Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation

By Christine Chuah

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of every Catholic. On 18th June 2023, Fr. Norris Seenivasan, S.J. presented 34 students together with 2 other young adults, one of whom is from the French community, for Confirmation. We were very blessed to have Fr François-Xavier Robert to concelebrate the Confirmation Mass with His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow and Fr. Norris.

The 34 Confirmands committed themselves to a period of intense preparation over an 18-month period, as they focused on deepening their faith and relationship with God. This preparation included attending weekly classes as well as an engaging 3D2N camp at the Champagnat Youth Centre, Port Dickson, which was led by Martin Jalleh.

The preparation also included an Exposure Immersion Programme (EIP). The purpose of the EIP is to provide an avenue for the students to live their faith through action and encounter. This first in-person EIP since Covid, was conducted in collaboration with the Society of St Vincent De Paul (SSVP) SFX Chapter and the Migrant Ministry of SFX Church. The program provided students with an opportunity to serve the underprivileged in the community.

The EIP kicked off with participants preparing 200 Christmas goody bags for the underprivileged. Evelyn, the mother of a special needs child who has been diligently attending Sunday school, together with her son since he was 7 years old, texted this message to the other parents: “Writing 200 notes, packing 200 goody bags. The kids did well, some problem-solving, some using their artistic flair to make the notes pretty, some using their words. They really buckled down to finish everything without wasting time, I think they did well. Good practice for them to do this independently and gain some real-life skills.”

Several students also accompanied the SSVP and Migrant Ministry members to distribute the goody bags while singing Christmas carols. Sarish said about the visit to the Myanmar community: “I gained more awareness about the problems these children face and in the future I’d like to continue helping them.” And Elizabeth said this about the visit to the SSVP Friends In Need in Desa Mentari “I usually feel a sense of sympathy towards people who are underprivileged, but actually meeting and interacting with them has made me realise that sympathy is not enough. It is to help them in any way possible that will make the difference. Mere donation in monetary terms is not enough. Rather, just showing a bit of kindness will make their day.”

The students also organised a special “Sports Day” at SFX Church for a group of 12 migrant children. The day began at 8.30am with introduction & icebreaking. After which, the group was then divided into two with the younger kids going to Loyola Hall to play telematch; while the older kids played ball and frisbee on the field. Everyone enjoyed making new friends and celebrating their newfound friendship with a pizza party for lunch!

Reflections from 2 students:

“This experience deepened my understanding as it showed me that everyone is essentially the same. Different backgrounds and circumstances do not change the fact that everyone deserves to be loved and cared for.” —Ailene
“I feel that by making relationships and bonds with these children and helping them feel more welcome in society, will ultimately lead to a better community in the church and the world.” —  

Through EIP activities, these students developed a strong sense of responsibility and dedication towards their faith and the wider community. Some of the more technically inclined students, under the guidance of a catechist who is in the digital marketing profession, also built a website for the SSVP PJ chapter.

The day of confirmation was a momentous occasion. Confirmands, catechists, sponsors and parents were filled with enthusiasm and a sense of pride. As Archbishop Julian laid his hands on each Confirmand, they received the sacrament with great reverence and joy. The entire congregation witnessed the grace and blessing of the Holy Spirit that had been poured into their lives.

It was a joyous and memorable day for the students and also for the entire community. Indeed, a day of celebration, where family, friends, and members of the church came together to witness and support the commitment of these young people to their faith. The sense of unity and joy felt was a testament to the “one, holy, catholic and apostolic” Church that we profess and belong to.

As the 36 newly confirmed candidates enter a new chapter in their spiritual journey, they, like the apostles, have received the courage, faith and confidence to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News through the words and deeds. They will have an opportunity to join a 6-month internship programme to experience serving at various ministries in SFX. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they are equipped to face the challenges of life with strength and compassion. May they be inspired to live out their faith with joy, courage and love and go forth to serve with humility and strive to be the hands and feet of Christ to those around them.