. Now, let us take a look at Dan Brown’s work. “Jesus is married because of some interpretations in the work of Da Vinci.”; Jesus is this or that, so long as…etc.”
Everything he said cast doubts over us Catholics because Brown tried to add words to subtract the divinity of God. God is absolute. God is omnipotent. God is holy. God is love. The added words subtract nothing from the fullness of God but merely draw out the perfection of what is already within God. Dan brown’s work is but you cannot leave it there, and every word you add you subtract. There is limitation in Brown’s arguments and reasoning, subtracting from the fullness of what ‘is’ can mean. We are a faculty of rational attributes endowed with the likes of gifts of intellect and freewill. Granted a reasoning possession, we are able to attain truth by our intelligence, and that is where freewill follows. Do we want to believe in the goodness of God or in the deception of heretics’ work? I would only believe in the arguments of heretics if human reason has infinite volume but facts have proven otherwise.

2007-06-12T21:01:00.000+08:00

The conversation of a Master Sergeant and a Third Sergeant:

Master Sergeant: Where is your camp pass?

*Third Sergeant immediately took out his camp pass from his pocket and wear it.

Master Sergeant: (Banging the table) This is my last dime delling you do wear your camp pass! And why are you leaning against the wall?!

Third Sergeant: Wo mei yo kao (In Eng: I’m not leaning)

Master Sergeant: (Finger pointing) Bloody sh**, I’m talking to you in Engrish, you not habby isiz?!

Third Sergeant: (looking buay song, In Eng: not happy)No, Master

Master Sergeant: You not habby, you dell me.

Third Sergeant: (still looking buay song) No, Master

*Conversation ends*

Jus to share my view on the conversation:

What kind of question is “you not habby isiz?! “ ? What do you think will happen to the third sergeant if he tells the truth, “ya, I’m not happy” ? Often we are faced with “stupid” questions, and we know by lying we get our way around, so what is the point of telling the truth if we know trouble awaits us?

Here is another conversation of a child and his father:

Father: U like to stay in AMK or Hougang?

Child: R we shifting?

Father: I’m planning, so u prefer which one?

Child: I’ve never been to AMK or Hougang.

Father: Come child, just choose one place.

Child: I don’t know, AMK?

Father: Y AMK?

Child: Because u ask me to choose one place.

Father: Y not Hougang?

Child: Because AMK sounds nicer.

Father: Come child, tell me what’s on your mind, I’m your dad, u can share anything with me, Y u prefer AMK?

Child: Because AMK got more playground than Hougang.

*Satisfied with the answer, Father walks away*

In this case, Dad is pressing his child for his reason of choice of AMK and apparently the child doesn’t have a reason for his choice. Sometimes, we make our choices according to our feelings because we really don’t have a reason. The child is telling the truth at first, but his father is not satisfied with his answer and tries to prompt him further. The child is unknowingly forced to lie to get his way around.

Actually it also applies to us, when we were young and late for home, our parents would question us why we were late. “I went to my friend’s house to play game.” Maybe once or twice in a month going to a friend’s house to play game is alright, but if we everyday we go home late and give the same reason, what do u think will happen?

“I stay back in school to study.” “I stay back for CCA.” “I do project with my friends” These are the politically right answers that parents are looking for; they just want to hear something nice from their kids. Over time, the kids will know what to say to please their parents and to avoid scolding. Innocence of a child is often lost to experiences gained.

2007-06-12T10:20:00.000+08:00

This week we learnt about Faith and the Creed
Just a video that we had seen during the camp.
Do take a look and realise that Jesus has died so that we might live.
And the FATHER has sent the Holy Spirit to Guide and Lead to HIM.
Cos HE loves us. What else can we say about our GOD? He is so Wonderful....

Notice that a tear drop is dropped from the sky after Jesus Dies.
Of course it was never written in the bible. But it signifies GOD's Love and forgiveness of us.
Aren't you blessed to have such a Wonderful God...

God gives us a free gift of HIS Love. Faith is what we need to be able to fully accept and reap it's goodness of HIS Love.

The Creed is what Catholics believe in. We'll be going through several sessions to explain what the various parts of the creed signifies in the upcoming sessions.

Digressing, I'd like to congratulate the group that won the "Cooking for God / Love". Hope you enjoyed your prize.

See you all this week at the Canteen Preparation.
Pls be in church at 2pm on Saturday 16th June 2007!

JUNE CAMP 2007 ARANDA COUNTRY CLUB

2007-06-10T21:21:00.000+08:00

JUNE CAMP 2007 ARANDA COUNTRY CLUB

Guess whose hands are those?? Stealing food under broad daylight....

Graffiti

Not all rules are harsh

2007-06-10T00:00:00.000+08:00

Who will be the winner of the

"Cooking for Love / God" Competition?

Will it be Group 1?

OR is it Group 2??

Maybe it's Group 3?

Stay Tuned for th Results!!! For the Photos, Pls go to:
http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/dblimps/RCIY%20June%20camp%202007/

Happiness is all about being contented, right?

2007-06-09T12:10:00.000+08:00

I know this may sound totally frivolous and incomparable to the posts that have been up for the camp that just passed. However, there's just something(s) I'd like to share and I was wondering, apart from my own blog which is read by only my friends (who actually DO take some time to understand what's going on), where else can I share my happiness with?

And then it struck me - RCIY BLOG! Whoopee!

An update from where I left off at the camp with all my worries regarding the scholarship I've gotten:

After praying about financial matters and my impending struggles I might face, I've decided to take up the scholarship and find means to work and get money to support myself. It's a struggle because for 3 years, I've not gotten any cash from my parents and now, I've to depend on them again. There'll also be a huge reduction in my expenditure which I don't know if I can manage, yet. You know how it's like when you earn your own cash. It's your prerogative as to how you're going to use it. No one can tell you otherwise (or so I think).

I received my results for the last semester at school and it's pretty stellar as compared to my own expectations. Sure, I'd want to get straight distinctions but at the same time, I knew I didn't put in enough effort, citing that it was only a month and a half worth of rushing through assignments and CNY around the corner. Most of my friends whom I'm pretty on par with in terms of grades did so badly that I was afraid I'd do the same. I didn't want to check, telling myself that it's pointless since I've already done well enough to get that scholarship, right? But I did anyway. God has been VERY patient with me - He helped me through all my difficulties in school and because of His help, I've attained straight As and one B+ (for Science......I HATE SCIENCE...) which in my opinion, is very, very, very damn good!

See, what I'm driving at here is that although most of the times I've been guilty of not praying enough, of my intentions to skip mass just because I'm tired, He never gave up on me. When I turned to Him for help, to give me strength to pull through, I never really thought He'd hear my prayers. We're humans after all - sometimes we think we can rely on ourselves rather than Him. However, my results really showed me that He's been there for me all these while. He never did let go of my hand although me, being the little brat, took off on my own, ran around being a wild black sheep and "enjoyed" my freedom for that moment. He still followed me around and offered His hands whenever I needed to hold it for comfort.

God's really great. We should all pray and just trust Him. It's hard, I know. But who else in the world can you trust with all your heart and He'll never break it? Even in relationships or friendships, trust is one word that is easily destroyed over one tiny incident. This relationship with God is so special that He does none of the hurtful things to us.

My next step will be to work very hard for my degree, and hopefully enter the direct Honours programme. Aiming for First Class Honours seems impossible but I believe I can do it, if I continue to pray hard enough for strength and wisdom. I'll also be working towards getting an exchange programme for a semester out of Singapore so if it's God's will, I'll be able to get it. Otherwise, He'll have other plans for me.

All these struck my mind as I walked along the streets of KL alone on Friday. Weird eh? I started feeling like I'm on top of the world, having this sense of independence in a country that I really am not familiar with. I recognised it was a feeling of happiness, of contentment. The sort of peace you feel within yourself and no one can rob that from you. The satisfaction you gain from being contented at where you are can lead you to happiness.

You guys know something? I'm so happy with my life right now that I'm going to soak in all the blessings that He's given me. One day along the way I might end up asking for more but I'll look back at this entry and tell myself that it's not too hard to be happy.

Just as long as you're contented with what you have and learn to appreciate what is given to you. People are unhappy because they're not contented, because they don't know how to see beyond themselves, because they don't realise that things happen for a reason.

We have God in our hearts - there's no reason why we shouldn't be happy because our God is a happy God who wants all things best for us, even if we don't understand why the path we want to go diverts along the way or we face a huge wall and are unable to scale over it. We'll figure a way out if we pray hard enough.

Ciao.

special edition photo

2007-06-07T03:16:00.000+08:00

haha i got a photo that will make u laugh like a monkey...That is during my session the clip and the jumping jack...muhahaa steady lar..while stock last yeah

Woww super steady rite the photo?????Really it is a great camp man...First time sabong sponsor till like...wow super shiok...Finally can get my revenge over pass 6 years for those sponsors had bully me....muhahahaha!~!~!~!~

2007-06-04T21:43:00.000+08:00

RCIY June Camp 2007

It's the 4th of June.
The last day of the RCIY June camp.
I'm sure many of you inquirers have experienced and learnt more about God.
Let's offer up a BIG BIG BIG Round of appplause for HIM!!

Congratulations on the completion of the first Camp.
You can look forward to a more experiential and exciting December Camp.
Yes yes.... Daryl has told me the winner of the "Cooking for God / Love" competition.

I will announce the winner of the competition this Sunday, 10th June 2007.
If you want to find out who the winner is, make sure you turn up and get the latest results.
Winners will get a prize on the spot. Those who are not there will not be able to receive the prize.

Well... On completion of the camp, we ought to know that in order for change to happen to our lives, we first need to empty ourselves and let God enter into our lives. Keep a look out for the next post!

Below are the photos for the Camp (which I'm sure you're looking forward to):
Click on it to get directed to the site for the photos!

2007-05-09T22:08:00.000+08:00

Why Pray?

Prayer is like breathing for the soul. Did you ever try to stop breathing for a few days? What would happen to your body in that case happens to your Christian life when you stop praying.
Imagine trying to build and deepen a friendship without communicating or spending time with your friend. In the same way, how can we let God fill our life with joy, light, strength, and purpose if we don't spend time with him, get to know him, enter into a dynamic, personal relationship with him in prayer?

St Paul urges us: "Pray without ceasing." (1Thessalonians 5:17). Christ himself admonishes us: "Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38). St Theresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church, makes it potently clear: "He who neglects mental prayer needs not a devil to carry him to hell, but he brings himself there with his own hands." (Quoted by St Alphonsus Liguori in The Great Means of Salvation and Perfection.)

Here's how the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it in number 2558:
"Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy, so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father. This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.

Types of Prayer

The Church recognizes many different kinds of prayer, which can be grouped together under three general categories: vocal prayer, mental prayer, and contemplative prayer.

Vocal prayer consists in reciting, either out loud or to oneself, the words of previously composed prayers, and aligning one's thoughts and desires to their meanings.

Mental prayer combines personal reflection on a text from the Bible or from some other spiritual work with words of one's own, spoken to God in a heart-to-heart conversation. Mental prayer is also commonly known as Christian meditation.

Contemplative prayer brings the soul into more direct contact with God, often without words or ideas; it is the prayer of being in the presence of God, loving him and knowing you are loved by him.

Prayer has as its ultimate goal to praise God and to receive his grace, to deepen our personal communion with God and strengthen the Church. The time we spend in prayer should awaken in our hearts attitudes of adoration, wonder, gratitude, petition, and contrition.

How to Pray
We learn to pray by praying. The single most important factor in our life of prayer is our decision to make prayer an integral part of our life. If God matters to me, I will make time for prayer. If he doesn't, I won't.

Prayer, conversation with God, should accompany us throughout our entire day. We should invite God to be a part of all our joys and sorrows, our struggles and concerns, our projects and decisions. He is a loving Father who longs to be "let in" to his children's lives.
Nevertheless, the hectic pace of life requires us to set aside some time to be alone with God. We need to "tune in" to him frequently each day, so that our activities don't end up crowding him out, so that we recognize his action in our daily lives, and so we never impede the grace that he wants to give others through us.

To maintain a healthy prayer life, and therefore a healthy relationship with God, experience has shown the following prayer commitments to be helpful:

- Starting the day with a morning offering
- Ending the day with a brief prayerful reflection on how the day went
- Dedicating 10-15 minutes each day to mental prayer
- Praying the Angelus
- Praying a decade of the rosary sometime during the day
- Regular confession (every month or every two weeks)
- Going to Mass during the week in addition to Sundays
- Praying before meals
- Visiting Christ in the Eucharist

No prayer book, however, can pray for you. God will never force his way into our lives; what kind of friend would? Each one of us has to decide, every day, how much God matters to us, and pray accordingly.

Be faithful in the little practices of love which will build in you the life of holiness and make you Christlike.-- Mother Teresa

2007-04-24T22:26:00.000+08:00

A priest moved to a new parish and some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the city. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a 5 cents too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the 5 cents back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only 5 cents. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God' and keep quiet."

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the 5 cents to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver with a smile replied, "Aren't you the new priest in my parish? I have been thinking lately about going to mass. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday"
When the priest stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest lamp post, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for 5 cents."

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Catholics and will put us to the test! Always remember (as I try to remember) that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Catholic."

2007-04-15T02:41:00.000+08:00

DAISY HATCH DAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAISY!!!!

I said a birthday prayer for you and asked the Lord to blessthis wonderful occasion with love and happiness. I asked that He'd bestow upon you special Heavenly graces...Simple pleasures, sweet delights, your favorite faces. I prayed for you to have a year of great dreams coming true, A year of growth and wisdom and deep fulfillment too. Finally, I said a prayer to thank God for the way you enrich the lives of others through all you do and say.

2007-04-14T09:16:00.000+08:00

Class Resumes this Sunday, 15th April 2007.

Keep your Calendar marked!!

It's the 2nd Week of Easter!
Did you guys check out the G! magazine?!
Do pick it up this Sunday!!

If it's your first time visiting the blog and you are interested in joining RCIY,
Come and join us this Sunday!!!
Time: 9am-11am
Venue: Church of Christ the King, Room 105

SEE YOU THERE!

2007-04-08T19:51:00.000+08:00

This Sunday, 8th April 2007, is
The Greatest Day of the Year

The Resurrection of Christ is the heart and soul of Catholicism. Easter is the day we celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. On Easter, the season of Lent ends. Christ showed the world that He is the savior.
At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday through the Octave of Easter, the Catholic Church celebrates this Easter feast. Catholics often give devotion to the Divine Mercy. Jesus asks us to ask for His mercy since He opened the gates of Heaven.

On the second Sunday of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. Starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Saturday, Catholics are encouraged to say the Divine Mercy Novena.
Catholics should also go to confession before Divine Mercy Sunday and receive Holy Communion on that day.

There are two exceptions to the usual sections (Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist) of the Mass. The Sequence is said and instead of the Profession of Faith, the congregation renews their baptismal promises.

Jesus Christ was born to Mary. She was engaged, and an angel told her she was pregnant with Jesus. Mary was a virgin so this was a miracle itself. Jesus was born, and grew to be a loving and kind man.

His message was simple, but many found it hard to do and still do. The message is to love each other. Jesus performed loving miracles. He healed people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus had many friends, and He chose twelve apostles. He also had many disciples.

When Jesus was in His early thirties, He was charged for proclaiming He was the Son of God. Even though Jesus never hurt anyone, people turned against Him. His punishment was crucifixion.

Before He was crucified, Jesus was led through town and people teased him. He was beaten as well. Jesus died on the cross after three hours. His body was wrapped and put in a tomb. On the third day, like He said, Jesus rose from the dead. He remained on Earth for forty days until He returned to Heaven.

courtesy of http://catholicism.about.com/

2007-04-07T00:56:00.000+08:00

This Saturday,7th April 2007 is
Holy Saturday

In Roman Catholicism, Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. Today is the calmest and quiet day of the Church year. The Church is still saddened about what Jesus had to live through all for us.
Jesus's body remains in the tomb with scars. The altar is left bare, and the sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated.

The night vigil of Easter signifies Christ's passage from the dead to the living by the the liturgy which begins in darkness (sin, death) and is enlightened by the fire and the candle representing Lumen Christithe Light of Christjust as the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, the community of believers, is led from spiritual darkness to the light of His truth. Christ's baptism, which our own baptism imitates, is represented during the liturgy by the blessing of the water of baptism by immersing (`burying') the candle representing His Body into the font.

Only after the solemn vigil during the night, held in anticipation of the resurrection, does the Easter celebration begin, with joy that overflows into the following period of fifty days. Today we remember Christ in the tomb. It is not Easter yet, so it's not time for celebration. The day is usually spent working on the final preparations for the biggest feast of the Church year.

The Water

The Easter Vigil includes a blessing of water. The water is a sign of purification and of baptism. Holy water, that is, water that has been ceremonially blessed is a sacramental. Sacramentals are "sacred signs which bear a resemblace to the sacraments[by which the faithful are] given access to the stream of divine grace which flows from the paschal mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christthe fountain from which all sacraments and sacramentals draw their power." [Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, No. 60. Second Vatican Council Documents] Some other common sacramentals are blessed palm (and the ashes used on Ash Wednesday made from them), candles, medals, priestly blessings and other prayers.

Water blessed during the Easter Vigil is used for baptisms and other blessings. This water does not last the whole year, so there is a special blessing for holy water used at other times of the year, also. Traditionally the blessing of holy water includes an exorcism, or protection against evil, and the addition of salt, a spiritual symbol of wisdom which preserves our faith.

Catholic churches have basins or `fonts' containing holy water near the entrance so that believers can dip their fingers in it before making the sign of the cross as they enter the House of God as a symbol of purification. This simple gesture reminds believers of their consecration to Christ in baptism, and visibly indicates their acceptance of the Catholic faith.

The blessed water is available for members of the parish to keep at home to use for special prayers and blessings. In European Churches there are usually large stone basins filled with holy water near the entrance which are used by people in making the sacramental sign and also serve as reservoirs.

A bottle of holy water used to be found in virtually every Catholic home, but the private use of holy water has diminished, probably because people no longer know what it is used for or how to use it. However, it is a very powerful sign and children especially love to learn to use holy water to bless a wreath or flowers or other special religious articles used in the home as a sign of consecration to the Lord. It would be good to have a small bowl or font of holy water near the entrance door of the house for family members to use during the penetential season of Lent.

The Light of Christ (Lumen Christi)

The Paschal candle represents Christ, the Light of the World: "I am the light of the world. He that followeth me walketh not in darkness" [John 8:12]. The pure beeswax of which the candle is made represents the sinless Christ who was formed in the womb of His Mother. The wick signifies His humanity, the flame, His Divine Nature, both soul and body. Five grains of incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross recall the aromatic spices with which His Sacred Body was prepared for the tomb, and of the five wounds in His hands, feet, and side.

During the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night the priest or deacon carries the candle in procession into the dark church. A new fire, symbolizing our eternal life in Christ, is kindled which lights the candle. The candle, representing Christ himself, is blessed by the priest who then inscribes in it a cross, the first letters and last of the Greek alphabet, (Alpha and Omega `the beginning and the end') and the current year, as he chants the prayer below; then affixes the five grains of incense.

The Easter candle is the largest and most beautiful in the Church. It is a reminder of the Risen Redeemer "who shining in light left the tomb." It is lighted each day during Mass throughout the Paschal season until Ascension Thursday.

In Rome, the wax of the Easter candle from St. Peter's is used to make little locket-like Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) medals. The heart-shaped gold-colored locket is embossed with a cross and a lamb and contains a drop of blessed wax.

Christ yesterday and today,
the Beginning and the End,
the Alpha and Omega.
His are the times and ages:
To Him be glory and dominion
Through all ages of eternity. Amen

2007-04-06T19:27:00.000+08:00

This Friday, 6th of April 2007 is GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the 'Reproaches', in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, and we contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord.

The Church - stripped of its ornaments, the altar bare, and with the door of the empty tabernacle standing open - is as if in mourning. In the fourth century the Apostolic Constitutions described this day as a 'day of mourning, not a day of festive joy,' and this day was called the 'Pasch (passage) of the Crucifixion.'

The liturgical observance of this day of Christ's suffering, crucifixion and death evidently has been in existence from the earliest days of the Church. No Mass is celebrated on this day, but the service of Good Friday is called the Mass of the Presanctified because Communion (in the species of bread) which had already been consecrated on Holy Thursday is given to the people .

Traditionally, the organ is silent from Holy Thursday until the Alleluia at the Easter Vigil , as are all bells or other instruments, the only music during this period being unaccompanied chant.

The omission of the prayer of consecration deepens our sense of loss because Mass throughout the year reminds us of the Lord's triumph over death, the source of our joy and blessing. The desolate quality of the rites of this day reminds us of Christ's humiliation and suffering during his Passion.

On this Day we spend fasting and reflecting on the death of Jesus. Why did HE choose to die for us. What pain HE went through to give us today. Let's spend this day in personal prayer and reflection.

Courtesy of http://www.catholic.org

2007-04-04T20:17:00.000+08:00

Maundy Thursday Announcement

Meet at 600pm sharp at the Church bookshop

Thereafter we'll proceed for church visiting.

We'll end at about 10pm.

Pls contact your sponsor for more details.

2007-04-04T19:21:00.000+08:00

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Thursday, 5th April 2007

The most complex and profound of all religious observances, saving only the Easter Vigil. It celebrates both the institution by Christ himself of the Eucharist and of the institution of the sacerdotal priesthood (as distinct from the 'priesthood of all believers') for in this, His last supper with the disciples, a celebration of Passover, He is the self-offered Passover Victim, and every ordained priest to this day presents this same sacrifice, by Christ's authority and command, in exactly the same way. The Last Supper was also Christ's farewell to His assembled disciples, some of whom would betray, desert or deny Him before the sun rose again.

On Holy Thursday there is a special Mass in Cathedral Churches, attended by as many priests of the diocese as can attend, because it is a solemn observance of Christ's institution of the priesthood. At this 'Chrism Mass' the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation. The bishop may wash the feet of twelve of the priests, to symbolize Christ's washing the feet of his Apostles, the first priests.

The Holy Thursday liturgy, celebrated in the evening because Passover began at sundown, also shows both the worth God ascribes to the humility of service, and the need for cleansing with water (a symbol of baptism) in the Mandatum, or washing in Jesus' washing the feet of His disciples, and in the priest's stripping and washing of the altar. Cleansing, in fact, gave this day of Holy Week the name Maundy Thursday.

The action of the Church on this night also witnesses to the Church's esteem for Christ's Body present in the consecrated Host in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, carried in solemn procession to the flower-bedecked Altar of Repose, where it will remain 'entombed' until the communion service on Good Friday. No Mass will be celebrated again in the Church until the Easter Vigil proclaims the Resurrection.

And finally, there is the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the people during the night, just as the disciples stayed with the Lord during His agony on the Mount of Olives before the betrayal by Judas.

courtesy of http://www.catholic.org/

2007-04-01T23:59:00.000+08:00

Remember to keep those days free :)!!

2007-03-26T12:13:00.000+08:00

This Sunday 1st April 2007 is Palm Sunday

The Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It is the beginning of Holy Week. It celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Great crowds of people thronged the streets waving palm branches to welcome Him. The people shouted "Hosanna" and laid their cloaks and palm branches from the nearby trees in His path.

Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:1-11,14-17

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read," 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

After this week comes

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Holy Saturday

Easter Sunday

Look out for the stories about these days coming up on this blog!!

2007-03-26T00:35:00.000+08:00

Lenten Penitential Services 2007

CITY DISTRICT
CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE - Monday, March 26: 8 pm
CHURCH OF SS. PETER & PAUL - Tuesday, March 27: 8 pm, Sunday, April 1: 1.30 pm (Chinese)
CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL - Wednesday, March 28: 8 pm
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - Thursday, March 29: 8 pm
NOVENA CHURCH - Monday, April 2: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. TERESA - Tuesday, April 3: 8 pm

EAST DISTRICT
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR - Monday, March 26: 10.30 am & 7 pm, 9pm
CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY - Tuesday, March 27: 10.30 am, 7 pm & 9 pm
CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY - Wednesday, March 28: 10.30 am, 7 pm & 9 pm
CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE - Thursday, March 29: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN - Friday, March 30: 8 pm

WEST DISTRICT
CHURCH OF ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS - Monday, March 26: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. IGNATIUS - Tuesday, March 27: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - Wednesday, March 28: 8 pm
CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS - Thursday, March 29: 8 pm
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH - Friday, March 30: 8 pm

NORTH DISTRICT
CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST - Monday, March 26: 10.30 am & 8 pm
ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH - Tuesday, March 27: 8 pm
CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING - Wednesday, March 28: 10.30 am & 8 pm
CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA - Thursday, March 29: 8 pm
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - Friday, March 30: 10.30 am & 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. ANTHONY - Monday, April 2: 8 pm

SERANGOON DISTRICT
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM - Tuesday, March 27: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER - Wednesday, March 28: 8 pm
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY - Thursday, March 29: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. ANNE - Monday, April 2: 8 pm
CHURCH OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL - Tuesday, Apr 3: 8 pm

Courtesy of Veritas

2007-03-19T11:24:00.000+08:00

haha this is a long awaited and overdue post but anyhow here goes =D!! haha and i shall let the photos do most of the talking la hehe :)..

RCIY HIKE 2007 - 04.03.2007

firstly, BIG THANK YOU to the hike I/Cs Daryl, Freddie, Daphne and of course, by default Jasmine :)..

Start of hike at Bishan Park

haha as you can see, all of us look so refreshed and energized hahaha.. then we slowly made our way to our next pit-stop: SHELL STATION.. along the way we got randomly paired up and we had to interact and get to know each other better.. and we got quizzed about our partner after that HAHA!

(and MUAHAHA i ace-ed the quiz la wheeheehee =P)

short cam-whoring session :)... doris was really excited about borrowing simon's cap to pose and take pictures hahaha..

more walking and getting-to-know-each-other-better =D

at our 2nd pit-stop (Casuarina Road Junction), we got handicapped! some of us were tied at our wrists, while wee seng and eugene had their arms tied together haha..

and after a while, we got handicapped further!! poor doris and alastair got blindfolded =X.. but no worries cos iggy and i were there to guide them along :).. along the way we were also asked to look around and pick out an item that would represent us, and we were to share about it later.. (so as u can see, iggy is posing very lame-ly with his leaf HAHA)

at the gate of Upper Pierce Reservoir, we took a very short break as we each shared on why our chosen item represented us, afterwhich all the inquirers had to individually and silently walk to the next junction so that they could do some quiet reflection on their own..

(some of the inquirers were distracted by the numerous cute little monkeys at the second half of the journey though hahaha)

the next pitstop was at the carpark of Upper Pierce Reservoir, where we had yummy--licious chicken rice and ice-cold sugarcane juice for lunch, courtesy of joy and jasmine :)!!

the next activity for the day was the very tiring but fun TREASURE HUNT!! it was conducted stations-of-the-cross style, and we either said a short prayer, or had a sharing question at each station..

but obviously, we first had to source for the clue based on the photo that we got from the previous station, and our Mister Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson of the day was WEE SENG and ALASTAIR =D!!! wahhhh they could find the clues at all the ultimate hidden places la haha :))..

and the photo below shows THE HORRIBLE AND TIRING slope that we had to climb up and down TWICE!! it isnt as easy as it looks, especially under the hot and scorching sun which literally drains you of all your energy!!!!!!! haha..

To wrap up the hike experience, here is the summary of the day and some self reflections:

When we decided to proceed with the hike, I’m sure all of us had doubts as to whether we could do it, where we’d go and what we’d be doing. Some of us may even be thinking about what if I needed to pee, what if I got injured, what if it rained? Many many “What ifs” would have come to our minds.
But we still tried and persevered.

I’d like to draw your attention to how we kicked off the journey from Old Upp Thomson Road. By that time, I’m sure we’d be thinking how far we are going to go. We started to talk to each other, in an attempt to distract ourselves from the difficult journey that is to come. Some of us chose to keep quiet and distract ourselves with other thoughts.

Unknowingly, when we had arrived at the Casuarina Rd Junction, It got worse. Some of us got blindfolded, crippled and handicapped. This was going to be a long day.

Reaching the Lower pierce Gate, Some would have already wanted to give up. Silently walking up and down the slopes really took the breath out of us. Who was going to help me? I need to talk. I need to vent myself. But I can’t!!! HOW LONG MORE!?!?!

Finally we reached the lunch point. It was so so so tiring..

What we had to go through was just a little taste of what Jesus had to go through. Think of the time when he was humiliated, slapped, tortured, laid with a heavy burden, thirst, fell and didn’t have anyone to talk to except God.

Think of this: Did anyone of you think of praying to God during this journey?

The treasure hunt was made so that we can understand what Jesus went through before he died. And to allow us to be able to relate to his sorrow with our troubles.

Sharing with each other is the way that we have been taught. We are a community, and a family of God. Sometimes, I won’t be able to see God or feel him. But when I share, another person may have a similar experience and was guided by God in his / her after-actions. Sometimes, Listeners may even be inspired by God with a message for the sharer.

It is when we are the weakest, Jesus is there.
It is when we are the most tired, that Jesus is there.
It is when we are sad, Jesus is there.
It is when we listen, that we can feel him.
That does not mean that Jesus isn’t there at other times, but we need to be empty. To empty ourselves of our troubles, worries, thoughts, then we are able to listen.

Hence, Let us, during this period of Lent, repent on our wrongdoings and lift our worries to God. So that Jesus can be there for us and to lead us and comfort us.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED :)!! EVERYONE MADE IT =D!!

even though we cldnt finish the last few stations as the rain was quite heavy towards the end, i feel a sense of accomplishment for completing the hike :).. haha and im sure everyone who attended the hike share the same sentiments as me =D!!!

2007-02-21T15:42:00.000+08:00

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Lenten season. On this day all the faithful, according to ancient custom, approach the altar before the priest, dipping his thumb into ashes previously blessed and marks the forehead with the sign of the cross, saying the words: "Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return." The ashes used in this ceremony are made by burning the remains of the palms blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year.
In the blessing of the ashes four prayers are used, all of them ancient. The ashes are sprinkled with holy water and fumigated with incense.

There can be no doubt that the custom of distributing the ashes to all the faithful arose from a devotional imitation of the practice observed in the case of public penitents. But this devotional usage, the reception of a sacramental which is full of the symbolism of penance

In the books both in the Old Law and in the New that the men who repented of their sins bestrewed themselves with ashes and clothed their bodies with sackcloth. Now let us do this to signify that we ought to repent of our sins during the Lenten season.

2007-02-13T00:20:00.000+08:00

RCIY07 Yahoogroups

The RCIY07 Yahoogroups has been created
If you haven't received the invite yet, sms Daryl @92739592!!
OR leave a message in the Tagboard.

2007-02-12T18:30:00.000+08:00

Session on Communication with God

On Sunday, We started off with a game of Drawer and Describer...

Then we shared and learnt about:

Different levels of communication
Level 1 – Clichés (How are you?)

Level 2 – Facts (So hot lately…)

Level 3 – Opinions (I think you draw very well..)

Level 4 – Feeling (I feel proud of you for being brave)

Level 5 – Heart (These are things I find hard to open up and talk about)

Concluding Sunday's session:

Communication with God is necessary. And the best thing is that GOd Listens to us all the time. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from or what you need. God Listens......

Prayer is a gift of God. "Gift" is a good word to describe prayer, because praying is not something we can do of ourselves. " We do not know how to pray as we ought," scripture says. Prayer is a gift God must give.

And God gives that gift generously, without consideration of our worthiness or our unworthiness. Sinners as well as saints can pray. People of every religious tradition receive the gift. In fact, every human being is able to pray. The Catholic Catechism reminds us of that by entitling its opening section on prayer The Universal Call to Prayer. (2566-2567)

Yes, all are called to pray. All receive the gift. And, surprisingly, sometimes those thought to be "ungifted" pray best and are graciously heard. That's the lesson Jesus taught in his parable about the Pharisee and the Publican who together went up to the temple to pray. The Publican, an outsider who thought himself unworthy of approaching God in prayer, was found more pleasing by God than the Pharisee, a professionally religious person, who prayed so effortlessly.

Prayer, then, is God's gift to the strong and the weak, to the smallest child and frailest of the old. It's given to those who say, " I'm not really religious; prayer is beyond me." It's given to everyone, no matter who you are.
That's not to say we can't refuse to pray or we can't neglect it. Like any gift, prayer must be received. If someone gives you a beautiful piece of clothing, you may use it or not. You may take it and wear it. Or, you can throw it in the back of your closet and never look at it again. The piece of clothing becomes a gift unused. "If you knew the gift of God," Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well. A Gift was there before her eyes, but she was blind to it.

How tragic to go through life leaving the gift of prayer unused!

How to Pray?

1. The Sign of the Cross

2. Thank God

3. You Prayer intentions or what you want to say to God

4. Thank God

5. The Sign of the Cross

* We also learnt to pray the prayer that Jesus taught us and the Hail Mary. See the links below to what the prayer means:

The Prayer Jesus Taught Us

The Hail Mary and the Rosary

Glory Be
Glory Be To The Father,
And To The Son, And To The Holy Spirit,
As It Was In The Beginning,
It Is Now And Ever Shall Be,
World Without End. Amen.

2007-02-11T00:01:00.000+08:00

Jeri Appreciation Day

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your child, Jeri, 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; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This is dedicated to our Birthday Auntie Jeri!! heeheee
No la.. She's still YOUNG... AT HEART....
hee!!! We still love you no matter what!!!

For all the hardwork you have done for us.....

And the friendships we have.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERI!!!!

2007-02-05T23:20:00.000+08:00

yest's session had less sponsors than usual cos some went to attend a very special day for MR VINCENT CHAN hehe! BIG CONGRATS TO YOU AND CORRINE!!! (and the monkey is so so so so so so cute la =D!)

but nonetheless the rest of the sponsors and inquirers in church still had loads of fun!! special thanks to Session I/Cs bernard and elaine :)!!

aft watching a touching and sweet korean mtv which had a reallllly sad ending, we broke up into groups and shared on how much we would sacrifice for our loved ones :).. haha some honest pple admitted "not much" while some others were really wei da and said that they would go all out and give up their pair of eyes, like the guy in the mtv :)..

following this it was game time!!!! haha all of us were supposed to get to the other end of the room, but we couldnt move our chairs, and neither could our feet touch the floor! HOW CAN RIGHT! ya so we were all sitting there racking our poor brains and aft a while bernard decided to offer us some chairs which led to the other end of the room..

i felt the most heartwarming thing was that EVERYONE was willing to take off their shoes and step across the chairs to reach to the end of the room despite the initial unwillingness of some :).. SPORTSMANSHIP AND TEAM SPIRIT ALL THE WAY :))!

haha then bernard explained briefly on the rationale of the game and video and brought out the theme of the session: WHY DID JESUS DIE FOR US?

and during one of the bible readings there was the ultimate UNINTENTIONAL JOKE OF THE DAY hahaha!! maybe everyone who was not present yest shld ask doris what happened exactly hehe but in short our God is one happening and cool God!! YO! YO!

HAHAHA =P!

i think this was a really exciting and enriching session HIPHIPHOORAY :)! i hope the inquirers managed to learn that, in a nutshell, the presence of sin brings us further away from God, and due to His unconditional love for us, He sent Jesus his only son to act as a "bridge" between Man and God :)..

btwbtw there were three more new inquirers yest :)!

***********

Disclaimer: Before reading on, the following entry may sound absurd, loserly, unpractical, the most unrealistic, bimbo-ish, drama and superly random nolink outofpoint diskernect but PLEASE BE UNDERSTANDING hahaha..

YESTERDAY WAS THE ONE OF THE HAPPIEST MOMENTS IN MY LIFE =D!!!!!!!!!!!!!

haha aft class and lunch a few of us (elaine, freddie, ilona, philip, michelle) decided to go to somerset to do some shopping, where we walked from john little to taka.. AND THEN my friend msged me to tell me that MY FAV STAR OF ALL TIME was going to appear at centrepoint for some roadshow!!

and i got REALLLLLYYYY excited, so though they were initially intending to go to paragon starbucks for a drink, they decided to be nice and follow me all the way back just so i could see MY FAV STAR OF ALL TIME :)..

when we arrived at centrepoint, we all went to coffeebean where i had perfect view of the stage cos of the higher platform there :)... then aft a while they left elaine and i at coffeebean to star-watch while the rest of them went window shopping..

THEN towards the end of the roadshow they invited the public to go up and shake hands with the cast of the new show! ahh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!!! but i was really shy and didnt dare esp since elaine couldnt acc me as she had to take care of the bags =X.. then freddie called me to ask me to hurry GRAB MY CHANCE but i was really not planning to go up and embarrass myself hahaha..

but then they specially came down again all the way just so elaine and ilona could acc me up on stage! how sweet was that right!! I WAS REALLY REALLY REALLY TOUCHED by these gestures cos though they may seem very insignificant IT MEANT ALOT TO ME! and i really went up TO SHAKE HIS HAND VERY TIGHTLY AND FOR QUITE LONG!! hahahahaha...

(and he said happy new year to me!! HAHAHA!!)

if that wasnt enough, freddie and philip still sacrificed their image to stand in the crowd to help me take photographs hahaha :)..

and prob cos it felt as if everyone went so out of the way to help me i actually felt crazy and mad enough to wait for them to come out of the backstage aft the roadshow and i actually walked up to him and asked if i could take a photo with him la ohmygosh ohmygosh!! but too bad the usher didnt allow it =( hmphh.. so this was the best that elaine could take (DONT LAUGH!) :

but just in case everyone thinks im some crazy person living in daydreams I AM NOT OKAY! haha just that since i dunno how long ive just been wanting very very much to take a photo with him (photoshop edits not counted -_-) but i nv made an effort to specially attend any of the roadshows or whatever haha..

but yes.. this experience really did make me feel that strong rciy community spirit and no matter what crazy or random thing you really wanna do, these pple will still do it with you.. THANKS EVERYONE ALOT ALOT :).. actually this feels more than just a star-chasing thing la im really really touched and really really happy =D..

some of us on our way to Botak Jones for dinner and to watch spore-thailand match :)!!

GOD BLESS :))!!

2007-02-05T01:34:00.000+08:00

A Special Occasion for Vincent & Corrine

Today is the 4th day of February in the Year 2007.
Our Sponsor, Vincent, has signed the papers to be officially Man and Wife in the eyes of the law in the Republic of Singapore... The rings were exchanged and the papers were signed. This was held at the Seletar Springs Condominium, where the couple will build there nests in time to come.

Corrine looked fabulous with all her make up and stuff.. As for Vincent, As usual, LAZY PIG.... with just a little tinge of makeup.... A serious little tinge. Take a look.... NO TIE!!! hahaa..... Nonetheless, the happy couple happily proceeded on with the ceremony.

And so it was complete............

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Vincent Chan. May God Bless you both and guide you and shower his blessings on both of you. May He let his light shine on both of you and give you peace. CONGRATULATIONS to the new couple!

2007-01-30T10:01:00.000+08:00

we had our first "official" session last sunday :)... the theme was "WHO IS JESUS?" and we had our first ever rciy puppet show!! it was a really innovative and special way to get a very short and summarised glimpse of the Jesus's life journey... view the videos to see for yourself how much fun we had hehe =D!!

"These below videos were posted up by the girl with artistic flair.. Thanks Gal!
Also for providing the videocam and digitising e vid, our fav Vincent."
----> Daryl Posted here.

BIRTH OF JESUS
by Vincent, Daphne, Jasmine, Jonathan, Aaron

FINDING IN THE TEMPLE
by MELISSA, Greg, Moarie, Elaine, Iggy

Wedding at Cana
by SHERMAN, JUDY, Arthur, Ben, Eric, Philip

Crucifixion
by ALASTAIR, WEE SENG, Ilona, Stella, Aston, Simon, Lois

Death on the Cross
by SHELLY, DORIS, JOSEPH, Joy, Michelle, Daryl, Meli

Resurrection!
by Jonathan, Jasmine, Daphne

***

woots we had a great time displaying our creativity and watching the "special" ways of presenting the puppet show hahaha..

special mention to all the newbie inquirers who were so open, creative and funny hahaha :)!! and of course to the session I/Cs VINCENT and JASMINE! im sure we could all witness the tremendous effort in making the puppets and painting of the background scenes :) "WEI DA SPONSORS" =P!!!!!!

yay and im glad that there were more inquirers than last sunday =D!

2007-01-16T02:20:00.001+08:00

2007-01-14T23:59:00.000+08:00

07.01.07 & 14.01.07: RCIY Exhibition :))

Cool Slideshows

posing with our exhibition pieces (:

(haha this is totally *OUT OF POINT but we sound so pro cos we have our pieces on exhibition HAHAHA.. and dont you think the spinning thing thing is SO SO SO SO SO SO SO COOL=D)

i like the aluminum foil wrapped "RCIY" lettering =D.. let's use it for all future events that we have hahaha!!

Also special THANK YOU to iggy and rachel who specially attended 530pm mass today so that they could help us man the booth during 1130mass =D..

14.01.07: Spiritual Prep before Commissioning of Sponsors

hahaha i shant divulge exactly how the session was being carried in case of future re-using hahaha.. but anw today we learnt about TRUST and ACCOUNTABILITY.

so, Do you trust each and every sponsor in RCIY?

and for yourself, Are you accountable for your own prayer life during the week?

LET US ALL GROW AND MOVE ON AS A COMMUNITY :))!!!

14.01.07: Rite of Commissioning during 1130mass

we were given a prayer card aft the rite and all sponsors rem to pray this often! even NOW!! :)..

Cathechistes Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Having been called to be a cathechist by my parish, I turn to you for help in accomplishing this important task.

Give me the patience to treat each person with the dignity and respect I have for you.

Help me to study, understand, and apply Sacred Scripture and Tradition more fully in my own life.

Fill my heart with love for you and allow me to feel that same love for those I teach.

Knowing that you are beside me, I will have the strength to face every situation and the courage to speak the truth in love.

Help me to give glory to God O Father, Son, and Spirit O in all I do and say.

Amen.

everyone have a blessed week ahead and all who's excited for opening day next sun say AMEN!!

Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen :)!!

(i really typed that out okay! i didnt use cheapo copy-paste method! haha XD!!)

2007-01-04T00:54:00.000+08:00

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT SIMON'S HOUSE :))

playing pictionary and taboo till 7am was the best best man! haha :).. i really thank God for introducing me to the big family of RCIY!

MERRY BELATED XMAS AND NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

love yall lots and lots :)..

Hail Mary

2006-12-22T00:54:00.000+08:00

Wass up RCIY......Wow is been 1 month since i wrote a entry and i while i read back wat i read, i can't believe wat i have written sia...Is quite amazing sia...Every period of life, every second of life, every moment of life have different feelings and different passions for certain things. Such inconstant a human can be sia...Thats why we need GOD who is the PAST, the NOW and forever to guide us in our journey...

To let our relationship get more closer to GOD our Father, Jesus Christ the son and the Holy Spirit, GOD has send down the beloved Bless Virgin Mary down to establish this closeness relationship into a deeper level...

Juz wanna share this little i experience during praying the rosary...hmmm maybe it seems abit wild for some of u but i suddenly have this intepretation in mind during the prayer...muhahaa~!~!~!

I was praying the rosary which i have stopped praying daily since dunno when. And the moment i started to pray, i have this sensation that is so close so peaceful and so familiar. The feeling is something like a smell u like to smell which is familiar and close to u and u haven smell that for a long time..And suddenly this smell pop out from no where and it reminds u about the days of the past and why there is such a smell so unforgettable...It is that type of feeling..It is so great. First time i felt that Mother Mary was so close to mi and is interceding for mi at that very moment and these interpretation came in to my mind...

"Hail Mary, Full Of Grace, The Lord Is With You" At my mind i was thinking, Yes, Mother Mary is indeed Full of Grace, but is becoz she is Full of Grace than the Lord is With her or the Lord is with her therefore she is full of grace? It is not a tough qxn...definitely it is becoz THE LORD is with her therefore she is full of grace isn't it? And i was tinking, if LORD is with her, LORD is also is also always everytime with us and therefore we actually also are full of grace but is the sins that we have done that turnish the fullest grace that GOD wants to gave us..Therefore, to help each and everyone to resist temptation, we need to pray and especially the rosary for each and other with the MOTHER that is BORN without ORIGINAL SINS to intercede for us in order to obtain the graces that the LORD longs to give us.

"Blessed are u amongs the women" Yes, MOTHER MARY are very blessed and she is the Queen among all the women juz like JESUS is the KING of KINGS and the LORD of LORDS. In a way same like us, although we cannot be compare with our DEAREST MOTHER but we always muz aware that we CATHOLICs are very blessed among the people over the world therefore we need to use the GIFTS that the LORD has blessed us to serve other people that are less fortunate and also those who are weak or who are weak in other sectors in life which you are strong at...It is called leveraging with each and other as we are one body in CHIRST.

"And Blessed is the fruit of ur womb JESUS" For this line is quite straight forward....We really need to give thanx to JESUS for coming in this world to die for us to save the man kind and he show us how to bear fruits and this reminds mi of the VINE & the BRANCHES readings.

"HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death" This is a sentence that we need to place out full trust in MARY's intercession as she is the QUEEN of MERCY, QUEEN of the ROSARY and also QUEEN of the family and church. She is the role model of the church. Not only we need to trust in her intercession, we also need to trust our fellow brothers and sisters to intercede for us and this make mi realise that put others before self...Praying is not only for self but is for the man kind and the ppl around you...If pray for urself, there is only 1 person.. Lets say everyone pray for each other, imagine how many ppl are praying for u liao...This is the ideal sia. It is like the DIVINE MERCY. "For The Sake Of His Sorrowful Passion, HAVE MERCY ON US, AND ON THE WHOLE WORLD" Praying the rosary is not only juz for self but is a community.

Ber

St Teresa and Her roses

2006-12-03T12:05:00.000+08:00

ok... before some people go on ranting that i owe a sharing or whatever.... going to share with you St Teresa and the ROSE.

well, i am sure all of you know st theresa. even if you dunno her, u know her church, we always go there for all our camps. well, she died at a very young age. her faith is a type of a simple faith la but she promise that she will let fall from heaven a shower of roses when we ask for her intercession. she will actually send u a rose to let u know your prayers had been heard. i can truly testify for this coz i had seen it happened. let me share the prayer with you:

St Teresa, the little flower of Jesus
You promised to shower blessings for us
Whenever we call on you
Pick a rose from the garden of heaven
And send it to me
With a message of love
Together with our Blessed Mother
I beseech you to obtain for me
The intention of my heart
(say your intent)

I had tried this many times and every time i see the ROSE. the rose comes in the least unexpected time and you will know it's from heaven. it's a feeling that can only be felt, cannot be explainied. i am sure you will know what i mean.

but my main reason of sharing this with you is not for you to try this out as some david copperfield trick and see if it really happened. god never ask us to test him. i am sharing an encouragment of faith. many a times, most of us pray but dun feel anything. many of us already slip into a mode of thinking god knows so we dun even pray. maybe some of us even feel that god dun listen. this prayer is to testify that god does, HE knows each and every one of us.

so if u need a boost of faith, recommend you try st teresa prayer!

Jesus Blood Never Fails...

2006-12-02T22:40:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

this is going to be my FIRST entry into the blog. I had made another one, but it was done for me by our precious Michelle! Thanks Mish~
Anyway, back to the reason why i am here...i just want to share the song that touched me so much on my way to work on Friday. I was just listening to P&W music on my mp3 player when I suddenly heard this song! It was absolutely amazing...i was just closing my eyes to say a short prayer because i wanted to try praising with music on-the-move (aka through Mp3 players, etc). I never thought it would work..........until this song started playing. My hair stood on ends immediately when i heard the words.

These simple words...and they keep repeating it, "Jesus Blood Never Fails Me." It took me quite a while to comprehend what this means...and when i did, i just felt so Loved...and God felt soooooOOOOoooo R.E.A.L again.

Jesus blood was shed on the cross because HE Loves us and wants to redeem us...redemption was the most appropriate thing for us...even though we didnt know it happened, because we are so caught up in our own world. And because God loves us so much...to even shedding HIS blood on the cross...how could HE ever fail us? It just serves to further reinforce...Have Faith in GOD, because HE knows BEST...!

God Loves me...and YOU! We know because of the Blood on the Cross...and Jesus Blood NEVER Fails!
Hmm...i tried to add the song, but cant. i wonder how i can do it. heh...

Ben

Blessing in Disguise

2006-11-30T19:17:00.000+08:00

Yoz yoz...Juz wanna share with u a swey and wonderful experience i encounter 2 days back...

2 days ago when i was about to head back home on my bike, my clutch cable snap...Wa lau eh some more is at 8+pm and the traffic was jam like shit and is along PIE exiting upper serangoon...Haiz about 4 more km to go than i will reach home liao sia...Irritating sia and best, the road is about to head up slope....AWWWWW!~!~!~! That is damm @##@#@#@#&*&@$ swey sia...

I wanted to call the tow truck but is like so late liao sian...Than i suddenly tot of "SIMON"...the big name who has a pick up...Therefore i called him to ask whether can he help up and he juz very cool and say ok he will come down and help...Both of us having hard time to push my bike up his pick up..Guess how we push it up? Juz nice at the side there is a Church and there were wooden planks and wow, it is so lucky lar if not everything will not be done...

One of my friend told mi that there is a 24hours motor bike shop and sim ming drive so Simon took the trouble to send mi and my wife to sim ming and we run here run there and ask but still can't find it..So i decided to row down my bike and park it there and wait till the next day than repair...For this i wanna really really really THANK SIMON for having a kind hearted heart to come all the way down to help mi...Wow really i am damm pai seh to bother him, but also dunno why still give him a call...haha maybe too shag but anw i tink it was a very good work out for both of us rite simon?hehe and it is indeed a great experience...next time we can go and open tow truck service...

Another person i wanna thanx from this incident is FREDDIE...Haha he help mi quite alot sia. When my bike broke down, i called him and see whether can he help out or noe who will noe how to repair since he is a mechinic. But guess wat, he is on duty in camp...Sian, and guess wat again, he wanted to chiong down and help mi out sia...Wa lau this type of friend where to find sia and keeping on ask this ask that..

This has not end yet...The nice morning, he rush down from duty and come and pick mi up back to sim ming drive to repair my bike. Juz becoz he wanna come earlier to pick mi up, he took the trouble to call his friend to go early to camp to take over his duty...Coz i need the bike on that day badly by 10am and the bike manage to be repair by 9.45am and yes, juz make it in time for my appointment...Haiyo

REally want to take this chance to THANK GOD for provide mi with help when i really in need and friends that will take a extra mile for his friend...Wow powerful sia...Really appreciate that I am in RCIY therefore i will noe this two guys to help mi out when i am in need..Really grateful...

Ber

2006-11-29T12:39:00.000+08:00

Silent Night..... Holy Night.......

Carolling is ON this year! Organised by our beloved Edwarduardo and Francoine!! All of you who are interested in participating in this year's carolling, pls submit your names on the tagboard or just turn up at 7pm on the 4/12/06 at RCIY room!

Registration for those who want to invite us to your house this 23rd December 2006, just call francine, edward or any sponsor. Alternatively, you can leave your email / contact number on our tagboard!

Take a look at a clip from Carolling 2005:

COME, COME and CAROL to a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS 2006!!

Something which i wanna thank God for.......

2006-11-25T12:30:00.000+08:00

This is the first time im gonna give testi on the internet, feels weird though anyway here goes...
On the Day when i went for tridium, i was already feelin very tired and i was almost falling sleep in mass but somehow the Father was quite agitated in his speech which kept me awake, the way he gave homily was interesting anyway after the mass i had to meet some friends over at serangoon thus i left early jus during the video of the family thingy lar...at this time i was already quite blur le...jus outside CTK as i was cornering and checking my usual blind spot before turning off while moving, as i was checking my blind spot, which i saw there wasnt any car but somehow i Dont noe whats wrong with the stupid TAXI infront of me, he E breaked jus at the junction before filtering out and when i turned ard our distance was jus less den 2m apart, kan chiong i quickly slam hard on both breaks only landing my bike close to the ground, leaving only less den one cm apart from the F****** TaXI. I jus wanna thank God tt even though i was lik so stone & tired at that moment he helped me with havin fast reaction of being able to break in time n saving myself from being superman AGAIN.i guess i was moving ard 50km/hr.seems almost impossible to stop with the amt of distance left for me to break but somehow i did.guess God didnt wan to see me fly outside his house.haha!!

THANK YOU LORD=)

2006-11-19T23:18:00.000+08:00

Basketball Time!!

What a marvellous time we had with all the tennis enthusiasts!
Freddie, as usual will power every ball.
And boy, Simon and wife was terrific!!! They beat Vin & Cass!!

Anyway,
Any of you interested in playing basketball this weekend?
Sunday, 26th November 2006? We could play at about 2pm or so.
Teck Ghee CC should be fine eh? or somewhere..

We'll wait for vincent to confirm the venue.
In the meantime, drop your name in the tagboard if you're coming!!

2006-11-18T01:39:00.000+08:00

Tennis Day

RCIY Sponsors Tennis Competition
Date: 19/11/06
Time: 1530hrs-1700hrs
Venue: Faber Gardens Condo (aka Joy's House)
RSVP your application via the tagboard.
*Pls come after attending the sponsors' training!!!

table tennis

2006-11-13T15:17:00.000+08:00

I am shocked. I didn't expect there to be a table tennis session since I don't really read this blog or anything, but took part anyway... Why not, since I had a couple of hours to kill while waiting for mass? I'm glad I did, cos it's been quite some time since I had as much fun as I did yesterday!

Thanks to Greg for letting me beat you so easily (What? You mean it wasn't intentional?) and Simon for giving a few pointers... I think it's a woeful indictment of my physical condition that my body is aching all over (especially my legs) after just a couple of hours of leisurely table tennis. Maybe I should've warmed up too! Urgh.

Anyway we definitely should have stuff like this more often. It's been a very long while since I've felt a sense of belonging to any church group, or indeed even had any fun with any church group. Yesterday was a very welcome experience, even though I steered clear of the pro table and stuck to the amateur one!

So it's gonna be tennis this week? Can't wait.

2006-11-08T14:02:00.000+08:00

TABLE TENNIS DAY

Anyone of you interested in playing table tennis or Basketball this Sunday?
Shall we meet up to play at church?
2pm at the back of the church where there are 2 tables I think.
Open to all!

Reply via tagboard!

DARYL

2006-10-21T00:56:00.000+08:00

haha this is dedicated to the person who keeps asking me to blog here :)..

IT'S DARYL'S 26TH BIRTHDAY TODAY!

This very day, I'd like to present him a birthday prayer:

"Look with favour, we pray, on your child, Daryl, as he begins another year. Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his trust in your goodness all the days of his life. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

GOD BLESS YOU WHATEVERLY:)!!!!

A random post

2006-10-16T20:01:00.000+08:00

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.

My God, He amazes me.

2006-10-16T01:41:00.000+08:00

Wah, just came back from a nice late night chit chat session with Bernard and Freddie. I kinda miss those times really when i was in army and we did such stuff on a much more frequent basis. It truly was nostalgic.

Well this post is actually long overdue. Some weeks ago, I promised God to share through this RCIY blog how He has touched me by His resounding message of FORGIVENESS for my father. Because I shared about it during the camp, I felt it unnecessary to share it again (I was lazy to type it out also). Several days ago, a friend asked me why I haven’t posted anything and encouraged me to do so. Yesterday, God provided me with something to share.

I’ve actually been rather burdened and low with several things on my mind in the past week or so. Some of these things include school work, cca stuff, friendship/relationship issues, bad habits, rciy’s future and God’s call for me. There seemed so many things to think about. There was so little time.

I contemplated bringing my developmental psychology text with me yesterday to the spiritual prep, knowing surely that I’d be wasting my bloody time sitting at the back hearing stuff being said to the neophytes and godparents I already knew. I went without the books eventually, mainly because I felt this was the last day of this batch already and I should just give it my all. Looking back I didn’t regret leaving my work behind.

I had a very good spiritual experience during the prayer session done by charismatic prayer group. But the most powerful experience of God came at the end, when everything ended and people started streaming out. I was pulled aside by Ligna and she asked me if something was bothering me because Cassandra Cheong had a prompting that I was disturbed from the moment she saw me walk into St Mary’s room. I was shocked. I always thought that I could conceal my feelings rather well but I forgot…He can see right through me. I had forgotten that this had happened before 2 years back when I was feeling really shitty and low in confidence about myself during mass in the basement chapel when Ashlee Rachel suddenly turned to me and said “I think He wants me to tell you. God loves you”. I really struggled to keep others from seeing the tears welled up in my eyes.

Although I’m still not feeling superb at the moment, the burdens, deadlines, uncertain friendships are all still there. But through this experience, I truly believe that He has not forgotten me…and sent His word to someone(Cass) I barely know just to simply remind me, “hey look I’m still here watching out for you”. I really felt much better right after that little talk with Ligna and Raymond who shared some pointers about how to stay away from sin and close to God.

Well I think it truly has been a nice journey, trying the hardest ever in my life to walk close with God. All the effort and time put in, it was really worth it all. Lastly I’d really like to say thank you Father, for giving me back so much more, both in the people who love me and people for me to love. Truly, You are my Lord and my God.

I, THANK YOU

2006-10-15T03:53:00.001+08:00

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!

2006-10-08T23:40:00.000+08:00

One more video clip while we're at it.

I really enjoyed watching it.

And Greg, IT'S STILL NOT COUNTED. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO IT WITH THE NAVEL EXPOSED.

NONSENSE.

HAHA!

2006-10-08T23:18:00.000+08:00

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:

Thanx for the Community

2006-10-06T01:42:00.000+08:00

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...

Prayer in Chinese is actually quite amazing.

2006-10-02T21:55:00.000+08:00

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.

:)

Ben's experience at Bernard's house with God

2006-10-02T02:00:00.000+08:00

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

a GOOD prayer meet

2006-10-02T01:50:00.000+08:00

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

What a Camp...

2006-09-27T23:32:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

First blog entry, shall show some support to the RCIY blog.

I want to thank all who made it for the camp and made it such a Spirit filled experience, God is amazing, He really leads you into unknown ground and surprise you by revealing your purpose in the camp.

It has been such a long time since we had a camp and it has been a long time since I really sat down and participated in a camp, always running around for logistics. Thinking back on those three days, it really was a wonderful experience. The best part that I always like about confirmation is when you look at each and every Neophyte, thinking back of them then and now, you see the Christ factor in them, and you know the love of God has passed by this person.

As I reflect now in this camp, I just want to share with you the very message of Jesus that is revealed to me.

What is changing and what is constant in your life today?

God is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. The same God that brought me to church 6 years ago is the same God that is present in this RCIY community. Thank you Lord Jesus.

Last of all I just want to share with you a quote on a book that I have been reading lately. It goes like this,

'Prayer without praxis is pretence; worship without works is wasted. The call of God is to obedience - in every sphere of life.'

Love,
Kenny

Lord I'm amazed by You, how You love me.
How wide, how deep, how great, is Your love for me.

Wonderful Ppl in Camps

2006-09-27T17:50:00.000+08:00

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