Our Pilgrimage. The two C stand for the Christ (outer circle) encompassing the community (inner circle).

Transcription

1 Our Pilgrimage Most of us would have no problem answering the question: Do you love God? It will be a resounding, Yes. The question seems redundant. However the real question is: Do you love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Is this love constant? Looking at the usual normal day, is our heart filled with questions about the Lord we love? What part of our life and indeed day does the Lord occupy? More often than not, God is given our spare time. However do we have spare time? Even if there is spare time, is it put aside for the Lord or is the spare time quickly filled up with the spare things that need attention? The reality about doing things during spare time is that whatever needs attention is of a very low priority. What is the priority given to the Lord? 4 th Nov 2018, VOLUME st Ordinary Sunday Today s gospel reminds us to devote our entire life to the Lord. Being a Catholic is not a part-time reality or even a job. It is being in love with the God who loves us completely. There is nothing better that we can do other than loving the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. This loving is shown when our neighbour is loved only second to the Lord himself. When someone or something has captured your attention and it seems exceedingly desirable to be with this person or have this thing. The quest for this person or this thing often derails us from being with the Lord. Only the Lord can fill our deepest yearning. Love and Adventure, Fr. Terence Pereira What is stopping you from having God as the first priority in your life? Does your faith in the Lord enable you to place him before everything else? Who has captured your heart? You are not far from the Kingdom of God First Reading: Deut 6:2-6 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 17(18): 2-4, 47, 51 Second Reading: He 7: Gospel: Mk 12: Mark 12:34 OUR LOGO The two C stand for the Christ (outer circle) encompassing the community (inner circle). Christ Jesus is always present in his Church. The golden stylised sword represents the community rooted in the word of God ready to move as represented by the wings spread out to bring the Kerygma as represented by the cross to everyone. The colours are that ofthe Archangel The sword and wing represent the Archangel who is always there as our guardian. Editor: Brian Bartholomew Tan VISION A vibrant loving community of disciples making disciples for the Kingdom of God MISSION To Create moments ofgod encounters To Form Disciples in Christ To Nurture community spirit through the Word of God Sub-Editor: Kelly Gabrielle Loh

2 A Cup of Tea is like a Hug By Brian Bartholomew Tan The Seniors High Tea held on the 27 th of October 2018, was a genteel and bespoke affair set in an English garden. There was excitement and cheers as Bingo numbers were called out. The crowd danced with joy and sang nostalgic songs. What a fun, incredible event! Mother Mary graced usfor sure!

3 A Short History of the Church III New Journeys After the Council of Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about taking Mark with them on the journey. Barnabas headed to Cyprus, and Paul towards Asia Minor. Paul finds new companions, Silas and Timothy. They travel across Asia and set up churches in Philippi and Thessalonica. At the Coast of the Aegean Sea at Alexandria, Luke joins the missionaries. After a brief and unsuccessful stint in Athens, they move to Corinth, where they stay for 18 months. Paul s Epistles are written here. This is where Paul meets Prisca and Aquila in the wake of Emperor Claudius s expulsion of Jews. Final Pauline Missionary Phrase A.D A.D Paul is brought to trial before Proconsul Gallio who was in Achaia only in AD Mature Missionary Leadership Phrase Paul travels through Asia to Syria, and then back to Ephesus. He remains here for 27 months. Ephesus becomes the missionary headquarters. Paul writes 1 st and 2 nd Corinthians, Philippians, Philamon, and Galatians. Romans is written during a short 3-month stay in Corinth on the way to Jerusalem. Epaphras, a companion of Paul, establishes a church in Colossae. Paul desires to head to Rome and Spain, but stops along the way to collect money for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He is arrested in Jerusalem. He is held under arrest for 2 years in Caesarea. He appeals to see Caesar, and is taken to Rome, where he is held under house arrest for 2 years. A.D /64 Nero s Burning of Rome A.D. 64 marks the beginning of Emperor Nero s Burning of Rome. Sources: 1. Church History by Fr. John Laux, M.A By Brian Bartholomew Tan

4 1 Hour Lunch Time? (Part 1) Do you have 1 hour for lunch? Ever wondered how we could feel more recharged and ready for the tasks and meetings we have for the work day? If we could consider taking 15 minutes for lunch, the remaining 45 minutes of our lunch hour could be a very fulfilling mid-day recharge with our Lord! In the next few weeks in this 4-part series, we'll be bringing to you the different ways we could grow to become closer to God. Ways to spend 45 minutes with our Lord at lunch Lunch-Time Talks To spend the time allocated for lunch as time knowing the Word of God through a series of faith formation, could be that extra time that we can squeeze in the midst of our busy schedules that we may not have in the evenings. The up-side? Lunch could be provided too! Remember to mark your calendars and register for it! AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (October-November 2018) PRAYING THE BIBLE (January 2019) Source: cps.org.sg By Julianne Danielle Lim Speaker : Period : Time : Place : Register: Speaker : Period : Time : Place : Register: CPS Spiritual Director, Fr Terence Pereira Mondays: 5, 12 and 26 November 2018 Lunchtime from 12:30pm to 1:15pm (Light lunch will be provided) TPI Building 62 Cecil Street #06-00, Singapore CPS Spiritual Director, Fr Terence Pereira Mondays: 14, 21 and 28 January 2019 Lunchtime from 12:30pm to 1:15pm (Light lunch will be provided) TPI Building 62 Cecil Street #06-00, Singapore

5 Our Confirmands Reflect Give Thanks Prayers. Sharing. Retreats. Camps. Our 16 confirmands have been on a journey with the Lord and each other. They share their reflections, thanks, experiences, and joys in this special spotlight. Look out for more of their sharing in the next bulletin. Melissa Amanda "The confirmation camps have allowed me to experience God's love and inspired me to be a better person. To the juniors getting confirmed in the next batch, be open to new experiences! ~ Amanda "Thank you Aunty Mary and Uncle Thomas for guiding us through our journey to confirmation. Thank you for strengthening my faith in God and leading me down the right path. ~ Melissa Some brotherly advice for next year s confirmands Just ask your catechists whenever you're in a bind. I have received help from them whenever I needed it. ~ James Do not be afraid, let God be your shepherd and let him lead you in whatever you do. Ask for help and advice when you need it and be open to constructive criticism. ~ Damian Do not be conformed by the ways of the world. For Uncle Thomas and Aunty Mary, thank you for helping everyone throughout our journey towards confirmation. ~ Isaac

6 Share their Joy Give encouragement The guidance from my parents, the catechists, my classmates and Fr. Terence helped me deepen my faith and brought me back to God. Thank you so much for everything! ~ Michelle Through the love from those around me, God strengthened my weak spirit. Thank you everyone who has helped me through this amazing journey, especially my parents, catechists, and Fr. Terence! ~ Jillian Michelle I was lost but was found by the love of God. Thank you Mummy and Daddy for guiding me and letting me feel the love of God through the both of you. ~ Natasha I learned to be myself in church, so for the next batch of confirmands, if you guys are confused or lost, just ask as many questions as you desire even if you may sound oblivious, as we should not feel ashamed when asking questions and from learning. ~ Benedict If you are burdened, don't worry. God has a plan, no matter how much you neglect him, he will always be there for you. Despite whatever you are facing now, hang on to the Lord and he will bring you salvation. ~ Han Han By Pearlyn Neo

7 Can we Recognise Our CLoak? A cloak is used to give protection from outside elements. It s a loose fitting garment, usually without sleeves, that can be used as a wrap for added warmth or to be easily removed when it is not needed. But the word cloak has several negative connotations associated with it the cloak of darkness, the cloak of invisibility, the cloak of shame, etc. Sometimes, we cloak ourselves out of fear the fear from being hurt, the fear from finding out the truth, or just the fear of the unknown. This cloak then becomes like a security blanket. Even suffering, illness and sin can seem comforting when it becomes familiar and the norm. The bulk of this cloak can then easily become the burden that weighs us down. In Lk 13: 11-13, Jesus heals the woman who has been burdened by such weight, to the point that she is bent over and could not straighten up. She didn t give voice to her problems, and this could be because of the comfort this cloak provides, perhaps the pity and attention that she receives from others. Jesus, however, did not wait for her to recognise her need and to ask for healing. He saw the reality of her sufferings and healed her by touching her. What more then would the Lord do for Bartimaeus who cried out to the Lord over and over again (Mk 10:47-48)? Not only did Bartimaeus seek the Lord s help, he threw off his cloak (Mk 10:50) the cloak that marked him as someone who sat begging for mercy, the mercy that he knew would be given by Jesus. Unlike the woman, Bartimaeus recognised that the cloak was a hindrance and decided to discard it in the face of the One who would be his shield and comfort. Not only that, he actually continues to seek clarity of his situation by his request, Rabbunni, let me see again (Mk 10:51). How often do we ask the Lord for clarity of the situations we face in life? How often do we recognise that we have bundled ourselves in our cloaks? Both Bartimaeus and the woman received the Lord s healing. These two Gospel readings followed each other over two consecutive days (30 th Ordinary Sunday and Monday) to show that the Lord is there for those who ask and those who might not even have the impetus to do so. For those who can and will ask, His reply is simple, your faith has healed you (Mk 10: 52). For those who don t even know to ask, He will reach out and touch you. So, take courage, the Lord is calling all of us (Mk 10:49) to receive healing in whatever situation we are in, for He says, My yoke is easy and my burden light (Mt 11:30). And indeed it can be so, for the yoke is meant for two to carry; and Jesus is already our partner and companion. By Jacintha Freeman

8 Notice Weddings in Church of St Michael Those who desire to enter into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at Church of St Michael will have to book their wedding dates one year in advance. The booking will be confirmed only when the necessary documents are signed. Infant Baptism 1 st Sunday of February, April, June, August, October, December Parish Collection Sunday Collection: $ 5, Date Celebrant Schedule Eucharistic Celebration Celebrant Preacher 3 Nov 5.30 pm Fr. Terence Fr. Terence 4 Nov 10 am Fr. Terence Fr. Terence 4 Nov 5.30 pm Fr. John Fr. Terence 10 Nov 5.30 pm Fr. John Fr. John 11 Nov 10 am Fr. John Fr. John 11 Nov 5.30 pm Fr. John Fr. John Eucharistic Celebration Weekend Eucharist Sat Sunset: 5.30 pm Sun: 8 am (M), 10 am, 5.30 pm Confession: 30 mins before EC Weekday Eucharist Mon- Fri: 6.30 am & 6 pm Sat: 6.30 am Eucharist on Public Holidays 7.30 am only Holy Hour 7.30 pm, 1 st Fri of the month only. Followed by Eucharist at 8.30 pm (except during the period of Lent) Main: Parish Secretariat (ext. 1) Parish Directory csm.secretariat@catholic.org.sg Parish Priest: Fr. Terence Pereira (ext. 6) Asst. Parish Priest: Fr. John Van Dich MEP (ext. 5) Columbarium (ext. 3) Opening Hours We are located at: 17 St Michael's Rd, Singapore Parish Office Mon- Fri: 8.30 am - 5 pm Sat: 8.30 am - 11 am Sun: Closed Adoration Room Daily: 7 am - 10 pm Columbarium Daily: 7 am - 7 pm Prayers: every 3 rd Sun of the month only. 9 am (M) & am * (E) Canteen Sun: 7 am - 12 pm Events in the Parish O What A Night! 5 Nov, Monday (Eve of Deepavali) Last Call for Registration! When was the last time you brought your family for a picnic, a night picnic. So come, have fun and get to know your fellow parishioners! Transport will be provided and leaves church at 7pm sharp Time: 6.30pm - 10pm Venue: Toa Payoh Town Park Register: After Eucharistic Celebrations at ground floor St Mike s Games and Fun Day 6 Nov, Tuesday Fingers itchy? Toes twitching? Come join us for a fun day of indoor games and activities as we come together as a community this public holiday on 6 November. We will be commencing with free breakfast after the 7.30am Eucharistic Celebration. Register: After Eucharistic Celebrations at ground floor Evening Brew 9 Nov, Friday Have you been to the evening brews where many faith questions were raised? This interesting and informal session is here again on 9 Nov. Come join us! Kick back, relax with a drink and have your burning faith questions answered along with some fun and laughter.. Time : 7.30pm Venue: Outside St Michael s room Sessions on Gaudium et Spes 16, 23, 30 Nov, Fridays This is a document of Vatican II that directs our thoughts and actions in the modern world. We look at how we can be Church in this time and age. These sessions will break down the document for the participants. Time : 8pm to 10pm Venue: Worship Hall Register: After Eucharistic Celebrations at ground floor Parish News Who's keeping our Church Spick n Span? We need volunteers to help us on a regular basis to clean the church premises on a regular basis. No skills needed, just willing hands Contact: Parish Admin Office or csm.secretariat@catholic.org.sg Sacrament of Confirmation 17 Nov, Saturday Please pray for our Youth who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on 17 Nov, Saturday at the 5.30pm Eucharist Celebration. Infant Baptism 2 Dec, Sunday Time: 11.45am Venue: Worship Hall Please register with Parish Admin Office by 19 Nov, Monday Preparatory Session : 24 Nov, Saturday at 1.30pm Venue: St Michael's Room Archdiocesan News In You, Death Has Lost Its Sting Preparing For Death 16 Nov, Friday Come listen to Fr. Edward Lim, OCD who will introduce the Christian understanding of death, and the means the Church makes available to the faithful in preparing for it, while Dr Ong Yew Jin will give the medical perspective on bodily death and explain the need for Advanced Care Planning. Register early as seats are limited! Time:.7.30pm to 9.30pm Venue: Agape Village (7A Lorong 8 Toa Payoh S ) Register: agapevillage@caritas-singapore.org or call (10am 6pm, Mon Fri) One way to tell others about Jesus is through stories. Try this: This week, post a short note on social media about a time when you encountered the Lord. Also share this testimony with one of your Catholic friend.