Ignatian Online, Website of St Ignatius Church, Petaling Jaya

In line with our 2012 pastoral theme Family: Life of the BEC, Saint Ignatius Church will project the Prayer for the Family below during Mass [after the Prayer of the Faithful] on the third Saturday & Sunday of every month (BEC Week).

by Michael Baldwin

The SIC Youth Rally is an annual 4-day 3-night stay-in camp organised by the Junior Youth Ministry (JYM) of St Ignatius Church (SIC) to help the youth around the archdiocese to experience a time of faith, family, friendship and fun while gaining a better understanding about the Catholic faith. Held in Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) from 9-12 December 2011, the Rally revolved around the theme Planted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith from Colossians 2:7 with some interesting changes. The first day started off with the 260 participants arriving in SIC at 1.30 pm. After registering themselves and being assigned to their buses, they were ready to depart to the campsite. Around 3.30 pm, all of them arrived at KKB and were warmly welcomed into the hall by the MCs, Zachary Emuang and Chrishen Gomez, as well as the Outreach Team. After collecting their goodie bags, they headed off to their dormitories for a brief settling in before returning to the hall at 5.30 pm.

Once back in, they were introduced to a new element to the Youth Rally, the Catholic Faith Exchange (CatFEX) – a trading-card-based game that allows the participants to learn more about their faith with the exchange of cards and the chance to win prizes as well. Participants were required to collect seven cards from each category, namely the Beatitudes, Saints, the Sacraments and Catholic fun-facts as fast as they can. A carefully thought out slide presentation and an instructional skit by graduate members (outreach team members from previous years) helped participants learn how to play the game. They could not contain their anxiety and began trading almost immediately. In addition to CatFEX, yet another element was introduced – dorm discussions after supper. This activity is to give participants the opportunity to express what touched them throughout the whole day. After an overview of the dorm discussion, dinner was served and everyone settled back into the hall for the beginning of the Rally.

The Opening Night was a blast; it started off with an opening video and MCs Samuel Loh and Vanessa Trisha extending a warm welcome to everyone. Icebreakers followed suit, with everyone laughing, giggling, smiling and dancing to the antics performed by the Outreach Team. Right after the icebreakers, the MCs returned and welcomed Jesus to be present for the event through a Bible Enthronement. After the enthronement came the theme song for the SIC Youth Rally 2011: “Firm Foundation.” SIC Parish Priest Fr Lucas Ng then gave a short speech and officially kicked-off the 2011 Youth Rally. Benedict Lo – one of the main facilitators – went on to address all participants on what to expect during the camp and rounded off the first day with a rules & regulations presentation by the Outreach Team.

The second day of camp started off with an enlightening Mass by Fr John Chia. Breakfast and praise and worship followed suit before the first official session started with Benedict talking about God’s love. Most of the participants were really surprised to learn about the magnitude of the love of God. CatFEX trading continued on and Fr John took over with a brief but interesting session on faith. Bringing back a popular old tradition, Making Melodies had participants divided into groups with each group having to come up with their own dramas, dances, singing or any other items to be presented to the other participants on the final day. Everyone was really thrilled by it as they put on their thinking caps trying to brainstorm ideas.

After lunch, Marc Philip, a graduate from the 2005 Youth Rally discussed on the very informative “Challenges Faced by Catholic Youths Today.” Games proceeded, after a brief tea, where the participants took part in various station games, some of which are physically challenging while others required mental concentration. After dinner there was praise and worship, but with a slight twist introduced by Benedict. In the session, he challenged all the participants to come up with their own song to the tunes played at certain times and to sing them out as a new way of praising God. With everyone in the mood for more singing, Dancing with the Lord ensued with everyone in the hall jubilantly shouting praises, dancing to their beat and singing their hearts out. Tired but still filled with enthusiasm, the participants made their way back to their dorms for the first dorm discussion before bedtime.

The third day of camp started as usual with breakfast followed by praise and worship. Fr John started off the day’s sessions with a very enlightening description on the Mass and the Eucharist, stressing on the importance of the Mass and how it foreshadows the gifts we are to receive in heaven. More card trading ensued after, with several of the participants competing to complete their card sets. Another Mass by Fr John was celebrated soon after, and the participants gathered into their groups once more to practice their Making Melodies items. Lunch followed, and then came praise and worship. The next session was conducted by parents Edward & Catherine Sta Maria on the all too familiar topic of familial love. All the participants had a great time listening and participating in that session and had a better understanding about their parents and being in a family. Benedict led the next talk, focusing on “Surrender”, during which some participants burst into tears due to a very touching drama and video shown. Soon after that the second phase of the games kicked off, with everyone fighting tooth and nail to beat the other teams to finish first.

With everyone settled down after dinner, it’s time for Inner Healing – the highlight of the Youth Rally. Benedict went through all the parts of their lives that needed healing and forgiveness. After an hour into inner healing, almost everyone in the room could be seen weeping and in deep meditation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation continued right after, with several priests arriving to hear confession. Counselling was also provided for those who needed it. Inner Healing was a touching experience for a lot of the participants as they felt much better about themselves and their lives. A light supper was served before everyone returned to their dorms for the nightly dorm discussions. Most of them felt that the Inner Healing helped them out the most that day and were happy to have been able to let the Lord touch them in powerful ways.

On the final day, participants woke up early to pack up their things and headed back to SIC. Upon arrival, the participants went to the Costantini Community Centre Rooftop for breakfast, followed by praise and worship back in the rooms. JYM advisor Richard Lai presented the next session on being a witness of our faith. The final CatFEX trading continued on before Fr John Chia’s next session which stressed the importance of being firm in the faith. Lunch was served and before the participants knew it, it was then time for them to display their Making Melodies presentation. It was extremely funny with the people present rolling with laughter, as most of the groups adopted a humorous theme. Tea was served and the prize-giving ceremony commenced for the top 50 winners of the CatFEX game. The closing Youth Rally Mass ensued later that day followed by a group photo session.

After a delicious dinner, all participants as well as their parents gathered back into the main room for the very last event of the Youth Rally. Family Night kick-started with Andrea Lee and Bernadette Hon doing the Bible Enthronement, followed by icebreakers from the Outreach Team. The icebreaker ended on a very solemn note as to provide the transition for praise and worship. Messages by Fr John and Richard proceeded, with a surprise announcement from the latter mentioning his retirement as the advisor of JYM after seven years. Then, the closing video was shown and Benedict took the stage to greet and address the participants and their parents. He managed to get the participants and their parents in close embrace, thereafter the Outreach Team dressed as clowns with full makeup and costumes joined Benedict to sing the theme song as well as ‘Friends.’

At the final note, participants rushed towards the Outreach Team to get a bit of the makeup to share with their parents and friends as a sign of love and camaraderie. This ceremony marked the end of the rally. Overall, the 2011 SIC Youth Rally was a blast and an experience those involved will not forget. 

Welcoming the young from our neighbourhood and sharing the joy of Christmas with them. This was made possible on the eve of 2012, when about 500 children (age 3-12) from Cempaka Village, Lembah Subang, Rumah Kasih, Rumah Impian, and PIHD Children Learning Centre attended a special Mass at St Ignatius Church (SIC) at 10 am followed by a Christmas Party from 11 am to 2 pm. Fr Simon Yee CDD was the main celebrant at the first-ever bilingual Mass (English & Mandarin) animated by children at SIC. SIC Parish Priest Fr Lucas Ng and SIC Assistant Parish Priest Fr Andrew Wong were the concelebrants.

In his homily, Fr Simon related the story of how his mother – with Standard 2 education – learnt to read in order to pray for his vocation. Her persistence paid off as years later, the future Rector of the Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD) seminary in Malacca was ordained to the sacred priesthood. Fr Simon also related another real story about a pretty little girl who lost her hair as a result of the side-effects of leukaemia treatment. Jeered by her schoolmates for being turned into an 'ugly little duckling', she found solace and strength in Jesus who is now her best friend. In summing up, Fr Simon urged parents to pray for their children and others, and trust God to do the rest. Fr Lucas then asked the children present to say 'I love you' and give a hug to their parents. He hoped that more children will turn up for events next year as SIC has made Family Life an area of pastoral priority which SIC will be focusing on in 2012.

After the hour-long Mass, the children accompanied by their parents proceeded to the Costantini Community Centre covered parking area for the party. Apart from food and games stalls set up by church ministries and BECs, the event also featured a Nativity Play, music and dance performances by youths, a fancy dress contest, Christmas carols, superbike rides, an inflatable castle and even a clown. The games stalls were especially busy as each child has to complete at least three games in order to receive a Christmas present. It is SIC's hope that it's young guests were able to experience the all-embracing love of Christ at the Eucharistic celebration and the meaning of Christmas through participation, interaction and fellowship with parishioners and each other. 

SIC wishes everyone the compliments of the Yuletide season and A Happy New Year!

Photography: Joseph Yong

Fittingly on the feast day of his patron saint on 30 November 2011 and in his home-town St Michael's Church (SMC) in Ipoh, Deacon Andrew Wong CDD received the Sacrament of Holy Orders to continue the mission entrusted by Christ to his disciples until the end of time. Rt Rev Antony Selvanayagam, the Bishop of Penang Diocese, conducted the ordination rites including the laying of hands on Fr Andrew which is symbolic of an investiture by Christ himself.

At the ordination ceremony which was attended by family members, friends, priests & religious, local and St Ignatius Church (SIC) parishioners who made the 2-hour trip from Petaling Jaya, Fr Philip Tan [Provincial, Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD) priests in Malaysia] announced that Fr Andrew will be serving at SIC where he had done part of his pastoral duties.

Click here to view a video clip of the ordination on Youtube. Photos of the event are available at SMC website.

With input from Sharma Rajadurai

This year’s Parish Assembly (PA) convened by St Ignatius Church (SIC) was on the 12th of November 2011. About 240 parishioners from both the English- and Mandarin-speaking communities representing BECs (Basic Ecclesial Communities) and parish ministries were in attendance. His Grace Archbishop Murphy Pakiam was present and the grateful parishioners welcomed and thanked him for taking a keen interest in the progress and challenges faced by SIC. The event started at 1 pm with praise & worship, Bible enthronement and an opening prayer. SIC Parish Priest Fr Lucas Ng then commenced proceedings with a welcoming address at about 1.20 pm.

Fr Lucas recognised the wonderful participation of the BECs (Basic Ecclesial Communities) and the various church ministries in the pastoral focus area, namely Integral Human Development (IHD) activities. There was very active participation in feeding the poor programme, giving tuition to needy children, migrants support, project green and fund raising. Later, Fr Lucas revealed the theme and the focus area for 2012 – Family: Life of the BEC. The importance of the family cannot be understated as it is the building block of the BEC, and BECs are the building blocks of the church.

Fr Lucas introduced Sharma Rajadurai (Vice-Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council) and Sebastian Yew [Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council (Mandarin)], as the Joint Chairmen of the Assembly. The Chairmen then welcomed participants and introduced the PA goals and programme for the day. Sharma was the chair for the English session and Sebastian Yew for the Mandarin session. After the introductions, the Mandarin-speaking group left the hall for an adjacent room to carry on with their agenda.

Joy Appukuttan (Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council) invited Anthony Sta Maria (Chairman, BEC Coordinating Team) and Vincent Raj (Chairman, Parish Coordinating Council) to present the progress reports on the Parish Pastoral Plan of 2011. Anthony shared the efforts made to promote a deeper understanding of the BEC Reflection Paper, formation & training conducted for the BECs, restructuring of BECs into smaller groups, and challenges faced by core teams. Vincent gave an update on the action status of pastoral focus areas such as Family Life, Youth, Liturgical Services and other areas of concern. The Parish Assembly agenda continued with the Question & Answer session. Matters raised regarding the progress report were clarified and noted.

Joy presented the Parish Pastoral Plan for 2012 focusing on Family Life. In the pipeline are promotion of  family participation at BEC level and systematic review of the Family Life Ministry. After the tea break, the Mandarin-speaking group rejoined the Assembly for an Open Forum where participants raised pastoral issues related to the parish. Issues raised were noted and will be deliberated on for any future action. Next on the agenda was the Parish Finance report complete with charts prepared by the Parish Finance Committee. This was flashed on-screen for the information of parishioners. In the Q&A session that ensued, Ronnie Fernandez addressed various queries from parishioners.

Finally, Archbishop Murphy took centre stage with his address where he stressed the importance of funds for the building of more churches and the establishment of new parishes. Referring to a recent BEC survey, Archbishop Murphy requested for information on the number of families within each BEC and how many of them are active in gatherings and activities. He also urged Catholics to reach out to our brothers and sisters (migrants, students, workers) who have come from other countries by encouraging them to participate in BECs – to share the Word of God and bond as a community of believers. 

In his closing remarks, Fr Lucas thanked Archbishop Murphy for spending much of his valuable time in imparting valuable pastoral advice as the parish plans for the incoming year. The Parish Assembly thus ended at 5 pm with a closing prayer recited by all and a blessing from the Archbishop. Archbishop Murphy then concelebrated the 6 pm sunset Mass.

Photography: John Ari Ragai

A record 160 boys and girls who were baptised years ago as infants received the Sacrament of all sacraments during sunset mass at St Ignatius Church (SIC) on 22 October 2011. After learning about their faith and the Church in catechism class and a day after their First Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation), the children received their First Holy Communion (FHC) – the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the holiest and most important occasions in the life of a Roman Catholic, the event was witnessed by an overflowing congregation comprising their godparents, parents, Sunday School catechists and parishioners.

The large number of children receiving this sacrament this year was due to the fact they were from both Standard 3 and 4 whereas in previous years, only Standard 3 children received FHC. Three years ago, FHC was pushed to Standard 4. All parishes then switched FHC back to Standard 3 with the implementation of the new Malaysian Catechetical Series (the textbooks used by Sunday school children in all parishes) syllabus.

Among the gifts the children offered up to God during the Offertory Procession were their First Holy Communion certificates as a symbol of remembrance of the first time they became one in the Body of Christ, and Camp Crafts Prayer Cards. During his homily, Assistant Parish Priest Fr Anthony Heng asked the children present, as well as the rest of the congregation, whether they loved the Lord with all their heart, all their soul and all their mind. SIC Parish Priest Fr Lucas Ng then joined Fr Heng to distribute FHC to the children and holy communion to the rest of the faithful. The children then sang a thanksgiving hymn followed by a pledge made by parents.  

In his closing remarks, Fr Lucas thanked Sunday School catechists for their contributions, and in line with World Mission Sunday 2011 reminded all to bring the love of God to their homes, schools, workplaces and society. Congratulations to the children, their parents and godparents.