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Spotlight March 2020
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B l e s s e d S a c r a me n t C h u r c h ,
1 C o m m o n w e a l t h D r i v e , S ( 1 4 9 6 0 3 )
T e l : 6 4 7 4 0 5 8 2 , F a x : 6 4 7 2 6 5 4 5
E m a i l : b s c . s e c r e t a r i a t @ c a t h o l i c . o r g . s g
Website: http://www.bsc.org.sg
Spotlight email: [email protected]
Rev. Johan Wongso
Parish Priest
Rev. Anthony Hutjes
Assistant Priest
Rev. Rusdi Santoso
Assistant Priest
Rev. Sambodo Sru Ujianto
Priest-In-Residence
聚光
1ST MARCH 2020
~ Liturgical & Prayer ervices for the week ~
~ Liturgical & Prayer Services for the week Liturgical & Prayer Services for the
Sacraments and Pastoral Services
CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 1 C o m m on w e a l t h Dr i v e , S ( 1 49 6 0 3 )
T e l : 6 4 7 40 5 8 2 , F ax : 64 7 2 6 5 4 5 E m a i l : b s c . s e c r e t a r i a t @ c a t h o l i c . o r g . s g
WEBSITE: http://www.bsc.org.sg; APP: http://www.bsc.org.sg/app
1ST
SUNDAY OF LENT
CHRIST, THE SECOND ADAM
1st
Reading (Gen 2:7-9, 3:1-7)
The Creation, and the sin of our
first parents
2nd
Reading (Rom 5:12-19)
However great the number of sins
committed, grace was even greater
Gospel (Mt. 4:1-11)
The temptation in the wilderness
Clergy & Pastoral Staff
Fr. Johan Wongso, ss.cc >>>>>>Ext. 103
Fr. Anthony Hutjes,ss.cc >>>>>>Ext 104
Fr. Rusdi Santoso, ss.cc >>>>>>Ext. 102
Andrew Neo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Ext. 107
June Phoon – Youth Pastoral Associates
Email: [email protected]
Administrative Staff
Peter Paul Lim – Secretariat >>>>>Ext. 101
Mondays to Fridays Mass: 7am, 8.30am, 6pm Saturdays Mass: 7am, 8.30am, 6pm (Sunset) Confession: 4pm – 5pm Novena to OLPS: 5.00pm Sundays Mass: 9am, 10.45am, 5.30pm
中文弥撒: 7.30am
Misa ng Filipino: 3pm Tamil Mass: 7pm (3rd Sundays) Malayalam Mass: 7pm (2nd Sunday)(Latin) Every 5TH Sunday of the month Indonesian Mass @3.30 pm at Damien Hall CONFESSIONS Weekday: After mass. <> Weekend: Before Mass Prayer Room: From 9am – 11pm (Chapel) Damien Center Kindergarten Tel: 6473-7812/Fax: 67432406 BSC REPOSITORY IS NOW OPEN, PLEASE DROP BY TO BROWSE AND BUY.
Anointing of the Sick Please make an appointment with the Secretariat before proceeding for surgery.
Holy Matrimony Couples must inform the Pastor at least 6 months before booking the Church for the Wedding Mass/Service.
Infant Baptism For schedule of next baptism for children please contact Parish Office.
Bereavement Please contact the Secretariat for help and advice before contacting a Funeral Director.
Children’s Catechism & Adult Formation Please contact the Secretariat (Ext. 101) and the Pastoral Coordinator (Ext. 107) respectively.
Cheque Donation to the Blessed Sacrament Church to be made payable to:
“Blessed Sacrament Church” – Thank You.
Priest-in-residence
Fr. Sambodo Sru Ujianto, SS.CC
(Chaplain of KKIS)
Tel: 8157-0473
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- Liturgical & Prayer Services for the week -
MARCH 1ST
– 7TH
2020
SUN 1ST FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
07.30 am : For souls of Anthony Ng Wah Chye, Maria Yeo Ah Lek, Simon Ng Peng Liang and Catherine Ng Gek Lan.
09.00 am : Birthday Blessings for Aloysius Lim and Luke Pereira. For soul of Alan Sun Kum Kee and Theresa Klyne.
10.45 am : Birthday Blessings for James Ho For souls of Chadwick Smith, Julie Smith & Isabel Yong
05.30 pm : For souls of Maria Mun, Mdm Ong Wan Ho, Bertram and Gladys Seah.
MON 2ND (Lev 19: 1-2, 11-18/Ps 18: 8-10, 15/Go Mt 25: 31-46)
07.00 am : Birthday Blessing for Eric Lawrence Lim. For soul of Maria Mun and All souls in Purgatory.
08.30 am : For souls Edward Woo Ming Choon, Chia Sou Chun and Theresa Klyne.
06.00 pm : Thanksgiving to St. Anthony and St. Joseph. Speedy recovery – James Hiew Teck Choy.
TUE 3RD (Is 55: 10-11/Ps 33: 4-7, 16-19/Go Mt 6: 7-15)
07.00 am : For souls of Cecilia Cheng, Maria Tye, John and Anthony Lee.
08.30 am : For souls of Victoria, Andrew Chin,Theresa Klyne, Bertram and Gladys Seah.
06.00 pm : For souls of Ivy Leong, Wah Cheng Kie and Maria Mun.
WED 4TH (Jona 3: 1-10/Ps 50: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19/Go Lk 11: 29-32)
07.00 am : For souls of Mavis Roberts (Anniversary).
08.30 am : For souls of Philip Foo Tiang Heng and Theresa Klyne.
06.00 pm : For souls of Jennifer Poh Geok Neo and Maria Mun. THUR 5TH (Est 4: 17/Ps 137: 1-3, 7-8/Go Mt 7: 7-12)
07.00 am : For souls of Mavis Roberts and Victor Robert Patiselanno
08.30 am : Birthday Blessing for Chris Chow. For souls of Katherine Rasiah and Theresa Klyne.
06.00 pm : For souls of Maria Mun, Kevin Sientdoux, Bertram and Gladys Seah.
06.30 pm :
FIRST FRI 6TH (Ez 18: 21-28/Ps 129: 1-8/Go Mt 5: 20-26)
07.00 am : For soul of Maria Mun.
08.30 am : For souls of George Tan Ah Hong and Theresa Klyne.
06.00 pm : Strength and Healing – Sharon Rachael.
06.30 pm :
08.00 pm :
09.00 pm :
10.30 PM :
FIRST SAT 7TH (Deut 26: 16-19/Ps 118: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8/Go Mt 5: 43-48)
07.00 am : For souls of Mr N. K. Prabhu, Bertram & Gladys Seah.
08.30 am : Wedding Anniversary – John and Rani. For souls of Theresa Klyne and Maria Mun.
06.00 pm : Birthday Blessing for Theoddre Mamutuk. For soul of Joseph Cheong Him Khun.
SUN 8TH SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
ALL MASSES SUSPENDED TILL FURTHER NOTICE 3
BLOCK ROSARY – MARCH 2nd
-4th
2020
BLOCK 38, TANGLIN HALT ROAD #03-99
@ 8.00 PM
Parish Events/News
BSC CANTEEN
IS CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE.
TOMR DONATIONS Restoration of our church – please pick up the
brochure for more information.
Giro Forms are available at the Church and
Parish Office.
For Internet Fund Transfers
To Blessed Sacrament Church-Restricted
Funds.
Standard Chartered Bank:
A/C No: 01-0-306262-9 or
via PayNow (Unique Entity Number –
T08CC4050J)
To deepen and refine your couple relationship, sign up for one of the upcoming Marriage Encounter Weekends: 6-8 March; 20-
22 March (Mandarin) & 1-3 May & 5-7 Jun 2020. Contact David & Clara @ 96705390 or [email protected]
4
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Submission of articles by the 12th of the
month. Email your article to:
Please include your name, contact number
and address. The editorial team reserves
the right to edit or publish any articles for
publication.
Maximum article length: 450 words
Binding Date: 26 March 2020
Spiritual Director
Rev. Johan Wongso
Chief Editor
Patricia Ang
Assistant Editor
-
Writers
Patricia Ang
Aaron and Selly Soon
Kelley D’Cruz
Isadora Lee
Jacqueline Lee
Layout
Ivy Wong/ Susan Tham
Production
Susan Teo
Katherine Tan
Stellar Ko
Magdelene Ng
Gracie Chow
Rita Vincent
Agnes Allen
Lilian Choo
Editor’s Desk …………………....... Pg 6
Announcements ………………....... Pg 7 -10
Discipleship and Evangelisation
(Part 1)………………………………
Pg 11-15
Roman Catholics Need Urgent Self
Renewal in the New Evangelisation
Pg 15-17
Our God Who Heals……………….. Pg 17-20
Mother Mary’s Amazing Virtues….. Pg 21-24
The Value of being Present……….. Pg 24-25
Man’s Vulnerable Moment – Satan’s
Trap?………………………………
Pg 25-27
BHMSS ……………………………. Pg 27-28
“Aha!” Moment……………………
Answers
Pg 28-29
Pg 30
Kids’ Contest .………….................. Pg 31
Chinese In Brief …………………… Pg 32
All articles are written from the writer’s
perspective.
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Editor’s Desk
Coming Together As A Community
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
When we received the news that there would be indefinite suspension of Masses in
all churches from 12 noon, Saturday, 15 February 2020 to reduce the risk of
COVID-2019 virus transmission, I was dumbfounded. This had not happened
before. It was at that moment I realised how much I cherish the time I have with
our God at Mass.
It was a busy Saturday morning with sharing comments from the group chats of the
Catholic community that I was on. My handphone was abuzz with news. Behind
the scenes, volunteers from the PPC and EXCO were present at the various church
Masses at BSC that weekend to inform those who had turned up at Mass and did
not know about the suspension of the Masses.
The editorial team in discussion with Father Johan decided that Spotlight would
only be disseminated online on the website and social media. The printed version
will only resume until we have further updates of the current situation.
In the meantime there are steps for spiritual communion which are shared online
and in this issue of Spotlight.
In what we do, place God at the centre of our lives. Amidst the fear, the uncertainty
and struggles, seeing how the BSC community comes together as one is heart-
warming. We pray together as one for COVID-19 to end, the healing graces for the
recovery of the patients in the hospital and the stability of the Singapore’s economy.
We seek God for His protection, healing and restoration, especially for those who
are already afflicted with the virus. Lord, keep us safe and healthy.
We enter the season of Lent on February 26 marking the 40-day period with a
symbolic gesture of contrition. Lent is a time for fasting, self-sacrifice, and
repentance. Let us focus on Jesus on the cross as we journey through this season of
Lent.
God Bless
Patricia Ang
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Sponsor a Bouquet at Weekend Masses
In aid of Tent of Meeting Restoration (TOMR)
Ordering is easy. Make your selection. Contact Church Office for payment and the
bouquet will be offered in your name on the weekend you have
selected. This sponsorship programme will run as long as funds
are needed for restoration. Thank you for your generosity.
Lectern - $250
Main Altar - $ 500
Holy Family
- $250
Father
Damien -
$250
Sacred Heart -
$300
Mother Mary
- $ 50/$100/$150
Sacred Heart
- $300
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Recently, the Archdiocese published a number of news articles with regard to the Catholic Church. To help you differentiate the facts, please refer to the Archdiocese website (http://www.catholic.sg), our church website (http://www.bsc.org.sg) or our Church Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/mybsc.sg) for authentic news.
Do not be misled by FAKE NEWS!
The Thrift Shop will be closed
till further notice. Please do not send in any pre-loved items till
further notice as well. The church is looking for Media Team members in the
following areas:
Sub-Editor
Print Media Designer
Photographer
Web Design Team
Facebook Team
If you have experience or have interest in these areas and are looking to serve the church, please email [email protected] for more information.
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Restoration of Our Church - Please pick up the brochure for more information. Giro Forms are available at the Church and Parish Office. For Internet Fund Transfer to Blessed Sacrament Church Restricted Fund, you may transfer via bank account - Standard Chartered Bank: A/C No: 01-0-306262-9 or via PayNow (Unique Entity Number – T08CC4050J).
Please note that from April 2020 onwards, all Mass
intentions will not be published in the bulletin. It will be displayed on the notice board outside the
church.
TOMR DONATION
10
When Mass is suspended….
11
SCC – Discipleship and Evangelisation (Part 1)
SCC Guide and Criteria
By SCC Working Group
(Editor’s Note: There will be two more articles for the next two issues of Spotlight
including unexpected testimonies from two attendees)
Discipleship and Evangelisation are but the flip sides of the same coin – we cannot
practise one to the exclusion of the other. We need to develop a “missionary” lifestyle.
All disciples are commanded by our Risen Christ to “Go therefore and MAKE
DISCIPLES of all nations, baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you”
(Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelisation is the work of saving souls, “to seek and save
the lost” (Luke 19:10).
We recall that through our Parish Pastoral Plan, we aim to achieve the Pastoral Vision
of our Archdiocese – to build a Vibrant, Missionary and Evangelistic Church. We
achieve this through the 3-3-2 formula:
3 Pillars of Spiritual Growth, Mission Work and Community Building;
3 Core Strategies; and a
2-Prong Approach: Towards the parishioners at large as well as towards
ministries & interest groups
SCC Guide and Criteria
For us, as parishioners at large, it is not possible to have meaningful sharings unless
we form small groups. As we profess to be disciples of Christ, we need to learn from
one another – “as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
We are guided by the intertwining 3 Core Strategies in our Parish Pastoral Plan, and
in particular the core strategy of Clear Discipleship Path. We use a convenient
acronym S.T.E.P.S. to describe Clear Discipleship Path. A brief explanation of
S.T.E.P.S. is given in the Annex.
What is a Small Christian Community?
A small group that is independently formed is called a Small Christian Community
(“SCC”) for convenience. An SCC can arise from different circumstances and
different SCCs may have different interests or charisms. An SCC may consist of
members consisting of parishioners who are not in any ministries or some members
may be from different ministries. Whenever an SCC is formed, it needs to serve the
members in deepening their relationship with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit;
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deepening their love for God and neighbour; progress in discipleship and practise
evangelisation.
What is the usual number of people in an SCC?
The total number of members in an SCC may stabilise in a range of 5 to 8 members.
How does a Ministry realise the strategy of Clear Discipleship Path with its
members?
A ministry needs to find ways to achieve the same criteria of an SCC as stated below.
There may be a need to re-align the current activities and events of the ministry. In a
simplistic approach, a large ministry may form cell groups within the ministry so as
to allow members to have adequate opportunities to participate in sharing and forming
deeper relationships. Members in a ministry would already have fulfilled “S – Serve
in ministry or mission” within S.T.E.P.S.
What about a Neighbourhood Christian Community (NCC)?
An NCC is a type of SCC. The NCCs in our Parish have evolved into SCCs, as
members continue to meet in the same NCC even though some have moved out of the
neighbourhood boundary. Existing SCCs are strongly urged to embrace the criteria as
stated below.
Criteria of an SCC
Each SCC needs to embrace the following criteria:
1) Meet with sufficient frequency to build meaningful relationships
Especially for newly formed independent SCCs, there must be weekly contact points
in order to help build relationships within the group. Where groups do not meet on a
weekly basis, there may be periods of weekly meetings, e.g. over four to eight weeks,
through modules in formation programs.
2) Sharing and Evangelisation Work
During meetings, time is to be allotted for sharing on:
a) Conversion experiences or God encounters;
b) Attempts at evangelisation or sharing of our faith with others;
c) The Word of God. Use a few methods for Reflection and Sharing on Bible
verses, the day’s Gospel or weekend Gospel e.g. FORMED – Opening the Word;
Group Response; 7 Steps; and
d) Personal life such as what is going on in one’s personal life (work, friends,
marriage, home/family, faith-life, mission, challenges, up & downs, sins,
victories).
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On sharing between members, the sharing must be concrete, specific and clear.
“Personal” doesn’t necessarily mean feeling oriented. The following is a good four-
point guide:
i) Highs;
ii) Lows;
iii) Difficulties & Challenges; and
iv) Prayer requests.
3) Characteristics of a Healthy SCC
Over time, a healthy SCC should have the following characteristics:
a) Between members, a brotherly or sisterly love;
b) Faithfulness to the meetings;
c) An openness in sharing;
d) Maintenance of confidentiality between members; and
e) Mutual accountability (e.g. asking after a member “….did you manage to spend
more time with your son?” if that challenge was shared at an earlier occasion by
that member).
4) On-going Formation
All members of SCCs will need to attend identified workshops and formation
programs by the Parish Priest or the Spiritual Director. Such workshops or formation
programs may be organised within the SCC, together with other SCCs or ministries,
by the Parish or Archdiocese.
5) Serve in Ministry or Mission
SCC members who are not in a ministry will need to serve in some capacity e.g. in
association with a ministry or serve in mission outreach on a regular basis.
* * * * * * *
Annex
Clear Discipleship Path – S.T.E.P.S. in Brief
The intertwining 3 Core Strategies are Reviving Missionary Zeal; Creating a Great
Weekend Experience and Challenging parishioners with a Clear Discipleship Path.
To anyone who asks “How can I progress to become a disciple of Christ?”, we pray
that in time, our parishioners will be able to respond with confidence, “Well, we have
a Clear Discipleship Path for you to follow – it is called S.T.E.P.S.”
Below is a brief explanation of S.T.E.P.S:
S – Serve in ministry or mission
Modelling after Jesus, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and
to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28)
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Necessarily, your whole life, at home, at work as well as in church needs to be
modelled after Jesus. Serve on one of the ministries within the Parish or outside the
Parish (called ‘mission’ – outside Parish or outside Singapore). Both would be better,
if time permits, but either one is fine. Pick one and start serving.
T – Tithe and gift
Money is such a source of comfort, a power for a lot of people. To surrender it is a
huge trust in God. Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt 6:24).
Jesus was saying this to essentially an agrarian [agricultural] society 2000 years ago.
How much more is it a problem for our world for as every day we are being bombarded
by different things we can have – ‘If you just have this, you will be happy’? So, this
is even a bigger challenge in our day. If people we can let go of this desire, we can
make a great stride in our trust in God.
We want everyone to make a plan for giving. Not necessarily tithing, which is 10%.
(See Paul’s proposed plan for collections in 1 Cor 16:1-4).
Make Planning a priority in our budget: “I’m going to give to God first before I put
anything else in my budget.” It is a lot easier today with electronic transfer of funds.
For percentage givers, what percentage are we giving? Start with 1%, 2%, 3% and
working your way up over the years. This is to be seen in the context of prudence, e.g.
retirement budgeting. If you are in a small group, you are more likely to find yourself
to be a generous giver.
E – Engage in a small group
Peer pressure is not just a student thing. Positive peer pressure is a good thing.
“I will learn from your faith & you will learn from mine” (Romans 1:12)
We are made for community and we are made for relationships as we are made in the
image of a Triune God. If this is not part of our spiritual growth, we are not growing.
P – Practise prayer and sacraments
Sprinkle throughout all the year the homilies you hear. Whatever you discover in
prayers and sacraments, put it into practice, into living action.
S – Share your faith
Invest in people who do not share our faith. Relationship with colleagues, in families,
friends is important and, when appropriate, invite them to come join us. Do share your
personal faith and experiences, but there is no need to preach about Jesus or sprout
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bible verses. Invite them to church and the community will help you engage them –
cast back to create a Great Weekend experience.
Roman Catholics Need Urgent Self Renewal in the New Evangelisation
Process for the RC Church in Singapore
By Angela Song
The Protestant Christians use Prayer via faith affirmations and the Word of God or
Scripture Verses to combat Satanic Attacks on temptations and sins in their lives. This
is their most important coping strategy as good Christians before starting on their
Mission to evangelise other non-believers to accept Christ. This is the Mission Call
for every Protestant Christian. They uphold an outward-looking, active and zealous
evangelistic goal.
Roman Catholics, on the other hand, are generally very contented and inward-looking
Christians, especially those who are cradle Catholics. Although they are also very
good Christians, as they are performing their perfunctory duties or basic requirements
of the RC Church very well, they are not zealous in promoting their Catholic faith or
evangelising it to others. Instead, RCs are steeped in their devotional prayers,
attending daily Masses, going for regular confessions, reciting their Rosary and
Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayers and attending Novenas very religiously.
Their greatest weakness is that they don’t know much about the basic principles or
teachings of their Faith with minimal knowledge of the Bible or Word of God which
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hinders them from evangelising or defending their Faith when questioned, or in
combating any personal sin or temptation. They are blameless because as cradle
Catholics or generally R.Cs, they are not taught such fundamental skills right from the
start.
The noblest aspiration or calling of a good, young Catholic man is still to serve God
by becoming a Priest - when he totally surrenders his Temporal life for a Spiritual One
by assuming a new role In Persona Christi during the celebration of the Holy Mass as
part of God’s Continual Plan of Salvation in this world. He also has to uphold the 3
Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Celibacy, and to perform his other Priestly Duties.
Blessed be to all Anointed Priests who need all our daily prayers and moral support
as it is indeed a great temporal Sacrifice which they have undertaken. Similarly, a
virtuous and holy young Catholic lady will also become a nun as the noblest aspiration
to serve God and be holy.
The rest are just ordinary, lay Catholics who are performing the mundane duties in
their lives. This is a wrong perception of being good Christians or Catholics. What are
their aspirations? How are they viewed as good Catholics? Simply, by fulfilling their
devotional and ritualistic church duties and practices, and saying prayers to assure that
each of them can secure a place in heaven, or as petitions for requests?
This fallacy should be eradicated because as good Catholics, we must also cooperate
with God in His Divine Plan of Salvation in this World. So, we must always be
prayerful and keep ourselves in a State of Sanctifying Grace so that we can be the
Vessels of the Holy Spirit in our Specific Calling to evangelise as part of God’s Divine
Plan for us and others.
Consequently, Satan and his legions will also embark on an aggressive spiritual
warfare or attack upon us so that he can crush and defeat us to prevent us from
evangelising or serving God in our respective Mission.
Hence, recently many courses have been conducted by the Archdiocesan Office of the
New Evangelisation (ONE) to address this Issue on the Renewal of our present,
archaic, devotional, and non-evangelising state of the RC Church in Singapore. Those
who have graduated from ONE’s various Training Courses are now encouraged to
share with and train the other members in their own Church Ministries at Parish level
and also, wherever and whenever possible.
In BSC, we have started an SCC (Small Christian Community) Group with a package
of Training Lessons by ONE on How to Evangelise. I am in this group, but I believe
that the zeal and skill on how to evangelise can only evolve from a Personal Encounter
with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
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It is only through such an intense Personal Encounter that a Calling or a Commitment
can be precipitated and propelled to reach its proper goal. However, this can only be
achieved through the promptings of the Holy Spirit upon us when we are daily in a
State of Sanctifying Grace and ready to evangelise.
for children, teens and anyone planting little seeds of faith!
Our God Who Heals
Hi, all who have been having an extended break from your catechism classes! What
have you been doing with all the extra time? Have you been spending more time with
God, praying, reflecting and learning? Or have you been… well… taking a break?
First of all, we want to thank God for His constant care and continue to entrust to Him
all who are ill as well those who take care of them.
Next, we must remember that sickness is not ‘bad luck’. The Youth Catechism of the
Catholic Church explains that “In the Old Testament sickness was often experienced
as a severe trial, against which one could protest but in which one could also see God’s
hand.” (YOUCAT 240; read also CCC 1502) Jesus showed God’s love “often… in
places where we feel especially threatened: in the weakening of our life through
sickness.” (YOUCAT 241; read also CCC 1503)
There are many healing stories in the Bible that show God’s compassion and love. For
some brain exercise as you wait to return to catechism class, let’s look at four of them
here. You can try answering the questions straightaway or, if you think you need a bit
of help, read the Bible passages first.
Answer the questions in this section if this is you:
- I think I know the healing stories so let me try to remember the details.
- My brain is a bit rusty after a few months with no catechism. I think I
will start slow…
Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
1. Jairus’ daughter was dying and he asked Jesus to go to his house to
a. check on her
b. lay His hands on her
c. visit her. [ ]
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2. When they arrived at the house, they were told that the girl was
a. dead
b. asleep
c. waiting. [ ]
3. Jesus told Jairus and his wife, “Do not fear, only __________”
a. hope
b. look
c. believe. [ ]
4. He told the people in the house that the girl was sleeping and they
a. laughed
b. cried
c. believed. [ ]
5. Jesus said, “Little girl, I say to you, arise,” and she
a. smiled at Him
b. got up and walked
c. continued sleeping. [ ]
Jesus heals the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10)
1. When the centurion’s servant was sick, ______________ asked Jesus* to heal
him.
a. the other servants
b. the centurion’s wife
c. the elders of the Jews. [ ]
2. The centurion said to Jesus, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy
to have you ______________. But say the word and _________________.”
a. come under my roof… let my servant be healed
b. come to my house… let my servant be healed
c. come under my roof… my soul shall be healed [ ]
3. At which part of the Mass do we pray with words similar to what the centurion
said to Jesus?
a. before Communion
b. after Communion
c. before the “I Confess” (Confiteor) [ ]
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4. Jesus marvelled at the centurion’s
a. authority
b. house
c. faith [ ]
5. When he returned home, the centurion found his servant
a. dead
b. well
c. asleep [ ]
Answer the questions in this section if this is you:
- I can answer all the questions in the previous section with my eyes
closed!
- I’m always up for more challenging questions!
God heals the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9)
Sometime after they left Egypt, the Israelites spoke against ___________ (1) and
Moses, complaining about the difficult conditions in the wilderness. God sent
____________________ (2a – two words) that bit the people, causing many of them
to die. They were remorseful and asked Moses to pray to God for them*. God
instructed Moses to set a ____________________ (2b – similar to 2a) on a
__________ (3). If anyone who was bitten looked at it, the person would __________
(4). In the Gospel according to John, __________ (5) referred to this when speaking
with Nicodemus.
Read Numbers 21:8-9 Read John 3:14-15
http://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages
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Archangel Raphael and the healing of Tobias’ wife and father (Tobit 8, 11-12 – yes, three chapters! You enjoy challenges, right?)
1. Archangel Raphael appeared as a man and Tobias referred to him as
a. Brother Azarias
b. Holy Man
c. my friend Raphael [ ]
2. Raphael explained to Tobias the way to heal his wife, Sarah, of
a. demons
b. fever
c. blindness [ ]
3. He told Tobias to use _______ to heal his father’s blindness.
a. the paste made with his spittle
b. his hands
c. the gall of the fish. [ ]
4. Once Tobit regained his sight, he
a. gave thanks to God
b. summoned Raphael
c. informed the physician [ ]
5. Who said these words? “It is good to praise God and to exalt his name, worthily
declaring the works of God. Do not be slow to give him thanks.”
a. Tobit
b. Raphael
c. Tobias [ ]
Bonus question!! The word for ‘prayer on behalf of someone else’: i __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Did you know Raphael means “God heals”?
Text by: Jacqueline Lee
Go to page 30 for the answers!
21
Mother Mary’s Amazing Virtues
by Stella Lee
From the cross Jesus gave His beloved Mother Mary to St John as well as to all of us.
And she is our Mother Most Holy. St Louis de Monfort in his Marian Spirituality
“True Devotion to Mary” highlighted ten of the most important virtues of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. True devotion to Our Lady is holy and leads us to avoid sin and imitate
her virtues. As a legionary, l am fascinated when l learned about these virtues and
before long, they are something that have become near and dear to my heart. Mary’s
virtues may seem overwhelming to us, but they are not as daunting as they seem to. I
will share these virtues and how we can practise them in our daily lives.
1. Angelic Sweetness
Meaning: Angelic - Like or befitting an angel. Sweetness - Beloved, kind, gracious,
precious.
Mary radiated joy and peace to everyone she encountered. We can live out this virtue
by opening our hearts to the grace that is available to us and showing gratitude for
God’s blessings. We can smile more often, be kind, friendly and sensitive towards
others, putting their needs before our own. At the Annunciation, the Blessed Virgin
said “Yes” to God’s offer to be the mother of Jesus. She did not do anything. She
simply said, “Let it be done to me according to thy Word.”
2. Ardent charity
Meaning: Ardent- Characterised by warmth of feeling or passion. Charity - the
theological value by which we love God above all things for His sake.
Every action that Mary performed for those around her was done out of love for God.
She practised love to a sublime degree and in two ways. She expressed her love for
God by her ardent love for neighbour. At the Annunciation, through her unconditional
“Yes”, Mary showed her total and unreserved love for God. However, moving in haste
to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, Mary manifested great love for neighbours. We learn to
be like the Blessed Mother when we take on a disposition for those around us by
bringing Jesus to them through concrete examples. “To love our neighbour in charity
is to love God in man.’ St Francis de Sales.
3. Blind obedience Meaning: Blind - Fully trusting in God’s plan for our lives even when we don’t fully
understand it, knowing that He is Truth itself. Obedience - Obeying His commands
given through the Holy Mother Church.
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Mary was able to confidently give her “fiat” at the Annunciation and also in every
circumstance after that. Mary displayed an admirable attitude of obedience to the
Word of God and trusted in His holy will. When we are tempted to rebel and turn
against God, let us through Mary’s prayers and examples obey God like she did and
like Jesus who “was obedient to death, even death on the cross.” Philippians 2:8. We
believe and trust that God’s plan for us is good and loving. This is really difficult
especially in times when life is uncertain but we are not alone in the chaos. God is
right there with us.
“When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them and the sheep follow
him because they recognise his voice.” (John 10:4).
4. Constant mental prayer
Meaning: In the words of St Mother Teresa: “Mental prayer is the breath of life for
our soul and holiness is impossible without it.” It doesn’t mean praying in the chapel
all day but simply loving God and others in every little act we perform.
Mary’s entire life was a prayer due to her constantly placing herself in the presence
of God every moment of her life. To imitate this virtue we can praise God, make time
for silence, for thanking Him and for asking help to do His will. Bring Christ into
every little thing; offer up all our thoughts, words, action, joys and sorrows to Him.
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Luke 2:19.
5. Divine wisdom
Meaning: Divine - Proceeding from God. Wisdom - Knowledge of what is true and
right and having good judgement.
Mary was able to see the beauty of God’s will in every moment. She didn’t run to
others first. She always conversed with God first so that she could embrace His will.
To live out this virtue, we ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to see things through the
eyes of God and not our own. We ask Our Lady Seat of Wisdom to pray for us. “The
mark of a soul that loves wisdom always gives thanks to God.” St John Chrysostom.
6. Heroic patience
Meaning: Heroic - Knowing that God is Lord no matter what challenges are faced.
Patience - Quiet perseverance and peaceful waiting as we abide in His love and wait
for Him to reveal His will when the time is right.
Mary gave her “fiat” to God at the Annunciation, not knowing what was expected
from her. Mary’s patience culminated at the foot of her Son’s cross where she truly
became a martyr through her patience and complete suffering in union with Christ. To
live out this virtue, we unite our sufferings with that of Jesus and Our Lady of Sorrows.
We pray for the gift of perseverance and cultivate silence in our lives and in our hearts.
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“We can be martyrs without the executioner’s sword if we only preserve patience.” St
Gregory.
7. Lively faith
Meaning: Lively - Full of life and spirited. Faith - When man completely submits his
whole being to God, including his intellect and his will.
Mary demonstrated her lively faith by completely submitting herself to God in an
energetic way. She joyfully surrendered herself to God. We can imitate her when we
recognise that faith is a gift from God. To receive a gift, we must be in communion
with the giver. Choose to trust Him and practise receiving His gifts with humble open
palms. “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.” St Thomas Aquinas.
8. Profound humility
Meaning: Profound - Penetrating or entering deeply into thoughts or knowledge.
Humility - Free from pride and arrogance, lowliness of mind.
Mary perfectly conformed herself to God’s will. She saw herself as God saw her,
nothing more and nothing less. We also must see ourselves as God sees us. We pray
the litany of humility, accept compliments gracefully and quietly and don’t be
embarrassed to make mistakes in front of others. “The Lord is willing to do great
things, but on condition that we are truly humble.” St Padre Pio.
9. Surpassing purity
Meaning: Surpassing - Beyond or exceeding what is typical in magnitude or degree.
Purity - The state of being free from sin, oneness of heart and mind on seeking God.
Everything in Mary is of God. Her mind and heart were pure. She lived her life with
unity of purpose, seeking only to love and honour with all her heart, all her mind and
all her soul. Like Mary, we can live a prayerful life and frequent the Sacraments. We
strive to keep our minds pure and focused on heavenly things instead of things of this
world. “Holy Purity, the queen of virtues, the angelic virtue, is a jewel so precious
that those who possess it become like the angels of God in heaven, even though
clothed in mortal flesh.” St John Bosco.
10. Universal mortification
Meaning: Universal - All-encompassing, applicable everywhere. Mortification -
Dying to yourself and your own will.
Mary “died” to herself from the moment she said at the Annunciation, “Not my will
but yours be done.” She continued this throughout her whole life, dying to herself and
totally uniting with her Son. We live out this virtue when we make sacrifices and offer
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them up for the greater good of someone else. Mortify yourself in little daily actions
such as listening to the cries of those in need and comforting those in distress. “Unless
you mortify yourself, you will never be in a prayerful soul.” St Josemaria Escriva.
Mary’s ten virtues are impressive to reflect on. Don’t be discouraged. The key to
conquering any task is to start small. Try to pick up one virtue each week, month or
year to intentionally focus on and practise emulating her. Remember that the Blessed
Mother is right there with us every step of the way. Don’t be afraid to love her and to
call upon her, asking for her guidance and assistance. Lastly don’t be afraid to allow
her to love you as St Maximilian Kolbe said, “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed
Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
The Value of being Present
by Isadora Lee
With the Lenten season approaching, I decided to think about how I could prepare
myself this season. What immediately came to mind was a snippet from a Homily on
the Presentation of the Lord.
Then, it was still the Lunar New Year season and the priest had made an analogy to
the custom of visiting one another. Typically, the more junior members of the family
will pay a visit to the older extended-family members. They will "present" themselves
as a form of respect. It is during then that the older ones distribute red packets as a
form of sending their well-wishes to the younger ones. In this "presentation", the
younger family members specially put aside the time to connect. They make
themselves emotionally available to catch up during this time of the year. The Priest
then highlighted the need for us to do the same for Jesus. It is important for us to put
aside time to connect with him. We should also make ourselves emotionally available
to connect with Him.
This message resonated with me. It got me thinking about how I can be more "present"
to my family, and also to Jesus.
The truth is, I consider myself to be addicted to my mobile phone. I use it for the usual
- browsing social media and instant messaging - and also for more "hardcore tasks"
such as reading and writing. (This article was written using my phone.) But I am also
guilty of mindlessly scrolling through it when I feel overwhelmed, or tired. Instead of
tackling my anxiety head-on by what I consider to be more constructive avenues
(breathing, running, or even keeping a journal) to clear my mind so that I can focus
25
better, my instinct is to hit the phone and scroll. I am also on my phone a lot in the
evening, after a long day, and usually when I am nursing my baby. Because he is busy
feeding, I will take to my phone and become engrossed with it. As I write this piece,
I am developing a sense of guilt for the irony of this behaviour. I nurse my child to
bond with him, yet I am not using this precious time to connect. He is about twenty
months old now; how long more will I have such intimate moments? Have I really
taken in the smell of his hair? Have I ever looked into his eyes and notice the colour
of his pupils? Have I remembered to hold his little hands in mine and squeeze them
tight?
No, I haven't done any of those. And to be honest, I think I treat God with the same
state of mindlessness too. I often say grace in a state of hurry, because I am too hungry
to wait. I leave my prayers to bedtime to consolidate the day, but I end up hitting the
sack faster than my recollection of the day's events. I make sure I attend Mass weekly
but my attention is usually on my children most of the time. This Lent, I would like
to do something different. I want to be present for the Lord, throughout the day. So, I
will start with giving thanks to Him when I wake up, for a safe night of rest. I will
resume my practice of reflecting on the daily Mass readings on my commute. It was
something I used to do when I was working, but I had stopped when I started school.
I will say grace mindfully. I will make extra effort to set aside time for the examen.
I will not deny that the above does sound daunting to me. After all, starting a new
habit is always hard. Whenever you decide to fast from for Lent, take heart though,
because according to psychological research, it takes at least 21 consistent days for a
daily habit to form. Lent is 40 days. We can all do this, I am sure; we just need to keep
our focus on the Lord and not rely solely on our mortal selves.
Man’s Vulnerable Moment – Satan’s Trap
by Maggie Lee
We were hardly two weeks into the year 2020, and two tragedies had already been
reported in The Straits Times. One was a man killing his wife. Another was a baby
boy found in a bin at the bottom of a rubbish chute.
These two atrocities were committed in a fit of:
Fury: The man might be jealous, suspecting the unfaithfulness of his wife; or
revengeful, hurting her in retaliation for some injury or wrong suffered at her hand.
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Extreme fear and desperation: The person who abandoned the baby might be feeling
terribly frightened and confused. The unwanted child might be the unfortunate by-
product of some relationship she wanted to forget at all costs.
Whatever their real reason might be, they were both driven by a strong impulse to
satisfy their urge. It was their vulnerable moment. The devil was watching closely. It
was the right moment to strike. “Kill her! Kill her!”, “Dump him! Dump him!” he
shouted again and again, his devilish voice ringing loud and clear in their ears.
How then, can we protect ourselves from falling into the devil’s trap? Who can we
turn to when faced with such overwhelming crises?
The Straits Times has inserted, next to the articles on these two issues, the contact
numbers of a network of:
“Crisis Service” where help is available.
“Support Services”, which include shelter, counselling and financial aid, for
women facing a pregnancy crisis.
On a more long-term basis, we can safeguard ourselves from Satan’s snares by
fortifying our “frontline” with the proposed following “defensive barriers”:
1) Adhere to a wholesome and healthy lifestyle. This will:
enhance our immune system which will resist viruses and overcome stress.
make us an active person having the stamina to take on challenges and see them
through.
in turn generate self-confidence and a pleasant temperament - the prerequisites
of a happy and friendly person.
2) Improve and upgrade ourselves through lifelong learning. (How about using our
SkillsFuture credit?) This will:
enhance our mental capabilities. (Regarding the human brain, Marian Diamond,
the well-known neuroscientist, gives this advice: “Use it or lose it”.)
increase our knowledge. (As they say, knowledge is power. Let us add:
knowledge opens the door to a whole wide fascinating world around us -
especially in science and technology.)
sharpen up our problem-solving and decision-making skills, among other
things.
3) Stay in constant contact with God through prayers and Holy Communion.
This will uplift and enkindle our faith, bringing us nearer to God. A close friend of
mine once told me that she always started her day with - the way she put it - “a brief
27
greeting to God: Dear Lord, my Creator, I love You. Thank You for making me. Help
me fulfil the purpose of my being here”. Isn’t that inspiring?
Everyone has – more or less – his or her vulnerable moment. It is the time when one
falls prey to human weakness. Satan knows it only too well. He capitalises on it –
relentlessly. He spares no one. Not even Jesus. He tempted Him three times during
His forty days in the desert (Matthew 4: 1-3; 5-6; 8-9). But Jesus was unshakable and
steadfast. He strongly rebuked the devil each time (Matthew 4: 4; 7; 10). This was in
stark contrast to what happened in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 1-13). Jesus has
shown us how not to succumb to temptation. Let us start the New Year right by
emulating His good example!
Igniting Curiosity & Communication through “Quiz of the Day”
By Aaron and Selly Soon Ken-Ji
Recently, the Novel Coronavirus situation presented us with many questions ranging
from simple ones like “What does the acronym DORSCON mean?” to more insightful
ones that led us to research about the causes and effects of the virus. Family
discussions would also revolve around the world and local situations with each new
report surfacing in the media. It was during one of these episodes that we decided to
post in our family Whatsapp group chat, a “Quiz of the Day” for all members in the
family to research and find out the answers from one another. To our pleasant surprise,
our children responded by researching on the quiz questions we posted, and this led
“…Christian families can do this through their educational activity--that is to say, by
presenting to their children a model of life based on the values of truth, freedom, justice
and love--both through active and responsible involvement in the authentically human
growth of society and its institutions, and supporting in various ways the associations
specifically devoted to international issues."
(Familiaris Consortio, #48)
‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all
your strength [body], and with all your mind, and your neighbour [social] as
yourself.’ ‘You have answered right,’ said Jesus. ‘Do this and life is yours.’
- Luke 10:27-28
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to deeper engagement and communication with our children, both of whom are
teenagers.
The reason we are sharing this article is a manifestation of the joy we share with you
when we find new ways of initiating and engaging our children through igniting their
curiosity about the many events shaping the world we live in today. And, we are not
just stopping at topics pertaining to the Novel Coronavirus situation. Increasingly, we
are expanding “Quiz of the Day” into topics ranging from current affairs, to society,
politics, sex education, faith, and many more to come. May you too find joy in igniting
curiosity and communication through “Quiz of the Day” in your family.
©Copyright (2020), Aaron and Selly Soon Ken-Ji
To share your thoughts, email us – [email protected]
“Aha!” Moment
by Fr Remi
Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings, so was David in Israel. He made sport of
lions as though they were kids, and of bears, like lambs of the flock. As a youth, he
slew the giant and wiped out the people’s disgrace... (Sir 47: 2-4) Hard as I tried,
praises of David have not rested well in my heart. They sound overly exaggerated to
me. He was a murderer, was he not? A cunning one. Someone who did not leave any
blood stain in his hands. If you were Uriah, you would not come near him. He is
dangerous. Yet the Church honours him as a saint.
A phrase in the Book of Sirach attracted my attention this time. “With his every deed
he offered thanks to God Most High, in words of praise. With his whole being he
loved his Maker.” (Sir 47: 8) Aha! This is the key, a very important key. Yes, it was
an “Aha!” moment for me. This is what makes him so special. Not because he was so
pristine pure without blemish, but because he recognised the goodness of his creator
who forgave him of his imperfections.
David repented and he gave praise to the Lord his maker. He sent singers before the
altar and by their voices he made sweet melodies, He added beauty to the feasts and
solemnized the seasons of each year. What meaning he set for our Liturgy of the Hours
as a heritage!
29
In childlike ecstasy, he danced wearing only a loincloth to show his nothingness in
front of God. Oblivious to the jeering eyes of some spectators he continued in his own
way of praising the Most High God, a repentant sinner who valued the second chance
of life.
Recently, by chance I came across a mugshot of a man who had just been released
from prison in Florida, United States. I have never seen a mugshot like this one before.
He was 36 years old at that time, and had served 2 years in prison. He was looking
straight at the photographer with eyes full of tears. His expression was heart moving.
The caption reads, “Should I hire ER of Florida? Yes! We believe everyone deserves
a second chance...”
The image of the banquet in the house of Levi came to mind. A large crowd of tax
collectors and others were at table. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’
disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” But
Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the
sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” (Lk 5: 29-
32)
It is not our own worthiness that God seeks. I was with a brother in Rome last week,
and we were talking about holiness and worthiness in religious life. It came to me that
there is no such a thing as a worthy religious. None, because we are all broken, and
that is the reason we come to the Lord so that he can make us whole.
The thing about King David is that he committed a grave sin, but then he repented.
Through this, he experienced the mercy of God, and came to love his maker with his
whole being.
Jesus gave us this exact commandment to love God and to love our neighbours, the
main key to holiness, because loving is sanctifying. Amen.
30
Answers for Pages 17-20
Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter
1. b – lay His hands on her
2. a – dead
3. c – believe
4. a – laughed
5. b – got up and walked
Jesus heals the centurion’s servant
1. c – the elders of the Jews
2. a – come under my roof… let my servant be healed
3. b – before Communion
4. c – faith
5. b – well
God heals the Israelites in the wilderness
1. God
2. a – fiery serpents, b – fiery serpent
3. pole
4. live
5. Jesus
Archangel Raphael
1. b – Brother Azarias
2. a – demons
3. c – the gall of the fish
4. a – gave thanks to God
5. b – Raphael
Definition of intercession: prayer on behalf of someone else
31
Across 2. Easter celebrates the __________ Mystery, the mystery of our dying to sin and rising with Christ to the new life of grace. 4. Catholics do not eat this on Fridays during Lent. 5. The liturgical colour of Lent is __________. 6. A week before Easter Sunday is __________ Sunday. 8. Lent continues until __________ __________. 11. Giving to the poor is an act of __________.
Down 1. The day Lent begins. 3. Lent is the time when we prepare for Jesus’ __________. 7. To go without. 9. When you go without food during Lent. 10. The church gives us __________ weeks of Lent to prepare for Easter.
Name:
Address:
Contact No.
There are no winners for last month’s issue. For a chance to win a special
gift, please submit your completed entry to the church office by the 12th
of this month. (For children 12 years & below - not for the Spotlight team &
their families.)
Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net
四旬期第一主日
吴诚才总主教发函应对新型冠状病毒(COVID-19)的指示内容：
1.暂停弥撒与大型集会
自 2月 15日星期六下午 12点开始，所有公开的弥撒，包括平日和周
末，都将无限期暂停，直到另行通知为止。
2.暂停涉及多人的公开集会，例如：培育课程、避静和研讨会。
3.我们应尝试在 YouTube或 CatholicSG广播上收看或收听弥撒，遵守
主日为圣的义务。
请到总教区的网站 https://www.catholic.sg 查看在线的广播时间。
因为收看或收听弥撒的广播，能帮助我们在灵性上接受主。
4.我们要祈祷、阅读主日礼仪中天主的圣言；并为全世界向主祈求这
新冠病毒很快被遏制和消除。
5.作为一个家庭。即使家人无法在一起敬拜天主，我们个人也应该有
至少半个小时的静默时间祈祷，尤其是阅读天主的圣言。
6.举办婚礼或葬礼。有关人士必须与堂区神父作出安排，也必须按照
天主教医疗协会(CMG)的指示，采取预防措施。
7.急需圣事的人，比如：病人傅油与和好圣事。请约见我们的堂区神
父。执行圣事者在为堂区教友服务时，必须采取适当的预防措施。
8.我们要关注并遵循天主教医疗协会（CMG）定期发布的保护和预防措
施 (https://coronavirus.catholic.sg) 。
最后，感谢教徒们的耐心和理解。
让我们彼此代祷，特别是为那些因这场疫情病死的人们祈祷;愿主帮助
我们摆脱这新冠病毒，让我们能够继续自如地朝拜上主，同心协力，
在爱和事奉中彼此共融。
我们也为前线人员 —— 医生和护士 —— 祈祷，他们舍己为人，谨
守本分，服务病人。愿主保护他们和他们的亲人免受伤害。
新加坡天主教总教区吴诚才总主教 启 2020年 2月 14日
圣体堂开放时间
在弥撒取消期间，圣堂每天上午 7点至傍晚 7点开放，让教友前来做
祷告。
《海星报》启示
《海星报》将调整为月刊，继续出版和发行，以满足新加坡和马来西
亚读者的牧灵需求。新一期的出报日期是 3月 15日。
2020年
3月1日
平日弥撒 取消
星期六
黄昏弥撒 取消
主日弥撒
(华语)
取消
(英语)
取消
圣母敬礼 星期六
取消
圣体堂 周讯
: 6474 0582 : 6472 6545 圣体堂网站 www.bsc.org.sg
真理电台网站 www.tianzhu.org 教委网站 www.cams.org.sg
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