Rev. Fr. Mark Michael, Head of the Penang Diocese Catechetical Commission was here for 2 days to give 2 sessions on Catechetics. On Thursday night, He gave a session on YOUCAT (Youth Catechism) to the youth and on Friday (today) He gave another session to the whole parish from 10.30 am - 12.00 noon.
The first segment was Initiating the Process of Thinking and Learning. To help us to reflect, we need to ask ourselves 5 questions:
1) What new thing did I learn today?
2) What did I find interesting?
3) How is it relevant to life?
4) How is it relevant to catechetics?
5) What I didn't understand.
Next, a video on 'Who is the Church?' was shown and participants had to review what they learnt using the above 5 questions. We learnt that the majority of people in the world have not heard of Jesus Christ, even in Western Countries, Christianity is not practised. Jesus came to ask us to repent. The word repent means to change direction in the midst of what is going on. Change is our responsibility.
The 3rd segment was on the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) which was first written in 1992 (22 years ago!) Fr. Mark pointed out that it is the first time a complete catechism of the Catholic Church was produced to be used as a reference for all Catholics to help us in our faith and to state the official position of the Catholic Church on all faith issues.
The participants were then asked to share their experience of God in their lives with their neighbour. A song entitled "Tell Me Why" by Deelan Gabraith, a small boy, with a gusty voice. inspired us to try to find answers to our questions on faith.
Another video was shown, where a girl gave a testimony on how she became a Christian through her friends who continued to show love even when she rejected them initially.
We are all called to be Jesus' disciples - to go forth to share the Good News of Jesus - as the next slide presentation entitled: 'Reforming Generation' - from Abraham, Moses, Esteher, David, Lincoln..showed.
The Session ended with an uplifting and inspiring song "To Believe' sung by 12 year-old Jacky Evanko.
As today was Chap Goh Meh ( or 15th Night of CNY) lunch with a variety of Chinese cookies and delicacies was served to participants.
On sale was the YOUCAT which was snapped up within 15 minutes and 3 other books: Understanding and Experience Faith through the Sacraments, The Basics of the Bible and Catechist Handbook written by Fr. Mark and published by the Penang Diocese Catechetical Commission.
Thank Fr. Mark for coming all the way to help us and our youths in our Catechetical formation.
 |
| All the participants pose for a group foto with Fr. Mark after the Session |
 |
| Fr. Mark Michael giving his introduction |
 |
| The participants waiting excitedly for the session to begin |
 |
| Fr. Mark's session was lively and inspiring |
 |
| Fr. Mark saying the closing prayer at the end of the session |
 |
| Participants and parishioners join in the Chap Goh Meh buffet lunch |
 |
| Putting Fr. Mark's advice to husbands and wives to share their food today which is also St. Valentine's Day ! |
No comments:
Post a Comment