Re-energising my faith this Pentecost: Thank you for your support 2

In May 2023, Catholic Foundation organised a photo activity, “Re-Energising My Faith this Pentecost”, to encourage Catholics to re-ignite their faith and re-experience the life of the Church as one community as we returned to in-person Mass participation. In this second instalment, we are pleased to share more inspiring faith stories that give glory to God.

Community Bonding

I am a mother of two wonderful children. My eldest son, Adrian, has special needs.

As a parishioner at the Church of the Risen Christ, I am involved in various communities supporting those with disabilities and special needs.

We organise activities for the community such as monthly prayers and movie outings at the King Albert Park Mall. This photo was taken during one of the monthly prayer sessions that I hosted.

Our assistant priest, Reverend Father Arun Bellarmin, was present with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Toa Payoh, Serangoon, and other parts of Singapore.

Submitted by Jarita Ignatius

Home is where the heart is

As parents to a four-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter, we have a very simple approach to parenting – place God first. The altar in the middle of our living room serves as a physical
reminder to put God at the centre of our lives.

The Bible has been a great source of strength and inspiration in our parenting journey as we are reminded of these virtues as followers of Christ – Jesus’ meekness, Mary’s obedience, Moses’ faith and David’s confidence.

While it can be a challenge to bring young children for Mass as they may become restless, we avoid using the “cry-room” so that the children can participate in the Mass and learn reverence for God. Additionally, we bring them to the adoration room to pray before the Blessed Sacrament so they can see that that God will always be there for them.

As Jesus taught us, “If anyone wants to be a follower of Mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24-25). Our children are learning to be fearless and to stand by 0Jesus who  is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)

Our home altar is where Jesus’ outstretched arms are the focal point and where our children can always find strength, grace, and inspiration from the Lord to live out their identities as children of God.

Submitted by Atika Ardianti Hadi

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Sacred Heart holds fond memories for my family. My husband and I celebrated our Sacrament of Holy Matrimony here, presided by Rev Fr (now Monsignor) Stephen Yim.

Years later, our first-born, Evan Benedict, was baptised at the Easter Vigil here. The only baby present, he managed to sit through the lengthy three-hour Easter Vigil celebration without much fuss. We are truly grateful for this little miracle.

Submitted by Lee Ching Julia