There was a woman who routinely cut the ends of each turkey before p l ac ing i t i n an oven . One day, her daughter asked her why she always did that and she responded that s h e d i d n ’ t r e a l l y know. Apparently it was something her mother had always done . Her daughter then asked her grandma why she always cut the ends off a tur key before placing it in the oven and her grandma answered that it was something she had always watched her own mother do.

Finally, the young girl asked her great-great grandma the purpose of cutting the ends of the turkey. “Oh, that,” replied the elderly woman. “My oven is too small. I always had to cut the ends off to fit the turkey into the oven.”

Many of us continually think of certain ways of doing things because we’ve become so used to our own ways. We somehow do what we have been taught so much so that we never even consider questioning what we do. We are better served, however, when moment-by-moment we routinely examine our thoughts, beliefs and actions, asking whether they are serving us well. We can then begin to implement new ideas and see improvements in our work. By this continual examination, we gently prod ourselves into looking “outside the

box” of how a task has always been done. Life doesn’t come packaged. We shouldn’t be living as if it did. Life is an adventure and we ought to be open and creative and seek new and better ways of doing something better than ever. While there is a place for true and tested methods, there is also always room for improvement.

My pastoral vision for Holy Spirit parish is to see it being renewed. Our main emphasis is on the renewal of family life, youth, Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and ministries. We will also be looking into a new ministry called ‘Landings’ meant to help lapsed Catholics return to Church. We are not looking for instant results but will be working steadily for three consecutive years.

This year, we star t with the ‘Healing of the Family’. Next year, we have ‘Growing as A Family’ and finally, in 2010, we have ‘Ser ving as a Family’.

This Lunar New Year the Chinese ushered in the Rat. Let it not be a ‘rat race’ urging us to be even more mater ialistic and competitive. Let us not see our ministries or our work as competition or working without reward or performing meaningless work. For the secular world, the daily rat race offers no chance for future success. It recognises no possibility of invention, excitement or enter tainment.

But for us the family of God, we must draw our strength from St Paul who exhor ts us to keep running the race to win the crown of righteousness. In 1 Cor 9:24 St Paul says that we are to concentrate on our training and run to win.

May we not remain stuck in the oven with the roasted turkey!

Fr Andrew Wong

Church of The Holy Spirit

2008March

Our Mission“To promote community spirit

through information and awareness of Parish activities.”

Contents

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2/06

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7

1 My Dear Parishioners . . .

2 • An Advent Reflection • Yes Lord! We Love U and We’ll Feed

Your Lambs

3 • tHe Conference 2007• Women Extra-ordinary Ministers of the

Eucharist

4 & 5 Fr David Thexeira, A Blessed Life 6 • Praying for Christian Unity • A Face in the Crowd

7 • A Pillarless View • Dearly Departed

8 • Parish Ministry Day of Recollection • Focus on Ministry Activities

MY DEAR PARISHIONERS...

“YES LORD!WE LOvE U AND WE’LL fEED YOUR LAMbS”What started out as a meeting among some catechists to put together some information for parents, snowballed into a full-pledged project - complete with information booths, exhibition boards, sl ide shows, sale of brownies, and a spontaneous 10-member youth choir.

The Catechetical Fair, from 10 to 11 November 2007, took a detour from its original intention to provide information to parents. In the end, it achieved a lot more.

That weekend, 26 catechists came forward to journey with the children in their faith education, 16 junior catechists responded enthusiastically to plan and implement catechetical events and six facilitators helped

out in administration. In taking the step forward, they all responded resoundingly to Jesus’ call to serve.

This year we are embarking on a unified approach towards catechesis for both primary and secondary levels. The unified syllabus mirrors more closely the various liturgical seasons, feast days and celebrations.

We are introducing journals to facilitate greater dialogue among children, parents and

catechists. There are also plans for several catechetical projects aimed at promoting a lively community spirit among our children and youth. For instance, in addition to their respective camps, the Secondary 1 and 2 youth will get a chance to organise day camps for the primary level classes.

The Catechists’ training also takes centerstage this year. From a series of refresher talks on “Sacraments, how much do you know?” by Fr Michael Arro, to talks by trained counsellors and teachers of special-needs children, our catechists can look forward to resource and information suppor t to help them be competent and confident faith educators.

With 900 children in our midst, we are always looking out for those who are ready to serve. You do not have to journey alone.We will walk with you. When you are ready, simply email us at hscatechism@gmail.com. Anytime!

Amy LimHead, Catechetical Ministry

AN ADvENt REfLEctIONAdvent is traditionally a time of ‘waiting’ – waiting for the bir th of Jesus Christ. The many symbols associated with Advent and Christmas are rich in meaning.

This was the focus that Fr Ignatius Huan used to help more than 150 par ticipants reflect on during their “Advent Reflection” on 9 December.

Come Chr istmas and we are a lways bombarded by adver t i sement s and activities that commercialise it. Although many emphasize the value of giving, Fr Huan reminded us that these exhor tations fail to acknowledge the religious nature of Chr i s tmas and of ten d i s tor t our appreciation of the true significance of this holy season.

Hence, the Advent Reflection was timely in preparing us spiritually for Christmas. Fr Huan explained the various symbols of Advent and Christmas and their scriptural significance . For example , the advent wreath is a symbol of Chr ist ’s victor y over sin and death and the circular shape proclaims God’s eternal nature; the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook that

helps bring back strayed sheep - it reminds us that we are our brother’s keeper ; the holly plant reminds us of immor tality - it represents the crown of thorns with

the red holly berr ies representing the blood He shed for us; the bell symbolises guidance and return as it r ings mankind to the fold.

Fr Huan shared anecdotes from his life to descr ibe how the meaning of these liturgical events became ‘alive’ to him. He also screened shor t video clips of various sequences in the Christmas nativity story.

Many tend to romanticise the bir th of Jesus such as , Baby Jesus being born in a stable surrounded by animals and the presentat ion of gi fts by the wise men, without reflecting on its religious significance . However, the harsh reality of Jesus’ bir th was that there was no room at the inn for the Holy Family in their hour of greatest need. Jesus came into the wor ld not in the splendour of a palace, but in a humble stable far away from home. It struck me then that how we respond to the coming of Christ affects our preparation for Christmas. Christmas without “Christ” would not be Christmas at all. We need to share and spread the love, peace and joy of Christ.

For the par ticipants at Fr Huan’s talk, it was indeed an afternoon well spent, in preparation for a Holy Christmas 2007!

Gilbert Wong2

WOMEN ExtRA-ORDINARY MINIStERS Of tHE EUcHARIStSome time back in 2006, news went around that the Archbishop had decided to allow parishes to commission women as Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.

When I first heard about this, I felt that it did not concern me because I could not imagine myself as a possible candidate for this ministr y. I was really surprised when Fr Andrew asked me on one occasion whether I could commit an hour or so on weekends. He didn’t tell me why though. Then on another occasion he approached and asked me to fill up my par ticulars. I did so obediently and only when I looked at

the list, did I realise that it was for this ministr y.

About 10 of us then underwent three sessions on the Eucharist with Fr Michael Arro, MEP. In our parish we were told that we would star t our ministr y on the first Sunday of Advent. As the day approached I was anxious and one day after Mass I asked

Jesus earnestly whether he really wanted me to be His Extra-ordinary Minister of the Eucharist. The confirmation came when within the hour, another priest from the chapel where I occasionally attend Mass, called and asked whether I could serve in the same ministry there too. Then I decided not to question the Lord’s call any fur ther.

The first few weeks when I distributed the Eucharist I felt awed by the presence of God. At times my fingers felt like rubbery thumbs and at other times my heart pounded loudly as if my whole body was vibrating but throughout I felt a deep peace.

Now having been an Extra-ordinary Minister of the Eucharist for more than a year I look forward to every opportunity to distribute the Eucharist because of the immense peace it gives me in sharing Christ with others. I thank God for choosing me to be His instrument in this way.

Mary Rajadurai

tHE cONfERENcE 2007

“Who do you say I am?”(Matt 16:15) was the theme of this youth conference. These words that Jesus posed to his disciples 2000 years ago now challenged me and each one of us. The two days gave me time to ponder the fruits of the conference. I realised that Jesus is and has been my hiding place, my comforter, my friend and my advisor for the past twenty years of my life.

tHE Conference , held from 29 to 30 November, was an oppor tunity for youth from the various ministries and the parish at large, to come together as one community for two spirit-and fun-filled days and to grow as one. There was time for praise and

worship, games, activities, personal reflections and para-liturgies.

I prayed that Jesus would pour his love on all of us and let us experience His amazing grace. I was not disappointed.

On the first night, we had a para-liturgy where we were invited to recall and acknowledge the areas of our lives where our faults and weaknesses prevented us from receiving God’s love fully and to write them down. We were then invited to surrender them to God by nailing our pieces of paper onto a big wooden cross. At that moment, it dawned upon me that no matter how sinful we are, God loves us and we are equal in His eyes. I was touched by that reminder and prayed to always have the humility to acknowledge my weaknesses and ask for His forgiveness.

On the second day, I was most struck by the

community circle game where we leaned on each other, supporting our weight on the lap of our neighbour. This brought to mind the importance of community and how as one Catholic Church, we need to rely and lean on each other in our faith journey. Through community and fellowship we can fur ther experience His wonders!

tHE Conference not only reminded me of the love and hope Jesus brings when we open our hear ts to Him, but it also gave me an insight into the youth of Holy Spirit Church - a seriously happening and energetic bunch! I had loads of fun and am thankful that I spent those two days with God and the community.

After all, “Who do you say I am?”(Matt 16:15)… You could say He is a fun friend to have!

Samantha Ng

3

My brother was born on 6 November 1956 to our parents, Lewis and Rita Thexeira. My other b ro t he r, M i c h ae l a nd I followed, then came Rober t, 16 years after David. Growing up in Jalan Kesoma was the best years for us.

David, our big brother was quite a prankster but he was always there for all of us - when we fell from the bike or when neighbours tried to pick a fight. His alma mater was St Gabriel’s School.

During his 10 years with SATS Cargo, David travelled quite a bit but he always found time for the family. He was the one who encouraged me to join Singapore Airlines and was also the best man at my wedding. He is still my best man.

During that time, David spent many of his Saturdays at St Bernadette’s Church. One day, he invited us to join him for the celebration there. We were amazed at his transformation amongst the community that he loved. This was our first encounter with the Neo Catechumenal Community and seeing David so alive, involved and excited, was truly inspiring. We had not seen this side of him before.

Shor tly after that, he came home and announced that he had a calling from God and that he was

going to follow the call. It was as if a cold hand had grabbed hold of our hear ts. We loved him so much and could not let him go. But then hearing him explain so ar ticulately and passionately about his love for God and the ministry he felt he needed to join, calmed our fears and took away our sadness.

David was 33 year s old then and it was as if a

weight was lifted off him. He gave up everything almost immediately and handed in his resignation, although he had just been promoted to cargo manager. Shortly after, he left for Rome for a retreat. He also had an audience with the Pope. He was sent to a seminary in New Jersey for four years and thereafter was transferred to Australia to complete his studies and to a permanent posting later. When we visited him in America and Australia, he was at his happiest. We knew that God was with him, watching over and guiding him. He persevered because of his love for God.

My brother was ordained a deacon in 1998 in Per th and we attended the celebration. The following year, he returned to Singapore to be ordained a priest and we prayed for him to have a Singapore posting but he was very happy in Australia. However God had other plans for him. In 2001, the then

Archbishop Gregory Yong summoned him back. Needless to say, we were

overjoyed.

David spent five years in Holy Spirit Church. Some have told us that his sermons were

the most powerful that they had heard. He was fire and brimstone. He spoke from the heart

and he spoke his mind. For some

parishioners, it must have taken them a while to accept him.

In January 2007, David was transferred to St Francis of Assisi Church (SFA). David will be remembered through the visual works that he was closely associated with - the stained glass that beautifully identifies Holy Spirit Church and more recently, the Divine Mercy icon at SFA.

On Sunday 2 December, that fateful day when he flew to Bangkok for a vacation, as he kissed our mum goodbye, David told her, “I’ll be home on the 14th”. He went to meet friends there. He disembarked, walked out after collecting his luggage and collapsed shortly after. He was at God’s mercy all the days that he was in a deep coma. He quietly went home to the Lord on 13 December 2007.

God had His plans for my big brother and although our grief is endless, we can find some solace in the fact that he is where he was meant to be – with Our Father in Heaven. David was a good son, a wonderful brother, uncle, godfather and above all else, a dedicated priest. He received his calling late in life but that was what made him special. We lost him too early but then, as many have said, his earthly work was done.

I miss you dearly David. You are at peace now and you are safe in Jesus’ arms.

Christine Clunies-Ross

Fr David Thexeira, A Blessed Life

“To give my life to God is not to deprive myself of anything, in fact, I have received much more than I’ve ever wanted in my life”

Rev Fr David Thexeira (1956-2007)

Marilyn yeo feels indebted to Fr David for his encouragement when she was sick. He gave her Holy Communion several times and told her to be hopeful – a word he used again when her

mother fell seriously ill.

“To give my life to God is not to deprive myself of anything, in fact, I have received much more than I’ve ever wanted in my life”

Rev Fr David Thexeira (1956-2007)

MarCia & StepHen pang recalled an incident on the night of their house blessing that left a deep impression on them.

Fr David was caught between two last minute requests, yet he still came for their House Blessing but rushed off soon after with a dinner packed in

a box. a few days later, Fr David returned the box with a big “thank you!”. “His selflessness, geniality,

sincerity and appreciation humbled us. We love and miss him”.

paul CHan recalls how, when Fr David celebrated the Charismatic group’s last Mass for 2007, he seemed

very joyful. During his homily, he reminded everyone to have a forgiving heart. He also asked for forgiveness from anyone he might have hurt in any way. it was his birthday on 6 november and everyone wished him a rousing “Happy Birthday”.

Irene ChaI

will always be

grateful to

Fr Dav id fo r

b e i n g t h e r e

during her time of

need and especially

when her husband

was terminally ill and

after his passing. “he had

a jovial laugh, but on a

serious note, he would remind

me that ‘Life must go on’. We had

this joke between us – whenever

I said to him ‘hi Little Fr David’,

he’d reply ‘Yes, Mother Goliath’.

with his boyish smile”.

J e r rY Ta n s a i d ,

“ Fr Dav id ’ s pass ion

and pride in being a

priest was seen by his

constant black attire

w i t h h i s c l e r i c a l

c o l l a r . he w i l l b e

fondly remembered by

the parishioners whom

he had served and

touched in his life.”

LILY Danker said Fr David’s sermons really touched her and she

always sought his advice when her spirits were low.

A fAcE IN tHE cROWDWhen attending Mass or any liturgical celebration, it’s always good to get to know the members of our Catholic family who worship with us. There’s a sense of belonging in “putting a name to a face” and in sharing a bit of ourselves with one another. From time to time, the Editorial Team will give you an insight of one of our fellow parishioners.

There is a par ishioner among us who represented Singapore in the Olympics, the Commonwealth, the Asian and South-East Asian Peninsula (SEAP) Games. His triple jump record of 15.12m stood for 33 years. In 1959, at the first SEAP Games in Bangkok, his attempt at the 400m hurdles won him a gold, making it the first time that the Singapore National Anthem was played and sung outside of Singapore. Do you know who this parishioner is?

He is none other than Patr ick Tan Eng Yoon. He was a Raffles Institution (RI) student when World War II star ted. After the war, he completed his education at St Joseph’s Institution (SJI), which resulted in him becoming the first Catholic in his family. Patrick attributes his conversion and athletic ability to God working in his life

and has made a conscious effor t to use his talents for God’s glory.

From 1955 to 1958 he studied Physical Education at Loughborough College in England. Upon completion of his studies, he achieved two “firsts”: he was the first international student to top a graduating

PRAYING fOR cHRIStIAN UNItY

My first attempt at being ecumenical was disastrous. I was trying to impress a rabbi – the first ever I met. I told him how much I enjoyed the Seder meal and his response gave me the impression that I had no business celebrating a Jewish custom.

I realised I had overreacted and I had just better reach out to Christians of all stripes instead. To me ‘ecumenical’ means embracing all people who cross my path irrespective of their divergent faiths - but not necessarily their beliefs. I am not, however, called to be big time with all.

After the rabbi encounter, nothing quite r at t les me anymore , so I was qu i te comfor table attending the talk “Ecumenism & Christianity - a Methodist Point” by Rev Dr. Daniel Koh, on 17 Januar y. The talk kicked off the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity organised by the Scheut Missions (CICM) . Dr Koh ’s shar ing was most gracious, his views optimistic, his hear t kind and generous, and his spirit ecumenical. It was refreshing to hear a staunch Methodist sharing his views on ecumenism.

During the Q & A session, I asked Dr Koh what concrete steps are being taken to bridge or narrow the gap between our divided Christian brethren, after a lapse of a hundred years since Rev Paul Wattson initiated “Prayers for Christian Unity” in 1908. Dr Koh replied that for now, he could only share my dream and pray for

the eventual unity. Even though we may not be sheltered under the same roof or have fellowship often, we are still considered brothers and sisters in Christ.

Fr Frans de Ridder, who chaired the event, answered my question with a list of ways whereby we could be ecumenical. It was indeed practical, I surmised.

For the time being, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be Roman Catholics or Methodists or Presbyterians or Anglicans or whatever Christian denomination. To use a fashionable phrase, “Not in my life time - nor yours”. But when we are asked for the hope that we have, we answer “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5-11-18), the theme for this year’s “Prayer for Christian Unity”.

Sylvia Yeo

6

A PILLARLESS vIEW

It has been three months since I arrived at the Church of the Holy Spirit. How time flies! It is easy to get to know the parishioners who are all so friendly and welcoming. Your “pillar less” church enables me to have a good view of the congregation during Mass although those on the upper level are a little far off.

The Church runs many programmes but the best programme is the Mass according to Pope Benedict XVI. The Mass is indeed the high point of all celebrations and I am convinced that all involved have to prepare for this most important celebration although it takes place everyday, otherwise we may fall into routine.

I was most happy to be assigned as Spiritual Director of the various Liturgical Ministries and some changes that I suggested have been accepted and implemented. I have observed a great sense of openness and maturity and a desire for authentic liturgical practice among those involved in the Liturgy. This augurs well for more prayerful and beautiful Liturgical Celebrations in this parish and many souls can be touched.

The Altar Servers must be commended for the way they have taken to change. All 30

of them are in black shoes and come for at least one weekday Mass. Well-trained Altar Servers can have a cer tain impact on the congregation through their attention and devotion during Mass. The Altar Ser vers are also preparing themselves for more formation and will understand the Mass

even more. Let us hope some of them become priests!

The other area I am assigned to is that of Faith Formation. This includes Children and Teen Catechetics and RCIA/RCIY. The new RCIA journey will be star ting soon and I look forward to being involved. Through the RCIA, non-Catholics are introduced to the faith and sponsors, as they journey with their catechumens, discover what holiness of life really is. Other Catholics who join in can deepen their faith.

Church of the Holy Spirit is in an excellent location as far as public transport and food are concerned. I hope many will come to worship here and enjoy the many more facilities in this large building that are waiting to be used.

Fr Gerard Weerakoon

DEARLY DEPARtED

November Gerard Ong Keng Huat

December Goh Ah Kuay Daisy Ong Watt Neo Koh Ah Fin Josephine Rev Fr David Thexeira

January Lily Dass Peter Mak Tai Soo Dolly Tan Tan Yong Neo, Mary

February Peter Thian Cheok Hoe Sally Mary Lean Leong Choo

“Kindness and faithful love pursue me every day of my life. I make my home in the house of Yahweh for all time to come.” Psalm 23:6 (N.J.B.)

class and, his thesis “Research into the Hop, Step and Jump” was quoted as reference by several top American and British coaches in their books on track and field.

Returning to Singapore, Patrick used his God-given talents to “give back to the spor ts community” by volunteering at the Singapore Amateur Athletics Association (SAAA) to coach the national athletes, gratis, seven days a week. Some went on to become winners at various international games. SAAA appointed him Honorar y National Coach.

Over the past 40 years, Patrick has received var ious awards and honours including, PPA Bronze Medal – Singapore National Day Honours; induction into the Roll of Honour – Singapore Olympic Academy, and an honorary doctorate from Loughborough University of Technology.

Patr ick and his wife , Evelyn, have been parishioners of Holy Spirit Church since 1969 and have fond memories of the old church and a close relationship with Fr Fossion, who had shared many a Christmas dinner at their home. They have three children and two grandsons. Inspired by Fr Andrew’s homilies, Patrick came forward and has served on the Parish Pastoral Committee (PPC) for three years. He celebrated his 80th bir thday in January this year. We wish this octogenarian God’s blessings.

7

fOcUS ON MINIStRY ActIvItIES by Diane Chai

ALTAR SERVERS MINISTRY FRIDAY CLEANING GROUP

Mission

• Serving God with love, passion and devotion

About our Ministry

• The purpose of the Ministry is to assist the celebrant on the sanctuary, during Mass.

• Currently 36 members

• Meetings are held every first Sunday of the month @ 3:30 p.m.

Upcoming Events• Recruitment drive• Archdiocesan Fraternity of Altar Servers• Servers retreat (in June)• Investiture• Annual Altar Servers camp (in December)

ContactJonathan Chng (HP: 81978400) ice.cold.fire@hotmail.comFranz Grosse (HP: 91440959)Glen Koh (HP: 96607424) udderdawg@hotmail.com

About our Ministry

• Presently 20 volunteers, some regulars and others on an ad hoc basis.

• Cleaning is done every Friday morning (7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.)

• Members usually attend the 6:30 a.m. Friday Mass and sometimes go for breakfast together before star ting duty. Anyone who is able to spare some time for morning exercise, while helping in church, is invited to join us.

ContactHelen Ho (HP: 91775600 / H: 64598496)Maureen Wee (HP: 96793715 / H: 64588863)

PARISH VOCATION TEAM (PVT)

Focus

• To continually pray and implore the mercy of God to send us more priestly and religious vocations.

• To reach out to more youth, young adults and families, through promotional material and activities.

“Without priests in our church is without Jesus in this world.” Please pray for Seminarians Bro Alphonsus Raj and Bro James Boey, who are from our parish.

About our Ministry

• Started in 2002 with assistance from the Serra Club and Archdiocesan Vocation Team

• Currently only four members

• Anyone who wishes to serve this cause of seeing an increase in vocations, is invited to contact the PVT to see how best we can, together, use our talents to encourage more vocations.

2008 Plans

• Continual prayer intercession of Holy Hour and Vespers

• During Lent: Vespers after weekday evening Masses (until 19 March)

• Introduction of The Vocation Cross. Families may offer to have The Cross in their home for one week as they pray for vocations. It will then be passed on to the next family. If you are interested in opening your home, please contact us.

• To invite pr iests and religious into our catechism classrooms to interact with our children and youth.

Contact

Teresa Tan (HP: 97848570)

teresasjtan@gmail.com

Jacqueline Gan (HP: 91286379)

Sr Angeline Lim vocation4u@gmail.com

Sr Theresa Lim pauline.fsp@pacific.net.sg

Spiritual Director Fr Gerard Weerakoon

Parish Vocation website:chsvocationteam@yahoo.com.sg

Serra Club website:www.serrasingapore.org

ERRATA

In the October 2007 issue of Dovetale, the day of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) meetings was indicated as Tuesday. It should be Thursday. We apologise for the error.

PARISH EDItORIAL cOMMIttEEAdelind Tay • Diane Chai • Elizabeth Ng • Janet Chan

Janet George • Mary Koh-Tay

Special thanks to Henry Seah and all those who have provided contents for this issue.

Fr Andrew Wong (Parish Priest)Fr Jean Nguyen Van Dich, MEP

Fr Gerard Weerakoon

cHURcH Of tHE HOLY SPIRItArchdiocese of Singapore

248 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574371Tel: 6453 6340 • Fax: 6451 5745 • hschurch@pacific.net.sg

www.holyspiritchurch.sg

Design by - FIREFLY MEDIA Tel: 6295 1181

Email: glow@fireflymedia.com.sg

PARISH MINIStRY DAY Of REcOLLEctIONThe sun’s morning rays creeped over the arc of the foyer, where some par ticipants gathered, engaged in light banter while helping themselves to the simple breakfast. Others chose instead to spend some quiet moments in church.

This was 26 January when more than 250 parishioners from about 30 parish ministries came together for a day of rejuvenation and prayer.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I consecrated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jeremiah 1:5). Fr Andrew made reference to the theme of the Recollection Day as he led in the opening meditation. He then expounded on three words: Knew means relationship, Consecrate - to set apar t for divine service, and Appointed - to be chosen. As ministry members, we were reminded that our call to service is special and we all play a part in building God’s Kingdom and in spreading His Word.

The day’s programme began with an opening awareness session. Each participant was given a jigsaw of “Footprints in the Sand”. The letter ‘I’ was missing from the word “Footprints”, to symbolise that as insignificant as it may seem, the puzzle is incomplete without each one of us - the “I”. We were then invited to move to one of five prayer stations, representing five common spiritualities: Divine Mercy, Eucharistic, Marian, Charismatic and, Spirituality of the Word (Bible). Each station provided the atmosphere to help us reflect on our call and journey in ministry work.

The second session focused on where we are now in our walk with God. It helped us recognise our own image of God and examine how we reflect this in our lives. It was a time of grace and self-examination to allow God’s Spirit to show us the areas in our lives that need healing and spiritual growth. Fr Andrew led in a prayer of integration and healing.

After lunch, Arthur Goh and Daphne Leong from the Singapore Pastoral Institute (SPI) led us in the use of the Lenten Reflection booklet. They suggested that we continue our faith journey during Lent by encouraging our respective ministries and rosary groups to meet weekly and use the booklet.

After some updates on upcoming programmes by the priests of our parish, Fr Andrew thanked

everyone, especially the Lectors Ministry that assisted in the development and execution of the Recollection Day, and the newly formed youth discipleship community “Koinonia”.

The closing hymn, “The Summons”, was an appropriate anthem to go forth to continue serving the Lord. Come Holy Spirit!

Jarvis TanParish Pastoral Executive