APPRECIATING OUR FATHERS

On this third Sunday of June, we celebrate Father’s Day. We specially honour all our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers and our spiritual fathers as well. They have greatly influenced our family life and society. Father’s Day was inaugurated in the early 20th Century to complement Mother’s day.

Children, you would probably contemplate designing cards for your fathers or on the type of gifts to purchase such as electronic gadgets or a suitable place to go where the family may dine together. Just give a big hug to your fathers and tell them that you love them and if possible do spend time together during this weekend.

Do thank them graciously for the things they provided to you and for your family and the efforts they took in ensuring your education. Do thank them for the faithful instruction and advice given for your moral and faith life.

Fathers, don’t be too hard on your children. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful but instead instill in them the love for God and loving discipline. Do make this world a better place for your children throughout their growing years.

We are already in the second half of the year. Our children are back in school after their short-term break. This Sunday, Catechism classes will resume. We have about 15-17 Sunday classes for the rest of this year.

There will be about 34 candidates receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on 2 July 2016 (Saturday)at our Church. Many parents and godparents are eagerly waiting to witness their children being conferred by Archbishop Julian Leow. I am sure that many of you have already invited or will be sending invitations to your relatives and close friends to attend the Confirmation Mass. You may have already been thinking about what presents to purchase and what kind of outfits to get for your children. Some would have already planned or made reservations for your family dinner or lunch. While it is all right to make such preparations, please don’t forget the spiritual preparations.

The Catechism teachers and coordinators have been tirelessly preparing your children spiritually these past years for their Sacrament of Confirmation. On 25th June, a week prior to the Sacrament of Confirmation, our candidates will be having the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As our young people and our own children are preparing for their Confirmation we pray that they will celebrate and live their lives as Catholics and embrace their Catholic identity.

May they come to understand what it means to live as a true and  faithful ambassador of Christ (2 Cor 5:20) and grateful sons and daughters who value the moral teachings of the Church and their faith.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!