SFXPJPHOTOS

22.11.09-Blessing of Prayer Room Santa Maria della Strada

2009-12-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

The prayer oratory named Santa Maria della Strada or Lady of the Way was blessed on Sunday, 22.11.09 which was also the feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King. The celebration was held at 3.00pm.

Earlier at 10.00am, the launch of the 1,000 hr Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament began with the 10.00am to 11.00am hour slot being attended by members of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee.

Our Padre, Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ, during the blessing ceremony informed all present the name was chosen as it was among the favorite of the Jesuit founder St. Ignatius of Loyola.

A tea reception was held after the ceremony, thanks to the efforts of the Sunday Fellowship team.

Photos of the Blessing of the Oratory can be accessed at http://www.xoopit.com/s/20tz2p2nc513fgl76oxw

2.11.09 - Blessing of SFX Church Columbarian

2009-11-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

2nd November 2009 is All Souls Day and Blessing of the Columbarian within SFX Church compound was done after the 9.00am Mass by the Presider Rev. Fr. Albert Tan SJ. The movement this year by the Priest and also the parishioners who came to pay respect to their dearly departed interned in the niches of the Columbarian was more orderly. The Presider processed out of the Church after the 9.00 Mass to the Columbarian followed by the parishioners. Photos of the event can be accessed at:-
http://www.xoopit.com/s/20tz2p2nc513fhqpxgvd

29th SFX Church parish Assembly on 14.11.09

2009-11-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

The 29th Parish Assembly held on 14.11.09 was attended by more than 80 parish leaders including a number who were attending for the first time after being elected to hold office in BECs and also Parish Groups. This Assembly was significant in that it gathered together Parish leaders to further the works of the BECs and Parish Groups based on themes of PMPT, the Archdiocese and also of the 2011 Golden Jubilee Celebration of SFX Church which is "As Church in Faithfulness to Christ".

His Grace Archbishop Y.B. Tan Sri Dato Murphy Pakiam also graced the Assembly and addressed all present.

The Assembly ended with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by dinner and fellowship.

Photos of the Assembly taken by SFX panel of photographers have been posted for viewing at
http://www.xoopit.com/s/20tz2p2nc513fy2jfqbq

16.10.09 - Seniors Luau

2009-10-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

The SFX Family Life Ministry in collaboration with the RCIA Ministry organized a Hawaiian Luau on the evening of 16th October 2009 for the Seniors of our parish community.

The evening celebration began with special Mass at 7.00pm presided Rev. Fr. Michael Chua from the Church of Visitation Church, Seremban. Con-celebrating was Rev. Fr. Simon Yong, S.J. and Rev. Fr. O.C. Lim SJ. Rev. Fr. Larry Tan SJ later joined the celebrants in anointing the seniors. At about 8.00p.m the seniors were treated to dinner and a fun-filled entertainment evening.

Rev. Father Simon Yong took this opportunity to convey his sincere thanks with a token of appreciation to Francis Danker for his generosity in providing the sound system and other props whenever SFX held an event.

To the CCs of all the BECs for their efforts in coordinating and promoting the Hawaiian Luau and our sincere apologies for not being able to accommodate more due to space constraints. ALOHA !!!

Photos of the event taken by SFX panel of photographers are posted in FLICKR and be accessed at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/

26.9.09-SFX Treasure Hunt 2009

2009-09-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

The SFX Sports Ministry organised this Treasure Hunt event with the professionals for this sport from Time Out Solutions Sdn Bhd as part of the fund raising activity for the SFX 50th Anniversary which will be celebrated in 2011. A total of 29 teams ranging from between 2 and 4 persons each registered to take part. SFX parishioners and also non-parishioners who are fans of this motor sport were among the participants.

Briefing for the participants were held a day earlier on Friday 25.9.09. On the event day on Saturday 26.9.09 participants started to gather as early as 6.00am at the church basement carpark to register themselves and also to eat a light breaksfast. After the formalities of registration, welcome and prayed over, the participants were flagged off by Rev. Fr. Albert Tan SJ, Assistant Parish Priest at 8.00am. Our dear Padre Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ was also a participant and was partnered by Bro Simon Anand, Lawrence Loh and Molly Chan.

The Treasure Hunt run was about 50 KM and it took the participants as far as Glenmarie and Shah Alam before returning to Church via Sec. 14 areas.

The Finish Station was opened from 12.30 noon at the Church basement car-park where all answer sheets were collected for checking and tabulation of marks. All participants then adjourned to Loyola Hall for lunch. Massage services were also made available to soothe tired hands, neck and shoulders. Thanks to the massage and also the good lunch provided, the participants took the opportunity to have fellowship and also make friends with other participants.

All winners were finally given their prizes and the different prize categories were given out respectively by Lawrence Loh PPC Chairperson, Gerard Pereira, Sports Ministry and also Golden Jubilee Fund Raising Sub-Committee Chairperson and our dear Padre Rev. Fr.Simon Yong SJ himself.

Grateful thanks is recorded to the Organising team of the Sports Ministry and also Time Out Solutions Sdn Bhd, all the prize donors and sponsors, and all the participants from SFX parish and also from the outside for making this sporting event a success.

13.9.09 - Sec 5 Zone celebrates Feast of St. Vincent de Paul

2009-09-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

The three BECs in Section 5 i.e Good Shepherd, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Therese Of Lisieux jointly celebrated the feast of St. Vincent de Paul which actually falls on 27.9.09, by hosting a lunch for the lads of Rumah Pengajian Xavier, the education home project of the SSVP, Conference of SFX Church on Sunday 13.9.09.

Mrs Saras Gnanapragasam graciously opened her house to host the luncheon. The celebration started with at about 1.00pm with praise and worship before all present adjourning for lunch.

Besides hosting the luncheon, each of the 3 BECs also donated RM150.00 each to SSVP with the request for the Society to buy provisions worth a total of RM450.00 to be given to the needy families which the Society is currently helping in the Desa Mentari area. The provisions will be bought and distributed to the families to coincide with the forthcoming Deepavali celebrations. Members of the BECc are invited to join in the proposed distribution on Thursday 15.10.2009.

11.9.09 - SFX Charity Golf Tournament at Kelab Golf Negara Subang

2009-09-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday Sept 11 2009 , mid day 12.30 pm 128 Golfers teed off at the SFX Golf Tournament which was held at Kelab Golf Negara Subang.

Though there were some anxious moments the weather held on for a perfect day for Golf.

The results were as follows:

Dinner was held with prize giving at the Dewan Tunku, KGNS.

Fr.Simon Yong, Lawrence Loh and Gerard Pereira were in attendance.

More photos of the tournament can be viewed on-line at FLICKR :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/

6.9.09 - BEC commorates IDD for REACH members

2009-09-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

This year’s International Day for the Deaf (IDD) was celebrated for REACH by the combined BECs of 16/17B (St. Ignatius of Loyola) and 17C/19(St. Patrick) on the Sunday afternoon of 6.9.09 at the home of Francis and Joyce Cheah. More than 60 members of REACH and the two BECs turned up for the celebration.

The celebration program included the members of REACH introducing themselves, listening to a sharing by a REACH MEMBER Stephen Lee about the life of a hearing impaired person, prayers and the cutting of a celebration cake and ended with fellowship for all present.

6.9.09 - Blessing of Tabernacle and Stations of the Cross Stained Glasses

2009-09-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Tabernacle at the Sacred Heart side of our church has been moved back to the centre of the Sanctuary last Sunday 6.9.09 at the 8.30am Eucharistic celebration. This was made possible as the new Tabernacle was included in the Retablo recently installed in the sanctuary.

This new Tabernacle was blessed by Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ after which it was used for the first time to keep the consecrated hosts at the end of the 8.30am Mass. With this change of the Tabernacle to the center of the sanctuary all parishioners are asked to genuflect when they come before it or cross from one side of the church to the other.

Later at the end of the 11.30am Mass our Dear Padre also blessed the new stained glasses for the 14 Stations of the Cross.

With the blessings imparted it completes this stage of the church renovations and the Parish wish to thank the benefactors for their kind donations.

Photos of the 8.30AM Mass - Blessing of Tabernacle and the 11.30AM Mass - Blessing of the 14 Station of the Cross Stained Glasses

31.8.09 - SFX Church celebrated 52nd Year of Merdeka with Eucharistic Celebration

2009-08-31T07:21:00.001-07:00

The message of our Padre Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ in conjunction with our nations 52nd Merdeka Anniversary was that nationhood must move us to do more for humanity. This call made at his homily in the 9.00 am Eucharistic celebration was in line with the call of Christ to love God, Self and Neighbor. And in a multi ethnic country like Malaysia, surely such approach will bring about better unity and understanding between all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion or creed. Let us continue to pray for our nations' unity and prosperity.

26.8.2009 Fr. O.C. Lim's Thanks Giving Mass and Birthday celebration

2009-08-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

Parishioners of SFX joined the family of Rev. Fr O.C. Lim S.J. in giving praise and thanking God for the full and speedy recovery from ailment of one of their favorite priests when they turned up in full force and filled the Church during the Thanks Giving Mass held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 26.8.2009 in his honour. It was also the occasion to celebrate Fr. O.C's birthday for the first time with the parishioners as he was known to be a shy and private person when coming to celebrating his birthdays in the past.

The Thanks Giving Mass was followed by the Thanks Giving and Birthday buffet dinner for Fr. O.C. Lim SJ and the parishioners with the compliments of Fr. O.C.'s family.

Here is a sharing from a parishioner who attended the celebrations:

Peace to you.

Just to share what happen @ Father OC birthday & Thanks giving mass yesterday.
It was raining heavily, jam and yet SFX was packed - like Sunday mass.
So touched to see so many came for Father OC, to show him that we loved him.
That's what Father Albert said in his homily, " seeing this turnout shows how much
they love you. You said that a Prophet is not welcome in his hometown ( Fr OC last homily b4 his heart surgery). It is not true for you! 13 Alter boys came to serve tonight's mass. A record."

His father and family was there too. It was a beautiful mass,we had 3 priests celebrating Mass,it was like a Feast Day!!!

Father OC has lost a lot of weight but look good. He is still weak, even his voice is weak.Can't talk long.

Here's what Father OC said ...
3 doctors told him, he has 10%-20% chance, his Aorta was very thin like a lemon flesh, complicated.
Father prayed the same pray as Jesus on the cross, " Into your hands i command my spirit."
Then he felt peace and calm. He was in the ambulance, but he said that it was like silence, peace...
Before the doctor operated on Father,dr said that he normally ask his patient whether they want him to read the Quran or Bible. Said that since you are a priest,which verse of the Bible you want me to read.
Father asked him to read Psalm 23. This Malay doctor read Ps 23 to Father!!! Father said that it was like Allah reading it to him ... then he got knocked out for 4 days. They had to induce medical coma on him. Imagine,God used a Malay doctor to read Ps 23 to Father!!!

On 4th day he heard a voice calling him "Ah Choy". And only 2 persons calls him that, his dad & mum. It can't be his dad bec he told his brothers not to tell his dad until he is discharged ( if he is discharged). It can't be his mum bec it was a male voice. But if it is his mum, then he knows he is in heaven. He opened his eyes and the 1st thing he saw was a priest collar, then he knew, he's still on earth!!!
It was Father Simon calling him Ah Choy and telling him that a prophet is welcome in his hometown for him cos Everyone praying for him.

Thank God for this amazing mercy and grace. Father OC was on a verge of death. Doctor gave him 10%-20% chance but Jesus was holding him and healed him. Praise God!!! Father calls this a new lease of life. The power of collective prayers!! He thanked everyone for the prayers.What a testimonal.

It was a beautiful mass. And we had Marco Polo dinner in SFX. The family sponsored to thank us for prayers and love for Father OC.
It is so beautiful to see so much love, love of family for father OC, love of parishers for him,love of the priests for each other.
Imagine, the 1st thing Father saw when he woke up after 4days in coma was Father Simon's priest collar. God's affirmation of his vocation, even in his new life.

Thank you Allah, Jesus, Holy spirit, Mother Mary, all Saints and angels for taking care of Father OC.
Continue to pray for Father, for a speedy recovery and may Jesus strengthen him.

God bless you.
Maychien Ong

2.7.09- Judging of entries for the Golden Jubilee Logo competition

2009-08-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

A total of 37 entries were received from 16 participants of the Golden Jubilee Logo competition when it closed on 30.6.09. A panel of 4 independent judges comprising our Padre, Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ, Ms Felicia Pereira, Mr Davin Arul and Mr Tony Chin met on 2.7.09 to judge the entries. The winning entries were as follows:-

1st. prize of RM500.00 went to Ms Bernadette Quah Phaik Choo
2nd. prize of RM300.00 went to Mr George Ho Chun Jen, and
3rd. Prize of RM200.00 went to Dennis Lee Wan-Chien.

The two consolation prizes of RM100.00 each were won by:-
a) MonicaYeoh Siu Cheng and b) Angeline Ann Andrew.

All the other 11 participants were also awarded tokens of appreciation in the form of RM50.00 cash each.

The winning logo (revised) was officially launched on the 12.7.09 Family Day and together with the other winning entries were also exhibited and introduced to the parish at large at the family day.

The winners and all participants were also presented their prizes and tokens of appreciation at the aboved official launch. The first prize winner Ms Bernadette Quah was gracious to donate back her winning prize money of RM500.00 for the SFX Church renovations fund.

The Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee wishes to place on record its sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Panel of Judges of the Logo competition and also to parishioner and event organizer Mr Francis Danker for putting together the launching ceremony of the winning Logo and also the exhibition booth of the winning entries.

Photos of the judging can be accessed at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/

7-9 August 2009 - Parish Renewal Experience

2009-08-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

On Friday 7th August 2009, an event began that would mark the beginning of a transformation process of the people who participated in it. That event was the PRE – Parish Renewal Experience. A 3 day experience, it was aimed at the renewal of the participants, bringing about an inner transformation which would then be spread to others in the parish. This weekend renewal program was led by none other than Rev Fr Ignatius Huan, assisted by the Parish Animating Team.
Fr Ignatius, in his opening, reminded the participants of their commitment to the program. This, he says, is their covenant with God, to commit themselves to the renewal of themselves and the parish.
There were altogether 9 sessions in which Fr Ignatius gave his input followed by personal sharing from the members of the Animating Team. After that, the participants went into their small groups to share among themselves.
The highlight of this weekend was the Healing and Reconciliation session where the participants seek to be reconciled to one another and to the church. This was followed by a surprise “meeting” with their loved ones. This session was indeed a powerful as some participants felt the power of reconciliation and healing.
The weekend concluded with a commissioning Mass, sending the participants to spread the Love of Christ to the world. Their commitment was marked by the burning of their commitment during the Mass and receiving of the PRE cross. (Write-up by Philip Tay)

Photos from the PRE can be accessed at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=FrancisLKM&target=ALBUM&id=5370749535553218241&authkey=Gv1sRgCPCo9cyo_tCwEQ&feat=email
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/

2.8.09-Rite of Acceptance for new enquirers of the Catholic faith in SFX Church.

2009-08-16T07:29:00.001-07:00

The 70 plus new enquirers of our Catholic faith were formally welcomed into the community of SFX Church at the Sunday 5.30pm Mass on 2.8.09. The Enquirers accompanied by their sponsors / god parents preceded the Presider in procession into the church. After the formal liturgical process of being welcomed which included being signed on the fore head, palm and ears and also being presented to a representative couple a copy of the Holy Bible, they were formally introduced to the congregation and were welcomed with a round of applause.

The enquirers now known cathecumens then departed from the church to proceed to their class in Loyola Hall where the 2nd part of the Rite of Welcome was held. There our dear Padre, Rev. Fr. Simon Yong blessed copies of the Holy Bible which were then presented to each of the cathecumens as their personal Bible.

The photos of the Rite-of-Welcome can be viewed by accessing :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/sets/72157622110519042/

15.8.09 - Celebrating Rev. Fr. Larry Tan's 60th. Birthday

2009-08-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Rev. Fr. Larry Tan SJ has been one of the longest serving former Pastor of SFX Church in P.J. and his services is warmly remembered especially in this Year for Priests. To celebrate his forthcoming 60th. Birthday which actually falls on 18.8.09, a private birthday party was held in his honor on last Saturday night 15.8.09. On behalf of all present we wish to thank Vincent and Pat Lam for initiating the birthday dinner. Some photos from the occasion is posted for viewing and more are available at the Picasa Web Album as follows:-
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=FrancisLKM&target=ALBUM&id=5375398802068822017&authkey=Gv1sRgCLCU1eq4lon7CQ&feat=email

1.8.09 G.J. Celebrations Committee celebrates the 9th Sacerdotal Anniversary of our Padre

2009-08-16T07:10:00.002-07:00

31.7.2009 was the Feast day of the Founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola. It was also the 9th. Sacerdotal Anniversary of our Dear Padre Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ.

The Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee decided to host a dinner the followng day on Saturday 1.8.09 at Mum's Restaurant in Damansara Perdana to show our appreciation of his Priestly Ministry especially his service as the Shepherd of the flock in St Francis Xavier's Church. This was our simple way of showing our appreciation to our Jesuit Priests who have been pastoring SFX since its founding in 1961 and in line with this year's dedication by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as the Year For Priests.

Photos from the dinner is posted in FLICKR and can be accessed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/sets/72157622110750914/

31.7.09-Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus

2009-08-16T07:10:00.001-07:00

The community of Jesuits gathered at SFX Church P.J. to celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the 6.15pm Mass 31.7.09. This Mass was an occasion for the Jesuits to remember the Founder of their Society and also the opportunity for them to renew zeal for their their priestly and religious vocation especially this year being the Year For Priests.

This year's Feast Day of St. Ignatius was also the 9th Sacerdotal Anniversary of our dear padre Rev. Fr. Simon Yong. The acting local superior of the Jesuits Rev. Fr. Lawrence Andrew in his homily also touched on the efforts of our dear padre to beautify the Church, and congratulated him and his team for their efforts.

Fr Simon Yong was then prayed over by his brother Jesuit Priests and they were joined by the parishioners in wishing him many more years of faithful service to our God and Xavier, Lord Jesus Christ.

Photos taken are posted at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66361346@N00/

15.8.09 Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

2009-08-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on 15th August 2009 has been a favorite date since the early days for members of the Society of Jesus popularly known as the Jesuits to have been ordained as Holy Priests or taken vows as Brothers of the same order.

For us in SFX this 15.8.09 Feast Day of the Assumption was not only a Day of Obligation, but it was also the date chosen by Rev. Bro Gerard Choo Thean Yoon SJ to take his Final Vows as a Jesuit Brother. The joyful occasion was celebrated at the 9.00am Mass where Bro Gerard Choo took his vows before the main presider, Rev. Fr. Larry Tan SJ, the Jesuit Regional Superior of the Malaysia and Singapore, and his fellow Jesuits including Rev. Fr.O. C. Lim, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Andrew, Rev. Fr Aloysius Mowe, Rev. Fr. Ravi, and Rev. Fr. Albert Tan. There was also a good turn out of the various religious orders including the Jesuit Brothers, Marist Brothers, the FMM Sisters, the sisters from LSP and Daughters of St. Paul to celebrate this important Church eventand also to witness Bro Gerard taking his final vows.

Also present were several family members of the Malaysian Jesuits, not withstanding the guest of honour being the beloved mother of Bro Gerard Choo his brothers and sisters, cousins and their family members who came from near and far to witness their kin’s service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The fellowship that followed the 9.00am Mass was also special in that we remembered the 18th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Larry Tan and his up-coming 60th birthday. Therefore two cakes were cut, first by Rev. Fr. Larry and another by Rev. Bro Gerard. All present sang ‘birthday’ songs to each of our beloved Jesuits.

As was mentioned earlier, Rev. Fr. O.C. Lim was also present for the special 9.00am Mass. Fr. O.C. Lim continues to make good progress and recovery from his recent sickness and it was indeed a joy for all to see his presence too. In the thank you for the special occasion Fr. O.C. Lim was warmly welcomed. He managed to say hello and thank you to the parishioners who swarmed around him after Mass to wish him full and speedy recovery before departing early from the fellowship.

Photos taken for the occasion are posted herewith. The full photos album can be viewed at the picasa web album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=FrancisLKM&target=ALBUM&id=5375386420194234161&authkey=Gv1sRgCJHJ6fjXle6YkQE&feat=email

Fr. O.C. Lim visits SFX on the Feast of St. John Marie Vianney 4.8.09

2009-08-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Fr OC is back and we're blessed to have him visit! Hey la.. Hey la.. Fr OC is back. (sung to the tune of My Boyfriend's Back).

Today on the feast of St John Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priest, our recent assistant parish priest Fr OC Lim had his first day out since he was taken ill and underwent triple surgeries at Institute Jantung Negara.

And guess where he chose to make his first trip out to? Our parish office! He made a surprise visit to parish priest Rev Fr Simon Yong and the staff of the parish in the afternoon wheeled into the office by his nurse, and was all aglow though he has appeared to have lost a couple of kgs since he was taken ill (10 kgs to be exact). From the parish maintenance team and the Jesuit residence's cook to the administrative staff and pastoral workers as well as parishioners and visitors, each had a chance to chat and delight in his company. Also at hand to greet him was Rev Fr Albert Tan SJ who is temporarily assisting Rev Fr Simon Yong in the parish.

Though his voice appeared a little faint and soft, neither his wit nor humour was lost in those 30 minutes or so that Rev Fr OC spent with the team, which included a brief tour of the church to view the newly installed retablo and stained glass Stations of the Cross.

Rev Fr Simon and the rest urged him to continue to get further rest and to take his time to recuperate, whilst Rev Fr Simon assured him that once he has fully recovered, the parish will offer a mass in thanksgiving for the success of his recent operation and recovery. (Write-up by Linda Archibald)

4.7.09 Walk-A-Fund, a Walk as Church cum Fund Raising for the AD2011 Golden Jubilee Celebration

2009-07-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Please access the sfx sports ministry blog:-

http://www.sfx.com.my/sfxsportsministry/

for the write-up and also to view photos taken at the 4.7.09 Walk-A-Fund event.

Installation of the Stations of the Cross Stained Glass, the Retablo and the new Chapel

2009-07-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

These latest transformation is part of the efforts of our dear Padre to put in place a process of beautifying the Sacraments whereby the Liturgy – the outward expressions of inward grace, is being adorned and elevated by the use of beautiful things, and to bring to life the Gospel which is catechized in pictures, icons, statues etc.

Besides the installation of the Retablo and the stained glass, the new chapel is also being readied. The master craftsman and women continue to work in getting the new chapel ready.

Do look out for the new blog posting on the new chapel.

12.7.09 SFX Family Day

2009-07-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

This year our SFX Family Day was celebrated with the theme "Families For Christ". The launch of the Family Day also saw the official launch of our Church's preparation towards celebrating the 2011 Golden Jubilee celebration viz. the launching of the celebration theme "As Church in Faithfulness in Christ", the Golden Jubilee Prayer, and the announcement of the winning G.J. Logo followed by a prize giving ceremony to the winners and the exhibition of the winning entries.

The set-up of the Family Day celebration and the G.J. Official launch had a gaiety and fun fair like look, thanks to the extra special effects put in by Francis Danker and his professional team of event organisors. Care for the environment was also promoted which as a result no plastics containers were used, and instead parishioners who wished to take away food brought their own tiffin carriers or use environment free containers. The disposal of left over food and drinks and other rubbish was also segregated with the provision of different rubbish bins for the items.

After the official launch of the Golden Jubilee preparations towards the 2011 50th Anniversary, the top 8 G.J. Logo winning entries were exhibited. We recorded our appreciation to the top prize winner of the Golden Jubilee Logo designing competition, Ms Bernadette Quah who donated back her 1st prize money of of RM500.00 to the SFX Church renovation funds.

The joyful family day as usual has been captured in photos and these photos can be accessed at the following links:-

a) http://www.xoopit.com/s/20tz2p2nc513f7p6as5m (photos by Kathleen Sammy)
b) http://www.xoopit.com/s/20tz2p2nc513f76ecsc7 (photos by Hans' daughter)
c) http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1299816497762&mid=17ed506G20c4b327G352ac51G0 (photos by Anne Marie Kim)
d) http://www.xoopit.com/s/20tz2p2nc513f46kppjz(Francis Lai)

3-5.7.09 PPC Retreat in Maranatha, Janda Baik, Pahang

2009-07-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

This year's PPC Retreat in Maranatha House in Janda Baik Pahang, had adopted the Golden Jubilee Theme "As Church in Faithfulness to Christ" ACTS 2:42 as its theme. Lead by our Padre, the Retreat for the 19 participants had Rev. Bro Gerard Choo SJ as the Retreat Master. He brought the retreatants through a series of theological writings of Theologian like Fr. Cantalameesa, OFM, Fr. Ronald which touch on the 4 aspects of the faithfulness of the early Christian community as recorded in Acts 2:42 ie. Reflections and sharing were based on the writings of some of the Church great writers including Fr. Cantalamessa, OFM, Fr. Ron Rolheiser OMI,and Bishop A Tagle.

The Retreat also gave time for all to experienced silence and enabled them to have personal time with the Lord at the Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed.

While prayers and personal reflections were a major part of the Retreat program, fellowship time also allowed open discussions on matters pertaining to the parish and allowed several strategies to be developed to complement and enhance the parish ability to cope with the changes that it faces as it journey in preparation to celebrate it Golden Jubilee in 2011.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=FrancisLKM&target=ALBUM&id=5370569638997231937&authkey=Gv1sRgCKnJlJm8_omC7QE&feat=email

21.6.09 - Father's Day

2009-06-25T01:13:00.001-07:00

The weekend Mass of 12th. Sunday in Ordinary Time coincided with the universal celebration of Father's Day. All Fathers were given a special blessing at the end of each of the weekend Eucharistic celebrations. Photos taken at the 8.30am Mass shows our dear Padre Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ blessing the Fathers who came forward upto the foot of the sanctuary to receive their special blessings which included the sprinkling of Holy Water and being prayed over.

30.5.09 - Pentecost Vigil

2009-05-31T22:32:00.001-07:00

An overnight Vigil was held to celebrate the Feast of the Pentecost. More than a hundred parishioners came to attend the Vigil which began with Praise and Worship, sharing and also the recitation of the rosary. The blessed sacrament was exposed after midnight and groups of parishioners were present in silent adoration throughout the night. The adoration ended with the Sunday 31.5.09 6.45am Eucharistic celebration.

24.5.09 - Mystagogy session for 2009 Baptised Neophytes

2009-05-31T22:15:00.001-07:00

The newly baptized Neophytes were invited to this Mystagogy, the fourth and final stage of the RCIA process which encourages their discipleship through involvement in prayer rooted in the Word, sacraments and charity.

Present together with the Neophytes were the various BECs and Parish Groups which represent a cross section of the parish movement that the Neophytes can participate in and in the process help to form them both spiritually through prayers and also through participation in works of charity and social justice.

Our dear Padre Rev. Fr Simon Yong SJ officiated the session, and Lawrence Loh, the Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson introduced the Parish set-up under the W.I.S.E Commissions and also the groups that have made their presence to the Neophytes that evening.

Gathered into their original study group the Neophytes were accompanied by their respective group facilitators were then brought to the various booths to learn more about the works of the respective groups present and also to decide about their own participation from then on.

23.5.09 - 1/2 day recollection for members of the Golden Jubilee celebration Main Committee

2009-05-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

13 members of the Golden Jubilee Main Celebration Committee and the Spirituality sub-committee attended a 1/2 day recollection on Saturday 23.5.09 in Loyola Hall, SFX Church. Organised by the Spirituality Sub-Committee and conducted by Rev. Fr. Larry Tan SJ, the Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Singapore and Malaysia, it provided for the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the session which included input on what is "The Church", personal reflection, group discussion and ending with Benediction.

This recollection is necessary and timely as the Committee's task and approach on the spiritual realm is to raise the awareness of parishioners on their need to have a personal relationship with Christ so that they can then live the life of the Gospel by being Christ's faithful witnesses. This renewal need to start with the Committee members as they undertake the task to plan the celebration for the parish.

More of such spiritual formations will be needed from time to time by this organising committee as the task of organising the 50th Anniversary celebrations intensifies.

10.5.09 - Mothers' Day

2009-05-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

Photos posted in this blog were taken at the 8.30am Mass. The celebrant of that Eucharistic celebration Rev. Fr. O.C. Lim SJ gave a special blessing to all mothers in conjunction with Mother's Day. He also gave the children of the Living the Sunday Word (LSW) a special blessing as he encouraged the children to show their love to their mother on that special day.

Outside at the fellowship area SECTION 5 St. Francis of Assisi BEC and the RCIA Group jointly organised the Mother's Day Coffee Morning. Proceeds from the sale were channeled to the Church renovation fund and also to support the BEC social concern and RCIA projects. Besides the food there were sale of furry toys and other decorative items suitable to be bought as presents for moms. There was also the continued sale of philatelic and numismatic items which continued to draw interests of like minded hobbyist as they picked up stamps, First Day covers and also coins to add on to their own personal collection. Once again the monies raised were for the Church renovation fund.

2.5.09 - SFX Church Fund Raising Dinner Event "Evening for the Roof"

2009-05-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

A sold-out 86 table dinner was held on 2.5.09 at the Restaurant Extra Super Tanker located at the Bukit Utama "The Club" complex to raise fund for our Church's ceiling and roof renovations. A comprehensive entertainment program of songs and music entertained the dining guests throughout the night. Highlight of the singing, besides by invited artists Francisca Peters and the Os Combos band was the singing by our Dear Padre Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ. His medley of songs throughout the evening helped to bring in more generous donations from the supportive diners. Several parishioners and benefactors must also be complemented for having generously donated their precious collection of antiques, jewelery, philately items of stamps and first day covers, and also numismatic coins for public auction to raise more funds.

Good liquor and fine wine and delicious SFX designed chocolates were also sold and proceeds also went for the renovations funds. Furry teddy bears were also aplenty as table gifts as well as among the give away lucky draw prizes.

The success of the event is due to the hard work put in by the organizing team. Photos from the event taken by the panel of SFX photographers can be accessed via PICASA web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/FrancisLKM/2509SFXFundRaisingDinnerEveningForTheRoofCopy?authkey=Gv1sRgCKOJk4S7p4nKwQE&feat=email#

11.4.09 - Easter Vigil

2009-04-08T05:24:00.002-07:00

On Holy Saturday morning at 9.00am, the morning prayers, Lauds was chanted by those who participated. This day commemorates the day that Jesus' body lay in the tomb.

In the evening, the Easter Vigil Masses were celebrated at 7.00pm and 11:30pm where we witnessed a total of 46 Elect, 9 confirmands and 2 reception candidates receiving the appropriate sacraments of Christian initiation of baptism, confimation and Holy Eucharist. The celebration of the Easter Vigil moves through four distinctive stages (1) the Solemn Beginning of the Vigil : the Service of the Light (2)LIturgy of the Word (3) Liturgy of Baptism and (4) Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The celebrant and con celebrant for both Masses were Fr Simon Yong SJ, and Fr Larry Tan, SJ respectively.

The Service of the LIght began in darkness; the celebrant blessed the Easter fire, the faithful gathered around it and experience the flames dispelling the darkness and lighting up the night. The celebrant then lit the Easter or Paschal Candle from this fire. The Easter Candle is the central symbolic object in the celebration of the Vigil liturgy because it represents the risen Lord in His glory. All the hand candles of the faithful were gradually lit from the Easter Candle as the celebrant sang "Lumen Christi " and the congregation responded with "Deo Gratias" . The Candle was then placed in a gold-intricately carved candlestick next to the ambo.

The Easter Proclamation , the Exsultet, an ancient, haunting and beautiful prayer of thanksgiving for the newly welcomed light , the the holiness of the night surrounding us and the Easter mystery of the economy of salvation, was chanted by the celebrant Rev. Fr. Simon Yong SJ. "

This was followed by the Liturgy of the Word with 7 readings taken from the Old Testament. The Mass of the Easter Night began with the joyous ringing of the church and altar bells whilst the congregation sang with all their hearts the "Gloria In Excelsis Deo " (Glory to God in the highest). The Gospel was proclaimed after the reading from the New Testament.

After the homily, the Rite of Baptism began with the invocation of the saints to pray for all in the Litany of Saints. The water in the font was blessed by the lowering of the Easter Candle into the font; invoking the Holy Spirit to consecrate the baptismal waters.

The Elect were then baptised; the use of copious water during baptism is the most expressive outward sign of God's sanctifying grace in abundance. The white garment that the neophytes put on symbolises the purity of a soul cleansed from all sin: the person baptised has “put on Christ”, has risen with Christ. The godparent then lit the baptismal candle from the Easter Candle and handed it over to their godchild, signifying that Christ has enlightened him/her.

The neophytes, confirmands and reception candidates were then anointed on their foreheads with chrism oil during the Rite of Confirmation; after which they were introduced to the congregation by the celebrant. All present were also then sprinkled with Holy Water as we renewed our baptismal vows. United as one body, we concluded by gathering around the table to receive Holy Communion as we remind ourselves again what it means to live as people of the Resurrection.
Photos posted are from the 7.00pm Mass. More photos on the Baptism night has been uploaded to Picasa by Stephen Lim, the SFX RCIA team resident photographer and is accessible at http://picasaweb. google.com/ rcia.sfxpj

More photos from the 11.30pm Easter Vigil Mass is posted for viewing.

10.4.09 - Good Friday Celebration including the Stations of the Cross and Tenebrae

2009-04-08T05:24:00.001-07:00

On Good Friday, we gathered for prayer late morning at 11.00am, praying the Stations of the Cross in which we trace the final journey of Jesus before His death.

Good Friday service, we partake in two primary components of the day’s liturgy which was “the Reading of the Passion was according to John”, and the “Veneration of the Cross” which seeks to direct our focus as a community on the Cross – our tree of life. We venerate the cross in a variety of ways: touching, kissing, genuflecting, bowing or quietly praying in the presence of this sign of both paradox and victory.

Tenebrae, in Latin which means “darkness” is a Liturgy composed of readings and psalms, with canticles and prayers, all of which, was celebrated at 10.30pm in the darkened church, with 7 lit candles extinguished one by one as the liturgy unfolded. The 7 candles lends focus on the last 7 words of Jesus as follows:-
i) "Forgive them, Father!
They do not know what they are doing."

ii) "Today, you will be in paradise with me."

iii) "Women, here is your son"
"Here is your mother"

iv) "My God, my God
why hast thou forsaken me"

v) "I thirst"

vi) "It is finished!

vii) "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!"

9.4.09 - Holy Thursday

2009-04-08T05:23:00.002-07:00

Two special rituals marked the celebration of Holy Thursday i.e. The Washing of Feet and The Collection on that night channeled for the upkeep of the Holy Land.
The Holy Liturgy of that night also ends quietly; with the transfer of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose. This was followed by Solemn Adoration until midnight before the Blessed Sacrament was moved to Arrupe Chapel from midnight – 6.15am.