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!
