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55th World Day of Prayer for Vocations ☻ Apr 22 On April 22nd, the Church throughout the world prays for vocations.Pope Francis refers to three aspects of a vocation… listen, discern and live …Let’s Pray for Vocations! Turn to the Buzz on Page 3 for more | ![]() |
“You too need to see the entirety of your life as a mission” – Pope Francis, from his Gaudete et Exsultate | |
Keeping our “lamps lit” The path of holiness is a source of peace and joy, given to us by the Spirit. At the same time, it demands that we keep ‘our lamps lit’ (Lk 12:35) and be attentive. ‘Abstain from every form of evil’ (1 Thess 5:22). ‘Keep awake’ (Mt 24:42; Mk 13:35). ‘Let us not fall asleep’ (1 Thess 5:6). Those who think they commit no grievous sins against God can fail to realise that their spiritual life has gradually turned lukewarm. They end up weakened and corrupted. Everything then appears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self-centredness, for ‘even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light’ (2 Cor 11:14). “The Christian life is a constant battle. We need strength and courage to withstand the temptations of the devil and to proclaim the Gospel. This battle is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each time the Lord triumphs in our lives,” writes the Pope. All the faithful, whatever their condition or state, are called by the Lord – each in his or her own way. So, every person has a unique vocation to whom they’re called on by Him and “For those faithful to God and his word, by their self-giving, gain true happiness.” Read more about the Pope’s Gaudete et Exsultate here https://thejesuitpost.org/2018/04/gaudete-et-exsultate-an-overview/ |
Pray for Vocations 1 pray from the heart for the young men and women in our parish and diocese who are called to be brothers, sisters, and priests. 2 encourage fellow parishioners to pray similarly—and to voice their encouragement to teens and young adults. 3 consider praying the Rosary for Vocations The Rosary is a hallowed prayer to meditate on Christ’s life as well as intercede for special intentions. Try these ideas to pray for vocations. A Rosary for the Priests in your life – the one who baptised you, the one who gave you your First Communion, the one who confirmed you, the one who witnessed your marriage, etc B Rosary to Intercede for vocations - focus on a particular vocation such as marriage or religious life C Rosary to Know My Vocation – Pray and ask God to help you discern your vocation. |
Gaudete et Exsultate! Rejoice and be Glad!
In his latest Apostolic Exhortation, Pope Francis’ reminds us to keep our “lamps lit” as a response to Christ’s invitation to be saints.
The path of holiness is a source of peace and joy, given to us by the Spirit. At the same time, it demands that we keep ‘our lamps lit’ (Lk 12:35) and be attentive. ‘Abstain from every form of evil’ (1 Thess 5:22). ‘Keep awake’ (Mt 24:42; Mk 13:35). ‘Let us not fall asleep’ (1 Thess 5:6).
Those who think they commit no grievous sins against God can fail to realise that their spiritual life has gradually turned lukewarm. They end up weakened and corrupted. Everything appears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self-centredness, for ‘even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light’ (2 Cor 11:14).
“The Christian life is a constant battle. We need strength and courage to withstand the temptations of the devil and to proclaim the Gospel. This battle is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each time the Lord triumphs in our lives,” writes the Pope.
All the faithful, whatever their condition or state, are called by the. Every person has a unique vocation to whom they’re called on by Him and “For those faithful to His word, by their self-giving, gain true happiness.”
Read more about the Pope’s Gaudete et Exsultate here
https://thejesuitpost.org/2018/04/gaudete-et-exsultate-an-overview/
55th World Day of Prayer for Vocations ☻ Apr 22
Pope Francis refers to three aspects of a vocation - … listen, discern and live …
1. Pray from the heart for the young men and women in our parish and diocese who are called to be brothers, sisters, and priests
2. Encourage fellow parishioners to pray similarly
3. Pray the Rosary for VocationsAltar Servers Commissioning (22 April, 1130am Mass)
This Sunday, 10 Altar Servers will be commissioned, bringing the ministry strength to 69! Here are some sharing from two altar servers.
Having been in the Ministry for the past three years, Bon explained how much joining the Altar Servers impacted him. “If I wasn’t in the ministry, I wouldn’t have been able to understand what happens during mass. It gave me a deeper understanding on why certain things are done in a certain way.” Bon, who is now in charge of training, enjoys the “sense of brotherhood” and feels privileged to be able to pass his experience on to others.
There are new recruits like Andray are ready to join the “family” after undergoing six months of training, “I feel like God was calling me to serve serve him every time I attended mass because I always had a desire to be on the altar to serve”, said Andray, who really enjoyed serving at his first mass on Maundy Thursday.
For more information about the Altar Server Ministry, please email altarservers@divinemercy.sg.
Praying the Stations of the Cross: It is challenging
“… seek God in all things.” – St Ignatius.
No miracles. No sudden healings. God seems to be missing.
So, let’s look at Jesus’ response:
- Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prays.
- Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested. He stays calm.
- Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin. He is steadfast.
- Jesus is denied by Peter. He accepts others’ weaknesses.
5. Jesus is judged by Pilate. He remains quiet.
6. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns. He endures pain.
7. Jesus bears the cross. He accepts responsibility.
8. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross. He allows others to help.
9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. He thinks of others.
10. Jesus is crucified. He loves.
11. Jesus promises his kingdom to the good thief. He forgives.
12. Jesus speaks to his mother and the disciple. He watches over his family.
13. Jesus dies on the cross. He weeps.
14. Jesus is placed in the tomb. He surrenders.
His acceptance of His fate and forgiveness that follows are the epitome of our faith.
Let His response guide us when we’re broken, lonely and exhausted; where we think God is absent. Seeking Him gives us what we need:
Comfort.
Peace.
Please turn to page 3 for timings for CDM’s Stations of the Cross
Fulfil a 2018 Resolution early
If you’ve made many promises in the past and not followed through, here’s the chance to fulfil one!
In this season of Lent, CDM encourages our parishioners to continue to make pledges for your Lenten Resolution.
Let’s make our Lenten preparation more meaningful as how others have done:
Lent Quiz
- What is the original meaning of the word “Lent”? A) Prayer
B) Abstinence
C) Harmony
D) Spring
- How many days are there in Lent?
A) 40 days
B) 46 days
C) 1 day
D) 30 days
3. Which Biblical event does the time of Lent represent?
A) Noah’s days on the Ark
B) The 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God
C) The days Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted
D) Mother Mary’s pregnancy
4. Which devotion has a special place during Lent?
A) Novenas
B) Triduum
C) Hail Mary
D) Stations of the Cross
5. What word is never sung or said during Lent?
A) God Almighty
B) Ave Maria
C) Alleluia
D) Amen
Turn to the Buzz on page 2 for answers!
Lent Quiz
1 D
The word ‘lent’ comes from the Old English, ‘lencten’, which means spring
2 A
There are 40 days in Lent. The season lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, which makes it 46 days but the six Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent and Catholics are not required to fast during these days
3 C
By observing the 40 days of Lent, we replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the wilderness in the desert for 40 days, where he fasted, was tempted by the devil and prepared to begin his ministry
4) D
The Stations of the Cross are our way to pray and meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. There are 14 stations and each one represents a moment from the time Jesus was condemned to his burial, which occur during the last week of Lent
5) C
The word “Alleluia” derives from the Hebrew phrase “Praise Yahweh”. It’s a term of great joy and used to join the angels’ worship of God’s throne. It serves as a reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven is established. During Lent, we focus on the Kingdom coming, not the Kingdom we already have. Finally, on Easter with the Lord is Risen, Alleluia returns as well.
Call to Action:
GOD WANTS FAMILIES WHERE MEMBERS LOVE EACH OTHER AND EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN IN GOODNESS.
“God always knocks at the door of hearts. He likes to do this. It comes from His heart. But, do you know what He likes best? To knock on the doors of families and find families that are united, to find families that love each other, to find the families that bring up their children and educate them and help them to keep going forward and that create a society of goodness, of truth, and of beauty.” - Pope Francis