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JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2016 • LEARNING JOURNEYS
Sec 4 RME Retreat
In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy , as they internalize the understanding of what it means to be men of integrity and men for others , the Secondary 4 Josephians undertook a period of remission of sins and universal pardon focusing particularly on the forgiveness and mercy of God .
As a Catholic school , SJI tries hard to assist every Josephian in the on-going development of their faith . Each year , Josephians are invited to a retreat - an opportunity to reflect on his personal life as well as to take time to learn how to encounter God through prayer . This year , the Secondary 4 Retreat was held at La Salle Centre on the grounds of St Patrick ’ s School from 1 – 3 July . This retreat offered the Josephian an opportunity to discern the next phase of his journey as he reflects on his personal life . It was also a chance for him to make an ‘ oasis ’ stop to take stock of his life . It is hoped that the time to encounter God through prayer will help renew his strength and focus to function more effectively in his preparation for the next stage of his academic life . The Retreat Masters were from Philippines ; Bros . Cliff Sy , Paul Mata , Edgar Esparagoza and Joy Critica , who accompanied the Josephians based on their learning from the life of St . La Salle and their “ next-steps ” journey to life .
” Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God ”... That ’ s the phrase which we Josephians have heard ever since the first day in SJI . Starting off with morning prayers , Legion meetings and Wednesday masses , SJI offered us students an opportunity to grow in our faith . It was a unique experience for me even though I came from a Catholic primary school . Personally , I think that SJI has managed to do its part as a Catholic school to cultivate the spirit of God in me and I am grateful for that .
In school , we have the opportunity to experience RME lessons as a form of Catholic enrichment . Some of us may find it boring , while others may actually enjoy it . Regardless , we all eventually recognize the value in having these weekly lessons . Retreats every year allowed us to bond as well as develop our faith in small ways .”
Shaun Hue Yong Shan ( FN402 )
“ On the retreats that we have experienced over the four years in SJI : For me , the most meaningful retreats were the upper secondary retreats . Last year , we had the opportunity of staying at the FMM house of prayer . We had an enjoyable three-day retreat , where we were able to explore the concept of prayer and reflection as a community . During this year ’ s retreat , we were more focused on the bonding among us as a batch as it is our last year together . I am sure that we have achieved that in some way or another . As we graduate from SJI this year , we must not forget the experiences that we have shared through our faith journey in SJI . Thank you .”
Geraldo Nick Kanayalal ( FN402 )