1month parish exposure @ St. Michael, Nowra.

Today is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel and it's fitting to blog about this present parish I am staying since Friday (26/09/08) night. I'll be staying in this parish until my return to Malaysia on Oct 27. This Parish of St. Michael was ectablished in 1863. Click here for more info about the Church and the other churches under its care. The pictures below are only on St. Michael. So what i have been doing the last few days here....Hmmm let me see....makan, makan, makan (meaning:- food or eat in the National language of Malaysia).

The night that I came to the Parish, I had a big dinner at the Bishop's house together with the priests of the diocese to celebrate the Sacerdotal Jubilee of about 5 priests. The next day after the sunset mass, we had a 'formal' Parish Feastday Dinner at a club. And on Sunday, together with the Parish Priest, Fr. Patrick Faherty who is also the Vicar General (VG), I went for a Spring Garden Luncheon Party. Now I'm looking forward to a 80th Birthday party of a parishioner on Tuesday! hehehe. Hope my family can recognise me when I am back!

Enjoy the photos:-

Church of St. Michael, Nowra

Sanctuary of the Church of St. Michael

Altar

Stations of the Cross

Close-up of the 12th Station.

Baptismal Font

St. Michael the Archangel.

An Aboriginal painting of the cross on the confessional room door.

Presbytery (Parish House)

My room is the top 1st window from the left.

SOMETIMES...life is very difficult.

Listen, Lord, as I pray!
You are faithful and honest
and will answer my prayer.
I am your servant. Don't try me in your court,
because no one is innocent by your standards.

My enemies are chasing me,
crushing me in the ground.
I am in total darkness, like someone long dead.
I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over.

I remember to think about the many things
you did in years gone by.
Then I lift my hands in prayer,
because my soul is a desert,
thirsty for water from you.

Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer.
I feel hopeless.
Don't turn away and leave me here to die.
Each morning let me learn more about your love
because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.

Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord!
I come to you for safety.
You are my God. Show me what you want me to do,
and let your gentle Spirit lead me
in the right path.

Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life save.
Use your saving power
to protect me from trouble.
(Psalm 143:1-11)

Children's Liturgy @ Unanderra.

Children's Liturgy at Parish and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Unanderra, NSW, Australia. A few volunters take turns to 'break the word' for children age 5-11. They put in alot of effort to make the children's liturgy fun and meaningful. Seen below is Sr. Joan Goodwin RSJ with her special friend, Casper who made a special appearance yesterday to share the Gospel.

Introduction to Vespers: Week IV, Friday.

In my reflection for lauds (click here for a read), I shared how God through His love has raised us with dignity as His children. All of us have experienced God's saving act someway or another. Through the psalm this evening, we are asked to acknowledge and proclaim the loving acts of God:-

Age to age shall proclaim Your works, shall declare Your mighty deeds -Ps.144 (145).

The Lord is loving in all His deeds...let me speak the praise of the Lord - Ps.144 (145) part II.

Great and wonderful are your deeds - Canticle (Rev.15:3).

As witnesses of God's love for us, we pray...

Introduction to Lauds: Week IV, Friday.

O see in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived (Ps.51 [51]:7).
I am sure many will agree that life is full of fun, it is so unique, important, and at the same time it is fragile too; and yes, through sin, we have fallen short (Rom.3:23 - all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God).
But God who is full of love and mercy, has raised us up again and given us the dignity through His Son, Jesus (Rom.3:24 - they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus). Click here for the full scripture text.

So we pray, that with conviction, we may echo with St. Paul; "My real life is the faith I have in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal.2:19-20 - Scripture Reading for Lauds).

"Father, how wonderful Your care for us! How boundless Your merciful love. To ransom a slave you gave away Your Son. O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer". (Exsultet - Easter Proclamation) Click here for the scripture text on humanity's sin through Adam and grace and life through Christ.

"God so love the world that He gave us His Beloved Son" (Jn.3:16). As a people celebrating His love, we pray...
Here is a video clip on the Exsultet

Are you smarter than a 4th grader? (part 3)

Another school visit at a catholic school today. This time I visited the year 5 and 6 (11 & 12 year olds). The students were so energetic and eager to hear from a representative from the church. They also raised good questions to clarify about their faith. It a total different experience during my visit to the public school a few days ago. I wish our students back in Malaysia were given the same opportunities to hear from their respective religious leaders. The public schools here have about 30-60 mins in a week for religious lessons (its not enough, but we have to make use of whatever amount of time given). The Catholic school has more time given; so its a privilege then to be studying at this schools.

During my presentation to the Year 5 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

Year 5 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

Presentation to the Year 6 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

The Year 6 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

Introduction to Lauds: Week 3, Thursday.

One of the famous image for Christ is the image of the Good Shepherd. And in relation to others, many people think that this image of the 'shepherd' is also only for the bishops and priests. This notion is wrong, for everyone is called to be like the 'Good Shepherd'; for a shepherd cares and loves his/her sheep and each one of us are called to do the same for others.

In this morning's canticle (Is.40:10-17) we see the image of God as a Shepherd, who feeds his flock and gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom. Being a 'shepherd' is not being authoritative or over powering but a 'shepherd' who cares and loves. This is a beautiful image, so let us all strive to be shepherds who are courages, present, real, respectful and loving.

Are you smarter than a 4th grader? (part 2)

Last week (Sept 5) i visited the year 4 students in a Catholic school and yesterday I had the opportunity to visit some catholic students in a public school. Unlike the previous experience, yesterday was an eye opener of knowing whats going on outside the catholic 'box'. I met students from the age of 9-12 (30 min each class) and very surprisingly their knowledge on their faith believe is very shallow in comparison with the students in the Catholic school i visited previously. Some of the things that the year 4 from the catholic school discussed with me were not able to be discussed with the students from this public school because they just could not answer even simple questions about their faith. For an example the year 6 (12 year olds) could not name me the 7 Sacraments! In fact they did not know what sacraments are and they were so blur with other simple questions. They showed sign of 'tidak apa' (don't care / couldn't care less) attitude when i tried explaining. Even to attend the 30minutes religious class of once a week was like carrying a big burden. When asked them if they had any questions, it was so immature and not appropriate for their age.

Hmmm its indeed a big challenge here for church leaders. At first i was so disappointed, but reflecting later on this visit, i felt i was wrong to feel that way. I was brought to mind the mission of Jesus on earth. He came especially for the weak, poor, downtrodden, unfortunate, sinner, etc! I'm sure this students fall in such category. They do not have the opportunities! It is also because of 'lifes' circumstances. What will Jesus do? Through this reflection, i was brought low; I was asked to be humble. I am sorry Lord for being arrogant, for having high expectation on others, failing to realise that You never had any expectation on me. Yes Lord, I will go, but only if You lead me! Yes Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity of serving you through them; for Your face is best revealed in these people.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY and 2 other discoveries!

Yeah it's Father's Day today alright in this part of the world. And all this while, I thought that every 3rd Sunday of the month of June was Father's Day. I can say I'm right because about 50 countries celebrates on the 3rd sun of June. So to be sure, i googled and found the answer at Wikipedia, that it is celebrated in other days according to the custom of the countries. Click here to read and do checkout the dates for the various countries. Interesting to read that in the Roman Catholic tradition, Father's Day is celebrated on the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19). Ah that gives a good meaning for us Catholics, and for the fathers an example to emulate.

Thinking that at least Mother's Day was spared and is celebrated on the same day (i.e. 2nd Sunday of May) throughout the world, I was again cheated! In the same website, I found that like Father's Day, Mother's Day too is celebrated at different days.

I guess this is not a big fuss because we have many other celebrations that differs in dates with other countries, such as Teacher's Day and Children's day but there are some events that is celebrated at the same date such as World AIDS Day and Nurses Day.

But I want to make a fuss of another discovery i made, that is; the KFC does not taste the same in the land Down Under as to compare in Malaysia/ Singapore. OK, this can happen with other chain fast food restaurants but not in this case with KFC. I'm saying so because KFC has the 11 herbs and spices secret recipe. Isn't the recipe the same all over the world? Everywhere they advertise of the 11 herbs and spices original recipe! So why the different taste? Hmmmm, anyway Malaysia KFC taste better!

(Students from St. Pius X, Unanderra, singing a song during the Father's Day Para-Liturgy service on 05/09/08).
I was so touched with a father's statement when he went up to the stage to share about his experiences being a father. He said he was thankful to God for allowing him to be part of God's plan in nurturing life. wow!

A blog a day takes the pain away!

Whenever I have extra time when I'm online, i try to read blogs of my friends or just randomly pick from the Google search results. I must say, I'm very impressed with some blogs especially those of my friends and relatives' blogs. There are some with inspirational and personal sharing. Some express it with poems, pictures, videos or just plain writing. Keep it up guys! Saya salute sama lu!! Its your way of encouraging others.

But I've been disappointed with some too; certain blogs need to be rated 18sx, M, PG, etc. Hmmmmm. As Mrs Doyle (from the comedy series 'Father Ted') will say; "Oh dreadful language...Fierce stuff! And of course the 'F' word father, the Baaaaddddd 'F'' word! lol. Haha. Wonder whether my blog need to be rated too! Hehehe.

Anyway, we all have our reasons for blogging. Its always nice to hear some of the stories on how people started to blog. As for me, I started, so i could publish all my reflections, homilies and especially my introductions to Lauds and Vespers which i gave in the seminary.

But now i want to share with all of you this article below. This post is specially dedicated to all of you bloggers!

Just 2 days ago I read an interesting article from The Sydney Morning Herald (Essential, pg14, words Sacha Molitorisz ) about 'writing therapy' and here are some excerpts for you:-

The blog is an opportunity to relieve tension and have some sort of completion. I suppose there's an element of taking control. (Hmmm so ppl; a clean way to release tension now!! Hehehe)

Studies show the benefits of expressive, or therapeutic, writing. Apart from helping to deal with stress and pain, the act of writing down experiences and emotions has been revealed to improve memory, aid sleep and boost the immune system. (Shiok can ZZZZzzzzzzzzz and start dreaming on what to blog next! Hehehe).

Ongoing studies suggest that writing serves the function of organising complex emotional experiences. (Hahaha better than CPE. But I'm sure the CPE supervisors wont agree....cos they say they have the BEST programe and the BEST CPE supervisors in the world! lol)

Expressive writing and therapeutic blogging may be related to the brain's limbic system, which is in the mid-brain and controls our drives (hunger, sex, etc). (Oh..i wrote something about this before. Click here for a read).

One argument has it that compulsive blogging is analogous to hypergraphia, in which sufferers display an uncontrollable urge to write. (Haha jaga-jaga, jangan sampai jadi 'KUKU')

However, support for therapeutic writing is not unanimous - Keeping a diary is bad for your health! (New Scientist 2004) - Regular diarist were more likely than non-diarist to suffer from headaches, sleeplessness, digestive problems and social awkwardness. (In my opinion, the diarist suffer this because they are worried that others may read their diary which is full of 'secrets' but its not the case of the blogger, this is because the blogger is aware that his blog is accessible to the public through the Internet and in fact its FOR others to read!).

Are you smarter than a 4th grader?

Today I started my 'classroom visitation' at a catholic school run by the church. I visited the year 4 (10-year-old). I was there to share about who I am, the country I am from, seminary life, what I am doing in Australia at the moment and to answer any questions they might have. I was told by the teacher that the children will sure have many questions, and I thought the questions were going to be simple since they are only 10-year-old. But to my surprise they asked question like; Will you get married? Why priest do not get married? Why do you want to be a priest in the 1st place? What is in the black box that the Muslims walk around it?, etc.

In all truth, I tell you that I have underestimated them. When I was told that there will be questions time, I thought the children will be asking questions on the bible and creation, since they were doing the topic on Creation.

But look at some of the questions they raised! When a boy asked whether I'm going to get married, they were some unrest among the students towards this boy for asking such question and it seems that they knew the answer. One girl just bluntly said "Hey, priest do not get married!" and from this it lead to another question asking why priest do not get married. Before i gave the answer, I opened it to the floor asking if any of them would like to answer. And here again, they gave matured answer such as; "Priests wants to devote themselves to the service of God and not be divided by looking after wife and children", "Its a sacrifice, a self-giving" Phew...i didn't have to answer further!

Hey...10-year-olds can think like this already ah? Can they start asking questions and give such answer? What is going on in their mind? Hmmm. Why can't I find such 10-year-olds in Malaysia or Singapore?...Oh maybe it is my ignorance that i do not know that 10-year-olds have such reasoning! I think...its my ignorance! My bad! Hmmm I should have paid more attention to my nephews and nieces when they were talking and to see what they were thinking! Hehehe.

Some of the 10-year-olds (Year 4 - 2008) from St. Pius X School, Unanderra.

I'm looking forward to next week's visit, I'm sure its going to be interesting and challenging enough, because I'll be visiting the 11 and 12-year-olds. Hmmm wonder what questions they are going to ask! And in the afternoon, a visit too to the 9-year-olds who just receive the Holy Communion for the 1st time. I'm sure to benefit from this visits for it gives me a rough idea on what the children in their respective age know about the Catholic faith and the churches teachings.

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children"(Mt.11:25).

Introduction to Lauds: Week 2, Thursday.

Psalm 79 (80) is the prayer of the people of Israel in deep disgrace. Their enemy invaded their land and destroyed the holy city and its temple. Because of this situation, it appears that God is indifferent as He remains silent in spite of the plight of His people. They asks: "O Shepherd of Israel, how long will you frown on Your people's plea?...Look down from heaven and see! Come to visit this vine and protect it."

Praying this psalm, we too can pray as God's Church - the beloved vineyard of the Lord- just as the people of Israel did. As the New Israel, we the church, are frequently attacked by 'enemies'. The message of the Church finds so much internal and external opposition.

We pray that the Lord will visit His church, His vine and protect it. "May Your hand be on the 'people' You have chosen Lord, the 'people' You have given Your strength".

As a community having so much love for His church; His vine, we pray...

Introduction to Lauds: Week 2, Tuesday

This morning's scripture reading (1Thess 5:4-5), we are reminded that we are sons/daughters of light and of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.

Those who follow their evil desires are people of darkness, hiding to do evil. While children of the light are transparent before God and with nothing to hide from Him.

Keeping this in mind, as children of the light, we offer ourselves and be truthful to God and to ourselves.

This picture was taken during my flight to Australia (8 Aug 2008).
As you can see, we were moving towards the light.
At this point i was reflecting of my journey.
I was making a journey of hope, an opportunity, a new beginning.
A journey from my darkness, my past; towards the LIGHT.
(I am the Light of the world...says Jesus - Jn.8:12)