Palm Sunday & World Youth Day 2017

A bright and sunny morning! Following the tradition of the parish, today's Palm Sunday mass was animated by the Youth / KCSS. (Kelantan Campus Students' Solidarity) Following the blessing of the palms by Fr. Francis Andrew, the congregation followed in procession round the kindergarten field, singing: Hosanna! to the King... After the Homily, in commemoration of World Youth Day, traditionally celebrated today on Palm Sunday, all the youths assembled at the front of the altar, to make a world youth day pledge and for a special blessing by Father. This year's World Youth Day's theme: "The Almighty has done great things for me" reminds us of the faithfulness of God who does what he promised. On this World Youth Day, we pray that young people everywhere, especially those in the parish, will never fail to find hope, strength and meaning in following in the footsteps of Jesus and, guided by God’s life-giving word, they will continue to be messengers of hope in today’s world.
This is the pledge of commitment made by the youths:

               "Lord our loving God and Father,

Your beloved Son Jesus sends us

To bring the Good News of your love

To everyone we meet,

And to invite them to be His disciples.

On this day  as we celebrate

The Anniversary of World Youth Day,with the theme: 

“The Almighty has done great things for me”

I renew and pledge my commitment

To serve this, my parish community

As your Young Messengers of Hope

In sharing the love of Jesus

With others in today’s world.

Give us courage to live what we believe,

Help us to be welcoming members

Who respond to the needs of other young people,

Together fostering our growth as Catholic Christians,

And drawing us into responsible participation

In the life , the mission and ministry of the Church.

Help us to be faithful in the work we do,

For through it you never fail to sanctify and save us.

So, empower me, God,

That I will be your living witness in today’s world,

And so inherit the joys of eternal life,

+In the name of the Father, and of the Son,

And of the Holy Spirit.   Amen. "

Opening prayers of the Palm Sunday Liturgy

Fr. Francis blessing the palms

The congregation gathered in Fatima Hall outside the church

THE PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION

WORLD YOUTH DAY PLEDGE AND BLESSING