Encouraging youths to be open to God’s prompting

Jun 17, 2016

By Monica William
On May 22, the Archdiocesan Vocation Promotion Team (AVPT) once again went on their mission to promote vocation awareness, this time touching souls at the parish of St Peter and St Paul. The team consisted of Sr Mary David FdCC, Sr Angeline Poh FMM, Bro Joachim Heng FMS, Bro Andrew Loke FSC, Fr Alberto Irenus SJ and Fr Christopher Soosaipilliai.

The congregation was touched by the inspiring stories of vocation from the team. This session was followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Alberto. Fr Chris preached on the feast of the Holy Trinity. The relationship of the Trinity is not meant to be explained as a philosophy, but rather, in terms of theology, a theology of the heart. It is the experience of the immensity of the relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our hearts must experience them, and through experiencing only can we begin to know them; the three persons in one God.

Such an encounter can take place by adoring our God through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This is the mission of the religious and priests; to share this experience with all of mankind. This is the call of their vocation. Our love for God stems from the teachings and actions of Jesus, the meaning of which is enfolded in us through the Holy Spirit.

During the Mass, Sr Angeline Poh and Sr Mary also shared their stories of vocation, enlightening the crowd on how God touches the very ordinary ones among us. Fr Alan Pereira, the parish priest was indeed very happy and pleased by the visit from the AVPT.

Catechism children from the ages of 13 to 17, alongside a few youths, expressed delight upon receiving the message of the Lord. They came with open hearts and minds to the session.

The AVPT continued to encourage the youth of the parish to be open to the promptings of God. They also reminded parents that they play a significant role in the faith development of the young ones. Parents were urged to zealously grant their children the time and space to grow in life, and be open to the calling of vocations, especially to the religious and diocesan priesthood.

Leaflets were placed at the entrance of the church for visitors, as the Church of St Peter and St Paul is one of the pilgrim churches for the Year of Mercy.

There is a great need for mercy in the world today, and a great need for the people of God to respond to his call.

The AVPT strives to touch the hearts of many, to be open to listen and respond to the mercy of God’s call.