72 receive Sacrament of Confirmation

TANJUNG ARU – Seventy-two confirmands received the sacrament of confirmation at the BM Mass in Stella Maris Parish here on 22 Jan 2017.

The Mass was presided by Archbishop John Wong who was making his pastoral visit to the parish.  He was assisted by Msgr Primus Jouil and Father Tony Mojiwat.

In his address to his confirmands at the fellowship lunch in the parish hall, he challenged them to change the world as the 12 Apostles did after Pentecost.

He urged them to seriously consider changing themselves according to the Catholic faith.  He also exhorted them to see whether they are called to the priestly or consecrated life.

Then he addressed the parents and expressed his hope that they and their children would be present at Sunday Mass to build up the parish together.

To the godparents/sponsors, he reminded them to guide their godchildren in facing challenges.

The prelate then encouraged all confirmands to sign up for Bible Class which begins Feb 5 at St Peter Room as a follow-up in faith development.

Two Bible class graduates, Jillian Simon (2014) and Dana Dumpangol (2016) shared their experiences with the confirmands and encouraged them to join the class.

That day was also Catechetical Sunday with the theme Christ our Joy.

Sister Dominic Thien fsic, Sunday School Coordinator, gave a speech at the fellowship.

She said the Catechetical Sunday celebration is a time of grace for all catechists and she thanked all catechists who have journeyed with the 72 confirmands throughout the whole year of 2016. – Linda Edward