Oppression - Cell group 8 January

Cell started again as usual with a small group of us coming together to share on "Oppression". What is oppression? It is the mental burden of carrying something or being resisted.

Etc: I'm being oppressed by my parents because they nag at me; I'm being oppressed by my boss in the workplace because they give me a lot of work.

What about you? Are you oppressed in either your workplace, school or home? Sometimes, it's our loved ones that give us the bulk of oppression. Most of us shared on how our friends and non-Christian relatives questioned us on our religious beliefs (etc: Why do Catholics worship Mary? FYI: We do NOT WORSHIP MARY! We honor her as the mother of God! John 19: 26-27).

Oppression from our family members also comes in the form of ridiclude. One shared on how her brother questioned her being so holy molly in Church but does not live out her Christian ways at home. Another shared about the frustrations of having a whole family in the Catholic faith but does not practice it. In what ways are you oppressed?

Oppression also exist in a very real sense within the world: terrorism, economic crisis, war, famine, governments oppressing the people instead of helping them...

The point is wherever you go, you will be faced with oppression from friends, family members and colleagues. Oppression in your faith, your religious beliefs, your working style... It will always be open to comments from others. These comments hurt and cause us mental anguish. How then to battle this oppression? First you pray and secondly you relax. Pray not to change the others but pray to change yourself first. The way you respond to others will either ease or up your own mental anguish.. Secondly, you relax because no one thinks alike!

"God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other."

BLYM Weekly Updates

Hey everyone!

It's me again, patricia. after a short break. Heh heh.

The new year is off to a good start I think, with all the activities we have coming up.

As usual,

1. Cell Group is back this Friday at 8.30 p.m. at the Lighthouse. I know CG's been missed. ;)

2. Youth Alpha will also be back this Sunday. For all who are still interested in joining, you can contact celine at 90906469

3. The YOUTH NOTICEBOARD is at the entrance of the church. Do pop by and take a look at the beautiful work of art for urrent youth happenings in and out of our parish.

4. We are forming a Music MInistry for the Youth.Can you play instruments (Guitar, piano, organ... etc)? Can you sing? We are having an audition in the basement next Sunday 11 Jan @ 11.45am. If interested to play or make music for God, come join us! Or you can contact Michael @ 94765852.

5. His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. If interested, please contact Edmund @ 96498336.

6. School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details.

7 Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003


Here's to a great new year ahead. *cheers*

God bless,

patricia

BLYM Weekly Updates

Hey people,

For this week, I would like to draw your attention to the Catholic News distributed yesterday regarding "The Dignity of a Person". This document highlights a lot of issues regarding stem cell research, gene therapy, cloning... and why it's all so WRONG! Basically summed up, this document highlights the dangers of Man trying to take the place of God. If you are interested to know more, you can refer to this website: http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/?p=3662. I can imagine the horror of people knowing that there's another me!

1) Cell group - Holidays until January!

2) Youth Alpha - Session is on again this week! If interested, you can still contact Celine at 90906469.

3) Our own noticeboard - We have our own Youth Noticeboard at the entrance of the church. You can check out youth happenings in our parish and around the diocese from over there!

4) Youth Mass - Last call! After half a year trial of Youth Mass, we are pausing to reflect. We need your feedback through this online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QdQFP1uC0d3LnjMkF9wbcA_3d_3d. It will take not more then 5 minutes of your time:)

5) Music Ministry - We are forming a Music Ministry! Can you play instruments (Guitar, piano, organ... etc)? Can you sing? We are having an audition in the basement next Sunday 11 Jan @ 11.45am. If interested to play or make music for God, come join us! Or you can contact Michael @ 94765852.

6) His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. If interested, please contact Edmund @ 96498336.

7) School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details.

8) Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003.

Peace,
Joachim