CHAPTER 4 |
CATHOLIC EDUCATION SUNDAY |
PAPAL MASS |
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM |
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Group photo at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd |
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Students offering the gifts of bread and wine at Mass
Catholic Education Sunday was commemorated on 25 August 2024 , emphasising the vital partnership between Catholic schools , parishes , and homes , with Catholic staff , students , and parents coming together to participate in the liturgy . SJI Catholic students across Years 1 – 6 gathered at 3 different parishes – Church of the Risen Christ , St Joseph ’ s Church ( Victoria Street ), and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd – to serve during the Mass , to distribute prayer cards to the congregation , and to share about their experience studying in a Catholic school .
Noah Foong from ML301 shares his experience :
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I served as a lector and read the Second Reading during the Mass on Catholic Education Sunday at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd . While I was slightly anxious before the Mass , as I carried the Book of the Gospels during the procession at the start of the Mass , I felt a sense of honour to be a vessel through which God ’ s Word could reach others . This put me at ease . Along with words of encouragement from my teachers , friends , and parents , I felt reassured that the preparation I had |
Group photo at Church of the Risen Christ
undergone beforehand would set me up for success and that I needed to trust and allow God to work through me .
Two of my juniors from the Young Christian Students FIDEI community in SJI also served as lectors during the Mass , and I was extremely touched to witness them rise to the occasion . I knew how nervous they had been , and to see them proclaim the readings with confidence was inspiring . It reminded me about one crucial facet of Catholic Education Sunday – that it is not just about our individual faith and roles as a member of the Church , but about the strength and support we offer one another as a community of faithful followers of Christ .
Looking back , I see Catholic Education Sunday as more than a one-time event . It is a reminder of the importance of stepping up as a senior , trusting in the support of others , and embracing opportunities to serve the Catholic community . The experience has truly imparted to me the school values of Faith , Service , and Community .
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“ Without love , we are nothing .”
These words , taken from St . Paul ’ s First letter to the Corinthians , were a recurrent theme in Pope Francis ’ homily at the Papal Mass held at the National Stadium on 12 September 2024 . Addressing the 50,000 people in attendance , who included government officials , civic leaders , and leaders of other religions , Pope Francis noted that even modern Singapore could not have been built without the love and support of the entire community .
A 140-strong SJI contingent comprising staff and students had the opportunity to attend the Papal Mass . Amongst them were Kaedrin Isaacs and Noah Foong from ML301 , who share their experience :
We were extremely blessed to be part of the SJI contingent and to have had the opportunity to attend the Papal Mass on 12 September 2024 . The moment we took our seats in the Stadium , we grew to realise the sheer mass of people gathered there , all for the purpose of praying for their
Joining one big Catholic family in the national stadium
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personal intentions , for their families and for Singapore . It was an eye-opening experience , taking in the sights and sounds – masses of people scurrying to their seats with familiar faces everywhere we turned , all while worship hymns were played in the background – the atmosphere was prayerful , meditative and awe-inspiring , all at the same time .
When Pope Francis arrived on his popemobile – a specially designed motor vehicle used by the Pope during public appearances – we were struck by scenes of little children running up to His Holiness with rosaries and crucifixes in their hands , waiting for the Pope to bless them and their ornaments . Witnessing the Pope bless infants with a smile on his face was an incredibly heartwarming scene .
To witness Pope Francis celebrate the Mass in spite of his old age was extremely inspiring , and being in the presence of hundreds of priests and altar servers , and tens of thousands of people gathered to pray together during the Mass was wonderful and truly unforgettable .
Celebrating Pope Francis
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