On Sunday, July 21, 2024, forty-four youths and young adults received the Sacrament of Confirmation in a beautiful and spiritual mass celebration at St. Joseph Church in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.
The confirmands, including Form 5 students from St. Joseph Church Sentul, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe Puchong, young adults from the Zomi Community (Myanmar), and RCIA candidates, along with their sponsors, entered the church to the uplifting tune of ‘To God Be The Glory’ sung in English, Tamil, and Bahasa Melayu. The celebration conducted in English, Tamil, Bahasa Melayu and Myanmar was led by His Grace Archbishop Julian Leow, Reverend Monsignor James Gnanapragasam and Reverend Father Frederick Joseph (Parish Priest).
In his homily, Archbishop Leow emphasized the importance of knowing Jesus, urging everyone to build a relationship with our Lord, as our lives are incomplete without our Lord. He also encouraged parents to support their children in their faith formations and strengths.
Besides their weekly enrichment classes, the confirmands journey featured several enriching experiences, including a two-day Theology of the Body (ToB) sessions led by Sister Retta Savariannan, FDCC and her team from the Archdiocese Catechetical Ministry in March. This session offered valuable insights into the expectations and experiences of life as young adults. Additionally, in May, the confirmands had a memorable outreach program at Bernice Home in Sentul. During this event, the confirmands spent the day interacting with seniors, singing songs, and enjoying fellowship. They also attended a very memorable and fun three days retreat at Champagnat Youth Centre in Port Dickson in June. To strengthen ties between churches, the retreat included enthusiastic participants from Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe-Puchong, St. Anthony’s Church-Jln. Robertson KL, and Risen Christ Church-Jln. Ipoh KL. Besides making new friends, the confirmands took part in engaging sessions and fun activities, creating lasting memories and deepening their faith and friendships.
*“to us this book is just not a book but rather an eye opener to a new way of life…”*
At the end of the Mass celebration, Form 5 student Jonathan Edward, speaking on behalf of the confirmands, expressed heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Julian Leow for celebrating with them. He also thanked their parish priest Rev. Fr. Frederick Joseph and Rev. Msgr. James Gnanapiragasam, the priest in residence, for guiding them in their devotion to serve God and others, and importantly for being the first batch to be guided in the new syllabus known as “Identity Identify,” introduced by Msgr. James this year which gave a meaningful insight to the youngsters in helping them to find their belonging and on how to cope with depression, anxiety, rejection and many more and importantly to strengthen their faith. Jonathan extended gratitude to their catechists, Teacher Tomson and Teacher Angie, for preparing them for this significant commitment, and to everyone whose efforts made the Confirmation retreat and celebration memorable.
The mass concluded with a grand Thanksgiving reception lunch in the church hall and was well attended by over 250 guests, including the Archbishop, parish priests, catechism teachers, facilitators, families, and friends.
In his speech, Catechetical Coordinator Mr. Nelson Dass emphasized, “You have chosen to deepen your faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Embrace it fully and actively practice your faith by getting involved in church activities. Join various groups or ministries. Grow your faith and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit within you by serving the church and the community.“.
The celebration included a special video montage and the presentation of certificates and gifts to the confirmands. Parish priest Rev. Fr. Frederick thanked the Archbishop for celebrating the mass and also emphasized the importance of parents’ involvement to ensure that celebration like this leaves a memorable mark in their children’s’ lives.
A very special thanks to all who despite their busy schedule gave their time, support and tireless effort in ensuring that the overall 2024 Confirmation Celebration was carried out successfully:
Priests: Reverend Father Frederick Joseph, Reverend Monsignor James Gnanapragasam and Reverend Father Robert
St. Joseph Church Form 5 Catechism Teachers: Tomson Scaria and Angeline Anthon
Myanmar Community: Simon Pau
RCIA Coordinators: Christina and Veronica
St. Joseph Church Catechetical Resource Team(CRT) & Youths Representatives: Ruben Peter, Shegith, Jeromya, Emmanuel, Youths and Altar Servers. Special thanks to Bro. Jullian and Ezekiel for PA System Support.
Retreat Facilitators & ToB Facilitators: Kevin Eruthayanathan and his wife Precila Anthony Raj, Nelson Dass, Richard Ganesh, John Bosco, Mary Jane Buniel, Sr Retta Savariannan , FDCC and her team from the Archdiocese Catechetical Ministry
2024 Catechetical Coordinator and St. Joseph Church Confirmation Parents Committee: Nelson Dass, Dudley Stakie, Mary Daniel, Christalene Philip, Raymond Das, Geraldine Edward, Jacqueline Francis and Geraldine Nathan
Sponsorships: Special thanks to all the sponsors who made the overall confirmation celebration possible. We are grateful for your generosity in providing the following sponsorships: Celebration Cake for the Thanksgiving lunch, Decorations for the church and hall, Candidate fee sponsorships, Dorm sponsorship for facilitators by the Parish Priest, Retreat T-shirts for St. Joseph confirmands, Transportation sponsorship for Bernice home visit and discounts for retreat trips. Thank you for your support.
Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all the parents, guardians and family members of the 2024 Confirmation candidates. Your support, patience, and understanding were crucial in making the 2024 Confirmation Celebration a success. This celebration wouldn’t have been possible without your help and support.
Congratulations to the Confirmation Batch of 2024!! May you be guided by the Holy Spirit in your journey of life. Always seek and put God first in your life and remember this verse –
*YOU DID NOT CHOOSE ME, I CHOSE YOU AND APPOINTED YOU TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT… John 15:16*
By: 2024 Confirmation Parents Committee, St. Joseph Church, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
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