I must say that the last central gathering at our STM community centre was a little different. It was refreshingly good and hilarious. A big heartfelt thanks to Dr Sheena Toyat for making it easier to understand why do we obey God, why do we obey other people and yet, why do we still disobey? Definitely a simple-straight-to-the-point talk. Again, Dr Sheena Toyat :D thanks for breaking it down for us! Praise the Lord! *I wish I can post up some pictures but I was busy laughing so...maybe next time :p
Anyhow we got to our Lifeline tradition of mamak-ing after central and ended up in Restoran Sri Bidara (RSB). And this time, we have pictures!!
An avenue where the Catholic youths of Saint Thomas More Lifeline
share the passion for Jesus Christ.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lifeline STM Camp 2009
Oi peeps!
I have a depressing announcement to make....*sigh* I think you guys have heard that the confirmants camp has been canceled due to the H1N1 outbreak thus unfortunately it applies to us as well. We will not have our very first Lifeline Camp this year. In any case, it could be a blessing in disguise so guys don't despair, continue to pray for God's will to be in our lives and in our community.
In any case, there's always a back up. :D There's the Lifeline SFX Camp which is this coming 29th - 31st August 2009. So if you're interested, please contact Suzanne asap!
I have a depressing announcement to make....*sigh* I think you guys have heard that the confirmants camp has been canceled due to the H1N1 outbreak thus unfortunately it applies to us as well. We will not have our very first Lifeline Camp this year. In any case, it could be a blessing in disguise so guys don't despair, continue to pray for God's will to be in our lives and in our community.
In any case, there's always a back up. :D There's the Lifeline SFX Camp which is this coming 29th - 31st August 2009. So if you're interested, please contact Suzanne asap!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Barré Cornerstone
![](http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs154.snc1/5731_118904981636_693256636_2841108_6978112_n.jpg)
HAPPY HOUR IS HERE!!!
Barré(Bar) Cornerstone is an open event having a bar concept (strictly Non- alcoholic), we'll be staying sober and rocking the night away with good music, performances, and singing...
Drinks, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale to raise funds for the building of a permanent place of worship for all. (In support of this fundraising, please do not bring outside food/drinks)
All are invited to come and chill out and relax and give their support for this fundraising event. Do invite your friends to make this a meaningful night!
ENTRANCE TICKETS: (includes a Welcome drink & free snacks)
RM10 (purchase before event, ticket booths open after every mass at STM, or contact us to book tickets)
RM15 (purchase on the day itself)
*update: limited seats left only!
For all who are interested in performing for this event or further inquiries please contact:
Aaron James
Email: roadfacer@hotmail.com
No. : 017-2583348
Aaron Lee
Email : chowkueyteow@gmail.com
No. : 012-6299191
Check us out at Facebook!
Drinks, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale to raise funds for the building of a permanent place of worship for all. (In support of this fundraising, please do not bring outside food/drinks)
All are invited to come and chill out and relax and give their support for this fundraising event. Do invite your friends to make this a meaningful night!
ENTRANCE TICKETS: (includes a Welcome drink & free snacks)
RM10 (purchase before event, ticket booths open after every mass at STM, or contact us to book tickets)
RM15 (purchase on the day itself)
*update: limited seats left only!
For all who are interested in performing for this event or further inquiries please contact:
Aaron James
Email: roadfacer@hotmail.com
No. : 017-2583348
Aaron Lee
Email : chowkueyteow@gmail.com
No. : 012-6299191
Check us out at Facebook!
Monday, August 10, 2009
GOD ALWAYS LISTENS, COMMUNICATES, AND ANSWERS PRAYERS!!
Yuliana Halim herewith share her testimony at the greatness of our Lord. :D
In the past week, I’ve been working part time at a place nearby St Ignatius Church. At first, I was glad that I can spend time at church after working hours but it never happened until the last day because there was always something on when I want to go to church.
Recently I feel frustrated about my future but beforehand I really praised God that I can graduate on time. Reason being, I’m now jobless and not knowing where I should belong to. I started complaining how tiresome it was and it’s starting to take a toll on me.
So on the last day of work, 5th August 2009 I decided to go to church. However I was late for Mass. I felt sad but because I really needed time to be alone to talk to God in His house, I decided to pray at the Grotto, venting my frustrations at Mother Mary about my fears, confusion and desperation. After 10 minutes of prayer, everyone was coming out from Mass and I moved inside. As I walked in, I saw a woman kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament. At first I thought there was a confession session going on because I saw her with a man talking seriously. As I started to pray, a girl’s scream emanated the entire hall. I looked for the source of scream and found the woman and man I saw earlier was actually praying for the girl which was being possessed. I felt scared and stopped praying for myself instead I started to pray for her. It took some time for the bad spirit to come out. The scariest part is when the girl could suddenly scream so loud and shout “Shut up”. I can’t speak in tongues or sing the Holy Spirit song so I just kept on praying Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be constantly. And at the same time asking God why He kept the girl suffering when all the while I knew He was there but just not helping her straightaway. After a while, the girl finally was able to calm down and stood up straight. They were praising God because the demon had come out. I felt good and excited from afar because I somehow participated in “helping” exorcising the evil spirit from an unknown person.
It was time to go home so I walked to Kelana Jaya LRT station all the time thinking and reflecting. I felt all my prayers were answered. Incidentally, I remembered the night before as I was reading the daily reading which was about a woman asking God to help her daughter who has been possessed. God rejected at first but because of her great faith, God was moved. When I read that, I asked myself why God refused to help her the first time she asked. I kept wondering and fell asleep. In witnessing what just happened, I felt God was saying that He did not reject to help the woman, instead wanted to see how great a faith you have in Him. I realized a few things and would like to share are:
Amen.
In the past week, I’ve been working part time at a place nearby St Ignatius Church. At first, I was glad that I can spend time at church after working hours but it never happened until the last day because there was always something on when I want to go to church.
Recently I feel frustrated about my future but beforehand I really praised God that I can graduate on time. Reason being, I’m now jobless and not knowing where I should belong to. I started complaining how tiresome it was and it’s starting to take a toll on me.
So on the last day of work, 5th August 2009 I decided to go to church. However I was late for Mass. I felt sad but because I really needed time to be alone to talk to God in His house, I decided to pray at the Grotto, venting my frustrations at Mother Mary about my fears, confusion and desperation. After 10 minutes of prayer, everyone was coming out from Mass and I moved inside. As I walked in, I saw a woman kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament. At first I thought there was a confession session going on because I saw her with a man talking seriously. As I started to pray, a girl’s scream emanated the entire hall. I looked for the source of scream and found the woman and man I saw earlier was actually praying for the girl which was being possessed. I felt scared and stopped praying for myself instead I started to pray for her. It took some time for the bad spirit to come out. The scariest part is when the girl could suddenly scream so loud and shout “Shut up”. I can’t speak in tongues or sing the Holy Spirit song so I just kept on praying Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be constantly. And at the same time asking God why He kept the girl suffering when all the while I knew He was there but just not helping her straightaway. After a while, the girl finally was able to calm down and stood up straight. They were praising God because the demon had come out. I felt good and excited from afar because I somehow participated in “helping” exorcising the evil spirit from an unknown person.
It was time to go home so I walked to Kelana Jaya LRT station all the time thinking and reflecting. I felt all my prayers were answered. Incidentally, I remembered the night before as I was reading the daily reading which was about a woman asking God to help her daughter who has been possessed. God rejected at first but because of her great faith, God was moved. When I read that, I asked myself why God refused to help her the first time she asked. I kept wondering and fell asleep. In witnessing what just happened, I felt God was saying that He did not reject to help the woman, instead wanted to see how great a faith you have in Him. I realized a few things and would like to share are:
- Whenever I feel God didn’t hear my frustrations about my future, what He was trying to say is, “Woman, why do you have such little faith and doubt me. I have prepared a great future for you and would bring you no harm as your Heavenly Father.” In the same instance as the Bible reading, He asks us to constantly have Faith in Him which also ties in with the possessed girl at church. Although it took some time to get the demon out, I felt that God wanted us to pray to Him and have Faith in Him that He will cure her.
- In the end, I ended up praying for someone else instead of praying for myself. It’s like a reminder, “Hey Yuli, your problem is nothing compared to someone else who has a bigger problem and needs your intercession.”
- He is present everywhere and always listens to our prayer. On the way back home, I praised God for that day and while waiting for the bus I said a simple prayer. From afar I saw a bus coming, and ended my prayer saying that if God really hear all my prayer then let that bus be my bus and He did it. That really was my bus. I really do feel the joy that words cannot describe. Don’t take it as a test from God but instead knowing that His presence is everywhere.
Amen.
Labels:
God,
sharing,
testimonies,
yuliana
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Life is beautiful if we give it a chance
Our dear post-con shared about abortion and it was a very good session. In response to that, I've enclosed extracts from the brochure and handouts. This info could prove useful if you encounter a situation as such.
You formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb
~ Psalm 139:13 ~
Abortion is "the intentional or unintentional expulsion of a pre-born child at any time after fertilisation and before the natural birth process is completed." Although illegal in Malaysia (Abortion Act 1967), Muslims allow abortions for foetuses below 120 days and most private clinics will perform an abortion for as low as RM300.
But is a foetus a life?
All entities fall into one of the three categories: alive, dead or inanimate/inorganic. It is clear that when the two live cells (the woman's ovum and a man's sperm) fuse together, the result must be another live cell. We also know that fertilised eggs experience a very high rate of cell division (cell division does not take place in a dead or inanimate being). Fertilised eggs are also not dead otherwise they would naturally miscarry or be reabsorbed by the mother's body.
Virtually every medical school textbook says human life begins at fertilisation. Sometimes, however, the argument is made that before the soul enters the body, there is no life and therefore abortion is permissible. But even if we held this argument, because of the uncertainty over the exact moment of "ensoulment" and the possibility that the foetus has alraedy been ensouled, the risk in an abortion of killing a life can never be justified.
How serious is this sin?
The Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law #1398 states that all who procure abortion shall be automatically excommunicated from the Church. This includes boyfriend, husband or parent who drives the pregnant woman or girl to the abortion clinic, pays for the abortion in full or in part, or even advises that abortion may be an option. The sanction of excommunication also applies to the abortionist, nurse, counsellor and anyone else who aids or assists in an abortion.
How to help a friend dealing with abortion?
You have to LEAD.
LISTEN
AFFIRM
DIRECT
For a friend who has already aborted a baby, you should direct her through to reconciliation with God (confession) and help her seek God's healing grace.
For more info, please let us know and we can provide you the brochures and materials pertaining to the above issue. Or rather if you have a friend in such need, please seek help from The Good Shepherd Temporary Shelter for Unmarried Mothers. Call Sr Helena, RGS at 05-546 7031 or 012-462 1341.
The brochure is copyrighted by the Church of St Francis Xavier in 2005. The "LEAD" portion is done by Justin Ng.
You formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb
~ Psalm 139:13 ~
Abortion is "the intentional or unintentional expulsion of a pre-born child at any time after fertilisation and before the natural birth process is completed." Although illegal in Malaysia (Abortion Act 1967), Muslims allow abortions for foetuses below 120 days and most private clinics will perform an abortion for as low as RM300.
But is a foetus a life?
All entities fall into one of the three categories: alive, dead or inanimate/inorganic. It is clear that when the two live cells (the woman's ovum and a man's sperm) fuse together, the result must be another live cell. We also know that fertilised eggs experience a very high rate of cell division (cell division does not take place in a dead or inanimate being). Fertilised eggs are also not dead otherwise they would naturally miscarry or be reabsorbed by the mother's body.
Virtually every medical school textbook says human life begins at fertilisation. Sometimes, however, the argument is made that before the soul enters the body, there is no life and therefore abortion is permissible. But even if we held this argument, because of the uncertainty over the exact moment of "ensoulment" and the possibility that the foetus has alraedy been ensouled, the risk in an abortion of killing a life can never be justified.
How serious is this sin?
The Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law #1398 states that all who procure abortion shall be automatically excommunicated from the Church. This includes boyfriend, husband or parent who drives the pregnant woman or girl to the abortion clinic, pays for the abortion in full or in part, or even advises that abortion may be an option. The sanction of excommunication also applies to the abortionist, nurse, counsellor and anyone else who aids or assists in an abortion.
How to help a friend dealing with abortion?
You have to LEAD.
LISTEN
Encourage her to talk about her feelings, her worries, her guilt, her fears. Help her feel secure and convince her that all is not lost. Some helpful questions would be:
- How do you know you're pregnant?
- How/when did you first learn that you were pregnant?
- Who have you told about your pregnancy? (Parental notification is crucial)
- What difficulties do you think the pregnancy will create for you?
- What difficulties do you think the abortion would solve?
- What difficulties do you think an abortion would create?
Try to react empathically to her. Avoid sermonizing or lecturing; instead try to communicate with empathy, not sympathy. Feel with her, not for her. Empathy can be communicated in many small ways, such as:
- Make eye contact.
- Nod your head in encouragement.
- Listen carefully to verbal and nonverbal communications.
- Reflect on key statements.
- Wait patiently through tears and silence.
AFFIRM
One of the most beneficial thing a friend can do for another in troubled times is to communicate unconditional love and acceptance. Affirm her that you love and accept her for who she is whether she goes for the abortion or not. Don't be afraid that accepting her unconditionally may make her more likely to for an abortion. Withholding affirmation at such a time bears a much greater risk of harm.
DIRECT
Help her understand that God can bring good out of the most desperate situations. Remind her that she is not alone and that there is time to make decisions carefully and rationally. Guide her to carefully consider to alternatives to abortion:
- Adoption
- Marriage
- Single parenthood
For a friend who has already aborted a baby, you should direct her through to reconciliation with God (confession) and help her seek God's healing grace.
For more info, please let us know and we can provide you the brochures and materials pertaining to the above issue. Or rather if you have a friend in such need, please seek help from The Good Shepherd Temporary Shelter for Unmarried Mothers. Call Sr Helena, RGS at 05-546 7031 or 012-462 1341.
The brochure is copyrighted by the Church of St Francis Xavier in 2005. The "LEAD" portion is done by Justin Ng.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Lifeline SFX Camp
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaV0hyizgqi6Etqv_hz1ji_bhFtD-TNl4EbywaCK-gNZvK5YDJ5fZXY0w2trywLvJNos_bsFaY2W8wc0ziIinub7imgkLkIbPeS0pJ8IBExaF6qpybjnLPCddBSY19MvTBZKmXI33oCk/s400/sfxlifelinecamp09.jpg)
Our sister, Lifeline SFX is having their annual camp this year on the 29th, 30th and 31st August at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre (APC). The theme, "The Splendour of the Truth" really opens our eyes to the richness of the Church's ancient secrets(well not really but since we have forgotten about them that it has become almost secret like) and history.
Who better than to bring them down to earth and "easier" for us youth to understand is none other than Dr Sherman Kuek. Dr Sherman Kuek, SFO, is a Catholic lay theologian. He is a professed member of the Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis, an 800 year-old Franciscan Order approved and recognised by the Holy See, which consists of laity and diocesan clergy. At an ecumenical level, he is a guest speaker and lecturer in various academic and ecclesial contexts. At the archdiocesan level, he serves as Research Associate for the Archdiocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs (AMEIA) and an editorial team member of Catholic Asian News (CANews). At the parish level, he serves as a Pastoral Associate. Sherman studied for his doctoral degree in Systematic and Contextual Theology at Trinity Theological College Singapore.
So I urge those who are interested in apologetics and theology to join in these 3 days exposure to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Hop on the journey for only RM 80 (working adults) and RM 60(students). As usual, contact Suzanne for registration. Before that, we have a criteria for those who want to attend this camp, you MUST give a talk on the subject that was shared at the camp. Who's up for the challenge?
Speaking of which our very own Lifeline STM Camp is also coming soon in September!! It's during the Raya Holidays so no excuse to not attend! We'll make sure we have rendang, sambal belacan and ketupat there as well. So of course we don't mind you guys joining the camp over at SFX but...you'll have to come for ours as well since it is our FIRST year on our own!! And to give you guys a teaser, we're having Dr Sherman Kuek as well! Double BONUSES! Boo Yah!
Labels:
apologetics,
camp,
church,
Jesus,
lifeline,
sfx,
sherman kuek,
stm lifeline,
theology,
truth
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The Lisbon Chamber Choir - Coro de Camara de Lisboa
This internationally renowned choral group from Portugal will be performing at the STM worship centre from 1st August til 2nd August at 8.30pm. This is a joint project with Jesus Caritas with proceeds going to help build our permanent place of worship. Please support this wonderful event.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ51HDZzLviJ5O63v1vnHBVC02DAWqPUehj-quFLIz1V3O4t1gRSSQGLeDN0ddfDQapnv34Lc7AEreVGVD3QjW37sgytURlkLPaTLbsl296N_UnB7wgRzrrG6tDI-Muflv09wzeDSGMc/s400/lisbon-choir.jpg)
On this beautiful evening, not only will the Lisbon choral choir serenade us but we will also have the wonderful KL Children's Choral Choir! In addition to that, we have the Kristus Aman Youth Dancers to entertain us with a number or two on the dance floor! Brace yourselves for an enjoyable crazy night!
Most of us are planning to go on the 2nd of August. If you need us to book and buy the tickets for you, please let us know asap! Or call Suzanne @ 013-2245523.
Update: Those who have requested for reservation of tickets are listed as below. I'll be there at 7.30pm. It's a first come first serve seating so please be early.
Saturday (1st August 2009, 8.30pm)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ51HDZzLviJ5O63v1vnHBVC02DAWqPUehj-quFLIz1V3O4t1gRSSQGLeDN0ddfDQapnv34Lc7AEreVGVD3QjW37sgytURlkLPaTLbsl296N_UnB7wgRzrrG6tDI-Muflv09wzeDSGMc/s400/lisbon-choir.jpg)
On this beautiful evening, not only will the Lisbon choral choir serenade us but we will also have the wonderful KL Children's Choral Choir! In addition to that, we have the Kristus Aman Youth Dancers to entertain us with a number or two on the dance floor! Brace yourselves for an enjoyable crazy night!
Most of us are planning to go on the 2nd of August. If you need us to book and buy the tickets for you, please let us know asap! Or call Suzanne @ 013-2245523.
Update: Those who have requested for reservation of tickets are listed as below. I'll be there at 7.30pm. It's a first come first serve seating so please be early.
Saturday (1st August 2009, 8.30pm)
- Stacie
- Charlotte
- Hana
- Charlotte's housemate
- Yuliana
- Anthony Chan
- Sherry Chan
- Sandy
- Sandy's friend
- Erik Tan
- Lidiana
- Kris Laziest Bum
- Marsel
- Ella
- Jessica
- Liona
- Vianney
- Andrew
- Crisabel
- Matthew
- Uncle Peter
- Aunty Rosey
- Terrence
- Eliza
- Maria
- Maria's friend
- Mark
- Anne Sim
- Jessyca
- Leia
- Lydia
- Michael
- Christine
- Michael's dad
- Michael's mom
- Adrian Yong
- Stella Yong
- Suzanne
- Aunty Rosey's niece 1
- Aunty Rosey's niece 2
- Glori
- Ben's friend
- Nita
- Andrew Lim
- Stephanie Ng
Labels:
dance,
kristus aman,
lisbon choral choir,
music,
polyphony,
portugal,
sing,
st thomas more,
youth
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