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ENCYCLICAL LETTER
FRATELLI TUTTI
OF THE HOLY FATHER
FRANCIS
ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP
Click to access papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.pdf
Rich insights and depth do take the time to read this 3rd Encyclical by Holy Father Pope Francis
Dearest Blessed Mother of Christ, our Beloved mother, we are grateful for your unending love and intercession for us. We your children love you with all our hearts… Happy Mothers day!May the loving grace of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, be upon all mothers this day and everyday . Amen
What a start to the new year! It started out great with the Eucharistic Celebration then followed by the Benediction at midnight ending with the Salve Regina in Latin.
Then we headed down to the auditorium for food, drinks, dancing and singing. Then rushed home at about 2:30am. Which left me only about 3hrs of sleep as I had committed to serve as a steward and had agreed to joint lead the hymns with Bro Augustine for the EC later at 8am.
Got dressed, rushed out the door at about 6:55am and rode my bicycle to Church, what I didn’t expect was to fall off the bike while turning out to the pathway! Sprained my right wrist, hurt a rib but otherwise I was fine. Strangely my white long sleeve shirt and tie was still clean, dusted off my slacks and was good to go or so I thought! The bicycle chain got jammed and so I couldn’t pedal. Brought the bike back upstairs to see if I could fix it without getting dirty, tried without success as I needed to get my tools out. Figured I didn’t have enough time so decided to take a bus to church instead.
As I was still early, I sat behind to go through the hymns. When Bro Jem came in and sat beside me. He thanked me for my reflections and honest sharings with him in 2019 which caught me off guard as he was quiet about it at the time. Anyhow he shared that he intended to lead the Lauds before EC and I encouraged him to do so.
Then while praying the Lauds one of the altar servers, I think it was Gabriel (he has an identical twin Michael and I have difficultly telling them apart) sat beside me and asked if we had chosen the hymns? Told him yes and he offered to play the guitar. He asked for the hymn titles so he could prepare the chords for them. Shared with him the opening hymn was ‘What child is this’ Offertory Hymn ‘Of my hands I give to You’ Communion hymn ‘I am the bread of life’ and Recessional ‘Mother dear pray for me’. His brother again I think it was Michael came up to tell him that if he was planning to sit with me and strum from where I was at; the congregation would not be able to hear clearly. So he left for the loft to use a microphone. I was wondering how we would pull it off together as there was no time to rehearse neither was I able to share with Bro Augustine the slight changes or rather enhancements. Praise the Lord all went very well indeed, I strongly belive through the workings of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Bro Augustine also affirmed later by whatsapp, that we are indeed many parts but one Body In Christ!
Anyhow it is quite clear to me that at this very start of the new year, it is about growimg in faith through discipleship. While there will certainly be trials and challenges ahead. Our Lord, His Blessed mother and the Holy Spirit will be with me and you through it all. Amen
It is always a struggle for our parishes to encourage and start neighbourhood groups and small Christian communities. There is always the question of time, knowledge on how to do it and the resources to get one running. If only everyone got to experience just how wonderful an experience it is to journey together with and in the Lord, all the anxiety and challenges that one might perceive to face will be moot!
There is also a sad reality that there are some who had at one time belonged to a community of believers but have allowed the cares of the world to overshadow them. They give excuse after excuse till they decide that no excuse is necessary any longer for leaving behind their community behind. It is just the way it is, their priorities have changed. They will never admit that their lives become empty and shallow. They think they can grow in faith, love and spirituality on their own. The truth is that unless they practise a sort of monastic asceticism focused on Christ their growth is already stunted. We can only pray that they come back to the community who awaits them with open arms.
Here is something I put together to encourage everyone…..
**Importance of Belonging To A Small Christian Community**
Without going into depth, sharing my experience of the importance of being part of a Christian community as we are all called to do as believers in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1. Authentically we live out our faith as one Body In Christ.
2.Accountability, we become accountable to one another in striving for holiness.
3. We learn to be charitable and generous with one another and others outside our community.
4. We become aware of the importance of being present for one another and are willing to sacrifice to be there for one another.
5. Jesus blesses us with His presence in our homes and in the places we gather in His name; His mother our Blessed Mother Mary is always with us as well.
6. The word of God is alive and active in our lives because His Word reigns in our hearts.
7. Our other devotions like the rosary and divine mercy becomes more powerful and alive through His Word which stands above all.
8. We are affirmed and encouraged through the sharing of our testimonies of our Lord’s love in our lives.
9. We are witnesses to the transformations of one another that takes place through Christ our Lord.
10. We bear witness and affirm one another’s gifts of the Holy Spirit which we use collectively to build our Lord’s kingdom.
11. We bask in the love of our Lord through our fraternal bonds that grow stronger through our faith and love with and in Him.
12. With growth of His love within our community we become more inclusive, warm and inviting to others seeking our Lord.
13. Many within the community will be challenged to be more and do more. Always relying on His strength, grace and love.
14. We are witnesses to the effects of our own transformed lives which has a great positive impact on our families, friends and parish communities.
15. We grow in our zeal to share His love with all that we meet. We become bolder and more courageous in our endeavour.
16. We start living in the Spirit according to the Will of God.
17. We experience the peace and joy of Christ constantly in our lives.
18. As our community matures in faith we adore and praise God more and more as One Body In Him, as we come together to intercede more often for others.
19. We are there for one another in our joys as well as our sorrows. The experience of having your brothers and sisters in Christ with you in the these moments are out of this world and to be cherished.
20. As the community grows and matures further we are driven to Mission through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, which gradually took form in the second millennium under the guidance of the Spirit of God, is a prayer loved by countless Saints and encouraged by the Magisterium. Simple yet profound, it still remains, at the dawn of this third millennium, a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness. It blends easily into the spiritual journey of the Christian life, which, after two thousand years, has lost none of the freshness of its beginnings and feels drawn by the Spirit of God to “set out into the deep” (duc in altum!) in order once more to proclaim, and even cry out, before the world that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour, “the way, and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6), “the goal of human history and the point on which the desires of history and civilization turn”.(1)
The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the sobriety of its elements, it has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium.(2) It is an echo of the prayerof Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive Incarnation which began in her virginal womb. With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer
Extract :APOSTOLIC LETTER
ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE
St John Paul II
So I was warmly invited to attend a Servants of The Lord prayer meeting in the home of the brother who first introduced me to the group which I had never heard of till about a month ago. Even he was not aware I was coming because another fellow brother in the group wanted it to be a surprise. I attended with no expectations except to experience the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we are approaching the month of the rosary, and in preparation I urge you all to watch and listen to this talk by Fr Don….it’s wonderful and enriching.
As scripture says: By my life—it is the Lord who speaks—every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall praise God. (Rm 14:11)
All creation sings praise to God simply by being fully what the Creator intended. Obedience to God’s designs is in itself an act of worship. Worship without obedience is merely hollow flattery. Yet both worship and obedience are less than Christian if they do not spring from the one root: love of God.
You attend a retreat and the Lord speaks to you, you take notes then after the retreat you shelve your notebook all is lost!
You share keypoints and takeaways with your members, will they understand what has to be done, will they be moved? The nuances and graces received from the retreat are all lost on them!
You attend and are moved to do more, pray more, be more but afterwards go back to your old comforts and ways of doing what you have been doing. All is lost!
You attempt to put into practice what you have learnt and at the first sign of resistance you wave the white flag. All is lost!
Having attended a spirit filled retreat perhaps one should modify an old motto, ‘No retreat, No surrender! I will move forwards with and in the Lord and will only surrender all to Him’ Amen
This is my code of conduct, mission statement all rolled into one. Something I am striving to live out.
Solemnity of Corpus Christi 2019
Today is a very Holy Special day in which we commemorate and celebrate the real presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The tangible reality of God’s great love for us. Our Eucharistic Lord and saviour whom we carry in procession in our hearts this day and everyday.
It is also a specially revered day for all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and often a day in which new ministers are commissioned. Two members, a couple from our CG LOL SCC (small Christian community)Derek and Felicia answered this call and were commissioned today. Praise the Lord.
It was such an honour and privilege today of all days to be asked to lead the prayer; as we gathered outside at the foyer to pray as one Church before service. Stewards of the Banquet together with our brethren from EMHC.
Jesus You are indeed our Eucharistic Lord and God, we praise and thank You for receiving us, just as we have received You in that loving embrace during Holy Communion. May we always be one with You in all that we say and do. Amen
While in Adoration this morning…
What a wonderful way to end the liturgical year! Thanksgiving Eucharist with Gloria Patri Ministry leading the way from one year into the next urging us all to embrace our cross and follow Jesus.
Memorable too because my wife proclaimed the first reading for the first time from the pulpit. Then our Lord blessed me too with an opportunity to serve Him as an Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. This brought a tear to my eye for I felt His endearing love for me. He knew that I would always be willing to serve Him in any capacity. Even if it meant doing something I was uncomfortable with. I only pray that as we enter into the new year, Holy Spirit Lord will guide my steps and guard my heart. Amen
Blessed Advent everyone!
Yesterday night, during the healing mass led by Gloria Patri Ministry. The atmosphere was the most intense it has ever been in a long while and lots of healing took place through the healing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to our ever merciful and loving God!
Father was inspired by the Gospel reading to lead married couples in renewing of their marriage vows to one another. My wife turned to me and said she did not want to put me in a spot and that she did not want to do it. She would bring my daughter out to go to the toilet when the time came. I turned to her baffled. She saw my look and asked why? Did I want to do it? I replied why is it even a question?
I began to feel uncomfortable as to why I was even there? I was not angry but overwhelmed with sorrow. My wife’s reaction was puzzling to me, was there something I did wrong or hurt her that she did not want to do it? I could not shake the feeling even after verbally praying and asking Jesus to take the hurt feelings away.
Then Joseph the prayer leader revealed more healing taking place. All of a sudden I heard him say, “The Lord is touching you, Julian, Julian!” At that very moment all the negative feelings were taken away and I felt His profound love envelop me.
Later Father invited the married couples to stand and face one another, my wife stood up and invited me to do likewise. We took one another’s hands and renewed our commitment to love one another. Praise the Lord!
Later that night I shared with her how disappointed I was initially with her reaction. She explained that she wanted to do it, but out of respect for me she did not want to compel me to do it. Apparently she had a recording in her mind, of something I shared with her a few years back. I had told her I did not believe in the practise of renewing one’s vows. Afterall our marriage vows is covenantal, forever not something that needed to be renewed like a driver’s license. We should look upon the vows we made as sacred. What we should continue to renew is our love for each other.
Yes I remembered saying it and still believe in what I said. However I was willing to do so out of obedience to the priest who encouraged it and for her sake. ❤️
Theme – Love or lost
What a blessing to be part of the first ever archdiocese level family camp. Families from different parishes gathered together to experience the love of our Lord and to have fun together.
The youths had several opportunities to reflect as well as bond through their own separate activities. The kids too, those below 12 had some enrichment and lots of fun games to take part in. While the adults re-learnt the great importance of loving one another after God. That is if we love God first in our lives; followed by loving one another, the love for our children will be heightened and the family will be one.
Apart from that it gave me great joy to meet and bond with other families from the other parishes. The greatest joy came from first being given the opportunity as husband and wife to serve at the Eucharistic celebrations, especially on the feast of Corpus Christi. And secondly, being able to share the love of Christ through our faith experiences with one another. By giving hope and encouragement to a mother struggling to bring the family together for prayer. Then sharing with another who was genuinely seeking but not yet finding; the experience and importance of belonging to a community even building up one through faith in Christ.
All of us were truly blessed not only to experience the love of Christ in very tangible ways but to have a wonderful spiritual director who led us very much closer to Him through the love sessions.
I was very much in awe to learn at the end of the camp as we were departing that the lady I had spoken to about community had managed to get three other families staying close by to continue their journey together. One of them was a neophyte! What a blessing indeed to witness the grace of God and the fruits of the camp.
Glory and Praise to God our Father, His son our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The journey towards Easter this year was certainly not what I hoped for. By far in the last five years this has been the dryest one of all. Still I clung on as tightly as I could to His love for me.
In the last three weeks leading up to Easter my reflection was on the denial of St Peter. How easy it was to judge him for his lack of faith when it mattered most. And yet how many times had I denied Jesus in my own words and actions? Hence as far as possible I would call to mind this reflection.
The second reflection that hit me in an all new way and only recently was in Jesus’s washing of his disciples feet. St Peter’s response is another classic, in which he protested that his Lord should not wash his feet. Is my own respond to Jesus any different? When I allow empty pride get in the way of allowing my saviour to cleanse me that I be made worthy of Him? I have no part of Him otherwise! He did not cling to His divinity, instead He humbled himself to go on His knees to wash my feet. To cleanse me of my sins. That very act brought to mind the Sacrament of reconciliation. Why does it matter which priest it is? What did it matter how dirty and dark my sins were? How embarrassing it was for me to confess? How can I allow pride to prevent my saviour from cleansing me? Also in that very act of love for me, by washing my feet he shows me how I am called to lead others to His love. I am called to do so in the very same manner.
While I was mourning the loss of my Spirituality this Lent, my dear Lord was speaking His truth to my heart in a deep profound way. My eyes were opened to His great love for me and you during the Easter Vigil! His Peace perfumed the air. His abundant blessings came down upon us as Holy water was sprinkled and we were renewed in His holiness. His shepherd then let us in a joyful celebration in His love. I praised and thanked Jesus and offered to try my hardest to always stand ready to serve Him in humility. I honestly did not think He would call me so soon, but that very night I was called up to serve Him even though it looked there were more than enough hands and feet on duty. Needless to say I was in awe. Joy filled my heart and it has carried over today.
May the joy of the Risen Lord fill your heart not just for a day or two but for all eternity. Amen
My Easter candle came with a message….. I need to bleed a little more for Him.
Truly Blessed Easter celebration. To have celebrated with joy and thankful hearts with the whole Parish! Lifting hands in praise and worship. To have received both the body and blood of Christ and to be given the opportunity to serve Him. Thank You Jesus…
Recollection on my Birthday
Recalling in awe and amazement how the Lord has fast tracked my faith life in the last 7 years.
Summary
1. Placed in me a growing desire to learn more after realising I knew so little about Eucharist during my eldest First Holy Communion programme.
2. Called to service as Extraordinary Communion Minister of Holy Communion.
3. Called to journey through LISS.
4. Called to deepen my faith in the Holy Eucharist by facilitating the FHC program.
5. Called to deepen my faith and love for Jesus and the Holy Spirit through the Four Steps Retreat.
6. Called to help facilitate LISS from time to time.
7. Given opportunities to serve as an altar server, doubling up as communion minister.
8. Given opportunities to proclaim the word as a Lector.
9. Give opportunities to be Animator for choir
10. Called to start a neighbourhood group.
11. Called to start a blog
12. Called to start a Facebook page (currently with 12k followers around the globe)
13. Called to facilitate confirmation program for two young adults.
14. Called to deeper discipleship through burning bush, RISS and other such programs.
15. Called to leadership.
16. Called to mentor others into discipleship
17. Called to journey with CPS small Christian community.
18. Neighbour group transforms into small Christian community.
19. Called to share the faith through talks and personal testimonies
20. Guiding those who desire to serve into ministry.
21. Planning and development for the future.
I am indeed grateful, thankful and humble by the many blessings and Graces ourpoured by the Holy Trinity. I Pray that whatever I am called to do will be strictly the Lord’s will for me, and that it may be done in a way pleasing to Him, the Lord my God. Amen
Today was the first time I gave a talk at a RCIA session. Scripture passage Luke 9:23-24 Praise the Lord for His graces and inspiration. Great opportunity to share the 7 characteristics of the Cross We are called to carry.
Just a brief reflection on a Christ filled session…
When the Lord calls I have learnt to always say yes unless I am prompted to say otherwise. And so it was a privilege to witness and be part of the pray over team.
It was amazing to feel the Lord’s strong presence even before He came into the Auditorium in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. Another wonderful thing was the very large number teens who were very opened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and an equal large number who possessed an intense desire to experience the Lord in a deep tangible way.
But what struck me the most was just how much brokenness there was in many of the teens. How some were holding on to unforgiveness because of deep hurts and pain. How others were struggling with habitual sins, addictions and anger issues. And many similar issues that we adults face such as rejections etc.
I began to see how grave it can be if and when their parents downplay the struggles they face or think little or nothing of them. What if they as parents were the cause of much of their hurts, pain and they did not even realise it. For example being critical about everything their child does or simply being indifferent towards them and their accomplishments.
How blessed we are as a Church to have a vibrant youth programme, good proper catechesis and Youth conferences such as this to bring about healing, reconciliation and a deepening of the Faith.
What a great Blessing it was for me personally that the Lord had given me a very unique opportunity to pray over both my sons. I am quite sure it was not planned out by the Youth Coordinators as they might have felt that the children might be uncomfortable if it was their own parents praying over them. Trying to be sensitive to my sons’ feelings if any, I prayed over them from behind while my partner took the front. Through the wonderful grace of our Lord Jesus Christ my younger son experienced what it is like to rest in the Spirit and to receive His graces. Today when asked if he was comfortable with me praying over him, he shared that he was in actual fact hoping it would be me.
We the prayer team witnessed the Lord’s healing power in many of the youths, liberation, and His abundant love and peace filling their hearts. I am certain many of them received new gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever. Amen
I had allowed the cares of the world to overpower me somehow. For I had forgotten what it was like to walk in the Spirit. However my Lord called me to attend the Spirit Fest aka tridium leading to up to Pentecost. I know He surely called me as I had no plans or intentions of attending.
Praise the Lord I managed to go for reconciliation on Thursday evening, because by Saturday I was very much alive in the spirit. When asked if anyone wanted to share about their encounter with the Holy Spirit, I was prompted to share. So I testified with a condensed version of my own conversion experience and a few encounters with the workings of the Holy Spirit. Then I waited patiently knowing it would touch someone out there even maybe someone who had heard it all before.
Later on that day I paired up with a lady who was formerly from another Parish ‘Christ the King’ . She thanked me for the sharing as she was inspired by it. I was then given the opportunity to pray for her to unlock some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which she needed. It was a memorable prayer indeed as I was fully guided by the Holy Spirit on how to pray for her.
Again fully inspired before dinner and the Eucharist, I shared with our small group of eight. Many are afraid to commit to the Lord and allow for the Holy Spirit to take over. Why? Are we afraid that by saying Yes He will make us do something we do not want to do? Why are we afraid? In Jer 29:11 He promises that He has a plan for us. Not to harm us but to prosper us. He is the one constant source of strength, peace and love in our lives. Heb 13:8 Jesus is the same today, tomorrow and forever. So like I learnt in having attended Marriage Encounter, why settle for a good enough marriage when you can have a great marriage? The Lord is telling us not to settle for a mediocre relationship with Him, but let us say Yes to Him like a faithful spouse and we will bear great fruits in our life with Him. Amen
After four hours of deeply reflecting His Word in the Adoration room. It was only in the last half an hour that I received this two sentences from my Lord. To me they are profound in simplicity. Two different sentences yet one complete message that has a great impact on my journey towards a deeper relationship with Him. It will definitely help me become a better disciple then I could ever have hoped to be.
“You are no better than anyone else. You are just as good.”
Glory and Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ!
My cousin Sandra who got married today had asked me months ago in October at my God daughter’s wedding dinner; if I would be able to help with the scripture reading for her wedding. Apparently I was auditioning for the part when I read the second reading at my God daughter’s wedding and didn’t even realise it. (I’m kidding of course)
I readily accepted as it would be a unique opportunity to proclaim the word of God in another Church. Only I wasn’t give any details, that is what scripture passage I would be reading, where I was to stand nor at which point I would be doing so. Decided I would play it by ear even though I prefer to have been prepared.
Only after reaching Calvary City Church which is Charismatic evangelical, I found my name in the booklet. The reading was to take place after the praise and worship session. The pastor then came up to me and requested I read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 which just happened to be the same exact reading I proclaimed months earlier. I was thrilled and elated because it is not only one of my favourite scripture passages but because I knew it well. I proclaimed it with all my heart and soul!
The pastor then took over with preaching and the ceremony. At the lunch reception that followed Sandra whispered in my ear that the reading was done perfectly and she thanked me. I praised the Lord immediately! So glad and thankful to have been able to serve Him and to have contributed a little to Sandra’s wedding bliss.
1 Cor 13:1-8
Though I command languages both human and angelic—if I speak without love, I am no more than a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. And though I have the power of prophecy, to penetrate all mysteries and knowledge, and though I have all the faith necessary to move mountains—if I am without love, I am nothing. Though I should give away to the poor all that I possess, and even give up my body to be burned—if I am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. Love never comes to an end. But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if tongues, they will fall silent; and if knowledge, it will be done away with.
You can have the best intentions and best planning tools but without Jesus in its centre or the love of Him and His people you have nothing but a secular event with imitation spiritual trimmings. A joyous front, a facade which quite easily satisfies the non spiritual appetite.
For those truly in love with Christ and His people, will never leave things to their own design. Will never slap together a makeshift myriad of ideas, spiritual elements of songs, prayers, food, games and entertainment.
Each and every aspect of the event is prayed upon, discerned, pondered over by the whole team. Then slowly each brick is laid and the whole foundation is built upon our Rock.
The results will speak for itself……here are some
* A sense of peace and joy fills the room for our Lord is present.
* A hunger and thirst for more in which time gently whizzes by.
* A lasting memory which brings a smile upon recollection.
* Community bonds are formed and they look forward to the next meeting or event.
* A desire to serve our Lord and God in some cases…..
ADVENT
The word Advent is from the Latin adventus for “coming” and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sundays, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, (November 30) and continuing until December 24. It blends together a penitential spirit, very similar to Lent, a liturgical theme of preparation for the Second and Final Coming of the Lord, called the Parousia, and a joyful theme of getting ready for the Bethlehem event.
Since the 900s Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year. This does not mean that Advent is the most important time of the year. Easter has always had this honor.
The traditional color of Advent is purple or violet which symbolizes the penitential spirit. Religious traditions associated with Advent express all these themes.
Advent Wreath
“Customarily the Advent Wreath is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which are inserted four candles (advent candles). According to tradition, three of the candles are violet and the fourth is rose. However, four violet or white candles (advent candles) may also be used” (Book of Blessings 1510).
The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent, for this color anticipates and symbolizes the Christmas joy announced in the first word of the Entrance Antiphon: “Rejoice” (Latin, Gaudete). For this reason the Third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and rose color vestments are permitted.
The Advent Wreath represents the long time when people lived in spiritual darkness, waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the Light of the world. Each year in Advent people wait once again in darkness for the coming of the Lord, His historical coming in the mystery of Bethlehem, His final coming at the end of time, and His special coming in every moment of grace.
During Advent, family and friends can gather around the Advent Wreath lighting the appropriate candle(s), read from the daily Advent meditation and sing songs. The Church’s official Book of Blessings also provides a blessing ceremony for the advent wreath which can be used in the absence of a priest.
Advent Calendar
A personal calendar can be made for the four weeks before Christmas. On the calendar, a person can mark the Advent Calendar with personal goals of preparation or acts of service to be done for others.
Advent House
This is a popular rendition of the Jesse Tree and is usually purchased in a religious goods store. It has windows to be opened each day during Advent, each displaying a feature of the coming of the Christ Child. On December 24 the door is opened, revealing the Nativity scene.
If you find yourself in a pitch dark tunnel, don’t be afraid neither do you need to search for a light at the end of it. Use the light of Christ within you to lead you out of it.
I love all the Catholic Churches in the world, but the two main Parishes I will always hold dear to my heart are Church of the Risen Christ in Toa Payoh and Church of St Anthony Woodlands Singapore.
Church of the Risen Christ is the Parish I grew up in, with fond memories of friendships built to last a lifetime. Of taking part in the choir for a spell and carolling round the neighbourhood at Christmas. Of the blessed opportunity to read out a poem I had written for then Archbishop Gregory Yong during my confirmation EC. I had learnt about the faith through my Cathechism there and grew up knowing full well that I would never abandon the Church to seek God elsewhere.
Fast forward 25++ years later or so, my home Parish is now Church of St Anthony. This is where my journey truly began, where I encountered the Holy Trinity in a very personal way and developed a deep loving relationship with Him. God our Father opened so many doors for me and gave me so many opportunities to serve Him in His Church, the community and more. We at St Anthony’s are truly blessed to have great, wonderful and dedicated Shepherds. Especially our Parish Priest who works tirelessly in working to form His flock.
And so Heavenly Father I thank You for the fond memories of the past and the fond memories developing as I continue to serve You in my Church, my community and in the world. I pray You to continue to bless, guide and watch over our priests and laity. Especially our Pope, our Bishop, our priests and all the clergy, religious around the world. Amen
A wonderful and timely homily on marraige by Father Terence Pereira from Church of St Anthony Singapore.
Do give it a listen…
https://www.dropbox.com/s/57pmj45zfq5qy4a/Homily%20%28Fr%20T%20on%20marraige%29.mp3?dl=0
In the last three years as I have journeyed with my fellow Office Bearers, I have grown indeed in my relationship with Jesus.
The journey was filled with many challenges and there were many times I too wanted to give up. But I accepted them as challenges of carrying the Cross and moved forward. On hindsight it was these very challenges that brought me closer to my Lord and gave me a sense of fulfilment. I have as a result grown in my love for my fellow sisters, brothers serving together in the ministry and my community.
Allow me to share with you some of my insights on discipleship which prayerfully will help you grow in your own journey….
A Reflection Guide For (Ministry) on Being An Effective Disciple Of Christ
1. **Celebrate** always for you have received the joy of the Gospel. And every EC you attend is a celebration of life and love in God our Father through His Son. This joy should be reflected in your service.
2. **Communion** it is not enough to receive Holy Communion, you need to always ponder deeply on what it means to be in communion with the Holy Trinity. And especially with one another, one body in Christ.
3. **Community** you have been chosen by God our Father to love and serve His flock. And so your service to and for them must take precendence when called upon for duty. Are you actively feeding His lambs and His sheep?
4. **Communication** Prayer must be central in your life for it is through prayer that you grow in faith and your relationship with God our Father. And in the same way you take time and effort to communicate with others must be a reflection of your effective prayer life with and through the Holy Trinity.
5. **Commitment** Your commitment / dedication to service is a reflection of your continued Yes to Jesus in taking up your cross and following Him.
6. **Compassion** Loving and forgiving is our Lord and God, slow to anger rich in kindness. He forgave us from the Cross can you do any less for your brethren? Let us never forget it is in His mercy that He set us free and transformed us. Let us always strive to be Christ like, quick to forgive and charitable with our words.
7. **Courageous** You are so because you trust fully in God our Father’s providence and love for you. Go forth as sent by your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to witness to His profound love for us all. You have with you always your comforter and your guide, the Holy Spirit.
I have never forgotten my first time serving as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. And over the years since 2011 I have penned the many wonderful experiences and encounters.
I must admit that there were times too I felt perturbed even dismayed when parishioners came up with a lack of reverence and especially when they were dressed in shorts. I would later pray for them to encounter God in a deep personal way.
As the years passed, I’ve made it a point to grow deeper in love with Jesus in the Eucharist and His flock. So that every encounter of placing Christ on the palm or tongue of His people is a loving act.
Today however the experience was totally new and I pray will carry over for the rest of my life. For as I was giving communion, I began to feel the intense love of Christ for His people. As I looked into their eyes, it did not matter what they had done or failed to do. Whether they were dressed properly or not. He loved them all so very much and probably even more than they will ever realise. There was no room in me in that moment of time to question, ponder or reflect. God’s all encompassing, powerful love embracing me in that very moment! And so when I returned to the pew to pray I teared, a joyful blessed experience indeed but what did I do to deserve it?
Thank You Jesus! Glory to You O Lord my God. Amen
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After 45 mins of posting this testimony, I received this private message from a brother through another sister. She shared what her daughter told her….
Today Rachel received communion from Julian, she said he looks like a care bear, his eyes look so gentle, as though he is in the cloud so fluffy. 😇
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