SOP & Prayer Bunnies (BOING!)

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Will the naughtiest person in this room volunteer to say the opening prayer, please?" asked a very cheeky Roy. What followed was a long, awkward moment of silence with occasional sniggers and embarrassed smiles. Weird looks were also surreptitiously exchanged as everyone tried to keep their faces hidden... Roy finally broke the silence by admitting he was the naughtiest person and said the opening prayer.

Shortly after, those who submitted their SOP were assigned to their preferred area of contribution. Most opted to be facils whilst a few others decided to help out in logistics and admin. (Reminder to those who have not submitted your SOP to do so by 27 March Wednesday! Please email them to the youthcat email add at the sidebar of the blog.) It was rather amusing to hear the many names that were mispelled and mispronounced... :)

Minutes later, facils and year1s without prayer bunnies were made to stand in the centre of the circle we formed and choose their prayer bunny(s). We were then given half an hour to read and reflect on Matthew chapters 3 and 4. The main theme of the readings was evanglism portrayed through John the Baptist and Christ himself.

The day ended with everyone playing a modified version of Blow Wind Blow. Those who didn't scramble and find a candle to stand behind in time were left stranded in the centre of the circle; it was then their turn to shout out another condition. Those who found themselves stranded 3 times would have to perform a forfeit. Daniel, Justin, Simeon, Marianne and Amanda (or Atricia??) were the five lucky ones who incurred the Happy/Sad Dance forfeit. When the dance was completed, Roy instructed everyone to arm themselves with a candle and throw them back into the box which he placed in the center of the circle. Red plastic was bouncing off the floor and soaring across the room, hitting some in the most unlikely places and others in the most unfortunate... Our previleged Neenja target of the day: Amos! Who was so lovingly showered with the entire box of candles, courtesy of Roy. :)

Closing prayer was said and most of us left at 6 but came back later for Movie Night! Which was a blast. Yes and Amen to future crazy sessions and movie nights!

Thank you for the IHMYC retreat

The IHMYC retreat on the whole was a really enriching and wonderful experience. Thank you for those who came down to help and participate in this retreat. Many thanks to those who planned the retreat.

But most importantly, we'd like to thank God for making the retreat possible and always being there for us as we journey and grow as Youth Catechists. Everyone had fun and bonded really well together. Just like the theme for the retreat, "I am Called", we hope everyone finds a way to serve in IHMYC and that there will be many more fun and memorable times in the future.

Updates about the camp as well as photos and pictures will be posted up soon...

Session before the camp

Had a session in Mother Mary's room.

Some of them handed in their consent forms and feedback forms regarding the IHMYC sessions were given out and each one had to write down a number indicating whether they liked the way the session was conducted or if it can be improved.

Then after 10 mins for everyone to fill up the feedback form, Daniel gave a briefing about the IHMYC retreat coming up on Tuesday.

Basically it's more of a retreat than a camp since there will not be any games, mostly sessions and prayers for the 3 days.

On Monday evening after mass, it'll be nice if people would like to volunteer to go help mop the place, after attending evening mass.

Report at the Retreat House before 12.30pm.

Bring along the usual camp stuff, blanket or sleeping bag as it'll be really cold there, bible, rosary, jacket and 1 day's worth of newspapers...if you forget to bring that, Justin will make you go buy Newpaper...

After the briefing, everyone was split into 3 teams...given very weird names by Justin. Jac and Justin were the one to come up with phrases and words for them to act out in charades.

Some of the stuff Jac and Justin came up with were pretty interesting...like dancing chicken, jumping harmonica playing crocodile, cow jumps over the cactus, etc.

There was a tie-breaker for the last two groups and the phrase was Jesus stole the cookie from the cookie jar...really interesting as the two chosen people from each group tried to act it out for their team members.

Last group had to say closing prayer and after a few last words from the Exco members, everyone was dismissed.

Apologetics III cont'd

Hey all! Geri's here to post up a few pictures she took during the latest youthcat session.

Daniel's insatiable appetite


Justin, Greg and Melissa doing the Happy Dance!


Justin and Daniel doing the Sad Dance...

Apologies for inaccurate shot of happy dance... People moving too quickly. Will put up more pictures in time to come. I'd just like to share how much fun I had during the last two sessions I've been to; I'm sure everyone else found them just as fun and educational. I hope this keeps up!

Apologetics 3

The third and final Apologetics forum style session was conducted. As usual, everyone sat around in a circle and questions were asked and answered.

Firstly, announcements were made.
- Looking for survey youth volunteers on Sat, 10th March, 2pm-4pm.
- Archdiocesan Youth Day - 7 Jul 2007 (Saturday)
- Seder Meal on Maundy Thurs Night
- Consent forms

The session started off with a discussion on free will, predestination and fate. What is free will? Some of the definitions posted were freedom of choice, moral and ethical, not forced, and a few other definitions.

Basically we're free to make our own choices, be it good or bad, but of course if we choose to make bad choices, we'll have to face the consequences.

Also, as we get older, there will be tougher choices to make, such as whether you should inform an adult when your confirmants confide in you their problems. You'll have to discern for yourself what's best for the situation and there's no right or wrong decisions sometimes...have to pray about it and ask God to help/guide you.

Roy also talked about it was important to know what you are passionate about and enjoy doing, for your life will be pretty miserable if you have to do stuff you absolutely detest. Everyone in the circle said out what they were passionate about, literature, sciences, music, sports, art, geography and many more. That way, if you combine work with your hobby, you will look forward to going to work.

Next the topic on obligation was brought up. We all have obligations to God, to work, to family, to friends, to ourselves, etc. sometimes we have so many obligations that we end up fitting God into our schedule rather than putting God first in our lives...for when we put God into our lives, things would seem to fall in place better, but we tend to fit God in whenever we feel it's convenient. God should not be crushed into powder and sprinkled where we can squeeze him in. Roy told a story to illustrate it.

Later, days of obligation were discussed and also the difference between Assumption and Ascension. Own juice = Ascension, Godjuice = Assumption.

Evolution was once again brought up. Talked about how species evolve to become better adapted and suited for the environment, about how humans are the most adaptable creatures since they can survive in most every sort of environment there is, deserts, forests, arctic, mountains, seaside, etc. Paul explained to everyone about the tree of life.

Then questions about extraterrestrials were asked, about how there were theories of many other galaxies and planets with intelligent lifeforms as well.

Roy talked about how sometimes it's ok to discuss about less relevant stuff if it interests the confirmants, since it's more important to teach the child and not the lesson plan. If somethings interest the kids, go along with it. For example, for the lesson on reconciliation, you can also talk about counseling and psychology.

As some of the Year 1s had to leave for mass, the session had to be closed and the closing prayer was said...those who wanted to ask more questions stayed behind a while longer.

Apologetics 1

Had a forum based discussion for today's session. Everyone had to take off their left shoe and place it in front of them...only those who contributed questions or insights to the discussions could put their shoe back on. Everyone sat in a circle and those who had questions raised their hands to ask. Informative and yet, humour was injected to make it that much more interesting.

Many questions about religion were posed, especially about other religions and also about various cultures, beliefs and also about science.

Some of the questions asked were if it was wrong to pay respect to your grandparents like holding a joss stick or using feng shui in one's house.

It's alright to pay respects to someone, since you're not worshipping that person, or asking the deceased to let you win 4D or something. As for feng shui, it's not wrong to use it for your house unless it involves spirits...feng shui is about the harmony between the earth and space.

Also for horoscopes, you can read about them, just don't take them so seriously...they mostly talk about general stuff which will have at least one or two sentences that apply to you.

Then questions which Christians from other denominations were asked.

Like why do we worship Mary? We don't worship her, we ask her to intercede for us, since her prayers are very powerful and in the bible, Jesus changed water into wine when Mary asked on the wedding hosts behalf.

Why do we worship the saints? We don't worship them, we ask them to intercede for us as well, since their prayers are also very powerful and the saints have a particular problem we can pray especially for...like to Saint Anthony when we have lost our stuff, or to Saint Jude when we are facing hopeless cases. They are also living examples of holiness that ordinary humans can attain.

Why do we have statues of the saints? The same reason why you keep photographs of your friends...to remember them. We're not worshipping the statues, we just have the statues to remind us of the great things these saints have done, and that they are there to help intercede in our prayers.

Why don't we have wine served during the Eucharist at every mass? For practical reasons mostly, and also the host is already the body of Christ, and blood is contained in the body. You don't see blood flowing on the outside of our skins do you?

The church also tries to fit in culture into religion therefore you have blessed oranges during Chinese New Year and also no need to fast on Ash Wednesday if it falls on a public holiday.

Roy talked about four different categories of beliefs. Atheistic - No God, Pantheistic - Everything is God (very New Age), Polytheistic - Many Gods(animism, shamanism, Hinduism, Shinto), Monotheistic - One God (Catholism, Protestants, Judaism, Islam)

Another question posed was why don't you just leave everything to God to help you? A quote was given: "Trust in Allah, but tie your camel". God will help you, but you have to do something about it otherwise he can't help you.

Why do you say Mary is a Virgin when she had a baby? It was stated that she was a Virgin quite late, but Mary conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit...other people who have lab babies are still Virgins as well...

Is it wrong to date non-catholics? No, it's ok, as long as they respect your religion and if you get married to a non-catholic, you will have to make sure that your children get baptised.

The evolution debate, man evolved from monkeys since the beginning of time didn't they? God's time is different from man's perception. Mutation does happen. Paul shared that there was a researcher who studied about DNA...he says that even though there is such thing as evolution and mutation, he believes that God is still there behind it all.

Is being a homosexual wrong? No, unless you act upon it... Even so, we condemn the sin, and not the sinner.

Next week there is no session since it is Chinese New Year's Eve, but the next session is about Apologetics again and done forum-style as well. Do prepare questions to ask at the next session. Just to spice things up, make them as interesting as possible.

Also if anyone else has anything to add like questions missed out in this entry, do feel free to add in the tagboard.

Sec 1 games day 2007

The sec 1 games day was on the whole a blast for the kids. Most of them commented on how fun the games were. They especially loved playing Captains' Ball.

The sec 1s came to the church hall for registration at 9.30am. Registration lasted till about 10am and then the sec 1s were told to gather at the front of the hall, where they were broken up into six groups of about 7 members each. The MCs for the sec 1 Games day, also year 1 IHMYC members who volunteered to help, prepared the scoring system as well as the groupings for the captains' ball. They also introduced the rules of the games...

First up was icebreakers, where each class played double wacko. Later, the two classes combined to have a mass double-wacko. The kids had a lot of fun as they shouted out names of other people when the person they were suppose to 'protect' had his or her name called out. Most amusing was when they got so excited they called other people "that one". Naturally sabotaging the person right in front of them to take up the stick.

Then the kids were given a break to have some snacks prepared for them to have as lunch would only be ready at 1.45pm. They could also take cold water from the dispensers, with each sec 1 writing their names on their cups to be reused later for lunch once again. Snacks provided include apollo biscuits, chicken rings(a favourite amongst the kids) and also cheese balls.

Later at around 11am, the captains' ball matches started, with 4 teams playing the matches at any one time, two in the first court, and two in the second court. The facils for each group made sure their group went to the correct courts to play matches as well as watch the sec 1s play. Some even acted like coaches, shouting out comments to help their team play better. A bit of a hassle the first few matches, but after some rules were revised, such as the no direct pass rule when the ball is out of the court or when the team who just scored gets back the ball, the games went pretty well. The kids were really good at captains' ball, and their enthusiasm for the games really showed. The years 1 who helped out also did a really good job keeping score.

After all the teams had played their matches, they were treated to a surprise match...a facils vs sec 1s match! Celine was appointed as captain and it was 11 chosen sec 1s to 7 facils in the match.

The sec 1s were really good and after the whole game, they won about 18 to 12 points. The sec 1s learn that through teamwork, even though they face really tall opponents and older opponents like the facils, they can still win when the work together...of course it also helps that they have more people on their team.

Then the sec 1s settled down to have lunch, pepperoni and hawaiian pizza ordered for them. They also had lychee and guava drinks, as well as some soft drinks if they were interested.

The year 1s helped to set up the lines for the telematches using masking tape and raffia string.
After the sec 1s had their fill, they gathered again in their groups to play the tele-matches. 5 games. The first was the rubber band game where they used chopsticks in their mouth to transfer the rubber bands to the last person in their group.

Second game was caterpillar, where the teams had to tie their legs to one another using rubber bands, and walked to the end of the hall. Third game was ping pong spoon, where the teams had to carry a ping pong ball balanced on their spoons they held between their teeth.

The last two games were poison river and balloon run. For poison river, the teams had to save two of their members on the opposite bank with only five chairs to take them across the 'poison river'. Then they could only bring back one member from the opposite bank at a time. The teams learnt how to support each other and though initially some had a bit of help from their facils, in the end, the facils left them to continue on their own and the sec 1s proved that they can indeed support each other and get across the river without much problem.

The ballon run was a game where the kids had to run around the chair five times before blowing up their balloon and bursting it with their bottoms. Some of them overcame their fear of bursting balloons as they sat on the ballons with the help of the facils who were sitting at the chair to help them should they needed help to tie up the balloon.

There was some time left before 4.30pm, and so, since the facils were not happy with the loss earlier on, another round of captains' ball was played, this time with 11 sec 1s vs 10 facils. In the end, the facils won, but the sec 1s put up a really good fight, and managed to score quite a number of goals.

Then it was time to leave. A closing prayer was said before the sec 1s were released. Those kids whose parents were not there to pick them up yet continued their own game of captains' ball until about 5pm when the hall had to be cleared. The kids helped with the cleaning up as well, though most of it was done by the facils and the people helping out with the games day.

The facils and the year 1s had a debriefing after the sec 1s were released. Given the attitude and enthusiasm of the sec 1s, a possible 2nd event for the sec 1s might be planned for the end of the year. Will try to get the sec 1s involved in the planning as well as the year 1s when they have finished their O'levels.

The sec 1 games day for 2007 is quite a success, with exception of the turnout of kids being quite low...about slightly less than 60 students turned up today, and one or two small injuries, with those sec 1s who could attend today's games day, it was considered a really fun and effective way of getting them to bond. Hope that the upcoming events IHMYC is planning will be just as fun, and that the next sec 1 games day will be even better.

Thanks to all those who helped make this year's games day such a memorable event!


Double wacko




Year 1s helping to unpack snacks for the kids


Captains' ball, sec 1s vs facils



Poison river. Support each other on five chairs to rescue your team mates stranded on the opposite bank, so that no one falls into the river and gets poisoned...then how come the facils are not affected?

Meditation

Had group bonding for the first half of the session. Aunty Angela also gave out chocolates to keep everyone awake. Then at 5pm, the groups wrapped up the last of whatever they had to say and Aunty Angela asked everyone to relax ourselves and take deep breaths. Then to close their eyes as the lights were being switched off.

She told everyone to breathe out all the distractions inside and to reflect on a time when they felt God's presence, be it through another person, an event, etc. then after everyone had meditated for about 3 minutes, she asked everyone to open their eyes and asked how it was. Did a big group sharing with Roy, Erica and Daniel sharing their experiences.

Then the groups each had their own individual sharings, about their experiences with the recent activity.

The consent forms for the YC camp in March were given out. It will be in the March holidays, tuesday-thursday, and straight after that it will be the sec 2 camp. For those planning to help out with the sec 2 camp, it'll be like a 6 day camp, quite taxing but if the year 1s are able to do it, they are encouraged to help out.

The YC camp is important as it covers some important lessons. Especially the one on Wednesday night.

Then next week's lesson on Apologetics was given a brief introduction and everyone has homework to do! =) Need to prepare some questions which the non-Catholic friends will ask you and to which you should be able to give a right answer with some supporting quotes to it. Examples like "why do we pray to Mary?"

Attendence will be be taken from this week onwards, should anyone not be able to come for any of the sessions with a VERY good reason, they are to inform their group leaders. At IHMYC, we take commitment very seriously...and as far as the parents know, IHMYC lives to deliver.....(bible knowledge, guidance to the kids). So with commitment and proper training, the parents know their kids are in good hands. ^_^

Quick Tips!

Hi all,

Just a quick summary and some quick tips. :) Doesn't everyone just love study guides with their salient points?

1. Silence is Golden. It's always just good to wait. How long? 1, 2, 3 minutes it doesn't matter. There'll always be at least 1 brave soul in the group who will start talking. :)

2. Don't lecture and don't impose yourself too much. E.g. You must <<>> I <<>> We always <<>>

3. Facilitatees have to talk more than facilitators. :)

4. Notes on Page 22 : IMPORTANT - Please read.

5. Be flexible. Sometimes you might have to go off tangent. E.g. get them to talk/bond. There are always things worth exploring. The main objective is for them to talk and share. Refer to point 3.

**6. Show that you are interested. Eye contact, lean forwards slightly, clarify points, affirm. Not everyone finds it easy to share their thoughs and feelings. Be supportive and listen.

okie dokie! enough talking!
have a great week in school.

Facilitation

Three different groups role-played three different scenarios which are possible problems youth catechists might face. The first was about gossip, second was about parent's objection to spending too much time in church and third was about being scolded by the teacher for not being able to control the noisy group.

Everyone had lots of fun acting out the scenes as well as watching it...some of which struck a cord with most of them in one way or another. After each skit, Roy, Jac, Aunty Angela and Jean talked about how each main character in the skit had responded to whatever happened and also how to face such situations when similiar stuff are encountered.

It's very important to make sure you act professional in dealing with problems as catechists or facils will be watched by others more closely, with them expecting you to be calm and mature in handling the situations well.

Later, everyone was split into their various groups for sharing, to discuss about their views on the skits. Also each group is to come up with a name. Then each group ended closed the sessions with a closing prayer. The IHMYC facils later met up for a debrief and to discuss a few other matters.

Servant Leadership 2

The Year 1s were split into various groups, and their facils will be keeping in close contact with them as they journey towards becoming a Catechist.

The session started off with a discussion on last week's lesson and also on the pie-chart, where one divides the time taken for various activities in a day...prayer time is important so it is suggested that one takes about 5 mins here and there to pray...like on the way home while on the bus...can spend a bit of time on reflection and prayer.

Aunty Angela gave the lesson.

To summarise it all, a servant leaders has to be HOLY.

The 4 important traits are:
H - Humility
O - Obedience to our Master(Christ) and his appointed Bishops/priests
L - Loving unconditionally(that means forgiving unconditionally too - aka mercy)
Y - Yearning for Christ(means praying daily and consulting him on all your problems. He will supply the answer when we are "open" to Him)

IHMYC - In Him lies My Yearning - Christ

Everyone was given 3 scenarios for role-play...each skit is to be about 3 mins long...Groups 1 & 2 do scenario 1, 3 & 4 to do scenario 2 and 5 & 6 to do scenario 3. Skits to be performed the following week.

Jac and Roy talked about the various methods of teaching and teaching styles(lecture, discussion, group discussion). Also talked about how to get the kids attention, as well as dealing with students talking and disrupting the class.

After that, the Year 1s chose which project(sec 1 games day, sec 2 camp, lenten project or con camp) they wanted to devote their time and effort to...

The session ended off with Eugene and Clement saying the closing prayer. After which those who were going for mass went off while the others stayed behind to help move chairs in the church hall.

Professionalism and Servant Leadership

Lesson two of YC training started at 4.30pm at Prayer Hall A/B.

Gene and Roy gave a lecture on Professional Conduct.

About how to keep secrets confidential, unless people's lives are put at risk. To be good role models as the parents will look at you to see if you are fit to teach their kids or not. Also to refrain from PDA(public display of affection) when with one's girlfriend/boyfriend. People will see and point fingers at such actions, and their trust towards IHMYC will slowly be diminished.

But most importantly, we're in this together, so whatever problems you may be facing, be it with school, family or relationship problems, the exco-members are there to listen to your problems and try to help you. We may not be perfect but we're all hear to share in your problems and (hopefully) help you solve them. Just like you don't want the kids to feel troubled or facing difficulties on their own, neither do we want the Youth Catechists to be suffering whatever it is alone. So whatever it is, you can just approach one of them to talk to. ^_^

Later Roy was caught by Fr Brian('Business call eh?')...was sent back to the retreat...but the lessons continued with Aunty Angela taking over, talking about "What Servant Leadership is".

Everyone was put into 3 groups, after which they introduced themselves and say their fears. Then each group had an A4 size paper to write down what they think servant leadership is.

Aunty Angela talked more about what servant leadership is all about, and how in the church context, a good leadership must have holiness as part of the qualities a leader has.

In short, the 4 principle points of student leadership are, Humility, Unconditional Love, Obedience and Striving to be Holy.

Later Erica gave out the surveys everyone did last week. Explained how the results of the DISC test was...what were the limits and strengths, ideal environment and emotion, of high D's, I's, S's and C's. Everyone was pretty excited with how accurate some of the stuff mentioned were.

Then Aunty Angela gave everyone homework to do.


Homework:
1) Think about how do I live my life? Am I in control or Christ my Master is in control?

2) How am I juggling my different roles? (i.e. school, family, friends, cca, hobbies, prayer, youth catechist activities, etc) Do a pie chart.

3) Read on "Humility in the classroom". Page 12.

4) Prayer
=> Have I loved those you have sent into my life today unconditionally? Loving them just the way they are?
=> Where do you want me to serve you Lord?



After that, the closing prayer was said and those Year 1s interested in helping out in the sec 1 Games Day went to meet Andre.

Aunty Angela was really pleased with the enthusiasm the Year 1 s showed, despite some parts being rather dry. So give yourselves a pat on the back. *pat*

Next week is yet another fun-filled session, and we hope to see everyone present there for the Lesson 3!

Gangsta Hamsta

Roy is feeling random today, and told everyone of his vision...and in his vision, he saw a hamster...then many hamsters...these hamsters were pretty violent and deadly in packs...do watch out for them and when you do see them...you know what to do...Roy has already warned you...When you see them, just run...however, they are more prone to attack certain folks as compared to others, so beware...


And no, this is not Hamtaro, Hamtaro is peaceful and will give you hugs. This Gangsta Hamsta is dangerous and hugging it or petting it is life-threatening. So if you ever spot it, don't touch it...just run...

Image copyrighted Theo

1st Lesson of IHMYC training

Tangled Tango














Lets see... the wabbit comes out of the hole goes round the tree... arrrgghh!!














What a tangled web we weave...

The turnout for the 1st lesson was pretty good. Registration took longer than expected due to the fact that those who came were required to key in their particulars into the database and there was only one laptop available. Other than that, the rest of the session went pretty well. Good thing Andre had strings to entertain the Year 1s with.

Daniel took lots of photos of the Year 1s as they entered the room for registration, as well as other posed and candid shots. Jac also took a lot of photos with her brand new camera.

Father Brian sat through the the first part of the session. Was quite pleased to see how it has been carried out. Roy opened the session with a prayer and talked about what IHMYC is all about, stressing the importance of commiting oneself and taking it seriously. Next, the exco members went up to introduce themselves as well as explain to the Year 1s what they do.

Later, 2 identity questionnaires were given to the Year 1s to fill up, as well as the current youth catechists. When everyone had submitted in their questionnaires, there was only 10 mins left till 6pm, so Roy, Jac and Daniel shared a bit about their journey as a catechist/how they became catechists.

The session ended off with a clsoing prayer and those who were attending the 6.15pm mass went off, while a few others stayed back to feedback about the session. Then after that, some of the youth catechists went to have dinner together.

Things went pretty well today and the number of Year 1s who came was encouraging. Do hope that all of those who came would be able to commit and stay on in the IHMYC and graduate to become catechists, with sufficient knowledge and skills to teach others about Christ and be a soldier of God. So everyone, let's have fun again next week as we train to become better catechists.

A new year dawns

Well folks, a new year dawns for ee.him.eeek at Prayer Hall A/B at 4pm, Saturday, 6th Jan 2007.

Months of planning, prayer and preparation have gone into ee.him.eeek and we are really looking forward to meeting the new Year Ones! But we really need to stress that joining us is a big commitment. Big. Big like elephant big, many many big. Submarine big. Big like you wouldn't believe it! Big.

Seriously, it is a commitment so big that you'll be eating, sleeping, drinking, thinking, day-dreaming, fantasizing, working, feeling, doing, touching, smelling, tasting, talking, sweating, laughing, crying, and hearing CATECHISM and JESUS for the next 3 years and (hopefully) beyond. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, actually, it is quite cool! Look at us catechists, we're pretty normal...ahem... ok, but you get my drift... But I have to say that catechism is something that will change your life profoundly, it will challenge your physical and emotional stamina, skills, and your brain juice. Before you know it, you'll become one of us... mwahahahahah, resistance is futile!

Ahem, ok, I guess evil laughter isn't appropriate on a catholic blog. But if you think you have what it takes, come this saturday. Just remember (as I have emailed some of you) whatever choice you make, make sure you follow your heart and serve God where you think and feel you can learn how to serve or can offer a special or unique talent. If you want to explore, you are more than welcome to come and observe. BUT you might miss opportunities elsewhere. Our programme, and the programme hosted by post con will move ahead very quickly, so we need you to be firm in your decision.

All of the groups under the Youth Ministry serve God, we're all on the same team, playing for the same coach, against the same enemy, sin. PC, ZJ, RCIY and IHMYC (ee.him.eeek) are different; yet we all pull in the same direction, pray for the same things, we work and sweat together, play and laugh together. We're building the Kingdom of God and you know what? It is soo much fun! It is our sincerest hope to anchor you to the parish so that you can get the most positive experience possible; so that you can come journey with us to discover Jesus.

If you haven't signed up yet, please download the form and submit it to ihmyouthcat@gmail.com or bring a hard copy on Saturday. Oh and do let your friends who are interested know, yah? See you there!

Roy

Dee dee salutes us as we begin our journey. She loves my keyboard so much; I'm starting to get suspicious... maybe she has a cat blog... hmmm would that be "clog" then? Or a catalog? catlog? webclog?

Back to school!

Happy New Year and may 2007 be an exciting time for everyone! Lets pray for once another, that our first day back in school will be fruitful and will mark the start of a good academic year.

Anyone wants to offer Thanksgiving prayers here? Just click on the comment function below.

Youth Alive at the Piazza

IHMYC had a booth set up together with the other Youth Groups at the Piazza on 30th and 31st Dec 2006.

Ee.him.eeek people went around helping out with ushering as well as bringing others to the booth and explaining what IHMYC is all about. Brochures were given out and registration forms passed to interested youths to sign up.

The ee.him.eeek members twisted ballons into interesting shapes to give out. And we also had a fishing-trivia game where players had to answer questions after getting a number from the fish they fished out. A correct answer meant getting a yummy sweet from the ee.him.eeek basket. mmmm candy...

When the crowd was quite thin during mass, bored ee.him.eeek members were seen dueling each other with multi-coloured ballons, or doing funny things with the ballons which are, ahem, better left unsaid. Seems to be a nice accessory for the belt area.

Quite a number of youths signed up at the booth which is rather encouraging. Hope to see them on Sat.

Master got me working...


Die evil sith, DIE!



"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:18-20

Cool "fish" in the "tank"


Here fishy fishy fishy...

Meanwhile, at the lightsabre factory...

Watching fish can be therapeutic...

some fish escaped...

Luke, I am your father...

Youth Alive

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

Be at the Piazza and find out what YM has planned for you!

Saturday :: After sunset mass :: Piazza
Sunday :: After 830am mass till After 11am mass :: Piazza

Just come on down and be counted! Everyone included. :)

YM Dinner

Just a quick short one before i buzz off to bed.

Thank you Erica/Daniel/Paul and Team for the excellent night! Photos will be up soon!
Fantastic MC-ing Daniel and Tiff!

Till next year! *poof*

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family, a very blessed Christmas. :)

IHMYC