A word from our outgoing sub-committee chairman

The preparations for the 1,000 Hours of Prayer in conjunction with the Year For Priests were handled by the Golden Jubilee Committee's Spirituality Sub-Committee.

Brother Simon Anand (pictured here in the chapel during the first of the 1,000 hours), who headed up the sub-committee for the last few months, is leaving the parish to continue with the next stage of his journey towards priesthood.

Brother Eugene Koh will be taking over with effect from this month.

It is only appropriate that we include them both in our prayers for priests and the religious, not only during our respective pledged hours of silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, but at all times when we pray for vocations and for the religious who serve the church tirelessly.

Bro. Simon had this to say:

As I am leaving for another phase of my journey towards priesthood, I thank all of you who have worked with me throughout this year 2009, particularly in organising events and prayers which prepare us to anticipate the 50th anniversary of the parish in the year 2011 with faithfulness to Christ.

I pray that you may continue to be receptive to the promptings of the Spirit and respond to it wholeheartedly.

God Bless SFX!

Simon Anand

Amen, and God Bless You Too, Brother.

Praying the chaplet of Divine Mercy

From personal experience, the Divine Mercy Chaplet has been a great source of both spiritual calm and intercession.

A particularly difficult situation at work was largely resolved to the greater benefit of my colleagues and I can only attribute this last-minute reprieve we gained, to praying the chaplet fervently.

Here is a good explanation and description of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

The chaplet may be prayed at any time but the Lord Jesus Christ has also specifically asked for it to be recited as a novena. The second day of the novena in particular is especially for priests and the religious.

Here is an excerpt from the intention for the second day: "Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven."

One possibility is for you to begin the novena the day before your pledged hour, so that you may pray the second day's intention during your hour before the Blessed Sacrament.