Witnessing God’s love

Nov 13, 2015

By Amanda Pumala
On November 1, 2015 as parishioners of St Joseph came together to celebrate All Saints Day, 19 Standard 3 children added to the joy of the occasion as they joined the congregation for their First Holy Communion. It was a proud moment, especially for the parents to see their children walk in faith to receive this great gift from God. 

In preparation for their First Holy Communion, an in-house Communion Camp was held in the Formation Hall from October 24 – 25, themed, Jesus Is the Heart of the Family.  The children, from the English and Tamil language groups, participated in this camp which was conducted by Sr Mary David of the Canossian Daughters of Charity (FDCC, Jinjang) and her team. The camp covered three main topics: God is love, Holy Eucharist and Forgiveness. 

There were many fun activities: a workshop on team building and sessions to ensure that the children were well prepared to receive Jesus. At the end of the camp, the children gathered for  Taize Prayers beautifully conducted by Nicholas and Nelson of SJC.  During the prayer, every child and adult came forward to place a lighted candle near the altar as a gesture of their commitment to say this special prayer daily.

In his homily, parish priest, Fr George Packiasamy, urged parents and godparents to inspire their children by the lives of the Saints, and to live the Beatitudes which brings about godly changes in one’s attitude. He concluded by saying that our children will understand and appreciate God’s love through the life stories of Saints and that they, themselves, are saints in the making.

The Sunday school team credits the Communicants’ parents who gave their support throughout the school year by ensuring their children’s attendance in preparation for this Sacrament. Special thanks goes to the Parents’ Group who prepared the meals throughout the camp for the children, teachers and facilitators.