Sunday, August 31, 2008

Links for I-Bible session

Here are the links for the I-Bible session and we hope that you would take the time to actually have a look at these sites and figure out which of them suits you. However, if you have any particularly useful sites that you might want to share with us, just let me know!

http://www.ewtn.com/
http://wau.org/
http://www.godswordtoday.com/
http://www.americancatholic.org/
http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/
http://web2.airmail.net/dpelc/yellow/
http://www.catholic.com/
http://www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/ccc.html

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Confession - Fr. Robin Koning

Have you ever thought about what confession means to us Catholics and why it is important in our spiritual lives? Well, Friday's session was defnitely an interesting one where I am sure most people would have at least grasped something new and useful to them about the Sacrament of Reconcilitaion. I guess the main question in everyone's hearts are, why do we need to go for confession?

During the session, Father Robin explained that when we sin, we are actually weakening our own Christian spirit and weakening the body of Christ. What that means is that we are not only harming our personal relationship with God, but we are also harming the membership of the body as sin is before all else an offense against God and a rupture of communion with him.

Therefore, by going for confession, our sins are forgiven but what I realised from the session was that confession also :
  • helps us to be more sensitive to our offenses to God, including the small things that we do. As we gradually learn to reflect on our sins, we grow to be more aware of the things that we should and should not do.
  • gives ourselves a break as we do not have to carry a burden that we do not need to carry.
  • cuts across our self deception by keeping us honest to ourselves and in our relationship with God.
  • frees us and gives us a certainty that we are forgiven as God just loves to forgive us when we are truly sorry for the things we have offended Him with.
To be truly sorry for our sins, we have to admit them and confess them but also important is that we repent of our sins and do penance for our sins. According to paragraphs 1434 onwards in the Cathecism of the Catholic Church, there are many forms of penance in the christian life and if you want have a read about it, here's the link

http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p2s2c2a4.htm

Some of you curious ones asked for the reason that we need to go for confession through a priest. Well the reason is that it is a blessing that we have from Christ as Christ has established this as a way of forgiveness. By confession to a priest, God is acting through the minister by giving words of encouragement, penance and word of absolution to us. What Father Robin said was that as a priest, hearing confessions gives him a sense of the goodness of humanity and he is grateful to them for going for confession. Everything we receive is mediated through the Church.

How often should we go for confession you may ask? This is not a definite answer but preferably, we should all go for confession at least once a year.

Especially to those who missed out, hope this post helps you understand better about Reconciliation.


Saturday, August 23, 2008

World Youth Day Reflections


I would firstly like to thank Hobart, Donna and Bernice for taking some time to reflect on their World Youth Day experience in Sydney and share them with us. For those of you who are still empowered by the spiritual experience gained in Sydney, read on to relive the moment just not too long ago. If you were one of those who missed out on this opportunity, here's your chance to know what it was like to be there, from the words of your own friends :)

Donna's World Youth Day 2008 Reflection

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DID08, which i enjoyed immensely,was a great opening act to the main event that is World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney. I can only attempt to share how wyd 08 has impacted me without being long-winded for I certainly do not wish to summarize such monumental event inadequately.

To cater to the youths, concerts, talks, exhibitions amongst others were happening throughout the afternoon and into the night. Of the many concerts, the "Receive the Power Live!" concert left the deepest impression on me. It featured the popular Hillsong United, Darlene Zchech & the Matt Maher Band; great musicians whose music got all those around me jumping and dancing in joy and praise. The night was made extra special by the unique adoration experience. Another concert that I remember fondly is the one by Fr Stan Fortuna, at the Sydney Opera House. Although I dont have a personal liking for rap or hip hop music, I bopped along to the beats, and by the end of the night I found that I was actually enjoying myself.

Moving on to the talks, the one that I simply have to mention is Theology On Tap in Parramatta. Aside from being locked in a mall for the first time in my life, drinking cheap Guinness and meeting a celebrity (I met Peter Harvey and he asked me whether I wanted to take a picture with him) , the topic of the night - Leading a double life will lead to self-destruction- challenged me to grow in my faith by living it daily and proudly.

Besides the youth festival events, pilgrims participated in cathechesis for three mornings. For me, I would say the wisdom of the preachings during cathechesis do not present itself immediately, rather, the words materialize days later, perhaps even weeks, months or years later.

Finally, just the atmosphere of world youth day made the experience such a memorable one, be it the friendly smiles, chit-chat whilst queuing or traveling, chanting in the streets, etc. Sometimes, we ask God for signs and miracles. At wyd, the circadian sunset, the people singing and/or laughing next to us in the train amongst so many other little and great things - each wonderful in their own right-, was His reply.

Looking back at the photos, I reminisce about the joy and spirit of world youth day. Looking forward, I eagerly await WYD 2011 in Madrid. Meanwhile I can only pray that my faith will grow stronger than yesterday but less than tomorrow. "Jesus said, 'Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.'", Matthew 18:20. So imagine, what of 200,000 gathered in His name.

Hobart's World Youth Day 2008 Reflection



God is not great . "Why religion poisons everything" reads the sub-heading . The fact that the author of this international best-seller is hailed as one of the bright intellectuals of our time saddens me . Then as i returned to Canberra , i sat at a table where they discussed how World Youth Day was such an impediment to Sydney's economy , to the flow of public transport , and not forgetting to mention , to their peace and harmony . I was silenced as i listened . But i shall come back to that later .

223,000 pilgrims ; 110,000 from 170 nations - that's only 34 shy of the Olympics .

Anyone who wasn't there can only attempt to imagine what those statistics mean - identifying at least one fellow pilgrim (by their flaming backpacks) everywhere we went (especially at McDonalds pit stops) . And that's just the least of it .

Every event was accompanied by an ever jovial crowd with voices that never failed to cheer and sing as we spread our love along the streets . I can still vividly remember the chants as if i was still there ; language never proved to be a barrier when we spoke the lingua franca of one faith .

Although i did not personally encounter any of the rumored protesters (apart from receiving one of the Chick booklets) , i'd like to think that it was because i probably missed them by the grace of God or perhaps i was so constantly absorbed in the atmosphere that i simply didn't notice them . The overflow of theological discussions and concerts only contributed to this effect .

Even our very first session of catechism had prompted me to return to confession . That was the third time in my life i had entered the box . But i daresay that i have been inspired to revisit such a comforting act more frequently . Perhaps next time a priest asks me when my last confession was , i will be able to provide a little bewilderment and perhaps put a smile on his face when i say "yesterday" .

Admittedly , because i seem to be too preoccupied with organizing myself to attend as many of these events as possible , i initially felt as though there was a lack of spiritual encounter in my experience . Or at least , to a lesser extent of what i had anticipated following the build-up from the Days of the Diocese .

But as i reminisced over the hundreds of photos i took , i began to laugh to myself , wondering how i missed what i had . Throughout the week i was there , through all the seemingly aimless walking around , through all the early mornings and late nights , roughing it out in sleeping bags and train rides , the shower worries and bad curries , the masses and adorations , and through all the events to the gruelling pilgrimage to randwick and the final mass with our beloved Pope , i cannot help but feel blessed with the all the little fortunate happenings that filled my days but one in particular - the company i had .

As i look at the smiles (random or otherwise) that are littered everywhere on my photo album(s) , that is where i discover an unmistakable conviction that the Holy Spirit was and is present . As we heard , miracles happen when the Holy Spirit is present .

Where else can one find a more unified crowd of such color and diversity and more importantly , one body which celebrates life with so much vigor than this ? And motivated , i might add , without any alcohol or drugs , but rather by something illusive-ly simple as faith ?

If that isn’t amazing enough , where else can you find such a crowd which is also capable of transitioning from such jubilation into complete silent prayer and adoration the next minute ?

Returning to my opening disappointment , i feel for those who cannot and/or are unwilling to experience and/or understand before criticizing . But i recall the theme of World Youth Day - "When the Holy Spirit has come upon you , you will be filled with power ; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8) . And so with such an enriching experience for support , i find the courage to continue spreading the message with the testimony of my life by surrendering it to Him and further this with a promise to let Him lead me to be a bold witness for the rest of my days and to share and pray that our secular world awakens to the understanding of what the Holy Spirit has to offer and fulfill .


What have you done today to be His witness ?

Bernice's World Youth Day 2008 Reflection

When I first heard about WYD, it was the one held in Germany and I thought it sounded really cool. I thought to myself, I wouldn't mind going, I get to meet lots of people and get to see new places but I couldn't go at that time, unfortunately. So, when I heard that WYD 2008 was going to be held in sydney, somewhere so near to me, I was excited and was absolutely sure I wanted to go. But I now realise i wanted to go for the wrong reasons. I wanted to go just for fun. I wasn't really intending on learning more about my faith. It was more about the fun for me as I felt spiritually dry at that time.

However, after having gone to WYD, i felt this energy and this hope that I haven't felt for a very long time. I feel rejuvenated. I not only had so much fun, I learnt so much too. About my faith and about God's love for me. My pilgrimage to the St. Mary's Cathedral was the most memorable for me. I felt that peace that I have not felt in a while. Although the wait was long, I really believe that it was worth it.

Overall, it was an amazing experience, one that I would never trade and I will never regret my decision in going. It was all worth it, the Catechesis session, the youth festivals, masses and also the opportunity to see the pope and be in his presence. And just being there, sharing all these with people all around the world who share the same faith, who although live completely different lives, have that one thing in common that binds them all together. The Catholic faith. And to know that we are not alone in our journey of faith, our journey to God, to know that there are soo many people out there in the world who are also walking with us in this journey, it is just amazing.

I feel that WYD 2008 has helped me grow in a lot of ways, particularly in my spiritual life. And I would definitely go again in three years! See you in Spain! =)

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Food and Games Day






Some friends come and go like a season. Others are arranged in our lives for good reason.

And so, I felt that the new friendships formed on that day will continue to grow even stronger as it was all part of God's plan. I have to say that last Friday went pretty well and it was especially fulfilling as the new members became an addition to our family growing together in faith. The evening started off with the games which brought out the gales of laughter within everyone as the initial shyness gradually faded away. It was lots of fun, as you can see from the pictures above. Then of course, it was dinner time and who can say no to free food? -especially when we're all so hungry from the cold (accelerated metabolism rate).

Also, not forgetting the main reason of our club, we also arranged for a short session of Praise and Worship after.

The night felt like it ended pretty quick and we definitely cannot wait to see everyone again! If there are any others out there who missed out, do not worry as we will always look forward to welcoming you =)


A note from Donna:
There is no official photographer for COSDU and if there are any of you who are interested in sharing your photos or even helping us out with taking the pictures, please send us your photos

Thank you!



Saturday, August 02, 2008

Sessions Lineup for 2008 Sem 2


Week 1
Date: 1st August 2008
Activity: Food & Games Day
Venue: Chaplaincy
Time: 6.30pm


Week 2

Date: 8th August 2008
Activity: Welcome Mass for the new members
Venue: St Carthage's (along Royal Parade)
Time: 6.30 pm


Week 3

Date: 15th August 2008
Activity: "Prayer"- by Angela

  • Understanding what prayer is
  • The idea of praying with others
  • Introducing the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Venue: Chaplaincy
Time: 6.30pm


Week 4

Date: 22nd August 2008
Activity: "i-Bible"

  • How to incorporate the use of the Bible with technology
  • Introduce the practice of daily reflections
  • Bible sharing in small groups
Venue: Chaplaincy
Time: 6.30 pm
Week 5
Date: 29th August 2008

Activity: ''Confession'' by Fr. Robin Koning

  • Learning about the history of how the sacrament of Reconciliation came about
  • Understanding how important the Sacrament of Reconciliation is
  • Allow time for reflection and confession
Venue: Chaplaincy
Time: 6.30pm


Week 6

Date: 5th September 2008

Activity: 'Mass'

Venue: St. Carthage's (along Royal Parade)
Time: 6.30pm
Week 7
Date: 12th September 2008

Activity:

Week 8
Date: 19th September 2008
Activity: Love vs. Lust
Venue: Chaplaincy
Time: 6.30 pm


2 week break - Sports Day!!! on the 20th of September


Week 9

Date: 10th October 2008

Activity: Mass

Venue: St. Carthage's (along Royal Parade)

Time: 6.30pm


Week 10

Date: 17th October 2008

Activity:
"The Beauty of the Eucharist"
  • Invite a priest to talk about the Sacrament of the Eucharist
  • Why is receiving Holy Communion so important to our spiritual lives?
  • Why do we have adoration?
Venue: Chaplaincy
Time: 6.30pm

Week 11
Date: 24th October 2008

Activity: Social Justice

Venue: Chaplaincy

Time: 6.30 pm
Week 12
Date: 31st October
Activity: Examination Mass
Venue: St. Carthage's (along Royal Parade)
Time: 6.30 pm

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