Term 2 resumes this weekend…
Hello everyone,
It was good to see you in class yesterday (though we had quite a shocking attendance esp from the gals – only 4 showed up?! Hmm… I wonder if it’s becos they donno that class has resumed this weekend, or if they have travelled to H1N1 affected areas and are being responsible citizens who are locking themselves at home before they go out again?)
Anyway, just a few admin matters first….
H1N1
For those of you who have recently travelled to H1N1 affected countries (Mexico, Melbourne, Malaysia, New York, etc) please stay at home for at least 7 days (even if you feel well) before you come for class. This is what our Singapore Govt encourages all citizens to do as well. Even if you’ve not been to any of H1N1 affected countries, if you’re not feeling well/ having a fever, etc, please DO NOT come for class. Just give any one of your catechists a call/sms and let us know you’re not coming and why, but you MUST produce a letter from your parents (we will verify with your folks so don’t even THINK abt forging your folks’ signature or faking a letter, ok?!) so that your attendance will not be affected.
Attendance for Term 1
For the benefit of those who did not turn up for class yesterday, I shared in class that a few of you have very poor attendance for the first half of this year (I think you know who you are). If you are serious about getting confirmed in Con 4, PLEASE buck up and turn up for class regularly. Remember you have to fulfil 80% of your attendance should you wish to proceed to Con 3 and be confirmed at the end of your 4 year journey. On the other hand, if you feel that you are not ready, or it takes a lot from you to drag yourself to class every Saturday, then we recommend that you have a chat with your parents and should you decide to drop out of catechism, please ask your parents to write a letter to us (your catechists) and to Fr Fred/Fr Greg to state your intentions. We will not force you to stay on if you don’t want to.
Syllabus for Term 2
For term 2, we will be covering “Sacraments”. For those of you who donno what that is, it is “an outward sign of an inward grace”. Sounds chim? Well, come to class and find out more! For the next few weeks, we will be delving into each sacrament – Baptism, Reconciliation (Confession), Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony (Marriage), Holy Orders (Priesthood), Annointing of the Sick. If you have any questions on any of the Sacraments, now is the time to ask! We may not have the answers to every question, but we will try our best to clear your doubts, or even ask the priests or find out from CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church).
We also welcome Ryan, our new classmate who has joined us from Holy Family Church, starting from Term 2. Ryan has been very participative and enthusiastic in class yesterday. This can be evidently seen in his small group discussion with Jeremy and Naomi, when discussing about the poster to design for a Christian Fair. On the other hand, we had 2 “telepathic grps” yesterday who communicated via telepathy (duh!) with one another in their grps about their designs for the poster (if you know what I mean) 
We will be breaking all of you up from your usual cliques to provide opportunities of getting to know all of your classmates (some of you don’t even know their names after 1.5 yrs of being in the same class! Tsk tsk!). Please also try to open up and share (ie. TALK “in a spiritual way” words quoted from Jerome) with one another during your small grp sharing. Don’t be shy! =)
That said, may you have a good first week in school after a well-deserved holiday. We’ll see you all in class next week (with your Bible/ Journal) when we share about the Sacrament of Baptism!
~ Marlene
Week 1 & 2 at a glance =)
Here’s a pictorial look at week 1 and 2 of Catechism class!
Week 1 – 7 Feb 2009
Week 2 – 14 Feb 2009
We are having a class BBQ at East Coast!! Sunday, 30 Nov
Hey guys & gals,
Hope your exams went well and you’ve aced them! Fret not if you didn’t do as well as you should, there’s always next year to try harder! 
For our year end party, I’ve booked a BBQ pit at East Coast Parkway on Sunday, 30 Nov. We haven’t decided if we should just cater food for the BBQ or have a potluck. What do you guys prefer??
It’s at BBQ Area C, Pit No. 32. It’s near Carpark C3/ Marine Cove/ Beach Cabana/ Raintree Cove. For exact location, log on to http://203.208.249.111/NParks/Internet/search.php#
So do help to spread the word to your classmates and RSVP your attendance to catechist@ymail.com so we know how much food to order. You can also sms/call either one of us to let us know!
~ Marlene
On the Word of God
Hi guys and girls,
Hope things have been going great for you so far. I just came across an article that talks about what we’ve mentioned in class — the role of the Bible (word of God) in helping us strengthen our relationship with Jesus (Word of God). It begins with…
Here’s the word: Catholics must know Bible to know Jesus, says bishops
By Cindy WoodenThe Catholic Church wants people to know and love the word of God — the Bible — so that they will come to know and love the Word of God — Jesus Christ.
While the world Synod of Bishops is focusing on ways to educate Catholics in the importance of reading, understanding and praying with the Bible, several participants addressing the synod Oct. 6-7 insisted that people understand that for Christians the Word of God is Jesus.
“When asked what ‘the word of God’ is, many believers respond, ‘the Bible.’ The response is not wrong, but it is incomplete,” said Italian Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, rector of Rome’s Pontifical Lateran University and president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Because the word of God is more than the Bible, he told the synod Oct. 7, Christianity is not so much a “religion of the book” as a “religion of the Word,” who is Jesus.
[...]
Click here to read the entire article.
Take care and God bless!
- Stephanie
Worrying about your finances
Hi class,
Don’t forget it’s our last Catechism class this weekend! Do ask your friends who have been absent to come! See ya all soon!
Below is a good read, in case you are or know of anyone who’s worried about finances…
God bless!
Marlene
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Bob Dylan sang it many years ago, and it’s still true today: “The times, they are a-changin.” In barely two years, gas prices have more than doubled. Costs for diesel fuel have surpassed gasoline, and the result is a snowball effect that is sending our incomes into a downward spiral of lower and lower spending power. What’s a believer to do?
Trust God. Or as He Himself told us, “Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear…. Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:22b, 25-26).
Really, why do we worry? We can’t control the weather; God does. We can’t control the seasons; God does. When it comes right down to it, there are a very limited number of things over which we have any control whatsoever, and even in those areas, our first and foremost priority as believers in Christ Jesus is still the same mandate: Trust God.
Proverbs 3:5 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” Does that mean that we’re to plod through these tough times with no financial plan of action because we’re simply to “trust in the Lord”? Of course not. The teaching of Proverbs 3:5 continues in Verse 6: “Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”
Folks, the only person who needs a guide is someone who’s going somewhere! I don’t know about you, but I plan to get on with my life and His Commission despite the downturn in the economy and despite any other setbacks that may come my way.
In the early 1980s my husband, Larry, found himself without a job. For two years we had no steady income. And it was during those two years that my penny-pinching savvy was honed like never before; so I can truthfully say that I’d not be where or who I am today were it not for the lessons learned during that tough stretch.
But not only did we learn a lot of new “survival” skills, we learned how awesome our Heavenly Father was and is providing for our needs. Time and again, we received just what we needed just when we needed it. Of course, we did our part to bring in an income. In addition to selling real estate, I cleaned houses, did yard work, a little substitute teaching, and countless other odd jobs, all while trying to remain as much of a stay-at-home mom as possible. Larry found a couple of long-term temporary jobs and joined me in a lot of the odd job opportunities.
Yet sometimes it still wasn’t enough. I recall that on more than one occasion, we prayed fervently for a way to earn enough money to buy groceries. Once, I was still in mid-prayer when the doorbell rang and a couple from our church stood smiling in the doorway. “We hope you won’t be offended,” our friend, Cheryl said, “but Daniel works for a grocery wholesaler and the company let us have all of the damaged goods in this week’s shipment.”
Offended? I was elated! We quickly emptied their burgeoning pickup, stacking the less-than-perfect cans and boxes into our empty pantry and together thanking the Lord for His amazing love and perfect timing.
Once, on my birthday, another friend, Helen, phoned. “I didn’t know what to get you for your birthday, so I bought you groceries. I hope you don’t mind.” I can still remember lifting that truly heavenly turkey breast out of the grocery bag and weeping with happiness.
Then there was the time we found a refund check in our mailbox. Our insurance company had discovered that we’d been charged too high a rate for the whole past year.
People of God, tough times are no reason to worry. They’re a time to get excited about the new and miraculous ways you’re going to see the Lord take care of you. Do your part to be a responsible manager of His blessings: Continue to tithe, cut back unnecessary spending, and make whatever other changes may be needed to reduce your regular expenses. But most of all, trust Him, and joyfully expect your Heavenly Father to take good care of you, His precious son or daughter.
something to think about
Hi guys and girls,
I received this in the email, and thought I’d share it with you.
See you on Saturday =)
- Stephanie
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I have liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named “Friends ” was next to one marked “Friends I have betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed at.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger”, “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “TV Shows I have watched”, I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him..
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.” I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”-Phil.4:13 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If you feel the same way, forward it, so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My “People I shared the gospel with” file just got bigger, how about yours?
How much do you know about OLPS?
Hi guys & gals,
I was just wondering how much you know about OLPS, our parish. Do you know how many ministries we have in church, and what they do?
For a better idea about what our Youth Ministries are, what they do, when do they meet, what’s in store…. do visit our OLPS Youth Ministry website at http://www.olpsyouth.org/
Feel free to ask us any questions about the youth scene in OLPS. Don’t forget, you are a youth in OLPS so you have a part to play in our parish!! =)
Cya all tomorrow in class for Part 2 of “Bedazzled”. Don’t forget to prepare your homework on writing a short script with Christian values for your very own movie!
God bless,
Marlene
God’s Will
Hi guys!
How has your week been so far? Good?
I just got the ‘Faith’ cd this past weekend — you may have seen it advertised on tv — and really liked this song by Martina McBride. So I thought I’d share it with you =) Enjoy!
- Stephanie
Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful life
1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3.) Always pray and make time to exercise.
4.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of Six.
5.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants. Eat less foods that are manufactured in Plants.
6.) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
7.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.
8.) Clear your clutter from your house, car, desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
9.) Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
10.) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
11.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge Card.
12.) Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
13.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
14.) Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.) You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
16.) Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
17.) Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no Idea what their journey is all about.
18.) Ladies – Go on and burn those ’special’ scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special.
19.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
20.) Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’
21.) Forgive everyone for everything.
22.) What other people think of you is none of your business.
23.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
24.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25.) Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
26.) Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
27.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides, remember?!
28.) The best is yet to come.
29.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
30.) Do the right thing!
31.) Call your family often.
32.) Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
‘I am thankful for today:-
Today I accomplished _________.
33) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
34.) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE’S A PRESENT … UNWRAP IT!
Some changes are good for you: so take your pick…..and good luck!
~ Marlene
on what we want and what we are given
Dear all, I saw this lovely poem on the 4.30pm class’s blog (thanks Liz!) and thought that it’d be nice to share it with you guys:
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
We may spend 1.5 hours with each other every week, but each of us treads our own path in life. Our experiences are different, our relationships with God are different, and our requests are different. But one thing all of us share in common is this: At some point in time, we’ve probably felt that God isn’t really listening to what we ask for. If He loves us so much, and we want something so badly, why don’t we get it? Does He even hear us?
This poem has expressed, in the simplest words, what goes on when something like that happens. Indeed, God doesn’t necessarily give us what we want for ourselves, but He certainly gives us what we need. Looking back, many of my requests have gone unanswered, but He has given me far more than what I’ve asked for. A manifold of blessings that I don’t deserve and couldn’t even imagine for myself. Oftentimes, some quiet time spent with Him reflecting on my life was all it took to realize this.
Spend some time with God this week, and I pray that you come to realize the workings of His loving grace in your life.
- Stephanie
