JUNE 2011
5 LIVING JESUS
6
CRUCIS SINGAPURA
12
MINISTRY NEWSWATCH
SHINEOUT
A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH
JesusYouth Singapore Newsletter
Filled and
Fuelled
“MY DEAR CHILDREN, FOR WHOM I AM AGAIN IN THE PAINS OF CHILDBIRTH UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU” (Gal 4:19). When Lord Jesus is formed in our hearts, our role is to shine out. Being disciples of Jesus who carry His mission we need to take pain to ‘SHINEOUT’. See Page 3
HEART TALK THE LAUNCH OF THE JESUS YOUTH’S NEWSLETTER IS
TIMELY, BECAUSE THIS MONTH WE COMMEMORATE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY ON JUNE 5. INDEED, COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL TRUTHS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY CHRISTIAN, BECAUSE CHRIST HIMSELF COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES: “THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS… TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU” (MATT 28:19-20).
“
I AM VERY HAPPY THAT YOU ARE PLANNING TO START A NEWSLETTER FOR JY SINGAPORE. JESUS YOUTH HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN SINGAPORE SINCE 2001. THROUGH YOUR DEDICATED SERVICES IN SEVEN MINISTRIES - THE TEENS, CAMPUS, PROFESSIONALS, WORKERS, HEALTHCARE, INTERCESSION AND MUSIC, YOU HAVE NOT ONLY DEEPEN YOUR FAITH BUT ALSO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST TO MANY OTHERS. THE NEWSLETTER WILL NOT ONLY KEEP THE MEMBERS UPDATED AND GROW SPIRITUALLY BUT ALSO MAKE JY KNOWN TO OTHERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICES. MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDE AND EMPOWER YOU IN YOUR MINISTRIES
”
YOURS DEVOTEDLY IN CHRIST ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA
TODAY, THE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO US TO SPREAD THE WORD ARE INEXHAUSTIBLE, AND THEREFORE SO MUCH MORE COMPLEX TO MASTER BECAUSE OF ITS EASY AVAILABILITY, IT ALSO MEANS THAT ONE HAS TO WORK SO MUCH HARDER TO MAKE ONE HEARD ABOVE THE NOISE OF THE WORLD. WHETHER IT IS TRADITIONAL OR NEW MEDIA THAT WE ENGAGE, IT BEHOOVES US ALL, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF US ENTRUSTED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH, TO USE THE MEDIA JUDICIOUSLY, RESPONSIBLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
REV. FR. WILLIAM GOH SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, JESUS YOUTH SINGAPORE
SO WHAT MUST WE COMMUNICATE, AND HOW SHOULD WE COMMUNICATE?
contd. on page 11
Dear Fellow Missionaries, Jesus Youth Jubilee Conference concluded with a powerful message that ‘Every Jesus Youth is a Missionary’. This missionary zeal is one of the basic charism of the movement and it helped us spread to more than 25 countries in the past 25 years. I thank God for sending few Jesus Youth missionaries to Singapore to start the movement here, 10 years ago. Holy Spirit guided them to slowly build the ministry here and because of their commitment, prayer and hard work, now Jesus Youth has 7 ministries and 20 Prayer Groups in Singapore. Jesus, Our Lord guided us to reach out to people in different walks of life like the teenagers, campus students, working professionals, nurses, migrant workers etc. JY Singapore is now in the phase of reaching out to the local youth and three of our Singaporean prayer group members, who were from a non – Christian background received baptism on Easter Sunday this year. A missionary is called to spread the Good News to the people around him and so we all have the responsibility to give Jesus to the people in Singapore, especially the youth. We love to take up challenges and go an extra mile to win souls for the Lord. We are always ready to do His will and set apart many things to follow Him. It is a great blessing to serve the Lord in this God given movement. In addition, it is high time for us to go back to the basics, to be more conscious about practicing the six pillars of Jesus Youth (Personal Prayer, Word of God, Sacraments, Fellowship, Evangelization and Option for the poor). I am very happy and proud to be part of Jesus Youth movement in Singapore and I always cherish the time I spend with my brothers and sisters in this family. The leaders in each ministry are doing a wonderful job. Let us be challenged to live a witnessing life and spread the good news. We continue to pray and work together to achieve our mission of Transforming Singapore as the Spiritual Powerhouse of South East Asia. God Bless! Shimy Stephen Coordinator, Jesus Youth Singapore
COVER STORY Filled and Fuelled
In my childhood, I have memories
of collecting beautiful pebbles from the riverside. These pebbles were my treasure and the smooth, round edges of these river pebbles always amused me. Indeed, I had a good collection of river pebbles. Recently while reflecting on the past, I started to reflect on why I collected those pebbles. There were many little stones around my house, but what attracted me was only those soft pebbles from the riverside. I slowly started to realise the beauty of the formation of these “pebbles”. Once upon a time these pebbles were also sharp edged and due to a rainfall must have flown into these rivers. The river was the formation ground, where the stones rubbed against each other and absorbed all the materials in the water which led to these sharp edges into smooth and soft ones. It radiates a shiny glow and finally these pebbles become favourite of all those who see it. “Pebbles” shines! The shine and glow it gained was a result of continues pain of being rubbed against the odds of the river. Coming out
of our selfishness and by mingling with people around us and being open to learn, correct and interact, those sharp and harmful edges of our life magically turns to soft and smooth person who shines! There is no shine without pain! In trials, tribulations and problems, God is smoothening and polishing us to ‘Shine’.
“
COMING OUT OF OUR SELFISHNESS AND BY MINGLING WITH PEOPLE AROUND US AND BEING OPEN TO LEARN, CORRECT AND INTERACT, THOSE SHARP AND HARMFUL EDGES OF OUR LIFE MAGICALLY TURNS TO SOFT AND SMOOTH PERSON WHO SHINES!
”
JUNE 2011 PAGE 3
To watch Sun rise is always a heart warming moment. Nature’s beauty is reflected by the rays of Sun. When we think about ourselves, what makes us shine? It should not be our external appearance but the real Shining ‘Son’ rising in us. When the light comes in, darkness moves away. We are created in the image and likeness of God and we have to reflect ‘Jesus’ in our lives. A call to ‘ShineOut’! Firstly we need to ‘Shine’ in ourselves & Christ has to grow inside of us. ‘Shine’ is the growth of Jesus inside our heart. There is one great testimony of St.Paul in Galatians 4:19 about his mission. He says, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you”. When Lord Jesus is formed in our hearts, our role is to ‘ShineOut’. Being disciples of Jesus who carry His mission we need to take pain to ‘ShineOut’. We are called to mould Jesus in others. How far are we ready to travel to win a soul for Jesus? Few years ago it was my school anniversary and during the “Opening Ceremony” there was a group dance with lighted candles carried in the palm of the performers. The group was performing gracefully and the lighted candles gave an extra ‘glow’. I clearly remember when I saw the candle of a little girl went off but still the group continued to perform without any distractions.
But the girl’s face suddenly faded as her candle was off and she had no other way to lit it by herself. Soon another girl without affecting the dance steps shared the fire from her candle. Her face glowed and performance continued. ‘ShineOut’ is the joy of sharing! Sharing the light inside. There are lives waiting for someone to light up their spiritual candle. Our call is to share this fire. ‘ShineOut’ is driven by His love. Filled and fuelled by the Word of God. Motivated to love one another earnestly as St. Peter exhorted in 1 Pet 4:11. ‘ShineOut’ is Carrying the presence of Jesus in our lives. ‘ShineOut’ is treasuring the value of ‘Jesus Inside’. Lets begin the journey!
“
SHINEOUT’ IS THE JOY
OF
SHARING!
SHARING
THE LIGHT INSIDE. THERE ARE LIVES WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO LIGHT UP THEIR SPIRITUAL CANDLE. OUR CALL IS TO SHARE THIS FIRE
”
NOBIN JOSE
A member of the National Team and Intercession ministry, Software Engineer by Profession
Shimy Stephen is a Software Engineer by profession and Rosmi a Qualified Nurse. A Jesus Youth for over a decade and the current Co-ordinator of JY Singapore.
Tell us about your initial experience with the Lord & how you came to the Jesus Youth Movement?
L I V I N G J E S U S
Shimy: My initial experience with the Lord was during a retreat in my 2nd year degree. I was the College Union Chairman at that time. Few of my juniors were JY and they urged me to attend a “camp”. I came to know that it was not a camp but a retreat, only after reaching the venue! But I was touched by the Lord through the sacrament of confession and the inner healing adoration. After the retreat, I regularly attended the prayer meeting in my college and slowly become a part of Jesus Youth. Rosmi: Many years ago I was just accompanying one of my friends to attend a small gathering by the JY in Singapore in its initial days. I had no idea about JY at that time, but some remarkable faces with beautiful smiles & radiating immense Joy struck my heart. Few among them took initiatives to reach out to me and brought me to this fellowship. Slowly I adopted this challenging yet fulfilling lifestyle and became part of this wonderful small team. Through our frequent gatherings filled with prayer and loving fellowship filled my heart with HIS love and I wanted to live in Jesus and give Jesus to others. Rosmi, you had played a vital role in building the ministry from its roots in Singapore. Please share with us about it.
Rosmi: I was blessed to be part of the first National Team in Singapore. Most of us were new to JY and since it was in the initial stage, NT had meetings every week. Long hours of prayer and discernment, Intercession was our strength. All of us took the effort to reach out to new people by phone calls, personal meetings and regular follow up. I still remember those days when we even went to the airport to receive the large number of students or nurses who came from India for the first time. We helped them settle down in this new Country and assured our support in all possible ways. We invited them to our prayer meetings and the response was amazing! Various ministries like Healthcare, Campus, working and Music Ministry were taking shape during those years. We in the team made it a point to be present in each and every meeting of all these ministries. Thus, we had developed an intimate relationship with each member in this family. I was the youngest in that team (NT) and was showered with lot of love and care! This inspires me to care for others even more
Through this, the Lord used me to share with many of my patients in the hospital where I was working to give my time & offer my prayer support to all those who were in similar situations. I realized that for God there is a reason for everything. Shimy: That was the toughest time in our married life! We lost our first baby on 25th June 2008, just 2 days before the Rexband concert in Singapore. I was the mobilization coordinator of the concert and also the National Coordinator. With the prayers and support of lots of JYs, we could overcome that situation and I was able to handle everything related to the concert without any problem, even though Rosmi couldn’t attend the event. During those days I realized the importance of spending time with our partner especially when they are in need. Rosmi being a qualified Nurse is not working at present. Why such a decision?
Shimy: We decided to resign the job to give priority to the precious gift God gave us – our dear Edria. We took this decision after a long time of Could you share with us your prayer and discernment. We believe experience of loosing your first child? that children are the greatest gift from the Lord and we (parents) should Rosmi: Initially as a mother it was give more priority to bring them up very difficult for me to accept the as God’s children. This is far greater loss of our first child. But slowly by God’s grace, I managed to overcome than our career or financial stability. that situation. But later on I realized What message would you like to give that the Lord was preparing me to Jesus Youth around the globe? through this incident to console others who went through the same experience in their lives. I also had Shimy: As a JY, we all are called to many complications in my second be a missionary till the end of our pregnancy, I had bleeding from the life. So pray for a life partner who 2nd months onwards. I had a blood will support you in mission and can clot in my womb together with my build a missionary family. Let us pray baby. The clots size was bigger that the JY families will be a source than Edria and the Doctor says the for more vocations and there will be reason is unknown! But we trusted more priests & religious from this in the Lord and I had to take bed rest God blessed movement. for almost 2 months. I was blessed to receive so much of prayer support Rosmi: Be a person of prayer. from all the JYs here. After 2 months Always be available for the Lord and miraculously the clot disappeared for HIS kingdom. and the rest of my pregnancy was normal. Praise God!
JUNE 2011 PAGE 5
Heaven showered abundant
blessings when sixty-five young people walked barefoot through the streets of Singapore before the start of Holy Week to meditate on Christ’s suffering.
The first group started the journey at 7am from Joo Koon and walked 22 km towards the church. Nine other groups then started their journey from places like Pasir Ris, Punggol and Harbourfront. The participants, who included seminarians, young adults and children, braved the scorching sun, rain showers and muddy ground as
One participant shared that the tiny gravel on the road were the most painful to his feet. He linked them to little sins that become most painful when ignored. “IT WAS CONTEMPLATIONS ON THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND THE EXTREME LOVE, WHICH JESUS SHOWED ON HIS WAY TO CALVARY THAT KEPT THEM GOING.”
Crucis Singapura The group from Jesus Youth Singapore divided themselves into several small groups on April 16th early morning. They began their walk from the north, south, east and west corners of the island towards Novena Church, thereby tracing a big sign of the cross across Singapore.
“I THANK GOD FOR THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND WISH TO CONTINUE CRUCIS SINGAPURA IN THE COMING YEARS.” NIDHIN THOMAS
curious on-lookers stared at them. By 3.30pm all the groups reached Novena church and Rev. Fr. Jacob Ong received them and gave the blessings of the cross. Participants said the experience helped them to identify with the sufferings of Jesus more closely.
“I AM CONVINCED THAT IT WAS ONLY BECAUSE OF HIS GRACE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO COMPLETE THIS 22KM JOURNEY BAREFOOTED.” ALPHY V ZACHARIAS
“IT WAS A GOOD EXPERIENCE AND THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY I COULD FEEL THE PASSION OF MY JESUS.” BEENA ANTONY
“MY FOOT WAS HURTING AND EACH TIME THE PAIN BECAME UNBEARABLE I REMEMBERED JESUS ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS AND IT MOTIVATED ME TO GO FORTH.” JOHN THOMAS
“IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND I COULD FEEL GODS DIVINE PROTECTION THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY.” JILU MATHEW
Called by Name... This year, Easter was very special
for the Jesus Youth Singapore, a time of double Joy! Three of our members (Singaporean Chinese) - Phyllis, Mayne & Fionne received baptism on Sat, April 23rd, 2011 during the Easter Vigil Mass at Church Of Risen Christ, Toa Payoh. The vision of starting a prayer group for the Singaporeans began in the year 2008 when 2 JY elders, Sijumon & Dr. Mathew religiously came together every week and interceded for this dream. The very first Singaporean, Jennifer Francis joined this small prayer group eventually. Jennifer describes her experience at the prayer group as the most exciting journey. She explains, “I have developed great zeal to share the word of God with people around me. I was amazed by the spiritual connection I had with the group!” She regularly attended this
fellowship. At first the new members were worried, as they originated from a different religious belief but the Grace of God was immense and they soon started to experience the living Jesus. They made their personal choice in accepting Christ and today, all 3 are baptized Catholics!
Knowing and coming to know more
about our Lord is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me ever in my life. By God’s grace, I came to join the TPY prayer group through my friend. I had a chance to meet lots of beautiful souls and this gave me a curiosity to know more about this new found Joy that I myself was experiencing. I realized it was the Love of Christ and was eager to accept him into my life and thus enrolled in the RCIA program. With the encouragement of all the prayer group members, especially the support of the elders kept me going in this 1 yr journey before the baptism. - Phyllis Goh (Clare)
It is not by chance
fellowship and eventually started to invite her friends. Lilian, Phyllis & Fionne her friends were blessed to listen to her experiences and started joining the
“I HAD A CHANCE TO MEET LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL SOULS AND THIS GAVE ME A CURIOSITY TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS NEW FOUND JOY THAT I MYSELF WAS EXPERIENCING.” PHYLLIS (CLARE)
but by God’s grace that I’m called to this faith. Thanks to my good friend, Jennifer and now my Godma! She shared with me about Jesus and out of curiosity I joined one of her ministry prayer meetings and eventually became a regular member.
Phyllis to join the RCIA to find out more about this faith. Nimmi and Jennifer agreed to be our sponsors to lead and guide us through this 1 year journey in RCIA. I’m finally baptized and now united with Gods family. Nothing can describe the joy I experience for Our God is so great! Fionne Lai (Grace).
With the prayer group, it has given
me strength and perseverance. An antidote to fulfil my daily thirst for the Holy Spirit. I praise and thank God for accepting me to His Universal Church and now I am a baptized Catholic. - Mayne Wong (Aleydis). The prayer meeting is held every Tuesday from 7:30pm onwards at Church of the Risen Christ, Toa Payoh.
After awhile the elders in the prayer group encouraged me and my friend
“WITH THE PRAYER GROUP, IT HAS GIVEN ME STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE. AN ANTIDOTE TO FULFILL MY DAILY THIRST FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT.” MAYNE (ALEYDIS)
“THROUGH THE SHARING, FELLOWSHIP AND ELDERING, I FELT THAT I’M NO LONGER ALONE. I’VE SO MANY WONDERFUL BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACCOMPANYING ME IN THIS JOURNEY TOWARDS HIS KINGDOM.” FIONNE (GRACE)
“ALL GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD WHO WENT OUT TO SEEK THE LOST SHEEP AND TODAY, WE ARE PART OF ONE HAPPY FAMILY IN JESUS YOUTH.” JENNIFER FRANCIS.
JUNE 2011 PAGE 7
With a great desire to shine out for
Jesus, 55 leaders of Jesus Youth Singapore gathered at Choice retreat Centre on 29th of April to 2nd of May 2011 for Leaders Retreat. We were blessed with the presence of Fr.Bitaju Mathew, Jesus Youth International Pastor and Adv.Raiju Varghese, International Coordinator of Jesus Youth as main resources. The sessions were mainly focused on leadership spirituality and the area of “EVERY JY IS A MISSIONARY” challenging each participant to be a missionary for Christ.
Fr. Julian OFM also celebrated the Holy Mass for the participants on one of the days at the retreat. The group discussions led everyone to take a firm decision in enhancing the 6 pillars. Adv. Raiju Varghese shared his Christ experiences in his life and how he lives Jesus in his daily life. Fr. William Goh, spiritual director of JY Singapore reminded each JY to be a ‘witness’. The retreat was concluded with a wonderful jubilation by the participants, who prayed earnestly to keep the faith alive. Every day was beautifully concluded with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where everyone experienced the presence of Jesus. During the adoration, the participants were invited to pray for each other with a gesture by kissing the feet of their prayer partner. The most amazing experience was the “Altar preparation and Adoration” where two little items brought by each participant, was used to build an astonishing altar. The items initially looked worthless but formed a lovely altar for adoration when put together. Fr. Bitaju shared his life and his “Calling” as a Priest, which created a deep respect in our hearts for the priests.
Jesus Net Anniversary J esus Youth Singapore celebrated the 5th anniversary of their central gathering – JesusNet - on Saturday,
celebration and enriched the participants with the talk. His Grace encouraged each Jesus Youth to be a committed follower of Christ and applauded the various ministry activities of JY. His Grace rejoiced with the JY as he cut the anniversary cake and participated in the group activity.
May 7th from 7pm – 9.30pm at the Parish Hall, Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The celebration was attended by 125 young people from seven ministries of Jesus Youth in Singapore.
Rev Fr William Goh, the Spiritual Director of Jesus Youth Singapore was also present at the celebration and gave his powerful blessings to the newly baptized members of Jesus Youth. JesusNet is the central gathering of Jesus Youth Singapore, which started in 2006 with the Mission Statement: Evangelization and solid faith formation. It is a platform for the members in all ministries of Jesus Youth as well as freshers to come together to thank and praise the Lord. JesusNet gathering is enriched with Praise & Worship, Bible sharing, Testimonies, Audio visual presentations, Group activities, fellowship etc. JesusNet is held every first Saturday from 7.15pm – 9.30pm at Parish Hall, Church of Risen Christ, Toa Payoh.
The gathering was blessed with the presence of His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Chia who joined this
New Website for Jesus Youth Singapore Archbishop Nicholas Chia launched the new website of Jesus Youth Singapore during the JesusNet anniversary on May 7th.
The website contains information about the Jesus Youth activities in Singapore, faith testimonies, ministry updates, as well as JY global news. The site mainly consists of 4 sections namely, Reflection of the month, Latest Articles, Recent Events and News. It also contains a link to the Jesus Youth global websites. ‘Reflection of the month’, is a monthly spiritual food which nourishes us with relevant yet contemporary thoughts. The ‘Articles’ page is updated every month with Life testimonies of various inspiring lives and also of families who are ‘living Jesus’. The website also gives information on the various upcoming events. The site displays the photographs of all the events which can be easily downloaded. Please Visit: www.singapore.jesusyouth.org
JUNE 2011 PAGE 9
My Way of the Cross with Saints
Jesus Youth in Singapore spent the Lenten Journey this year with a catholic student, Ivin Cross
all those 50 days. With Ivin from Campus Ministry, Jesus Youth Singapore welcomed the hope and Joy of Easter with transforming and renewing experiences. Ivin took a personal commitment to study the life of Saints of the Church as they are evergreen examples of ordinary people who entered into holiness through the struggles of their personal life. He took extra efforts to convey the message he learnt from the life of each saint to his fellow brothers and sisters through beautifully designed mails daily all through the Lenten season. Each mail had a summary of the life of a saint, a reflection on his own personal life and a prayer to the saint at the end. By the support and prayers of his fellow Jesus Youths, Ivin successfully fulfilled most of the personal decisions he took during the Lenten journey. This journey with Ivin had been insightful for all the Jesus Youths in Singapore, helping them to bring the same transformations to their own lives.
DELIGHT : MALAYALAM INITIAL RETREAT An Initial Retreat in Malayalam 'Delight' for campus students will be held from July 22nd - 24th, 2011 at Choice Retreat Center, Boonlay. The theme of the retreat is “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” Pslam 37:4. For registration and details, please contact Anju at 86121832 or send an email at singapore@jesusyouth.org
PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH Jesus Youth in Singapore is organizing a pilgrimage on August 9th, 2011 to the historical land of Malaysia - 'Malacca', a place blessed by the footsteps of pioneering Roman Catholic Missionary St. Francis Xavier. A time of fellowship, fun and a blessed time visiting the Church of St Francis Xavier. For registration and details, please contact Joshy at 98565063.
JY SPORTS DAY
REJOICE : ENGLISH INITIAL RETREAT
August 30th, 2011 will be celebrated as the 'JY Sports Day'. A variety of sports and games competition are in store for everyone. For registration and details, please contact Nikhil at 85715195
Rejoice - an initial retreat in English will be held from November 4th – 7th, 2011 at Choice Retreat Center, Boonlay. The theme is Ephesians 5:14 – “Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give you light”. For registration and details, please contact Jennifer at 83682118
JESUS YOUTH INTERNATIONAL TRAININGS 2011 What?
Fulltime Volunteers Training
Leaders Training
Animators Training
Exposure Programme
When?
25 June - 22 July
26 June -9 July
12 July - 23 July
10 June - 19 June
Where? Who?
Redemptorist Center, Pattaya, Thailand For young people who have a desire to grow in the Lord and dedicate their lives for the Kingdom of God
For key leaders to help facilitate the movement’s growth globally
For lay animators, priests and religious who are interested in animating a youth ministry and in helping young families to grow in Christian maturity
St. Norbert Bhavan, Bangalore, India For upcoming young leaders to get a deeper exposure to the Jesus Youth lifestyle and spirituality
AWAKENING
Jesus Youth in the South East Asia called for a Perpetual Adoration - 7 full days of adoring the Lord and interceding
for South East Asia - beginning from the Ascension Sunday till the Pentecost Sunday. The adoration started on 5th June at Singapore, and it was continued in Thailand, Cambodia and ended at Kuala Lampur, Malaysia on 12th June 2011. In Singapore we had the 96 hours - 4 days of perpetual adoration from June 5th Sunday 6pm to June 9th Thursday 6pm at Catholic Spirituality Center, Hougang. During those days, Jesus Youths from Singapore came to sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament to pray for the South East Asia and other intentions.
HEART TALK
Finally, we must be mindful of the manner in which we conduct our communication. As the Holy Father in his message for World Communications Day reminds us: “The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience; one which reflects the example of the risen Jesus when he joined the disciples on the way to Emmaus.” Above all, the Holy
As the Spiritual Director for Jesus Youth, I am indeed proud to be associated with this dynamic youthful organization. Truly, through your dedication, creativity, faith in action and boundless energy, you are an inspiration to all our Catholic organizations in Singapore. My heartiest congratulations on the launch of yet another of your efforts to proclaim the Good News, and to build community! Yours in Christ, Rev. Fr. William Goh Spiritual Director Jesus Youth, Singapore
of one Jesus Youth, Joseph Kurian who wished to share the ‘Word of God’ that is ‘living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, that penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit’. He started this initiative in 2006 and since then has been radiating the light and inspiring many lives to learn and live the ‘word of God’. This mission is now continued by Thampy Chakkatty, coordinator of working ministry. He types and sends these Bible verse to different people in Singapore and even to other countries.
Every morning I wake up with a
‘SMS Tone’ on my handphone. I start my day by reading the ‘word of God’ I receive in this SMS on my mobile. Its not just me but hundreds of brothers and sisters who also have similar
experiences to share. I am referring to a unique initiative – “Sow a Seed”, a seed that can sprout, grow and yield hundredfolds.
If you wish to receive “Sow a Seed” and get this nourishing gift every morning, please SMS your interest @ 98923324. Be assured you will be greeted with this “Seed” every morning.
‘Sow A Seed’ was a personal mission
JUNE 2011 PAGE 11
“I HAVE CARVED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS” ISAIAH 49:16
Good communication must also seek to connect and bond the people we seek to engage. The Newsletter is a good platform to keep the community of JY’s informed of all the goings on in the community – planned and run, so that nobody is left out. Indeed, I hope that through this Newsletter, Jesus Youth will strengthen its identity through a shared vision and mission held by all members. In this way, all members could identify with the joys and struggles, hopes and aspiration of the movement.
Father forewarns that “…we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its ‘popularity’ or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction.”
PRIJO JOY
Aside from sharing testimonies to inspire faith, we need to also use communication to educate, inform, enlighten and teach with a view to help form faith. Understanding the tenets of our faith through the teachings of the Church is critical to ensuring the unity of our faith and worship. Jesus Youth is so blessed to have teaching resources accumulated over the years. It would be a great blessing to the Church and all Jesus Youth to have greater access to the knowledge and
experience that Jesus Youth have gained through their ministry.
i - Touch
...The world is looking for the Truth. What better way to attest to the truth than to do so with our lives. Testimonies of what the Lord has done for us, through us and those around us, are the most effective means of engendering belief. The apostles were able to spread the Good News to the Jews and the Gentiles because the people witnessed the radical changes in their own lives, and the works that they did in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the testimonies of those who witnessed these events, others also came to believe.
The word of God that changed me
Contd. from page 2
MINISTRY NEWSWATCH
eLight & eJoy
RoseOut
Working Ministry Outing
TEENS
PROFESSIONALS
FAMILY
• eLight & eJoy
• Professionals Gathering The monthly professional gathering was held on 11th June 2011 at CANA Catholic Centre. Message was given by Dr. Mathew George, elder of the professional’s ministry.
• Family Gathering Conducted a gathering on 21st May 2011 at Choice Retreat Centre. Dr. Julio & Dr. Anju shared a message about holiness.
Retreats for the teens in Singapore were conducted from 3rd to 6th February 2011 at St. Anthony’s Primary School, Bukit Batok. eJoy was an initial retreat for the teens based on the theme ‘Come to Jesus, you will find eternal joy’ and eLight was a growth retreat with the theme ‘The solutions to the darkness of the world is the eternal light; Jesus’ The teens retreat was led by Br. Siljo, Br. Vijay and Br. Sooraj (Jesus Youth Leaders from India). Follow up gatherings were organized for the participants
CAMPUS • Passover Meal On April 21st 2011, ‘TP Pearls’ and ‘RP Roses’ celebrated Maundy Thursday with the traditional Passover meal. • Rose Out An outing for the First year students, ‘RoseOut’ organized by the “RP Roses”, was held on 17th May 2011 at Sembawang Park. A total of 52 students were joined with the core team members who inspired each participant with their testimonies and encouragement.
WORKING
INTERCESSION
• Night Vigil Working ministry conducted Night vigil on 11th june 2011 at Choice Retreat centre from 10pm to 5am. The vigil was attended by all the working ministry members and included a time of prayer, worship and fun filled fellowship. • Outing Ministry outing was held at Chinese Garden, Singapore on May 17th 2011. A total of 35 members attended the event which was filled with group activities enriching the bond between the members. Tug of war competition was the highlight of the day, which reflected the spirit of team work.
• Chain Intercession Ministry initiated 24 hours chain intercession for the retreats including eLight & eJoy on 28th Jan 2011 attended by 70 Jesus Youths across the island. • Monthly Intercession Gathering Every third Fridays, JYs come together to intercede for the intentions of the movement & The Catholic Church. The recent gathering was held on 18th June 2011 at Church of the Risen Christ , Toa Payoh.
HEALTHCARE • Passover Meal Celebrated Maundy Thursday with the traditional Passover Meal by Changi prayer group and Toa Payoh prayer group on 21st April.
Prayer for Singapore
MUSIC A vibrant ministry which supports various JY gatherings and other youth programs around the country. The ministry played a vital role in facilitating the 5th anniversary of JesusNet (JY Singapore Central Gathering) and ShineOut (Leaders retreat). They also supported outings of campus and working ministry.
We praise and glorify you Jesus for your wonderful ways and your powerful presence in our midst. May your continual grace cleanse and deliver this beautiful city of Singapore from sin, bondage and all evil designs. Holy Spirit, powerful counselor, sacred bond of the Father and the Son, descend into our hearts and establish in us your loving dominion. Grant each of us the gifts and charisms we need to build your body, the church. Through you, with you and in you, we pray that Singapore may soon become the “Spiritual Powerhouse of the South East Asia” and that every young person’s heart may be consumed by your love. Amen Be with us Mary along the way, guide every step we take, Lead us to Jesus, your loving Son, Come with us Mary, come. Printed and published by Mr. Shimy Stephen on behalf of JesusYouth Singapore, Blk 449, #02 - 521, Sin Ming Ave, Singapore. Ph: +65-9648 5801, Email: singapore@jesusyouth.org Web: www.singapore.jesusyouth.org ; Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Kerala, India, Ph: +91 481-2301142