1 Book of 2 3 4 Testimonies 5 6 7 8 9 RCIA/RCIY 2015-2016 10 11 12 13 14
Contents Foreword Fr. Christopher Soh, S.J. 1 An Enriching Journey Xavier Ong 2 Entry into a Christ-centred Community Ambrose Lee 3 A Transformative Experience Veronica Leow 4 God’s Mercy and Love Ava Leong 5 An Encounter with Jesus Andie Chua 6 Return to Faith Thomas Holmes 7 A Beautiful Journey Katharine Tay 8 Uncovering the Meaning and Purpose of Life Thomas Ng 9 My RCIA Journey Robert Sim 10 An Unexpected Transformation Monica Chung 11 Preparation for a Lifetime Emmanuel Pijcke 12 A Closer Relationship with God Jacob Woo 13 God’s Kingdom on Earth Augusta Wong 14
Foreword We all know the power of stories. They grip the imagination. Move the heart. Focus our efforts. The stories collected here are no exception. They too have the same power. But from where does this power come? Not from the story-tellers themselves. I am sure they will be the first to admit. But from their experiences. Their experiences of travelling and arriving. Of searching and finding. Of encounter and transformation. Their experience of having their hearts set aflame within them. With a gentle fire that burns without consuming. Warms without destroying. Energises without oppressing. A fire that stories are told and retold. is mysteriously kindled and spread whenever and wherever the All it requires is a heart open enough to receive. To receive the stories and the One who chooses to hide Himself within them. The same One who said, I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! (Luke 12:49) A special word of thanks is owed to all the fire-starters of RCIA 2016. Especially to Msgr. Philip Heng, SJ and the rest of his team. May their hearts continue to burn within them in the days ahead… Perhaps this little booklet should come with a warning: Highly flammable! Handle with care! Happy reading… And fire-starting… Fr. Christopher Soh, S.J. Parish Priest 1
An EnrichingJourney I grew up in Catholic schools and always had some knowledge of the faith. I prayed sometimes and considered myself to have a relationship with God. The RCIA journey was an extremely enriching one both from a knowledge and spiritual standpoint. I learned a lot through Msgr Heng's very interesting weekly sessions and very digestible notes. At the same time, I was also gaining a lot through the sharing and insights of facilitators, sponsors and fellow RCIA members. The beauty of this journey has been the chance to meet many new friends at various points of their respective journeys at the beginning and deepening our faith and prayerfulness together. Touched by the experience and the baptism, many of us are now looking forward to contributing to the community in our own ways. Xavier Ong 2 3
Entry into a Christ-centred Community RCIY has played a defining role in the deepening of my faith in my spiritual journey thus far. From my days as an inquirer, the facilitators and befrienders have always done all they could to enlighten us about the Catholic faith and the significance of its practices, even going the extra mile to relate the various aspects of our faith to the relevant parts of our lives – a key step in forming an intimate relationship with God and living the Word daily. Their efforts in getting to know everyone on a personal level while building an atmosphere of honesty and love helped me understand the idea, and necessity of, a Christ- centred community. In developing our largely personal relationships with God, our individual capacity to understand and love Him falters at times – and therein lies the beauty of a community – we learn from each other, deepen our faith, and see God in each of His children. Ambrose Lee 2 3
A Transformative Experience I was baptised in a Christian church in 1990. Along the years I backslid. Through a friend, God brought me to St. Ignatius Church and encouraged me to attend RCIA. Initially, I was rattled by the one year commitment. However, I wanted to return to church and to rekindle my relationship with God. By attending each session, I found my faith. The holistic and comprehensive course addressed my misunderstanding and doubts of the Roman Catholic Church. I experienced transformation and found peace by realigning my heart to be God-focused and to depend on His divinity. Having completed the course, I feel that my journey had just begun. There were many memorable moments and experiences. The retreat in JB was my first retreat experience. I did not know what to expect. Through Msgr Heng’s guided contemplation, I was able to experience God’s abundant love and healing for me. It was really a wonderful experience. My first confession was memorable. I had always believed that one only confesses directly through personal prayer. However, confessing to God through a priest was unexplainable. One has to experience it to truly appreciate its significance and purpose. I was amongst the last to leave church with puffy eyes. The most important event of my life finally arrived on 26.3.2016 - My Confirmation. I was ecstatic to be a Catholic and to receive the Holy Communion. When I received Christ, I felt happy and complete in God's presence. Veronica Leow 4 5
God’s Mercy and Love “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”; that really resonates with me as I journeyed along RCIA. Through Breaking of the Word sessions, masses and retreats I learnt that “to forgive someone means that someone is more important than his error in judgment”. We are strongly encouraged to practice the Daily Examen conscientiously. Through God’s grace that helped me in dealing with challenging situations by discerning and trusting God’s will; even if it’s through the uncharitable acts of others. Two months into RCIA I was going through a very rough patch. I prayed very hard for God’s guidance, mercy and forgiveness. If I may quote the definition of mercy: “God entered the chaos of my life”. Through God’s mercy and love I experienced joy, peace and comfort. Now that I’ve embraced the Catholic faith, I feel calmer and at peace at all times. “Give, and it will be given to you…for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38) Ava Leong 4 5
An Encounter withJesus I've believed in Jesus since I was a child but never had a proper relationship with Him. I would only think of Him when I was in need. On the morning of the Easter vigil, just before baptism, I was going about my usual business like an ordinary day. As I proceeded out of the house, the song 'Come to the Father' crept into my head and I started singing in the car. A sudden and strange sadness came over me as I contemplated the meaning of the lyrics and tears of extreme sorrow flowed down. My heart was filled with such deep sorrow, something I've never felt before. I actually got out of the car to sob incessantly. For the first time, as I closed my eyes, I could see him so vividly, looking down at me from the cross. The look in his eyes telling me how precious I was and that all his sufferings were worth it. A strong guilt washed over me as I sat there attempting to feel the pain of betrayal and desertion He must have felt on the cross. I have never felt so overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit and it felt like He was telling me that He chose me despite my flaws and unworthiness. There was so much clarity in His love for me. Since my baptism, Jesus has now become a central part of my life and thoughts, not just someone I look for when I'm in need. I was truly in communion with God. Andie Chua 6 7
Return to Faith Growing up in the Presbyterian Church as a child was a pleasant memory for me, however it has been many years since regularly attending church. I have been occasionally attending the Catholic mass with my wife and son who are both baptized Catholics, but for me to become Catholic myself was rather a big step. I’m not sure why I was so hesitant, but I finally decided to try the RCIA program. RCIA has been a wonderful experience to learn more about the Sacraments and understand the true meaning of the Eucharist. There is no better feeling than receiving full communion and becoming cleansed with God’s blessings. A special thanks to my sponsor and co-sponsor, and my facilitators for being such wonderful role models in helping me grow and deepening my faith. The RCIA program has been a great way to strengthen my religious beliefs by regularly attending the program each week seeing so many happy and dedicated people sharing their faith in God. Lastly to Mgsr Heng a very special Father of St Ignatius Catholic Church whose efforts in teaching the RCIA program are never rewarded enough. A big ‘thank you’ to you and your staff for the way you have helped each week to share and pass on God’s word and love for us all. Now the journey really begins……. Thomas Holmes 6 7
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