Each and every one of us have to face two things in life that we will encounter whether we like it or not. The first thing is tax or taxes. As long as you are living in a civilised society with various amenities, public services and other forms of purchases of goods or services, we…
All posts in February 2015
Will the Real Prodigal Son Please Stand Up?
Many of us are familiar with the parable of the Prodigal Son. We may have read it so many times, taking comfort from the reassuring words and gestures of the father towards the younger son in the parable. But if you look and read closely the parable and read between the lines, you could actually…
Praying After Meals – Giving Thanks After Eating
Some of us may have been praying the prayer before a meal. If we have been doing so, then that is good. But how many of us thank God after we have eaten a meal? In our busy lives, we sometimes try to cut corners in the time we have for other things such as…
The Role and Expectation of the Church Choir at Mass
The choir has a variety of responsibilities. Their primary role is to support and enhance the congregation in song. As such, the choir becomes an important leader in worship, guiding the gathered assembly in prayer and praise through song. Here are some thoughts about the role and expectation of a choir: Role The choir as…
Catholic Marriage Preparation -天主教婚姻的製備 /天主教婚姻的制备
You need to prepare for 6 months prior to the wedding date. Inquiries? See the priest. 新娘和新郎需要預備 6 個月前的結婚日期。有查詢？請見神父。 新娘和新郎需要预备 6 个月前的结婚日期。有查询？请见神父。 Required Items – 所需的事項 / 所需的事项 繁體字 简体字 1 Birth certificate 出生證明書 出生证明书 2 Baptism certificate (Issued 6 months or earlier) 領洗證明書 （發行6個月以下） 领洗证明书 （发行6个月以下） 3 Identity Card If not Malaysian, a valid…
Fasting and Abstinence: Wayang (Showing Off) or For Real?
Some of us think that fasting and abstinence is something reserved only for Lent. What about other days of the year? For some people, Friday abstinence is the day to look forward to because it is the day where we get to eat seafood, such as fish, prawns, lobster, sotong or squid, and crabs, all…
A “holy day”? Or a “holiday”?
What is a holy day of obligation? A holy day of obligation is an important feast of Our Lord, Mother Mary, or other saints that Catholics are obliged to observe by participating in the celebration of the Eucharist and by avoiding unnecessary servile work. These days are times for festivity and observance, because of their…
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The Rose
At the midpoint of Advent and Lent, rose vestments are traditionally worn as a sign of joy: Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) We rejoice at the midpoint because we are half-way through the preparation and anticipate the coming joy of Christmas or Easter.
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The Purple
Violet or purple is used during Advent and Lent as a sign of penance, sacrifice and preparation. Purple vestments may also be used for Masses of Christian Burial or Masses for the Dead. Some parishes use a different shade of purple to differentiate the (usually) darker purple used for Lent.
Liturgical Colours: A Summary – The Green
Green symbolises hope and life, just as the hint of green on trees in early Spring arouses the hope of new life. Green is used during the liturgical season called Ordinary Time. This season focuses on the three-year period of our Lord’s public ministry, and the Gospel passages, particularly on Sundays, recount His teachings, miracles,…