ATOMIC : A TROOP OF MESSENGERS IN CHRIST

For us to ponder...

2010-11-13T20:16:00.000+08:00

Luke 18: 1 - 8
1	And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2	He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man;
3	and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.'
4	For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man,
5	yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"
6	And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7	And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8	I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

a moment to ponder....

2010-05-17T20:32:00.000+08:00

Another week is here, and the struggle continues.

You know friends, sometimes the challenges of life seem very overwhelming and we feel we cannot just make it.

With Jesus I say,

"The devil is a liar and the father of lies" (Jn 8:44).

You were created for success and for happiness.

So, you shall fulfill your destiny, and the difficulties you face in life-race will not stop you.

When the waves of challenges rise to swallow you up -

in your study, family, work, relationships or whatever it may be,

proclaim with St Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil4:13);

do the best you can, and hold on to Christ in faith.

One thing you have to always remember is that without challenges,

there would be no great achievement.

So, take your stand for victory as you begin the week,

and tell that problem to better give way for you shall reach your destination.

I pray for God's peace on you. It is well. See you next week.

Fun Facts!!

2010-05-15T19:21:00.002+08:00

Agape & Phillia

2010-04-18T17:18:00.005+08:00

Shalom to my dear sisters and brothers. Today is the 3rd Easter Sunday. The Gospel for today is,

After this Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the lake of Tiberias. He appeared to them in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas who was called the Twin, Nathanael of Cna in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two other diciples were together; and Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing." They replied, " We will come with you" and they went out and got into the boat. But they caught nothing that night. When day had already broken, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus called them," Have you anything to eat?" They answered, "Nothing." Then he said to them, " Throw the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When thay had lowerd the net, they were not able to pull it in because of the great number of fish. Then the dicisple Jesus loved said to Peter,"It's Lord!" At these words,"It's Lord," Simon Peter put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and jumped into water. The other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish, they were not far from land, about a hundred meters. When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some fish you've just caught." Simon Peter climbed into the boat and pulled the net to shore. It was full of big fish-one hundred and fifty-three-but, in spite of this, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them," Come and have breakfast," and not one of the disciples dared to ask him,"Who are you?" for they know it was Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and give it to them, and he did the same with the fish. This was the third time Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after rising form the dead. After they had finished breakfast, Jeus saif to Simon Peter," Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He answered," Yes,Lord,you know that I love you." And Jesus said,"Feed my lambs." A second time Jesus said to him," Simon, son of John, do you love me? And Peter answered," Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jeus said to jim, "Look after my sheep." And a third time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was saddened because Jesus asked him the third time, " Do you love me?" and he said," Lord,you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus then said," Feed my sheep. Truly, I said to you, when you are young you put your belt and walked where you liked. But when you grow old, you will stretch your hands and another will put a belt on you and lead you where you does not wish to go." Jesus said this to make known the kind of death by which Peter was to glorify God. And he added," Follow me."

After listened to this gospel,I was wondering why Jesus had to ask Simon Peter the same question for three times? Was Simon Peter not paying attention during the conversation and simply, he just gave Jesus an answer. It is always not that easy to get the full meaning by looking at the scripture superfcially and I was amazed when the priest explained it to us by linking back to the terms used in Hebrews. The first two times, Jesus asked Peter, John(the author) used “agape” in Jesus’ question and “philos” in Peter’s answer. During the third time, Jesus used “philos” and Peter uses “phillia.” This question was repeated again but Peter got annoyed when he was asked by Jesus "do you love(filial) me?" at the third time. And he said," Lord,you know everything; you know that I love you." Peter had grown up in faith. He became more humble and mature. When the time came, he died a matyr's death in Rome in the year 66 or 67. From here, we can see that Jesus accept the love that we offer despite its level.

Analogically, if a dog is well treated by its owner, it'll think:"the owner treats me so good as he feeds me.He is my owner.He must be my God.". If a cat is well treated by its owner, it'll think :"oh, I must be his God." Note the difference?The love of a dog to his owner is "phillia",is the love of admiration and friendship; whereas the love from God to us is "agape",love that requires sacrifices.

Let us pray to the God that He may accept our love and lack of love.

A little of my thoughts

2010-04-16T15:13:00.003+08:00

As catholics, we always pray to God because that's what our parents taught us to do so since we were young...Erm, perhaps it is because we love God. Aha, "LOVE" is a big word to be emphasized here. There are many types of love...for examples, the love of mother towards her kids, the love between husband and wife, the love between you and your partner, the love within best friends and bla bla bla~~ They are so many people and reasons for us to love. Others than that, there are many non-living objects that we love too, for examples, the apples i-phone, the branded watch and so on....We would like to have them if we could. See, sometimes, our loves are towards something that we could see or touch. How about our love to Jesus?

"Thomas, the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he replied, " Untill I have seen his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the mark of the nail and my hand in his side, I will not believe." Eight days later, the disciples were inside again and Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors Jesus came and stood in their midst and said," Peace be upon to you." The he said to Thomas, " Put your finger here and see my hands; stretch out your hand and put it into my side. Don't be an unbeliever! Believe!" Thomas then said, "You are my Lord and my God." Jesus replied," You belive because you see me, don't you? Happy are those who have not seen and belive." John20:24-29

As catholics, when we are being asked by people if we believe in Jesus, we will not answer:" Yes, because I have seen him before." No one dare to answer this way. Instead, our faith in God tells us to "Believe!" St. Thomas was not believe to what other disciples told him that they had seen Jesus, but after he saw Him through his own eyes, he believed. To be more exact, he believed that the merciful of God had pardoned all his disbelief. He believed in the Power of Forgiveness by Jesus, our God. Yes, we did wonder about Jesus. However, no worry because Jesus is always willing to forgive us and lead us to the right path. Remember, Jesus always GIVE and FOGIVE.

Let us learn to see Jesus from the needy, form our friends, our family members and everywhere as well as in everyone. When you are shouting at the person that you angry or annoy with, remember that you are just one step more to let him or her know Jesus if you stop your shouting.So, why don't just stop it and say"Shalom". Jesus didn't even scold those disciples for not helping him when he met them and his first word is "SHALOM". We do our best and let the Lord do the rest! From our deeds, people will see Jesus in us and they will BELIEVE.

See him?

Helped her?

He is there!

Shalom.

~Happy Easter Day~

15th April 2015 Bible Message

2010-04-16T14:34:00.000+08:00

"God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believe in him may not be lost."(Jn3:16-21) How are we going to lead our lives in Jesus? Lord, I surrender myself for the exchange of your divine life.

Today Bible SMS

2010-04-10T20:03:00.000+08:00

"Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation."(MK 16:9-15) Jesus is the Good News. He had defeated the death and his resurrection gives us the eternal peace and hope~~this is the Good News!

Bible Message to all

2010-04-08T18:10:00.003+08:00

Hello Friends!!
One of the most popular invention that we can't live without in this current world is MOBILE PHONE. We use it to communicate, to play games, to listens songs and musics, to view videos and to....etc. When your friend's birthday is coming, you will send a text to greet him or her. When you know the exam is coming, you will send a message to give him or her support. When you are missing someone, you will just send a forwarded message by telling him or her that you miss him or her and ask that person to not forget you although both of you are separated. when.......(there are so many excuses for us to use to mobile phones)...Yes, it is a tool which help us to express our loves. Surprisingly, God uses the same way too.

A priest from CIC, Johor, Father Paul have sent a short bible message to many people everyday and ask them to forward to their friends. I receive this bible message everyday but most of it is in Chinese. Sometimes I will receive the english version from my friend. I found this is useful for everyone to reflect their everyday with the wisdom of Gos's words and it will help you to pray and be your guidance of the day. Friends, as to share this gift, I will post the bible message to you all on the blog so that you all are type it in your phone and forward it to as much as you friends.

"Why are these doubts rising in your hearts?' (Luke 24:35_48) Peace be with you! Jesus shows us the way and gives us the power to overcome sin, despair and death. Do you witness the joy of the gospel to those around you?

Shalom.

Lenten Talk

2010-03-11T20:36:00.000+08:00

Shalom to all brothers and sisters in Christ!!!

Next Event!!

LENTEN TALK

TIME : 4:00pm

DATE : 15th of March 2010

VENUE: C417, Block C, UCSI South Wing

Hope to see you guys there!! To know more about Him, Our Jesus, Our Saviour and Our King. Happy Lent...

Muvee Day

2010-02-27T15:30:00.000+08:00

CSS UCSI University cordially welcomes you to our exciting, action packed activity:-

JOIN US as we watch a Fun, Thrilling and Exciting Movie---

FIREPROOF!!!!!

Guaranteed to be inspired. You cannot afford to miss it!!

Date: 1st of March, 2010 @ Monday

Time: 4.30pm

Venue: C417, UCSI University South Wing

See You there!!!! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T22:14:00.000+08:00

VALENTINE'S DAY HISTORY

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

THE HISTORY OF SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.
The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.
Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.
The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for the celebration of this new feaSt. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way.

ST. VALENTINE'S STORY
Let me introduce myself. My name is Valentine. I lived in Rome during the third century. That was long, long ago! At that time, Rome was ruled by an emperor named Claudius. I didn't like Emperor Claudius, and I wasn't the only one! A lot of people shared my feelings.
Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. As you might have guessed, not many men signed up. This made Claudius furious. So what happened? He had a crazy idea. He thought that if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages. Young people thought his new law was cruel. I thought it was preposterous! I certainly wasn't going to support that law!
Did I mention that I was a priest? One of my favourite activities was to marry couples. Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, I kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. It was really quite exciting. Imagine a small candlelit room with only the bride and groom and myself. We would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers.
One night, we did hear footsteps. It was scary! Thank goodness the couple I was marrying escaped in time. I was caught. (Not quite as light on my feet as I used to be, I guess.) I was thrown in jail and told that my punishment was death.
I tried to stay cheerful. And do you know what? Wonderful things happened. Many young people came to the jail to visit me. They threw flowers and notes up to my window. They wanted me to know that they, too, believed in love.
One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit me in the cell. Sometimes we would sit and talk for hours. She helped me to keep my spirits up. She agreed that I did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day I was to die, I left my friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. I signed it, "Love from your Valentine."
I believe that note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day I died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship. And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can't be beaten!

VALENTINE TRADITIONS
Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:
Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine ---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.
In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.
Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.
A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!
Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.
Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have.
If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.

CSS AGM 2010

2010-02-03T20:09:00.001+08:00

Hey guys!! Sorry for the late post up on the latest news! The topic of the week is CSS AGM 2010... Yup, it's here again! The AGM went well but only a few turn ups... The good news is, there are new faces in the BOARD! Here is the list of names for the new committee members...

President: Olwande, Joy Akinyi
Vice President: Gunasekera, Keshia Anne
Secretary: Vincent Paul Jordan Roderiquez
Treasurer: Ihewuokwu Mary
Events Coordinator: Osere, Chukwulanim Patrick
Publicity Director: Kimberly ak. Jane
Music Director: Dan, Clare Freda
Webmaster: Fabian Subash

Self Discovery Camp

2010-02-03T08:25:00.002+08:00

The second day of Self Discovery Camp was special and FUN‼ After we attended the Sunday Mass, Fr. Joseph Heng told us that we would have a tour around Johor. At first, all of us thought that we would only go to various churches in Johor so we were just excited to see different churches. However, it was not only churches we went, we were really travelling around Johor.

a) a) Church of Immaculate Conception

It is an old church. There was still a mass going on when we arrived so we just walked in quietly. After that, Fr. Paul Wong who is the parish priest of CIC introduced us to all the parishioners and a welcome song was sung by the choir and parishioners to us. That song was very nice and we felt like being home.

Bells in the bell tower. There are 5 bells in total with different sizes. Different ceremony will have different ways of ringing the bell. on't look down on the job of ringing bells as the bells are hard to ring because they are heavy. "Dang"...time to go back to God.

I think majority of us entered the bell tower for the first time.

b) Ancient temple

Mr. James, our temporary tour guide brought us to this one of the oldest temple in Johor. This temple is very famous and it marked the footprint the Chinese ancestors who travelled far from the China to Malaya. As all of us are Chinese speaking, he told us the importance of knowing our root and appreciate what our ancestors have done to the next generations.

Posting after visiting

a) c) Malay Cemetery

Huh? It was quite odd for a travel trip to have a tour in cemetery, especially not catholic cemetery. Mr. James explained that we could see many things from a life of a human, from birth till death. Everything is planned. For today, we will see the life backward, starting from death. The cemetery is well organized with all the graves facing to the same direction, Kiblat.

Mr.James was explaining to us.

a) d) Masjid Abu Bakar

It is a beautiful and large mosque. There were people praying when we reached there too. Although we were not understand what he was praying, we felt that God (Allah) is great‼ Mr. James said that the mutual understanding between religion is very important especially in this multiracial and religion country and we must respect each other. Sometimes, there are values in other religion that we could learn as well.

Group photo

a) e) Jalan Kolam Air

After a half day of visiting, we were so tired and HUNGRY‼ Mr. James brought us to the famous Laksa in Johor. As we were very hungry, everything put in our mouth was just like the food from heaven. The cold ‘cincao’ refreshed us under this hot day.

The shop

Wow...laksa...

Nice otak!!

a) f) Nusajaya’s Puteri Harbour City

It is a bulding and harbor build under Iskandar project, which uses an area of land of 4 times of Singapore. It is planned to attract more overseas developers to our country. The buildings around are very luxurious with their design and size. As this project is still developing, we were not managed to see all the things planned.

Everyone is happy!!

a) g) Ledang Heights

A small office with show houses around. A lady who is Mr. James’ friend explained to us about Iskandar project in more detail. This will help to enhance our knowledge of the development of our country.

The Iskandar project

a) h) Cathedral of Sacred Heart

Fr. Joseph Heng taught us the reason of why the church is called cathedral. It was from the latin word, kathera which means the seat of bishop. This seat reminds the power hold by bishop but also the heavy responsibility that he has to bear.

In a small room before entering the church...Briefing after a short prayer.

Satisfying with our journey...

i)Majodi Centre

Finally , we went back to our base camp. This was a tired day yet contented. We have a short pray when we reached for our safe journey. Thank God.

At night, we had a short sharing. Although this was just our second day, we already have a lots to share. Everyone sees God in different perspectives and through today's journey, we experienced God.

Annual General Meeting

2010-01-27T11:34:00.001+08:00

Annual General Meeting

Shalom to all,

There will be a general meeting in this week. This is a very important event for CSS so please support this. Bring along your friends to join this meeting.

Date : 29th Jan 2010 (Friday)

Time : 5.00PM

Venue : Boardroom, Block A

God bless.

Meet and Greet

2010-01-20T04:11:00.003+08:00

2010

Brothers and sisters in Christ, our 1st set of this year activities are coming! (Hooray!). Let us "Meet and Greet" with each others, with the old and the new members. So, do welcome yourself to the UCSI Christian life =)

Activity: Meet and Greet
Date : 21th January 2010 (Thursday)
Time : 4.30pm
Venue : MPH, South Wing

We will be having games so hold your friends' hands and bring them to this event. More people, more fun!! Besides that, the "Meet and Greet" this year is different yet special as all of us are required to bring bible to have tete-a-tete with God.

2010-01-19T09:04:00.001+08:00

Hey friends!!

Haha, UCSI Student Council has it first time organising club week in both North Wing and South Wing. This is a great event to know all the clubs available for you to enjoy in and a good chance to know Catholic Student Society (CSS).

Don't ever miss a chance to know Jesus! He is finding everywhere to go into your heart. Maybe you are lost, maybe you are searching....whatever your choice is, try God and he will be there for you.

"You are not alone~~" as it is sung by beloved Michael Jackson , you are not alone, especially in the journey of Faith. We CSS, will be good companion for you to know God and to be closer with God as he is the one guiding us in this society. Owing to the great love of Jesus, it is time for us to serve the Lord in this university, so what're you waiting for? Css is definitely the best choice.

Come! Come! Come! Support us!

UCSI CLUB WEEK

Date: 19th January 2010 (Tuesday)

Venue: North Wing, Atrium (The open space in front of the cafeteria)

Date: 20th January 2010 (Wednesday)

Venue:South Wing, First Floor Lobby

See you there!

Self-Discovery Camp ( Part 1)

2010-01-13T01:25:00.001+08:00

Hello again to all my friends‼

During this study week, I attended a wonderful camp that I had ever had at Plentong, Johor. It was entitled as Self Discovery Camp. Before I was invited to join this camp, I was thinking to have a vacation in Genting Highlands with my good friends for 2 days 1 night. However, it was God’s plan for me to be in this 7days 6 nights camp. Long huh??..yea, that was why I took quite a long time to contemplate whether I wanted to join this camp because I needed to prepare for my coming exam as well.

A few days before the camp, I thought it would be quite boring as it was a vocation camp. Vocation‼ Be a nun? Low possibility as I was falling in love in Jun Xiu, a member form TVXQ. Haha, however, I wanted to take this chance to build a deeper relationship with God as I Could roughly guessed that this camp could definitely brought me back to the bottom of heart through the maze.

To be more detail about this meaningful camp, I will try my very best to share part of the things (if you want to know everything, you need to experience and discover yourself) that I learned. 7days are long for a camp so I may need a few posts to describe this camp.

Depart‼ We went to Johor by bus. Our destination was MAJODI (Melaka-Johor Diocese Institute) Centre, While we were in the K.K.K L bus (only 12 of us going there by bus from Melaka), we took chance to know each other. Maybe we are all catholic, we got along very fast. Erm…we reached there at about 2.45 hours of journey. The first thing we did was going to the Mamak shop to refill our stomach because we could not wait for the dinner anymore. After that, we waited for other members while arranging our things in the hostel.

Uhoo...Johor, we are coming!!

Inside the hostel...Girls always have many things to bring.

Normally, the first activity for the camp is Ice-breaking but not for this camp. The first event was Mass! Opps, will it be boring for the rest the days? (the answer will revealed slowly)

All right, after the mass, we had our dinner. Everyone was so obedient as we have a group prayer before started eating. (I normally make a cross only before my meal)

It was time for talk after the stomach was full. Father Joseph Heng gave a simple opening speech. One of the things said that impressed me a lot to be full heartily in this camp was “ You will find yourself falling in love in your relationship with God”. Such a big words, but I was ready for it. The microphone was then passed to Brother Eddie.

“Brother Eddie is ever ready to assist anybody”. The first phrase that came to mind was “to serve”. He said that he doesn’t know when God is asking him so he just needs to answer anyone who needs his help. You would find confidence everytime he repeated this sentence. Besides that, he said a few things that made me remember till now. One of that was “No preparation, no celebration” . That’s’ true, if you didn’t prepare for the exam by studying hard, how are you celebrate that you will have good result…”You are either fail to plan, or plan to fail”. Most importantly, in this camp, he asked us to “listen and discover yourself”. “The word makes flesh and dwells among us” Matthew 1:24. I needed to clear my ear this time in order to listen but not just hear. Friends, how much have you attempted to listen to others instead of yourself only? There are a few questions thrown by Brother Eddie to us:

Who am I? This is particular important in this self-discovery camp. Why do I come to this world?
Who is Jesus to you? Some of the people say Jesus is man Saviour, God and many others…but what is him to you? Brother said this is where the importance of self-discovery comes in so that we know who is Jesus and love him. Haha, i was thinking "why not love at first sight?".
What is your responsibility of being a catholic? We are all baptized with water and light of God. We should no longer lead a normal life but a normal catholic way of life. Moreover, we are called to holiness by God.

As there were 54 campers at that moment, games were held by brother to let us know each other and to introduce ourselves to all the people in the camp. We were also being asked to write journal everyday.

It was about 10.00pm,time to lights off.

To be continued…

Your prayer is important!!

2010-01-09T19:44:00.000+08:00

Hey, brothers and sisters,

I was sad to hear that there are democracies happened in three churches in Kuala Lumpur. One of it was the Church of Assumption. It's okay, whatever has happened,let it be. God will always have the best plan on us. Do not hate or be angry on those people who are involved in this and seek for God's help in your prayer!!! There are two messages sending to me. One of it is asking us to pray together for this evidence at 9.00pm. So friends, prepare your prayer and if can, rosary as well to pray for the church so that the God's wisdom will shine on them to let them know what is right to do. Another is asking us to remove all the christian article in your car....Erm, I think this is not neccessary. Whatever has put up,no need to take down and we also don't need to put up more. Stand firm with your religion, this is a time to "show off" our faith.

Besides that, I just saw a comment from a priest who is now serving in Johor told us that police is now working hard to protect the churches. This is a good news. Don't worry too much. Continue your prayer.

God bless.

Happy New Year 2010!!

2010-01-02T10:46:00.002+08:00

Haha, Mr. 2010 has coming...
What's your plan for this year?
Anything you wish for for this year?
Are you waiting for the next holiday?
How many A's u may wish to have?

No matter what your plan is, do ask God's help and everything will run smoothly.
Life has ups and downs!! Many people said that 2009 is not a good year as there were many unnecessary conflicts in politic, A H1N1 disease, 88 earthquake in Taiwan,prices increased in some necessities and many others which are unpleasant to us. However, this prepares us to face a brand new year, 2010 with all what we learned in 2010! Remember to seek forgiveness from others whom we hurt unintentionally. There are always something good going to show up after something bad. Be confident and energetic for this year as well as grow up more spiritually. Happy New Year once again!! God bless.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T16:04:00.000+08:00

HoHoHo!! Santa Claus is coming to town!!
Hey friends, Have you sing a birthday song to Jesus??!!Haha, or are you rocking the jingle bell??
Anyway, offer yourself fully to God tonight and this will be the wonderful present to Him!!most
Merry Christmas! God bless.

A Message from Jesus

2009-12-23T21:57:00.001+08:00

Good Afternoon! May the spirit of Christmas be with us ^_^

PEACE BE WITH YOU

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday.. Every year there is
a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.

During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many
radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone
is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me.

As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.

At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for
them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know
the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor.
The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and
chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many
beautifully wrapped gifts.

But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.

I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they
closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be
with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close
their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise.
I went in and stood in a corner.

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white
beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the
sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as
if the party were in his honor!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with
great expectation. . When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe,
there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody
shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to
eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago
I came to this world to give my life for you, on the
cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party,
I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you.
I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you
and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside... Be prepared because
when all is ready you will be part of my great party.

See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus

Share this message, before Christmas.

Christmas again!

2009-12-21T00:09:00.002+08:00

It's Christmas Time Again
(by Bob Lazzar-Atwood)

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don't let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It's a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Decision-making need not be left to “I can’t decide,” “Whatever happens, happens,” or “Let’s flip a coin.”

2009-11-24T08:56:00.000+08:00

Here are six tips for making a decision when you’re stuck:

1. Break the problem or decision into smaller pieces.

2. Gather the information you need.

3. Move off dead centre to get a different perspective.

4. Try God — God’s always there!

5. Let go and learn.

6. Don’t dwell in the past. If decision-making is a difficult task for you at this point in your life, put a message like “You’re a Good Person! You can Make Good Decisions!” somewhere that you’ll see every day. Read it! Believe it! Trust yourself and go forward.

Adapted from: http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/

Give Me The Simple Life

2009-10-29T20:44:00.000+08:00

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church.
We can't keep then from reading their Bibles & knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience in Christ.
If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior & maintaining that vital connection throughout their day."
"How shall we do this?", shouted his angels.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life & invent unnumbered schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, then, borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work & the husbands to work 6 or 7 days a week,10-12 hrs. a day, so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work."
"Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive, to keep the TV, the VCR, & their CD's going constantly in their homes.
And see to it that every store & restaurant in the world plays music constantly. This will jam their minds & break that union with Christ."
"Fill their coffee tables with magazines & newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hrs. a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, sweepstakes, mail order catalogues, & every kind of newsletter & promotional offering, free products, services, & false hopes."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted & unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts & movies instead. And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip & small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences & unsettled emotion."
"Let them be involved in soul-winning. But crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health & family unity for the good of the cause."
It was quite a convention in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy & rush here & there.
Has the devil been successful at his scheme? You be the judge.

Adapted from http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/death/givemesimplelife.shtml

A gift- UCSI Campus Mass 2009

2009-10-18T01:49:00.009+08:00

Hooray!!! The campus mass was great.

Thank you to:

God - for guiding us to organise this event successfully. Everything in him was perfect.

Father Gearge Harisson - a priest from Holy Family Church, Kajang. He was there to celebrate

this Holy Eucharist mass for us and once again, we fell in love through his blessed and chosen hands.

Greg- from ASAYO, he helped us to set up the mass.

Attendants - Wow, there were quite a lot of attendants and half of them were new!!! We are

very happy to see that they were there to share the love of God!

Committee members - They really worked hard for God!! Aligato!

The process:

The in1vited "lecturer" was giving a talk. He said:" BIBLE- Basic Information Before Leaving Earth! We should read the bible, pray using the bible and through bible, we can understand what's God wants us to do. There are two important things in the mass.Firstly, the first and and second reading as well as the gospel. Then, the Words of God become the flesh which will be with us always!With this, he encouraged CSS to have bible discussion with the members. "

Everyone was paying attention during the mass.

Chit-chatting during the refreshment!!

Friendship and the mass!

Last but not least, with this mass, we get the strength to face our final exams which are just around the corner as well as our college life!! God bless.

Campus Mass 2009

2009-10-09T19:30:00.003+08:00

Hey,friends!! If can, please wear pink during the mass. Hehe,this month is also called the Pink October- a month to increase our awareness towards breast cancer.

Campus Mass 2009

2009-10-08T20:22:00.002+08:00

Shalom to all my friends!

The UCSI Campus Mass is coming!! Please be sure that you will be free on that time for the mass, opps!! it should be for the God. This is a gift for us once again to experience God and be closer to him. So please make sure that you are free on that day for this wonderful event.

Date: 14th October 2009
Time: 4.30pm( any changes will inform you all earlier)
Place: Auditorium, Block C, South Wing,UCSI University.

We sincerely invite all of you to come for this mass and it will be great to give praise and worship to God together.

Again, peace with you all always...

Ask Mary

2009-09-29T19:12:00.002+08:00

Here's a true story which I heard from a visiting priest from Canada (Fr. Carl Schmidt) a year ago. This is a story told to him by Cardinal Jaime Sin of the Philippines ( which I like to use in my talks ).
The story: There was this woman who claimed to have visions of the Virgin Mary and she claims that she even talks to the Virgin. Cardinal Sin (his real name) didn't pay much attention to her and usually pretends not to hear her. But one day she persistently kept on calling him on the phone, and after five unsuccessful calls, she went to his residence and asked for an audience.Cardinal Sin thought that he'd better put an end to this foolishness and told her, "When you see the Virgin Mary again tonight, tell her to ask her son Jesus what my gravest sin was." And so the woman left, happy that finally Cardinal Sin believes her. And Cardinal Sin was sure that now she'd stop telling him about her visions. But the next day she came back and asked to see the Cardinal again. The Cardinal asked her, "Well, did you talk to the Virgin Mary last night?"And she said, "Yes, but...""But what?" Cardinal Sin asked. "Did the Lady ask Jesus about my sin?""Yes, she did ask Him." was the reply."What did Jesus tell her then?"The woman reluctantly answered, "She said Jesus said that He had forgotten."
I don't recall how the story ended, but I guess that is where the story should end.

As told by Don Morales

Reflection: "And now i said to you: You are Peter and on this rock i will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it. I will give you the key of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaver, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven" Matthew 16:19-20. This shows the importance of forgiveness to have an intimate relationship with God.

Adapted from http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/forgiveness

When God created Moms

2009-09-25T17:05:00.001+08:00

When the good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of overtime, when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this one? She has to
be completely washable, but not plastic; have 180 moveable parts,
all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap that
disappears when she stands up; a kiss that can cure anything from a
broken leg to a disappointed love affair; and six pair of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded and said, "One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here, in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't, but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say, 'I understand and I love you,' without so much as uttering a word."

"Lord," said the angel, touching His sleeve gently, "Rest for now. Tomorrow..."

"I can't," said the Lord. "I'm so close to creating something close to Myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick, can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower."

The angel circled the model of the mother very slowly.

"She's too soft," the angel said.

"But tough!" said the Lord excitedly. "You cannot imagine what the mother can do or endure."

"Can she think?"

"Not only think, but she can reason and compromise," said the Creator.

Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak," she pronounced.

"It's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear."

"What's it for?"

The Lord God said, "It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber and answered, "I didn't put it there."

Adapted from http://www.keepingitcatholic.org/create.html

Inter-Campus Gathering Camp 2009

2009-09-24T17:17:00.007+08:00

Hey guys!! It's Clare reporting from the news division!! Haha.. Nah... Ok, I'm actually updating to you guys about what had happen in ICG camp 2009 though... There are 3 of us from UCSI, me, Byron and Greg... O yeah! Our ex-CSS members are also there!! Rebecca and Ivan!! The theme for the 4-days 3-nights camp is "Our Religion As an "In-Thing" better known as "O.R.A.I.T." and was held on the 19th to 22nd September 2009 @ Majodi Centre, Plentong, Johore. There are more than 500 students come and gather for this every 2 year event. Of course the largest population is from our CC itself, KLCC!!! And the largest CSS population hails from CSS UiTM Shah Alam... There are talks, group discussions, movie making, performance, dialog and so on! One of the highlights of the event is Project Runway where the participants have their nice and cool outfit on and walk like a model... There are also speakers come from Malaysia and also Singapore, from movie producers to researcher... We also have Juwita Suwito in the HOUSE!! Well, to sum up everything, it's actually fun though... And I did not regret joining ICG camp... And it comes from the bottom of my heart.. Anyway,the next ICG camp will be held in 2011 though... And KLCC will be the next host for this event!! Yeay!
remember the guy at the extreme left??? He was from UCSI too!! ^.^

CSS-UCSI AND CSS-IMU...Byron was blown away by the wind...

took photo with Juwita Suwito too.... ^.^

Finally pic with Byron...But this was the 1st night...

Club Week!!

2009-09-15T16:16:00.002+08:00

Venue : UCSI University Multi Purpose Hall
Date : 16th, 17th Sept 09
Time : 10am - 5pm

St John Vianney

2009-09-06T18:51:00.003+08:00

Continue from the previous post..

In his assignment as parish priest of Ars, St. John achieved something which many priests would like to have done, but which is scarcely granted to any. Not over night, but little by little, the tiny hamlet underwent a change. The people of Ars were unable to remain aloof for long from the grace which radiated from the remarkable personality of their priest. When a man attacks inveterate disorders and popular vices, he challenges opposition. St. John was not unprepared – he knew the enemy would raise his head. “If a priest is determined not to lose his soul,” he exclaimed, “so soon as any disorder arises in the parish, he must trample underfoot all human considerations as well as the fear of the contempt and hatred of his people. He must not allow anything to bar his way in the discharge of duty, even were he certain of being murdered on coming down from the pulpit. A pastor who wants to do his duty must keep his sword in hand at all times. Did not St. Paul himself write to the faithful of Corinth: ‘I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls, although loving you more, I be loved less.’”

To be continued.

Reflection: There are a lot of challenges a priest faced today....do we ever underestimate their respolnsibility?or we espect them to be extraordinary "holy" but we didnt pary for them?

2009-08-31T13:33:00.002+08:00

Urgent!!!

Please pray for Brother Simon who involved in an accident at 2am on 28th August.And he is in critical condition at the Penang Hospital. Bro Simon has asked for our prayers that his brother will survive the treatment in the hospital and also that he will be back to normal.

As a christian, we must know how to pray as this is the treasure that God gives us. So don't forget to make a call to Jesus to ask for his healing on Brother Simon and his brother as well aas his family.

St.John Vianney,Patron of Parish Priests

2009-08-20T16:54:00.003+08:00

Years of Priests!

As it is the Year of Priests, does it mean that it has nothing to do with those normal parishioners? Do we have any parts to play since this is not 'our' year or 'our family' year? And as the priests are so close to God and they are always regconised as the great prayers,do we need to pray for them?

Of course,we need as they need our prayers too. They need us to pray for them so that they are able to face all the challenges, suffering, sorows and so on when doing the works of God. So how are we going to pray for them? Don't worry, when there is a will,there is a way. We can pray through St John Vianney's prayer and this "fastprayer" only takes your 1 minutes!!

How great is St. John Vianney? Erm...I did some reading on his story and it touched a lot. With his simple outlook, he has done great things and he has an outstanding faith towards God. Okay, lets have a brief on his life. I'm sure you will be stunted with his uniqueness.

Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney was a religious personality of unusual force. To the incomparable exclusion of everything else he addressed himself to the greater honor and glory of God and the salvation of souls. He accepted his obligation to holiness at an early age, and it took complete possession of him. Every word he uttered was spoken out of the world of religiousness. He brought to a conclusion an achievement which it would be hard for anyone to imitate. From this man there emanated an influence which cannot be overlooked, and the results of which cannot be contested.

St. John Vianney’s mother was a woman of great piety, and she led him into the way of religion at an early age. “I owe a debt to my mother,” he said, and added, “virtues go easily from mothers into the hearts of their children, who willingly do what they see being done.” He was a good-natured boy, with blue eyes and brown hair. In spite of his lively disposition, he admitted much later on in life that “when I was young, I did not know evil. I was first acquainted with it in the confessional, from the mouths of sinners.”

It was only after much toil and trouble that St. John Vianney was admitted to the priesthood. At the age of 20, he was having great difficulty in his studies for the priesthood. Mathias Loras, perhaps the most intelligent of Jean-Marie’s fellow seminarians, who was assigned to help him in his lessons, was of a nervous and excitable temperament. One day his patience was exhausted by the sheer incapacity of the big young man, and he boxed his ears before all the others. Jean-Marie was also excitable, but he knelt down before the boy of twelve who had treated him so outrageously and humbly asked his forgiveness. Mathias had a golden heart. Suddenly he felt smitten with grief and, his face bathed in tears, he threw himself into the arms of Jean-Marie who was still on his knees. This incident marked the beginning of an abiding friendship. Mathias Loras subsequently became a missionary in the United States, and eventually Bishop of Dubuque, but never could he forget the action of Jean-Marie and the accent with which he spoke on that occasion.

To be continued.

Reflection: How many times do we seek for forgiveness from the others? Do we able humbling ourselves to ask to be forgiven although we are still "hot"?

Grace Youth Conference 2009

2009-08-18T23:39:00.001+08:00

Let be an active disciple of God!!

Event: Grace Youth Conference 2009 "IDENTITY"
""Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as prophets to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5)"

What: Workshop
Host: Grace PJ Youth Ministry
Start Time: Saturday, August 8 at 9:00am
End Time: Saturday, August 8 at 8:00pm
Where: Grace Assembly PJ

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=115612253655&mid=e2591fG4bc68069Gb624bfG7

Rosary Meditation

2009-08-05T21:04:00.001+08:00

Greetings everyone, We have arrived to the end of the semester again. This Thursday would be our last activity for the semester.Hope you guys can join us.

EVENT: ROSARY MEDITATION

DATE: Thursday(6th of Aug)

TIME: 4.30pm

PLease join us and try to bring your friends along.GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR FINALS God bless u.
p/s: bring your rosary along

Happy Birthday to U,CSS!!!(2)

2009-08-02T12:52:00.010+08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to CSS once again!!! Thank God for taking care our society. Okay, lets make a wish for CSS. 1,2,3........

Setting up the party together.

Chit-chatting while decorating the party!!

Red with red.....

We are in white....two angels??

Power Point Presenter of the day.

Wow...Nice cake with full of chocolate and M&M.Thanks Keshia!

Table of food. Infinity calories.....infinity happiness

Event began. Joy and Joanne were the emcees!!

President Brigitte was giving her speech..

Birthday's Wishes and Prayers!!

Holding the knife together to cut the cake

Cute glasses!!!

Excited

Let's eat!!

Yeah...can eat finally!!

Nice ice cream!

Wow....jelly..love it!

Game Session

Sitting on people's lap?!!

Waiting for the instructor to give new instruction...fast!!!

Faster.....

Enjoying VS Sufferring

Having good memory...

Kawaii!!! Happy Birthday to all of us!!

Saints Fun Fact

2009-08-01T17:39:00.003+08:00

Taize

2009-07-27T20:45:00.004+08:00

Happy Birthday to U,CSS!!!

2009-07-21T14:45:00.000+08:00

Come Back!!!CSS Birthday!!!

2009-07-20T22:22:00.003+08:00

Hey, Happy Birthday to CSS again!!!! We are going to celebrate this important event this week so please take note of the date of celebration through your email or cssucsi blog. Join our party as our appreciation to His care. Hehe........If can, bring snacks, food or drinks there so that we can share them together!! Waiting to see all of you there.

Treasure Hunt

2009-07-14T19:58:00.000+08:00

The End of the Days

2009-06-29T19:19:00.002+08:00

Hey guys....Mr Bruno will come to CSS this Thursday to share a talk on THE END OF THE DAYS!!! We are always asked to be aware as we don't know the time will come? What preparation we can do? And how interesting it will be? Haha...

Time: 4.20pm (please be puntured)
Place: Cabin B105

Greates love

2009-06-16T19:05:00.006+08:00

The former president of South Korea, Roh Moo-Hyun committed suicide at 29th May 2009. This was a shock news for the Korean and even the world as he was a very famous people. His supporters in North Korean started to have demonstrations to shows their sadness of losing a beloved president and angriness to the current president.

As a catholic, we should always view this issue with care, patient and with the wisdom of God. We all know Judas, who is an apostle of Jesus that had betrayed God with 30 silver pieces. He was one of the apostles who trusted by Jesus as he was the one who responsible for the finance of the group, in another word, a treasurer. Unfortunately, even though he stayed so close with Jesus, his greed lead him to betray Lord. After Jesus had died, he committed suicide. The ground that filled with his blood shedding from the mountain has been cursed, with no plants can grow on it forever. (When he found that Jesus had been condemned, then Judas, his betrayer, was filled with remorse and took the thirty silver pieces back to the chief priests and elders saying, 'I have sinned. I have betrayed innocent blood.' They replied, 'What is that to us? That is your concern.' And flinging down the silver pieces in the sanctuary he made off, and went and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the silver pieces and said, 'It is against the Law to put this into the treasury; it is blood-money.' So they discussed the matter and with it bought the potter's field as a graveyard for foreigners, and this is why the field is still called the Field of Blood (Matthew27:3-8))

With this we can view the difference between Judas and St. Peter. Jesus asked St. Peter three times, “do you love me?” St. Peter always replied, “Yes, you know I do” And Jesus gave the key of Heaven to St. Peter. Although St. Peter did refused that he knew Jesus for three times and he felt regret so much, he still has high confidence in Jesus. Whereas Judas lost all his confidence in God after Jesus died, he lost his trust that the Jesus as savior of mankind who came down for us, the sinners.

Besides that, amazingly, although Jesus had been tortured during the way of Cross, being spurt by the saliva, teased and crucified because of the jealousy of the priests during that time, he did not have the intention to take the revenge back on them when he resurrected. Instead, his first word to the apostles was “peace be with you”. He himself has shown the commandment that he has given to us, Love your neighbor. Brothers and Sisters, the greatest love is no longer “love people as how you love yourself” but it is “love the people as how you sacrifice yourself for them. (In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you,' John 20:19) Amen.

Last but not least, committing suicide is not an act of courageous but those who willing to face the diseases and are preparing to face the imperfect due to the disease, the suffering of the pain from the disease without losing their faith are. Bravo!!!! May God bless them always and peace be with them as well as their family.

2009-06-15T18:36:00.000+08:00

Cultural Cocktail

2009-06-09T14:48:00.001+08:00

Movie Day

2009-05-26T14:45:00.004+08:00

Hey Friends!!! The event for this coming Thursday has changed, there will be a movie session for this Wednesday. Come and join us!!!God bless.

Venue: C411
Time: 4.15pm

Know your Saint!!!

2009-05-20T15:48:00.003+08:00

Hey, friends!! Do remeber to join our this coming thursday event ,
" Know Your Saint"!! Besides,please prepare some stories or info about the saints that you want to talk about. How they look like? Where they came from? What did they do? Do u often pray to them? Saints are our example that God gives them to know Him more just like why we are giving map when we go to a strange place, they used their lives to love God, so come on to share their stories with us o that we are 1_ _ _ _ _km closer to God!!

Venue: B105 (cabin)
Time : 4.15pm

2009-05-14T11:34:00.002+08:00

Dear everyone,
We will be having Praise and Worship, Games and Sharing by on 14th May.We are welcoming everyone to come and join us.For everyone who are still new to our society ,come and experience God with us. If some of you know there are catholics around UCSI but not aware of our weekly gatherings, please do invite them and be with us. Remember, we are a family! Spread the news, God bless.Hallelujah!!!!Bring your friends as well.

Time :4:15pm
Venue:B105(cabin near the library)

Small Flower in Jesus' hand

2009-05-07T11:23:00.007+08:00

Hey guys!! Last Sunday was the feast of St.Joseph. I attended a mass at St.Joseph Church in Tanjung Kling, Melaka. Coincidencely, that Sunday was also the fourth week of Easter and the day of vocation. Hehe..i would like to share some messages delivered by the priest, Father Ravi on that day.

" Normally the churches were given in the name of saints just like this St. Joseph Church but can the Saints save us? He said.

As usual, the parishioners remained quiet.

"No, we can only be saved in the name of Jesus(in the reading), saints are only examples for us to follow Jesus, to be saved. This is because they are closer to God, they know God better than us so they can show us what God is." He continued.

"Although we can only see St Joseph's name in the bible in the bible, he played a very important role to make sure that Mary and Jesus were safe. He didn't disobey or ignore what's God want him to do even though it is just a simple and small thing to do. His humbleness has transformed all the small things that he did into a big things in God's eye. This remind us don't complain when you are just doing a small thing for the church. As long as you are doing it in God's name, it will be precious in God's eyes" Father Ravi said.

We always choose big things to do. Let us do an experiment: Find an empty bottle, stones and sand and then try to fill the bottle as full as you can without holes in between. If you keep using the stones to fill up the spaces, you will find holes in between and you can't filled the bottle fully. You will find out that sand is needed to fill these small holes. Small things do play important part. We should realised that we can to contribute all we can to the church even though it might be small but it is different in His eyes. So don't belittle on the small things which may be as easy as ABC. These all bring us to way of God.

Flowers to St.Joseph

Walking and praying together

Gather in Him

Meet and Greet

2009-05-04T19:24:00.002+08:00

Hello to all the members of CSS!!! Our event " Meet and Greet" will be held on this Thursday, 4.15pm at Mc Donald( Taman Connaught). Please do come and join us for this interesting event!!

2009-04-28T19:57:00.004+08:00

Hey, friends!! The feast of St.Joseph is coming!! As what we know, St Joseph is known as the patron of workers. This reminds us that we have to pray for the workers all around the world as they are the people who make this world a better place to live by paying their service sincerely. Besides that, they are a lot of workers as what we can see fron the daily, being abused and cheated,but they are still working hard to survive in this society as well as to give their family basic needs. As catholics, we should always put those people in our prayer. We can seek the intercession from the St. Joseph. Nevertheless, he has set the good example to us too regarding how to be a good worker in the society as well as a good worker in God's work. So, please don't miss your prayer to St.Joseph, the one who God has chosen to be the Jesus' stepfather.

Feast of St.Joseph

Gereja Katholik St.Joseph

Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kula Lumpur

29April Wednesday

Discipleship-Fostering Christian Commmunities

7.30pm- Novena/Mass

30 April Thursday

Discipleship- Living as one family

7.30PM- Novena/Mass

1 May Friday

Discipleship- Living as witnesses

6.oopm- Mass/ Candle light procession

2 May Saturday

Living as Disciples

6.oopm- Novena/Mass

Hym Festival (Tamil)

3 May Sunday

Living as disciples

8.ooam- Mass(T)

10.00am-Mass

6.oopm- Mass

The Salvation

2009-04-08T15:12:00.016+08:00

" Hey, why Jesus has to die on the cross?" This is the question that always being asked by non-Christian. How are we who as a sons and daughters of God going to answer them? Or do we know the answer and do we accept and truly believe in it. Brothers and sisters, the answer is through the Resurrection of Jesus and our action is the proof. Holy week is very important to us who as catholic to prepare ourselves to remember and to follow God's calling. During the Holy week, we are encouraged to fast and do more charity to rebuilt a good relationship between God and us. And now, Holy Week is over but what He did should remain on us and he is with us too. So as a reminder, the pictures below will be a way for us to reflect again what the Jesus has done to all the nation in the past, present and future.

Below is a little of His life stories starting from his fasting,I think this will a way for us to reflect ourselves with God.

During the trial,Jesus fasted for 40days.

Riding into Jerusalem

In fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 62:11 & Zechariah 9:9), Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds lined the street shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." (Psalm 118:25-26) . People at that time thought that Jesus would come with a strong horse and soldiers to save them. Instead of it, he rode on a donkey with his feeble look deciples. They didn't know the actual meaning of salvation.

The Last Supper
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body." He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. Most assuredly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God." (Mark14:22-25)

Jesus washed the feet o his diciples

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.(John13:11-15)

His Suffering

The body of our Lord was perfectly torn to shreds, it was but one wound. He looked at his torturers with his eyes filled with blood, as if entreating mercy; but their brutality appeared to increase, and his moans each moment became more feeble.

Crucifiction of Jesus

Although it was a poignant moment, it is also a moment of victory.Jesus is the sign of peace too and he is the true Savior of mankind. During his crucifixion, Jesus said to one of the repentant thief who was crucified with him: “Amen I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:24)

HAPPY EASTER DAY!!!

According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.In accordance to Luke there were two angels (Luke 24:4), and according to Mark there was a youth dressed in white (Mark 16:5). In the last section of Mark(Mark 16:9-20), which is considered a later addition by most biblical scholars(see Mark 16), it states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalenee (Mark 16:9). John states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name (John 20:11-18).

“Come, follow me.”Jesus said. How wonderful is this call and how beautiful and meaningful are his sacrifices. And how fortunate to have a chance to have an eternal life with him through his resurrection. 'Amen' is the word that we can say for all our faith.

2009-04-06T20:07:00.012+08:00

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Church of St. Francis Xavier

6th April Monday

6.15am : Mass

7th April Tuesday -7.30am

CHRISM Mass

8th April Wednesday

6.15am, 6-15pm:Mass

9th April Holy Thursday

8.00pm : Mass of the Lord’s Supper followed by Solemn Adoration until 12 midnight in Church and after 12mn to 6.15am silent adoration in Arrupe Chapel.

10th April Good Friday

11.00am : Station of the Cross3.00pm, 6.00pm & 8.30pm-Service times10.15pm : Tenebrae

11th April Holy Saturday

9.00am : Holy Saturday Divine Office7.00pm
11.30pm : Easter Vigil Masses(both with baptisms)

12th April Easter Sunday

9.00am & 11.30am : Easter Sunday Masses

Church of St. Ignatius
Sun 5th April (Palm Sunday)

6pm: Procession around the church followed by Liturgy of the Word

Thurs 9th April (Holy Thursday)

8pm Bilingual Mass

Friday 10th April (Good Friday)

1pm (Re-enactment Way of the Cross followed by Liturgy of the Word)

4:30pm (Liturgy of the Word - English)

8:00pm (Liturgy of the Word - Mandarin)

Sat 11th April (Easter Vigil)

6:45pm (Mass in Mandarin) Sacrament of Baptism for Adults

10:30pm (Mass in English) Sacrament of Baptism for Adults

Sun 12th April (Easter Sun)

7:00am & 9:00am (Mass in English)

11:00am (Mass in Mandarin)
6:00pm - NO MASS

Church of Our Lady of Fatima

Holy Thursday, 9 April 2009

5.30pm (Tamil) & 8.00pm (English)

Good Friday, 10 April 2009
10.00am : Way of the Cross (Malayalam)2.30pm : Way of the Cross (English)

3.00pm : Good Friday Services (English)5.30pm : Way of the Cross (Tamil)

6.00pm : Good Friday Service (Tamil)

Easter Vigil, 11 April 2009

7.00pm (Tamil) & 10.30pm (English)

Easter Sunday, 12 April 2009

7.00am (English), 8.30am (Tamil) & 10.30am (English)

Church of Holy Family

6th April Monday-No mass

7th April Tuesday

7.00am: Mass in English

8th April Wednesday

7.00am: Mass in English

9th April Maundy Thursday

7.30pm: Community Mass10th

April Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

10.00am: Tamil

3.00pm: English and Mandarin

8.00pm: English and Bahasa Malaysia

11th April Holy Saturday/ Easter Vigil

8.00pm: Community Mass

12th April Easter Sunday7.00am: Mass in Tamil

9.00am: Mass in English

11.00am: Mass in Mandarin

1.00pm: Mass in Bahasa Malaysia

Assumption Church
9th April Holy Thursday

5pm & 7.30pm : Mass

10th April Good Friday

Way of The Cross followed by Good Friday Services at 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm

11th April Holy Saturday/ Easter Vigil

6.30pm: English + Tamil Mass

9.30pm: Mass in English

12th April Easter Sunday

8.30am: Mass

10.30am: MassNo evening mass

Church of St. Francis of Asisis

Holy Thurs: 8.30pm

Good Fri: 4.30pm

Easter Vigil: 10.30pm

Easter Sun: 9.15am

The Moderator Musings...

2009-03-27T22:35:00.004+08:00

Come this Sunday, I guess, I'll be officially(and willingly) stepping down as the WebMaster of cssucsi.blogspot.com. Funny how time flies, it's been 20 months I've been updating the blog, (hopefully) keeping you readers informed and excited about ATOMIC.

I remember the time when I walked into my first CSS gathering. I was still a "freshie" in UCSI, after two weeks around, I walked in to a room of people sitting down(and standing up). Nervously, I took a seat at the back of the classroom. I remembered Jennifer introducing herself to me, but the rest was a blur fastforward until after the gathering. Gregory(the EX-EX-President) wanted the members to volunteer and help out with the committee. "No harm, I thought to myself. "Let 'The University, The Experience' begin", I told myself. Undecided on what I can do to help, I blurted out, "Err, I think I can help with the blog."

Little did I know, there wasn't anyone initially running the blog, and I were to start from scratch. A daunting task. For someone so new to UCSI, it was massive. Part of me wanted to reject it. I needed time to adjust to my new surrounding. Being (quite) far away from home. But, I guessed, something inside wanted me to carry on. A challenge. A chance to make friends. So, yours truly, became the 'Master of the Web'.(I sound like some spider or arachnid) Doink! Fell into Greg's trap...if there was one in the first place... :p

Phew. 20 months. For me, there was a challenge of balancing between recapping the CSS activities as well as doing my part in helping my readers deepen their faith. If everything were about recapping our week's activities, there might not be much new knowledge for those who attended the meetings; while those that did not attend wouldn't get the whole picture. If everything revolve around faith, well, I don't think I qualify to speak theological principles. So, you get my drift, the challenges early on...(hope you're not bored yet)

Well, my tenure could've ended about 8 months ago, during the second AGM. Unfortunately(or fortunately?), it didn't. I'll give you an analogy. It's like running a marathon of 5km. Just when you thought you've done 5km, you realised that there's a small print(like those on sales brochure) saying, 5.7km. Bummer. The extra 0.7km was dreadful, I admit. I ran out of ideas(some say, bloggers block), ran out of new concepts for the blog. Everything seemed repetitive. Updating the blog sometimes felt like a drag. The blog itself looked drab.

Probably the spark which reignited my passion to blog again, was the PD trip. A breath of fresh air the WebMaster needed. But, it's a little too late. Time's up. The baton's another person's now. It's been fun running the blog. I've learn a great deal of things myself. I've made many friends from CSS too, friends which I may not have made if I wasn't part of this club. I've matured(hopefully...maybe someone has to run a statistical test to see whether my hypothesis is correct) in person and in faith. For all the great experiences, thank you ATOMIC. For all the things which may have offended any readers in any way, my sincerest of apologies.

Now, it's time for me to take a bow, together with the ex-committee.

"Oh

How 'bout a round of applause?

Yeah
Standin ovation

But you put on quite a show.

Really had me goin'

But now it's time to go,

Curtain's finally closin'.

That was quite a show.

Very entertainin'.

But it's over now.

Go on and take a bow."

And for the new committee...

Good luck and may God bless. Remeber, "when two or three are gathered in His name, He'll be there." The old committee may have stepped down, but our prayers are always with you and CSS...

Enough of my musings. Time for some dumplings...yum yum... ;)

p.s. This is for Greg. He said to me, "You're always known as the WebMaster. Face also haven't seen before. Post la, a pic of you..." So, a picture for you all!

Previous name : Webmaster

New name : Paul Yeoh

Sorry about the pose...random stuff which Joy took of me...no other individual photos...

CSS AGM

2009-03-27T18:05:00.010+08:00

CSS just had it's 3rd Annual General Meeting last Tuesday on the 24th of March 2009. Below are some photos from the event.

Tomi, presenting his Secretary Report for the 7 months tenure...

At the start of the meeting, CSSUCSI's financial status was as RED as Joanne's shirt...

Everyone listening intently...

The new President! Brigitte!

After the meeting, the financial status is as GREEN as Bri's shirt...way to go, Joanne!

Your new committee members....

(See the name of the WEBMASTER, IT HAS BEEN REPLACED!!!)

Tomi, presenting Joy, the Secretary's Folder...

Sue, giving her farewell speech...

Sue and Charles after the AGM....

Everyone will miss everyone...

POINT TO THE ________!

Group photo of those who were present...

Final prayer...

And there was time for more photos, Rebecca, Nick and Byron...

I have no idea...this pose looks weird...

The ol' committee members, taking nothing but photographs, leaving nothing but memories!

All the posers...

Joanne and Amanda...

Bri and Patricia...

And the bevy of beauties of the ol' CSS committee...

But where are the hunky hunks?

CSSUCSI's Annual General Meeting

2009-03-19T13:53:00.002+08:00

Dear Catholic students of UCSI,

CSSUCSI will be having its

Annual General Meeting

on the

24th of March 2009 (Tuesday)
at

5.16pm

in

Boardroom

Come and be part of this event!

See you there!

PD Get-away '09

2009-03-08T21:03:00.022+08:00

Hey everyone!!! CSS just got back from Port Dickson yesterday, and it was a blast! Of course, we had minor setbacks such as traffic jam on the highway and shortage of time to carry out our activities, nonetheless, the main objective of the camp to introduce CSS and how it is run to the members was reached. So, sit back, and read on the photo blog below. (Have a laugh or two at the photos too!)

Starting off, everyone gathered round to say an opening prayer...

Sue and Byron(and me too, but I was a little late...) co-ordinating the ice-breaking...
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall...and Clare attempted to push him down...

Byron did well...Good Grace, Adorable Amanda, Prudent Paul, Tough Tomi, Bubbly Brigitte......
But he forgotten Sue's description!!!!!

Sweet Sue...

There were 18 of us in the camp on Saturday...

Everyone sitting around and having Keropok Lekor for tea time before heading off to the beach...
Warning! CSSUCSI have come, they saw...and they conquered the beach...

Dividing everyone into groups...there were 3; giraffes, goats and kangaroos...

A game of beach volleyball...

Grace, Catherine, Helen and Kingsley playing hopscotch with the locals...

Just like a star...(Amanda's, Joanne's and Joy's fingers...)

Bri ready to get onto the banana boat!

Paul, Joanne and Patricia...SAVE! *cough* There wasn't enough place on the banana boat for us....*wink*

Joy and Amanda. Amanda looks scared...

And they're off, to the Pineapple under the Sea...

The boat just started moving, and Amanda's screaming her lungs out!

While the remaining people built sand-castles...

Here they are on the banana boat...speeding through the waters...

AND DOWN THEY GO! *applause*

Group photo after the banana boat...

Group hug!

Another photo...

It was raining, and these 3(plus me) were the only ones who wanted to go back...
The others were contented of frolicking in the waters...
So what did we do?

We took photos!

Byron, showing off his culinary skills...
Boy, those sausage tasted good...

Nicholas, practising for the Praise & Worship...

An action song...Rebecca and Keasha in the photo...

After Praise&Worship, it was time to get onto your knees, literally...

Twister!

Patrick and ...(someone's) butt...

Kingsley and Patrick having a go at each other...there game lasted close to 30 minutes...each twisting their body absurdly, neither willing to give up...but King Kingsley shall triumph in the end...

Byron. Somersaulted and fell(hard) to the ground...

Team battle. In the end, MHEEEKKKK......THE GOATS WON!(I was a goat too...so can gLoat a little...)

Sunday morning. After aerobics and breakfast, we had a CSS Workshop...

Everyone had to come up with a plan of the flow of a CSS Gathering...

Gifts of the Holy Spirit...

Amanda's "Sharing" where everyone can place little notes into each others' envelopes...saying (hopefully) nice stuff about each other...

The envelopes, decorated nicely...

Tomi, inserting his notes into peoples' envelopes...

Then there was time for group photos....

And more group photos...

All the posers...

Byron again...posing like his brain is being taken out by Brigitte...

Last minute entries...

Clare opening her 'notes'....

SMILEY!

Some of us, sharing our notes...

Keasha, reading 'notes' about her....

Patricia, sharing about KLCC and the Lenten Donation...

And it was time to pack and go home... :(

But before that, there was still time to take photos...

CSSUCSI, Sayonara PD, back to UCSI...

Biblical Themes of Lent

2009-02-28T20:45:00.003+08:00

When we think of Lent, we think of spring. That's because the word comes from a German word for "springtime". In many other languages(e.g. Spanish: Cuaresma), the name for the season before Easter is derived from the Latin word for "40", a clue that something else important is happening, something that our Scripture talks about. The 40 days of Lent recall the 40 days of Jesus' being tempted in the wilderness. But when we look at the Gospel accounts of Jesus' temptations, always read on the first Sunday of Lent, we see that they in turn direct us further. Jesus' temptations recall the 40 years of Israel's temptation in the wilderness on their journey to the Promised Land.

Forty Years

The number 40 is a very familiar one in the Bible.

In the story of Noah and the flood, it rains 40 days and 40 nights.

After the sealing of the covenant at Mt. Sinai, Moses is with God on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights.

When the prophet Elijah is being pursued by Queen Jezebel, he flees for his life and travels for 40 days and 40 nights until he comes to the mountain of God at Horeb.

The number appears also in the New Testament.

Jesus is tempted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights and his ascension to heaven occurs 40 days after the Resurrection.

In the passage at the start of this section, the Israelites are encamped in the southern desert, within easy reach of the Promised Land. Scouts go ahead to survey the land, which they do for 40 days. They bring a glowing report of the land, but also note that some of the inhabitants are large and imposing. Despite the urgings of Joshua and Caleb, the people are afraid to go up into the land. Their refusal is a serious failure of faith in Yahweh's promise to give them the land. As a punishment, the people are to wander for 40 years, one year for each day the scouts were gone.

Numbers in the bible are often not meant to be taken literally, but serve a symbolic function. Our suspicions are aroused especially with a number that recurs so frequently as 40. What would be the symbolic meaning of the number 40?

On one level, it represents a longer period of time, but there is more.

The longer time has content: It is a time of need, of struggle, of testing. There is in fact extra-biblical evidence for this usage as well.

But in the Bible, a third level of meaning appears. 40 denotes a period of preparation for some special action of the Lord; it is a time of grace.

After the flood in Genesis, a new creation begins.

After Moses converses with God, the covenant is renewed.

After Israel's wandering in the wilderness, they will enter into the Promised Land.

After Elijah's journey, God strengthens him to resume his prophetic ministry.

After Jesus' temptation, he begins his public ministry; after the Ascension, we enter the age of the Church.

At the end of the season of Lent, we celebrate Holy Week and the great feast of Easter.

Thus, during this Season of Lent, we should take the opportunity to reflect on our doings, to open our hearts and listen to the word of God. It may be a period of struggling, but it does not have to be a gloomy season. (Remember, the bible says that, when we fast, do not look gloomy, instead, act as if you're not fasting) After this 40 days, who knows, we may be renewed...by the grace of God...

From Ashes to the Font

2009-02-15T10:33:00.002+08:00

Ash Wednesday is 2 weeks from now, and it's almost time to shift our focus from the merry festive season of Christmas to a time of reflection and penance. Let's get start our preparation with a short article on Ash Wednesday...

The call to continuing conversion reflected in these readings is also the message of the ashes. We move through Lent from ashes to the baptismal font. We dirty our faces on Ash Wednesday and are cleansed in the waters of the font. More profoundly, we embrace the need to die to sin and selfishness at the beginning of Lent so that we can come to fuller life in the Risen One at Easter.

When we receive ashes on our foreheads, we remember who we are. We remember that we are creatures of the earth ("Remember that you are dust"). We remember that we are mortal beings ("and to dust you will return"). We remember that we are baptized. We remember that we are people on a journey of conversion ("Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel"). We remember that we are members of the body of Christ (and that smudge on our foreheads will proclaim that identity to others, too).

Renewing our sense of who we really are before God is the core of the Lenten experience. It is so easy to forget, and thus we fall into habits of sin, ways of thinking and living that are contrary to God's will. In this we are like the Ninevites in the story of Jonah. It was "their wickedness" that caused God to send Jonah to preach to them. Jonah resisted that mission and found himself in deep water. Rescued by a large fish, Jonah finally did God's bidding and began to preach in Nineveh. His preaching obviously fell on open ears and hearts, for in one day he prompted the conversion of the whole city.

From the very beginning of Lent, God's word calls us to conversion. If we open our ears and hearts to that word, we will be like the Ninevites not only in their sinfulness but also in their conversion to the Lord. That, simply put, is the point of Ash Wednesday!

Taken from http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0204.asp

Israel, Gaza?

2009-01-28T12:29:00.002+08:00

The 10 day cease-fire in Gaza is about to be broken. More innocent lives may be lost, until today, the toll is reaching 2000 civillians. When you analyse this problem, one shouldn't weigh the question : "Who's at fault?" or condemn one party and support the other. Both should be condemned, as you know, war brings no benefit to us. It's a lose-lose situation, so why bother going into war?

Here, we analyse the Catholic Church's stand on WAR. We believe in the JUST WAR DOCTRINE. (No, it doesn't mean, going to war as you wish; rather, it means justifying reasons to go to war)

St. Thomas Aquinas developed a theory of St. Augustine into the now-known Just War Theory. It's basis is the natural moral law and it incorporates a moral evaluation before going to war and during it. Everything leading up to war and every act during it must fulfill the criteria listed. So, the Church's stand is that in theory, war is justified at times, and a just war can be waged. And the Church believes that throughout history, some wars were morally right, but many wards could've and should've been avoided.

Components of it:

1. Before War :

Just cause - the reasons for going to war must be morally correct, such as to repel invading enemy forces, which are considered unjust aggressors(think Pearl Harbor)
Competent authority - only authorized leaders can declare and involve the nation in war, such as prime ministers, kings and queens
Comparative Justice - is the outcome of the war worth the damage of the war?
Right intention
Last resort - all other peaceful alternatives to the war must be done before resorting to war
Probability of success - a just war demands that the hope of winning the war is reasonable
Proportionality - The suffering due to the war must be proportionately less or smaller than the evils of suffering if there had been no conflict

2. During war :

Proportionality - A just war uses moral means during the execution of the war, i.e. biological weapons are considered immoral because the disproportionately harm more people and in more severity than is necessary for victory.
Discrimination of noncombatants - collateral damage must be kept to an absolute minimum and civilian population centers shouldn't be targeted.

So, there you go. Why war?

CSS is BACK!

2009-01-21T08:40:00.000+08:00

Everyone!

ATOMIC CSS-UCSI is BACK in action!

Gatherings will be held every Wednesday from 3:30-5:00pm in Room C406.

(write that down!)

This evening, we'll be having a Meet & Greet session at McDonalds Tmn Connaught from 3:30pm onwards.

Make sure you're there!

The Christmas Story...

2009-01-08T17:42:00.001+08:00

The writer looks back at the Christmas that has just passed and gives his two pence worth of musings. He wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Phew. Another Christmas has come and go. After being stuffed with turkeys, ham, baked potatoes, fruit cakes, pies and ocassionally, wine from C'mas, we ushered in the New Year with even more partying and celebrating.

Gone are the carols on Silent Night, and we won't hear God Rest Ye' Merry Gentlemen, and Away in the Manger no more(at least not for another 11 months), I'm feeling kinda bumped because Christmas passed as fast as it came.

I remembered, two years ago, we had carolling - around Taman Connaught and in Berjaya Times Square. All the fun, jumping and dancing merrily. The joy of celebrating Christmas with everyone: CSS members, lecturers and other students of the same faith. Last Christmas, I missed my own BEC's carolling, didn't join the church choir(never did) and the reunion dinner was more of a silent affair.

When I was young, after midnight mass, I remember I would come back home and open the presents at 3am. The case is that I always pester my parents to buy the toys I want, so not much of a surprise...still a new toy! After coming off age(and getting old), last Christmas, I decided to do a charitable thing for my nieces and bought them this 'babi-doll-hair-styling-thing'. You know, the ones where you can put beads into the strands of hair.

The first hour, both of them were engrossed with it. Or rather, I was engrossed in it,(haha) trying to figure out how to work the "battery-less" thing. The beads just kept falling off, and I'd swear hairstyling isn't as simple as the indian uncle in the local barber shop! Soon after that, when everyone got bored because the only thing that could be beaded is, well, nothing... the toy was left aside and both my nieces resorted to hopping around the house. Days later, the 'thing' was lying on the table, untouched. Kids these days have too many toys, I'd swear.

Of course, with Christmas, you'd get more than just presents and turkeys. As you mature, you realised this is the time of love. You'd appreciate the gospels more. The symbolism of the 4 candles. The history of Christmas. Yet, minus the celebrations part, you'd feel your Christmas is incomplete too, no?

If you have other Christmas stories which you would like to share, do email them to cssucsi@gmail.com and it will be published.(for the whole world to read...)

The Mouse Trap Story

2008-12-31T12:56:00.000+08:00

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package..

What food might this contain? The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning : There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, ' Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me.' ' I cannot be bothered by it.'

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, 'There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!' The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. 'Be assured you are in my prayers.'

The mouse turned to the cow and said 'There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!' The cow said, 'Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose.'

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap
That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital , and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main
ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:57:00.000+08:00

CSS UCSI wishes you a...

Merry and Blessed Christmas 2008!!!

Apologies for the lack of posts, CSSUCSI.blogspot.com promises for an exciting New Year 09!

Always keep in mind...

Jesus is the REASON, for this SEASON!

Be prepared...

2008-12-11T00:36:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone~!

CSS UCSI may have slowed down a little over the last month..but don't worry!

You wanna know why?

(ssssshhhh....)

Well, there's a surprise (your very own CSS Christmas present) coming your way!

What is it?

Well, if i tell you, it won't be a surprise anymore, right? :p

So just keep on checking the blog for more info within the next few days!!

The Greatest Story Never Told: Modern Christian Martyrdom

2008-12-05T23:50:00.000+08:00

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (The Catholic Standard and Times) - Samuel Masih was a simple street cleaner. One day, while cleaning a garden in Lahore, the twenty-seven-year-old Pakistani Catholic was accused of deliberately piling garbage against the wall of a mosque. He was arrested and thrown in jail, where he was repeatedly tortured for his faith. While being treated for tuberculosis, which he contracted in prison, a police constable decided to earn a place in Janna’ (Paradise) by killing him with a brick-cutting hammer.

Thousands of miles away, on a beautiful mid-August day, thirty-two-year-old Fr. Jesus Adrian Sanchez was giving religious instruction at a school in the rural area of Chaparral (Tolima), Colombia. An armed man burst into the classroom, ordered him outside, and shot him dead.

Deep in the Brazilian rainforest, a seventy-three-year-old Sister of Notre Dame, Dorothy Stang, was used to living among people who wanted her dead. She had long been trying to protect peasant laborers from exploitation by logging firms and ranchers. One day, while walking to a meeting of poor farmers near the town of Anapu in the western Brazilian state of Parà, two armed men intercepted her on the path. She knew what they were there to do. Taking out her Bible, she began reading to them and, for a precious few minutes, they listened before opening fire. Sr. Stang was shot six times in the head, throat, and body.

These are only three of the more than 100 Catholics who bear the unique distinction of being the first martyrs of the twenty-first century. According to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the official martyrology contains the names of 132 Catholics who have died for the faith since 2001. But this is not a complete list. Its 2005 report acknowledges that there are “many more possible ‘unknown soldiers of the faith’ in remote corners of the planet whose deaths may never be reported.”

Dying for Christ seems almost surreal to most Westerners. We live in a part of the world where Christianity rarely makes the news unless it is to be mocked or defamed. Otherwise, the media is strangely silent about modern Christian martyrdom. “Three things distinguish anti-Christian persecution and discrimination around the world,” said Denver’s Archbishop Charles Chaput to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

“First, it’s ugly. Second, it’s growing. And third, the mass media generally ignore or downplay its gravity.” The Bloodiest Century The secular West has been looking the other way for a very long time. Even the average church-going Christian is not likely to know that 45.5 million of the estimated 70 million Christians who have died for Christ did so in the last century.

For this reason, scholars such as Robert Royal, president of the Faith and Reason Institute in Washington, D.C., and author of The Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century, refer to the past century as one of the darkest periods of martyrdom since the birth of Christianity. These appalling numbers are what prompted Pope John Paul II to urge the faithful to do everything possible to recover the names and stories of these martyrs. “At the end of the second millennium, the Church has once again become a Church of martyrs,” he wrote in his 1994 apostolic letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente. “This witness must not be forgotten.”

He established a special Jubilee Year Commission on New Martyrs to collect these stories, which resulted in the publication of the names of more than thirteen thousand Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant martyrs of the faith.

...for full story, visit http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=30882&page=1

Something to ponder about...

2008-11-22T23:53:00.000+08:00

Do you think Catholics believe in ghosts and supernatural and paranormal incidences?

No?

Yes?

Hmmm...something to ponder about....the Nicene creed...

"...creator of heaven and earth...
Of all that is seen and unseen..."

Hmmm...so, for those of you who still wondering whether Catholics believe the unseen...yes, I suppose...

Anyone with other views? Shout into the cbox.

Love and Life 2008

2008-11-14T23:20:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone! Next up for Catholic youths in the KL region, the Love and Life 2008 camp.
Below are the details :

Date: 10th-16th of December
Venue: IJ Convent, Cheras
Price: RM150
Things needed : parents signature
parish priest's signature
parish stamp/cop
minimum deposit of RM 75

So, if you're 17-22 years of age (non muslim) , and if you're free during the dates above, do consider registering yourself before the 20th of November 2008.

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity which should not be missed. (Rebecca testifies to that!)

For further information, call
Samson
014-3256607(Dg)/ 012-3826440
or e-mail cssucsi@gmail.com for a copy of the registration form. (In case you do not receive a reply, do call Samson on the above number.

Daphne's Graduation Recital

2008-11-07T22:48:00.000+08:00

Well, on the 4th of November 2008, our CSS member, Daphne had her graduation recital. I was there to represent CSS, but to my surprise I met other CSS members there too. Both Kimberly and Veronica came with their friends, so I guess, (and hope) that the blog actually informed them about the event, right? Below are photos from the day...

Booklet containing the songs that Daphne was to play on that day...

The Emcee for that day...

Daphne in action during her first song, Umbrella by Rihanna

The band playing Moondance...the fourth song...

One of Daphne's invited guest on the flute...

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive, with Daphne on Piano and two vocalists...

The final song, Conga by Gloria Estefan

Daphne giving her closing words and thanks to all lecturers and friends involved...

We, from CSSUCSI wishes Daphne a heartiest CONGRATULATIONS and GOOD LUCK in her future undertakings.

God will bless your every step!

Love your neighbour as you love yourself...

2008-10-26T10:37:00.000+08:00

Alright, this is again taken from a homily during mass this weekend. (The idea of the story, not the real story) The homily was presented by Fr. Joachim of HRC Klang. Together with the short story is an analysis(my own) of what he had to say and how we can actually apply it in our own lives. Have fun reading...

A nurse saw an elderly man who was in the clinic for his check-up early in the morning. He seemed like he was in a rush, fidgeting over his seat, constantly checking his watch for the time. She sat down beside him, and said, "Excuse me, sir, are you alright?"

The man replied, "How long more do I have to wait? I must rush off to somewhere."

The nurse, wondering what could be so important to this elderly man, who looked like he has retired from the workforce long time ago, answered, "Just a little while longer. What is the rush?"

"Well, I have to go to the nursing home. It is almost time that I have my breakfast with my wife. You see, she has been in the nursing home for the past 4 years. She has Alzheimer's disease, and my children decided that it will be best if she had constant care in a home. I was against it naturally, but my health is also taking a toll on me and I have no other choice."

The nurse, stunned, replied, "I see. Will she mind if you're late a little while? I mean she does not know who you are anymore, and your routine health check is much more important than the breakfast. If you're late for a while, it would be OK right?"

The man looked at her, and a weak smile came across his face. "She does not know me, but I know her. How can I abandon her? It might be a simple breakfast to you, but it means a lot to me, to be with my wife."

Moral of the story #1: God is like that. You might not know him, but he knows you. And he cares for you, when you're up, and when you're down. Most of us only seek him when we're bedevilled with problems and sadness and uncertainties. "Where are you, Lord, have you forsaken me?" was Jesus' reply on the cross. He's always there. But when we're filled with joy, seldom it comes to our mind to thank Him. Nonetheless, like the elderly man, He still cares about you and He's always there for you.

Moral of the story #2 : Parallel to the story, this week's gospel touches on the two most important commandments. You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Is it logically if we say, we love God with all our heart/mind/soul, but we hate our neighbour/friend/family for what they've done to us?(maybe stole your girlfriend, broke your flower pot, talked bad about you etc.)
How can we love something that we cannot see, but hate something that we can? Hypocrisy, right? The first step to love God is to love your neighbour, and yourself. Like the elderly man who did not abandon his wife, we should not abandon our friends...and yet proclaim(loudly) that we love God. You would question this love, wouldn't you?

CSS Day Out/Planning Camp

2008-10-23T13:30:00.000+08:00

As a sort of farewell meetup before everyone heads their own seperate ways, CSS will be having a CSS day out this Saturday, 25th October 2008. It's just a laidback time to spend with friends, have lunch together, probably a movie (if we have time) and whatever else you wish to do.

At the same time, we'll be having a short Planning Session for the 2009 semester. This is your opportunity to voice out your concerns, your ideas, and many more suggestions for activities for the upcoming semester.

We will meet up at 10am in the Block A cafeteria and continue on till the afternoon. I know that some of you have been wanting to join our activities or lunches but could not do so because of clases - well this is your chance to give back to CSS and to get together to mingle, make new friends, catch up with the old ones as well as contribute to CSS in 2009!

See you there!

The 2 dollar and 50 dollar note...

2008-10-18T21:17:00.000+08:00

The post below is a heart-warming story about the Catholics in a country, which was extracted from the homily of a priest in Singapore(whose name I do not know). If you are in no hurry, read on; or else, just scroll all the way down to find out next week's CSS event: a movie outing!

The 2-Dollar and 50-Dollar(Malaysian) note...

A 2-dollar-note met a 50-dollar-note in the bank deposit box.

The 2-dollar-note said to the 50-dollar-note : "Hey, I haven't seen you around for a long time. Where have you been all these while?"

The 50-dollar-note replied, "Well, you know, I've been travelling a lot to many different places in the last 1 year. The casino, McDonalds, Starbucks, Coffee Bean. I've also been to Pavillion, the Gardens Midvalley and 1 Utama also. Seen loads of things and loved the smell of the roasted coffee beans in Starbucks. Well, enough about me, how about you 2-Dollar-Note?"

"Oh me? Well, nowhere as interesting as yours. You know, to church, then to the bank, then to the UCSI cafeteria, then back again to St. Francis of Assisi church. Mostly in the church collection box."

The 50-dollar-note replied unenthusiastically : "Oh, I see. Well, that's... boring..."

Just then, the cashier seperated the 50-dollar-note into another collection box, while the 2-dollar-note was passed on to a guy at the counter.

Moral of the story?

Well, isn't this a depiction of real-life scenario? We'd actually pay 20 bucks for a cuppa of (sometimes over-rated) coffee, while only 2 dollars goes into the church weekly collection box?

Now, the priest's(and I agree with it) point is not that we cannot indulge in a little "gluttony", however, when we reflect the kind we give back to the church, it definitely pales in comparison. And I'm not just talking about cash, even our effort. In our daily hectic life, somehow, God is pushed down our to-do-list. Our support to the parish(and CSS) is mostly a weekly, weekend thing. The other times, we are just too busy with our life. Now, have we ever stopped, and reflect, and to thank God of all the good(and bad) things that has happened to us daily? Minor things which make us grow as an individual and as a Christian?

This Sunday's gospel, "Give Caesar what is due to Caesar. And give God what is due to God." points out that for all the earthly things we do, we have to do it. Yet, don't forget about God and his words...

And for this week's event, it's to Cheras Leisure Mall!!!
Time to kick back your sandals and take your mind of your exams.
Come join us!

Sing Out!

2008-10-13T21:48:00.001+08:00

(No, we're not having one of those idol-themed competitions...)

Come join us this Wednesday, 15th October 2008 at CG01 for a session of music, praise, fun, and interaction!

We start at 4pm but if you have class, just come along after that!

See you there!

Examination Mass at UNITEN

2008-10-09T08:22:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!

Here's an invite from Ivor of UNITEN through KLCC Y! Group :

--
Dear all,

CSS of University Tenaga Nasional cordially invites all CSS under KLCC for our Examination Mass which will be held at COIT (College of Information Technology) UNITEN at 12.45pm on Friday 10th October 2008.

Do not hesitate to contact Joshua Thong 016-9353236 for further information pertaining the venue.

All are welcomed. Refreshments will be provided after mass. Please feel free to bring more people to celebrate mass and fellowship together.

The celebrant for the mass will be Fr. Christopher Wee

Regards,
Ivor

--

xt3.com

2008-10-05T14:20:00.000+08:00

Have a check people, on this article...

Catholics who have signed up to a social networking site received a message from Pope Benedict in their inbox on Monday.

Xt3.com – which stands for Christ in the third millennium – was launched for World Youth Day in Australia in July. Since then, more than 35,000 people from 170 countries have signed up to the site.

Pope Benedict’s message asked for prayers for his visit to France this weekend and also praised the faith of young Catholics.

Robert Toone, project director of Xt3.com, said: “We are delighted and deeply honoured to receive the Pope’s message. His Holiness is displaying his usual readiness to use the latest technology in his desire to communicate with young people.”

Mr Toone said the site had started as the official social network for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 and that its ongoing focus was to “bring people together from all around the world who want to share their experiences, support each other and work together to build a better world”.

The site has all the usual functions of a social networking site such as profile pages, friends, photos, discussion groups and events.

But it also includes projects and prayer intentions and provides a worldwide diocesan structure with a homepage for each diocese.

In addition, it has a section where users can ask a priest questions on any subject.

“All importantly, the site is covered by 24/7 moderation to ensure that Xt3 remains a safer and more secure environment,” Mr Toone added.

• For more details visit www.xt3.com

Taken from http://www.totalcatholic.com/tc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=272:papal-message-on-catholic-social-networking-site&catid=15:world&Itemid=35

The past month..

2008-10-01T17:31:00.000+08:00

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Well, we have quite a few pictures from all of our activities the past month! =)

First up was a movie session on the Miracles of Jesus. This gathering, which was a last-minute substitution for our Campus Mass (we couldn't manage to get a priest since most of them were away or had prior commitments) .

Intensely watching the movie

The movie (or shall i call it documentary?) basically examined three miracles of Jesus - the multiplication of loaves and fishes, the walking on water, and the resurection of the widow's son - and attempted to replicate these miracles using modern day technology, to see if these happenings really were miracles or not!

The rest of the documentary showed the process of how these miracles were attempted to be re-enacted using modern day technology, and how all of them failed! This thus goes to show that miracles really are what they are - miracles, and that modern-day science cannot explain or justify what we believe in faith. =)

Ooo, a point to note: the whole documentary was done by a team of Christians! This was the main point which led to a debate on whether the documentary was biased or not. Opinions were raised as to whether they would have been more particular in trying to prove the miracles wrong or otherwise.

What do you think?

The following week was a talk on Miracles (yup, a follow-up) by a guest speaker, Mr Paul Sebastian from the church of St Joseph, Sentul.

Mr Paul gave us a living testimony about his life and how he had been touched by God in various ways through miracles, and how he himself had witnessed miracles occuring to himself, his family, and others around him. He also explained to us how to distinguish a miracle from one which is done by black magic, bomohs, or paranormalists.

being presented with a token of appreciation from css ucsi

during the Q & A session, it was revealed that our CSS member Steven had met Mr Paul over 15 years ago when Steven was a small boy - and had pulled his hair! the world is small indeed =)

thats not all we did this month! stay tuned for the next update - where we had our first ever Sporty Session!

Oo, and a very SELAMAT HARI RAYA to all our Muslim friends!

The girl named Stephanie...

2008-09-20T13:58:00.000+08:00

Alright, this will be a funny post...about things which sometimes happen to us when we meet new people...

We have to back-track to the CSS meeting before our First Birthday Party. It was a planning session for the gala celebration which will be held the following week. And, there were two new faces with us on that day. Both of them are Nursing Students who'd just check into UCSI.

I was busy doing some writing(can't remember what I wrote la...I just know that I was distracted at that time). Patricia, as we do with new members, asked each and everyone of us to introduce ourselves. The rounds came and went until the two new members. I heard one of them saying that : "I'm Kim and I'm doing nursing." Alright, my cerebral hemisphere registered that.

However, I missed the other girl's name. Hmmm..either I missed, or my brain registered her name as STEPHANIE. Thus, this girl's name has always been Stephanie.

The birthday party came and went, meetings came and went, I met her so many times; in block A, outside the library, in the library, between Block B and C, always greeting her with "Hi", or "Hello", or "How are you doing?". Don't know why, I'd never say, "Hi, STEPHANIE". But I'd know her name is Stephanie la...

Until, one day, well, about 5 days ago. I met Rebecca outside B101 and we started chatting about CSS meetings. (I've been unable to make it for the past few gatherings, so just wanted to find out what's going on there...) And Rebecca said, "You'd know CLARE, right?"

"Clare?" A name that sounds so familiar, on the cbox and everything, yet I don't think I've met her. There was this girl during the Orientation, a CSS member, which I haven't officially introduce myself yet. Could she be CLARE, I wonder... possibly, since she'd seem to know what was going on during the Orientation. No other new faces were in the CSS booth, all those I'd know their names : Byron, Sue, Tomi, Patricia, Stephanie...

"Nope, I don't know Clare. Maybe will meet her in the coming meeting. Which one is she, ah?"
"..."(Rebecca's futile description to describe Clare's appearance)
"Nope, don't think I've met her before lah..."

(I'd omitted the rest of the long conversation involving Nicholas, Ms. Pretti the lecturer etc.)

Stephanie Stephanie Stephanie. Until...a dinner in McD. I was filling my saucer with ketchup when Stephanie walked in. Then she went, "Eh, Rebecca said you don't know who I am..."
And I froze. In my head, 'what you mean don't know who you are? You're Steph, right?'

Then, I said, "Noo...I know who you are la...", turned around and walk away.
That was when I received WAHYU/epiphany/enlightenment/or my hypothalamus just snap back together again. OMG(gosh, not God, it'll be using God's name in vain).

'STEPHANIE' IS actually...."CLARE"....

...(speechless)

I'd been running around(literally) thinking that this girl's name, which is actually Clare, is STEPHANIE. FOR TWO WHOLE MONTHS. Gosh...

Haha, so, to Stephanie, I mean, Clare...hahaha....I do know you, just that your name was registered as Stephanie! Hahaha... no hard feelings, ok?

Moral of the story : Erm, it's better to just say "HI" rather than "Hi, Joel...", you know, just in case, his name is not really Joel but Noel and you buat malu in front of everyone...

Moral of the story #2 : Sometimes we think we know someone, until you find out that you've been walking around with the wrong name...

Moral of the story #3 : There is no Stephanie in CSS.......right?

Moral of the story #4 : Pay attention, pay attention, pay attention. Don't multitask(even for the girls...). See what happened??

Anyway, have a good laugh everyone!
Now I know who's Clare.
The question is, "Do you know who's Clare?"

p.s. I don't think I can be a successful author. (Not that i want to be an author la...) No suspence to the story, from the beginning, I'm sure my readers all know that STEPHANIE = CLARE. So darn obvious...

Paul.

Miracles...

2008-09-13T11:39:00.000+08:00

The photo caught your attention, eh?

Miracles?

Baby?

What is it all about?

Join us this week for CSS to find out about this picture-puzzling event...

CSS's Newest Semester's Events

2008-09-07T10:21:00.000+08:00

Below are the activities planned by CSS for CSS:(click on the photo to enlarge)

First up, a mass...

Hope to see you there, ya!

Interview with Mother Teresa Part 2

2008-09-06T19:57:00.000+08:00

And here's the rest of the interview.
Have a great weekend!
-Pat

Interview with Mother Teresa by Edward W. Desmond (Time magazine, 1989) (cont.)

Time: What is the saddest place you've ever visited?
Mother Teresa: I don't know. I can't remember. It's a sad thing to see people suffer, especially the broken family, unloved, uncared for. It's a big sadness; it's always the children who suffer most when there is no love in the family. That's a terrible suffering. Very difficult because you can do nothing. That is the great poverty. You feel helpless. But if you pick up a person dying of hunger, you give him food and it is finished.

Time: Why has your order grown so quickly?
Mother Teresa: When I ask young people why they want to join us, they say they want the life of prayer, the life of poverty and the life of service to the poorest of the poor. One very rich girl wrote to me and said for a very long time she had been longing to become a nun. When she met us, she said I won't have to give up anything even if I give up everything. You see, that is the mentality of the young today. We have many vocations.

Time: There's been some criticism of the very severe regimen under which you and your Sisters live.
Mother Teresa: We chose that. That is the difference between us and the poor. Because what will bring us closer to our poor people? How can we be truthful to them if we lead a different life? If we have everything possible that money can give, that the world can give, then what is our connection to the poor? What language will I speak to them? Now if the people tell me it is so hot, I can say you come and see my room.

Time: Just as hot?
Mother Teresa: Much hotter even, because there is a kitchen underneath. A man came and stayed here as a cook at the children's home. He was rich before and became very poor. Lost everything. He came and said, "Mother Teresa, I cannot eat that food." I said, "I am eating it every day." He looked at me and said, "You eat it too? All right, I will eat it also." And he left perfectly happy. Now if I could not tell him the truth, that man would have remained bitter. He would never have accepted his poverty. He would never have accepted to have that food when he was used to other kinds of food. That helped him to forgive, to forget.

Time: What's the most joyful place that you have ever visited?
Mother Teresa: Kalighat. When the people die in peace, in the love of God, it is a wonderful thing. To see our poor people happy together with their families, these are beautiful things. The real poor know what is joy.

Time: There are people who would say that it's an illusion to think of the poor as joyous, that they must be given housing, raised up.
Mother Teresa: The material is not the only thing that gives joy. Something greater than that, the deep sense of peace in the heart. They are content. That is the great difference between rich and poor.

Time: But what about those people who are oppressed? Who are taken advantage of?
Mother Teresa: There will always be people like that. That is why we must come and share the joy of loving with them.

Time: Should the Church's role be just to make the poor as joyous in Christ as they can be made?
Mother Teresa: You and I, we are the Church, no? We have to share with our people. Suffering today is because people are hoarding, not giving, not sharing. Jesus made it very clear. Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me. Give a glass of water, you give it to me. Receive a little child, you receive me. Clear.

Time: If you speak to a political leader who could do more for his people, do you tell him that he must do better?
Mother Teresa: I don't say it like that. I say share the joy of loving with your people. Because a politician maybe cannot do the feeding as I do. But he should be clear in his mind to give proper rules and proper regulations to help his people.

Time: It is my job to keep politicians honest, and your job to share joy with the poor.
Mother Teresa: Exactly. And it is to be for the good of the people and the glory of God. This will be really fruitful. Like a man says to me that you are spoiling the people by giving them fish to eat. You have to give them a rod to catch the fish. And I said my people cannot even stand, still less hold a rod. But I will give them the fish to eat, and when they are strong enough, I will hand them over to you. And you give them the rod to catch the fish. That is a beautiful combination, no?

Time: Feminist Catholic nuns sometimes say that you should pour your energy into getting the Vatican to ordain women.
Mother Teresa: That does not touch me.

Time: What do you think of the feminist movement among nuns in the West?
Mother Teresa: I think we should be more busy with our Lord than with all that, more busy with Jesus and proclaiming His Word. What a woman can give, no man can give. That is why God has created them separately. Nuns, women, any woman. Woman is created to be the heart of the family, the heart of love. If we miss that, we miss everything. They give that love in the family or they give it in service, that is what their creation is for.

Time: The world wants to know more about you.
Mother Teresa: No, no. Let them come to know the poor. I want them to love the poor. I want them to try to find the poor in their own families first, to bring peace and joy and love in the family first.

Time: Malcolm Muggeridge once said that if you had not become a Sister and not found Christ's love, you would be a very hard woman. Do you think that is true?
Mother Teresa: I don't know. I have no time to think about these things.

Time: People who work with you say that you are unstoppable. You always get what you want.
Mother Teresa: That's right. All for Jesus.

Time: And if they have a problem with that?
Mother Teresa: For example, I went to a person recently who would not give me what I needed. I said God bless you, and I went on. He called me back and said what would you say if I give you that thing. I said I will give you a "God bless you" and a big smile. That is all. So he said then come, I will give it to you. We must live the simplicity of the Gospel.

Time: You once met Haile Mariam Mengistu, the much feared communist leader of Ethiopia and an avowed atheist. You asked him if he said his prayers. Why did you risk that?
Mother Teresa: He is one more child of God. When I went to China, one of the top officials asked me, "What is a communist to you?" I said, "A child of God." Then the next morning the newspapers reported that Mother Teresa said communists are children of God. I was happy because after a long, long time the name God was printed in the papers in China. Beautiful.

Time: Are you ever afraid?
Mother Teresa: No. I am only afraid of offending God. We are all human beings, that is our weakness, no? The devil would do anything to destroy us, to take us away from Jesus.

Time: Where do you see the devil at work?
Mother Teresa: Everywhere. When a person is longing to come closer to God he puts temptation in the way to destroy the desire. Sin comes everywhere, in the best of places.

Time: What is your greatest fear?
Mother Teresa: I have Jesus, I have no fear.

Time: What is your greatest disappointment?
Mother Teresa: I do the will of God, no? In doing the will of God there is no disappointment.

Time: Do your work and spiritual life become easier with time?
Mother Teresa: Yes, the closer we come to Jesus, the more we become the work. Because you know to whom you are doing it, with whom you are doing it and for whom you are doing it. That is very clear. That is why we need a clean heart to see God.

Time: What are your plans for the future?
Mother Teresa: I just take one day. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today to love Jesus.

Time: And the future of the order?
Mother Teresa: It is His concern.

-end-

Interview with Mother Teresa Part 1

2008-09-06T19:42:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!
Remember during our retreat at Genting when we agreed to post things up on the blog? Well, I'll start the ball rolling by posting an interview with Mother Teresa (my dad sent this to me sometime ago). It's pretty long so I'm posting it into 2 parts (^ ___ ^).
Feel free to leave a comment.

God Bless!
-Pat

Interview with Mother Teresa by Edward W. Desmond (Time magazine, 1989)

Time: What did you do this morning?
Mother Teresa: Pray.

Time: When did you start?
Mother Teresa: Half-past four

Time: And after prayer?
Mother Teresa: We try to pray through our work by doing it with Jesus, for Jesus, to Jesus. That helps us to put our whole heart and soul into doing it. The dying, the cripple, the mental, the unwanted, the unloved they are Jesus in disguise.

Time: People know you as a sort of religious social worker. Do they understand the spiritual basis of your work?
Mother Teresa: I don't know. But I give them a chance to come and touch the poor. Everybody has to experience that. So many young people give up everything to do just that. This is something so completely unbelievable in the world, no? And yet it is wonderful. Our volunteers go back different people.

Time: Does the fact that you are a woman make your message more understandable?
Mother Teresa: I never think like that.

Time: But don't you think the world responds better to a mother?
Mother Teresa: People are responding not because of me, but because of what we're doing. Before, people were speaking much about the poor, but now more and more people are speaking to the poor. That's the great difference. The work has created this. The presence of the poor is known now, especially the poorest of the poor, the unwanted, the loved, the uncared-for. Before, nobody bothered about the people in the street. We have picked up from the streets of Calcutta 54,000 people, and 23,000 something have died in that one room [at Kalighat].

Time: Why have you been so successful?
Mother Teresa: Jesus made Himself the bread of life to give us life. That's where we begin the day, with Mass. And we end the day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I don't think that I could do this work for even one week if I didn't have four hours of prayer every day.

Time: Humble as you are, it must be an extraordinary thing to be a vehicle of God's grace in the world.
Mother Teresa: But it is His work. I think God wants to show His greatness by using nothingness.

Time: You are nothingness?
Mother Teresa: I'm very sure of that.

Time: You feel you have no special qualities?
Mother Teresa: I don't think so. I don't claim anything of the work. It's His work. I'm like a little pencil in His hand. That's all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has nothing to do it. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used. In human terms, the success of our work should not have happened, no? That is a sign that it's His work, and that He is using others as instruments - all our Sisters. None of us could produce this. Yet see what He has done.

Time: What is God's greatest gift to you?
Mother Teresa: The poor people.

Time: How are they a gift?
Mother Teresa: I have an opportunity to be with Jesus 24 hours a day.

Time: Here in Calcutta, have you created a real change?
Mother Teresa: I think so. People are aware of the presence and also many, many, many Hindu people share with us. They come and feed the people and they serve the people. Now we never see a person lying there in the street dying. It has created a worldwide awareness of the poor.

Time: Beyond showing the poor to the world, have you conveyed any message about how to work with the poor?
Mother Teresa: You must make them feel loved and wanted. They are Jesus for me. I believe in that much more than doing big things for them.

Time: What's your greatest hope here in India?
Mother Teresa: To give Jesus to all.

Time: But you do not evangelize in the conventional sense of the term.
Mother Teresa: I'm evangelizing by my works of love.

Time: Is that the best way?
Mother Teresa: For us, yes. For somebody else, something else. I'm evangelizing the way God wants me to. Jesus said go and preach to all the nations. We are now in so many nations preaching the Gospel by our works of love. "By the love that you have for one another will they know you are my disciples." That's the preaching that we are doing, and I think that is more real.

Time: Friends of yours say that you are disappointed that your work has not brought more conversions in this great Hindu nation.
Mother Teresa: Missionaries don't think of that. They only want to proclaim the Word of God. Numbers have nothing to do with it. But the people are putting prayer into action by coming and serving the people. Continually people are coming to feed and serve, so many, you go and see. Everywhere people are helping. We don't know the future. But the door is already open to Christ. There may not be a big conversion like that, but we don't know what is happening in the soul.

Time: What do you think of Hinduism?
Mother Teresa: I love all religions, but I am in love with my own. No discussion. That's what we have to prove to them. Seeing what I do, they realize that I am in love with Jesus.

Time: And they should love Jesus too?
Mother Teresa: Naturally, if they want peace, if they want joy, let them find Jesus. If people become better Hindus, better Moslems, better Buddhists by our acts of love, then there is something else growing there. They come closer and closer to God. When they come closer, they have to choose.

Time: You and John Paul II, among other Church leaders, have spoken out against certain lifestyles in the West, against materialism and abortion. How alarmed are you?
Mother Teresa: I always say one thing: If a mother can kill her own child, then what is left of the West to be destroyed? It is difficult to explain , but it is just that.

Time: When you spoke at Harvard University a few years ago, you said abortion was a great evil and people booed. What did you think when people booed you?
Mother Teresa: I offered it to our Lord. It's all for Him, no? I let Him say what He wants.

Time: But these people who booed you would say that they also only want the best for women?
Mother Teresa: That may be. But we must tell the truth.

Time: And that is?
Mother Teresa: We have no right to kill. Thou shalt not kill, a commandment of God. And still should we kill the helpless one, the little one? You see we get so excited because people are throwing bombs and so many are being killed. For the grown ups, there is so much excitement in the world. But that little one in the womb, not even a sound? He cannot even escape. That child is the poorest of the poor.

Time: Is materialism in the West an equally serious problem?
Mother Teresa: I don't know. I have so many things to think about. I pray lots about that, but I am not occupied by that. Take our congregation for example, we have very little, so we have nothing to be preoccupied with. The more you have, the more you are occupied, the less you give. But the less you have the more free you are. Poverty for us is a freedom. It is not a mortification, a penance. It is joyful freedom. There is no television here, no this, no that. This is the only fan in the whole house. It doesn't matter how hot it is, and it is for the guests. But we are perfectly happy.

Time: How do you find rich people then?
Mother Teresa: I find the rich much poorer. Sometimes they are more lonely inside. They are never satisfied. They always need something more. I don't say all of them are like that. Everybody is not the same. I find that poverty hard to remove. The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.

-to be continued-

First CSS meeting of the semester

2008-09-01T15:40:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone!

CSS UCSI is starting a fresh new semester. For those of you freshies, don't worry, come and join us in Free & Easy cafe on the 3rd of September 2008 from 4pm onwards.

All are invited, catholic or non-catholic, as this is a get-to-know session!

See you there!!!

World Faith : Tooth Fact...

2008-09-01T09:52:00.000+08:00

Look what I found on the internet! (sorry people, since the moderator is going to study dentistry, this has some dental elements!) Saint Apollonia is the Saint of Dentistry! Similar to our Patron Saint, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga(refer to August 2007 post), Saint Apollonia is regarded as the patron saint of dentistry because ... well, read this article taken from Wikipedia.

"Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians prior to the persecution of Decius. According to legend, her torture included having all of her teeth violently pulled out or shattered. For this reason, she is popularly regarded as the patroness of dentistry and those suffering from toothache or other dental problems."

"At that time Apollonia, parthénos presbytis (by which he very probably means not a virgin advanced in years as is generally reported, but a deaconess) was held in high esteem. These men seized her also and by repeated blows broke all her teeth. They then erected outside the city gates a pile of fagots and threatened to burn her alive if she refused to repeat after them impious words (either a blasphemy against Christ, or an invocation of the heathen gods). Given, at her own request, a little freedom, she sprang quickly into the fire and was burned to death."

"The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches celebrate the feast day of St. Apollonia on February 9, and she is popularly invoked against the toothache because of the torments she had to endure. She is represented in art with pincers in which a tooth is held."

"The island of Mauritius was originally named Santa Apolonia in her honor in 1507 by Portuguese navigators."

Mmm...cool...
If you all want to know any other Patron Saints, or find out about the meaning of your names etc., shout it loud in the cbox.
It's Paulline year this year by the way...

Planning camp!

2008-08-23T17:44:00.000+08:00

And they're off to Dominic Villa, Genting Highlands(or rather, at the foot of Genting!).

Look at Byron, the face of JOY for this planning camp.

This was taken just before they boarded the bus to Genting.

More will be post up later about the gist of the planning camp!

Planning Camp

2008-08-09T23:54:00.000+08:00

CSS will be having a planning camp for it's members soon.

Suggested dates : 23-24th August or 30-31st August
Place : Genting Highlands
(Subject to change)

We're going to have an interactive session planning events for the next semester as well as have FUN in Genting!
Don't worry, CSS takes into consideration the tight budget we're living on now, and will be cost effective!

Do, drop us a comment either at the end of this post or on the cbox to air your views!
We really want to hear from you...FAST!

We're ONE year old!!!

2008-08-01T22:11:00.000+08:00

Oh oh! What a sinfully delightful cake...

Byron's expression says it all... how good it tastes...
But what's with the cake? Why all of the sudden a cake in a CSS meeting? And why such a delightful chocolate-bits, strawberry-filled sponge cake...

BOTTOM'S UP PEOPLE. START FROM THE BOTTOM AND SCROLL UP. WHILE YOU'RE DOWN THERE SCROLLING UP, CLICK AND LET THE VIDEO BUFFER! HAVE A LAUGH (OR TWO)!

Family photo!

A symbolic picture.
CSS as one.
Our community discerns no skin-colour, no language, no appearance...
We're all belong to the same "troop of messengers in christ"

Everyone having a bite while watching the CSS video...

(Check post-script)

Look at the amount of food we had! Rice, meehoon, sandwiches, chips, rambutans, cake, popiah, sausage, jelly......woah, I'm hungry already...

1, 2, 3,
...Thank you lord....

Mr. James leading the prayer in a form of a song...
Parts by the girls and guys...made a simple yet meaningful and fun prayer-before-meal...

It's your turn to clown around!

Yes, that word....no no, the previous one...

Getting down to the knees to illustrate the word...

2nd Game. Charadese. Now, you can't speak, you can't draw. You can only ACT...

"Sunset Mass"

Bro. Sebastian helping out with the food. He brought us cake, so in the end, we had TWO CAKES for our BIRTHDAY! Haha...

Everyone had fun...
We have a new member, Veronica.(the front one) WELCOME TO CSS!

Eugene. (Both Eugene and Alex are Klang people...)
Interesting quote, :"I discovered that there're many pretty chicks in UCSI."
Laugh out loud...

Alexander, giving a short testimony of CSS in his campus...

Group members trying to guess the word...

Tomi was in-charged of the games on that day.
Interesting fact, ATOMIC without the A and C spells ...
He discovered it...

Rebecca, frowning at the given clue.

The 1st game. Peek-a-TABOO. You can't act it out. You can't draw it out. You can only speak it out!

The members that were present. We had friends from CSS MMU with us on that day...
Brother Sebastian giving a welcoming speech to everyone. The event started at 5.30pm, Malaysian time. (read 6pm)

P.S. Home-made video of CSS before 1 year old. All those things we did...(not vomitting, puking or pooing...)

Letter from the Chair in Sydney

2008-07-25T22:21:00.001+08:00

Below is an email from Sue in Sydney...

Sorry it's a little late, but have fun reading...

Hey everyone,

I've got a bit of free time so I thought i'd share with you some thoughts n reflections of WYD 2008.

The first thing I realized is that faith is a life-long learning experience. Well, so is everything else, but this aspect really struck me when I got here and was exposed to so many things. You learn a little more about faith each day. Not faith as faith only in the bible or what you learn from Catechism, but faith thru actions and real life. If I were to complain about a 13 hour journey to Australia, there were people who took 35 hours to get there. If one were to complain about the tremendous amount of walking around, you should have seen the people who came in wheelchairs and crutches. Faith is such an amazing thing to unite all together. I tell you, although there were about half a miliion people around, all with different languages and cultures, the one thing which united us all was Jesus, and this was indeed one of the experiences I treasure. And seeing all these people, the same age as us, who probablly face the same challenges as we do in our lifes, but living it all up for God - that makes me realize that we should never ever give up. The same thing with CSS. It's our mission to live out a Christian life, and to witness to others. Being a witness was one of the major aspects that Sydney ppl got to experience. They remarked that Catholics were so cheerful, smiley, happy - and never complained! Hmm, an example. While working as a volunteer, there were days when there were communication breakdowns within the gates (25 gates!) So it happened that people who had to go thru Gate 1 were told to go to Gate 3 and cut thru..but Gate 3 was closed and so these poor people had to walk all the way back to my gate (Gate 24 - right at the other end!) and go thru another way to get to their gate. We're talking about almost 1.5 times the length of the pasar malam in cheras - one way! :S I mean, i imagined these people were gonna be so pissed and annoyed, and my teammates and I at the gates kept on apologizing. But they just laughed and said its ok, and they grabbed their bags, started singing and continued walking on. Now in my opinion, thats the true Catholic spirit!!

So yeah, never give up. You know how I used to be really worried about our attendance at gatherings? Now I know that instead of mainly worrying and fretting, we should just be living witnesses. And that's whats gonna matter in the end. Not our numbers, (it does count a bit too la!) but lets all work together to bring the message of Christ to our campus.

Ive got tons more of stories but it's really freezing here! Will share some more once I get back. Take care :)

Sue
ps: the pope says to focus on inter-ecumenical discussions!

Parable of the Sower

2008-07-13T10:59:00.000+08:00

First note : Take care Sue, have a great time in Sydney during the World Youth Day! If you're seeing this post from Sydney, remember the CSS members in UCSI...as well as tokens from WYD(for us)! Ha!

Second Note : The month of July is the birth of CSS in UCSI. Though we are not sure which date exactly is our birthday, we declare the WHOLE month of July as our birthday! How nice it is...if our birthday is one month right? So, we'll be having a BIRTHDAY PARTY for OURSELVES soon. Details are as follow :
a) Date : 24th July 2008
b) Day : Thursday
c) Time : 5.30pm
More details about the theme etc. will be announced in the week to come. So check out the blog regularly!

Third Note : This week's Gospel touches on the PARABLE OF THE SOWER. With initial steps to increase spread our faith, I will share a thing or two as spoken by Fr. Lawrence Andrew of the St. Anne's Church, Klang.

"On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirty fold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Matthew 13 : 1-23

This parable can be said to represent the whole world, as well as individually. Let us take a look at it from both perspectives.

World :
God is the sower in this case. And the Earth is the place where the seeds are sown. If you look around us, there're large pockets of where Christianity has flourished, then whithered. Turkey for example, the birthplace of St. Paul(Tarsus in Turkey is the exact birthplace), was once a Christian community, but now majority of the citizens are Muslims. It can be said that, God sowed the seeds to these places, but, to quote : "Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots."
Upon challenges and hardships, Christianity whither in places like Turkey. Yet in other, such as, Mexico, Brazil, and Italy, Christianity is flourishing. But does it mean, if we're on "rocky ground" or "among thorns", we are doomed to fail as Christians?

Individual :
The first question to ask is not as above, instead it is: "Are we seeds of God?" We, as Catholics(or Christians in general) have to ponder whether are we willing to "take up the cross and follow him". How have we developed by faith since the end of our Sunday school era(yay!)? Have our actions reflected God's words?
If indeed, we decide, that we are the seeds of God, the next question is: "What can we do to grow, even among thorn bushes and rocky ground?" As seeds need water to germinate, and plants need sunlight to grow, how are we going to grow by faith as Christians? Read the word of God, stick to the 10 Commandments are a few that I can think of.
"So, we will grow by doing these even if we're placed in places like Turkey?"
The answer, I think, is yes. There're Christian communities even in countries largely populated by other religion. And the simple reason that they exist, is faith to God.

(Third Note is an analysis of what Fr. Lawrence has said by the moderator. Additional information have been added to make it easier for college students to understand. If you disagree with his opinion(moderator, not Fr. Lawrence), do leave a comment in the cbox. No bantering, we're all adults...Thanks!)

Fourth note : cssucsi.blogspot.com will be rolling out the new information of the new committee soon. Do be patient with me. Thanks.

Fifth note : There will be a planning camp for CSS in the month of August. Exact date has yet to be confirmed, probably during the semster break after the 22nd of August. Do keep in mind these dates and join us for this two day planning camp in Genting Highlands! Check the blog for more details soon...

Woah. It's only the 5th note and I ran out of things to say. How am I going to break the record of the longest piece of musical note ever composed?

p.s. The longest musical piece ever composed is »Organ2/ASLSP« by American composer/artist John Cage (1912-1992). The piece ends after 639 years, on September 4, 2640. Now, that's something!

Old-New

2008-07-05T23:02:00.000+08:00

Old Exco Committee:

Chairperson -Gregory Joseph Xavier

Vice Chairperson -Suenanica Anne de Rozario

Secretary - Ehoro Ayodele Chijiuke

Treasurer - Suenanica Anne de Rozario

Music - Brigitte Anna Januarius

Publisity -Sophia Mary

Students Affairs -Bryon

Web Master - Paul Yeoh

We bid bon voyage to this old exco commitee and will usher the new one in. Wonder who's in the new committee? Scroll down...

~ Oh yeah, but before that, we gotta address something important within CSS. ~

Recently, an ex-member of CSS gave a comment (not in exact words, but almost the same meaning):

"Catholics only know Christ as the beautiful statue in church. Christ is no longer in CSS and that is why we are unable to attract members to come for meetings. Prayer is not being taken seriously. And a large majority of catholics(in UCSI) have a wrong idea on what faith is."

Ok, please do not be angered by the above comment. Instead, take some time to ponder about it, and I will give my view and breakdown on this matter. However, my view does not reflect what the other CSS excos(or members) think of this situation. It's generally my opinion and I welcome POSITIVE feedbacks.(no lashing and bantering)

Is Christ no longer in CSS? Is that the reason why we are unable to attract members?

CSS has had a difficult time balancing what its members want. Fun, God, knowledge, Praise and worship and friends. Nonetheless, every activity we had, we've put God an element in the event. The talks we had to do with knowledge on the Bible and on our faith. Praise and worship always centred around God. Rosary is for the devotion to Mother Mary. Fun, well, maybe it doesn't have anything to do with God, but it bonds us closer.

Now, to examine whether is Christ no longer in CSS, we have to look back at our meetings. Yes, the meetings were mostly God-centred. How about the members? Most who came were definitely eager to find out about Christ. I mean, I was eager to find out about the book of Revelation, and Advent and everything. It is a way of strengthening my faith.

But if indeed, Christ is no longer in CSS, is that why we are unable to draw in members? This is a big problem, and my personal opinion lies in the fact that we are unable to set a good timing where everyone is free.(not only no class, but no other activities)

Now, if we ARE able to set a suitable timing, will people come? In my opinion, maybe, maybe not. Catholics have always been a little "reserved" whether in Church or outside. From my observation, we are not normally...1st to strike. We praise God, but we are sometimes ashamed to show it openly. We love to join an activity, only if we have friends following us to a new environment. (I remembered the first time walking into CSS, ALONE, woah, trembling...)

Prayer is not being taken seriously?

Prayer is a personal stuff. Again, Catholics are not as vocal as other Christians are. Our prayers are sometimes un-expressive. We stutter. So, whether or not we are serious in our prayer, it is entirely up to each individual and should not be judged. Some like prayer to be casual, some solemn, some loud, some do it alone in the room. Our face do not need to ash-strickened for a prayer to be serious. Afterall, we're communicating with God, and prayer should be something that makes us comfortable. (not really FORMAL, e.g. GOD, NUMBER 1...)

A large majority of catholics(in UCSI) have a wrong idea on what faith is?

Faith. How many of us have enough idea on faith? Jesus said if we had faith as big as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. So, how much faith do we actually have? And what is our idea of faith?

Interestingly, today's sermon by Fr. Joachim Tan of HRC, Klang, that God does not put intellectual knowledge first. We can read and quote the whole Bible, but if we don't understand the essence of it, what use is the knowledge? I believe that, with the faith we have, we should go about practising it. Keep to the 10 commandments. Respect fellow beings. I am not ashamed to say that my knowledge of the Bible is pretty, well, trivial. And also of the catholic faith. But at the age of 18,(yes, the moderator is THIS old) how much faith can we expect to have? Even people who have been catholics for 50 years don't have the faith of a mustard seed. Faith is an on-going process, we learn a little by little throughout life. Idea about faith? As long as it has to do with God, don't we call that faith?

In short, we can have many views of this matter. I agree with some, I disagree with some. I'm typing it out here so that we will not be ignorant, and maybe as a way for you readers to examine and grow in faith. Yes, when compared with other denominations, we might not be that hip, that vocal, that fun, but we are still praising one same God...

Alright, enough of the blabbering(as of now, I feel totally like a grandmother, or grandfather...)

Say hello to the new face of CSS :

Chairperson -Suenanica Anne de Rozario
Vice Chairperson -Patricia Lajumin
Secretary - Thomas Tomi Arifin
Treasurer - Joanne Lai
Music Coordinator- Byron
Activity Coordinator - Brigitte Januarius
Publicity/PR -Nicholas
Amanda Marie P. D
Web Master - Paul Yeoh

cssucsi.blogspot.com wishest a warm welcome to PATRICIA, TOMI, JOANNE, NICHOLAS and AMANDA!

Chitchat with Greg : Part 2

2008-07-04T16:06:00.000+08:00

4. If you could turn back time, what would you have changed in CSS?
Nothing. I am thankful with my committee members and saw every challenge as God's will and we are to go through it together. No regrets in this point. If it is not due to the past you would not have a future.Wanting to change the past in this mater is like not acknowledging one's mistake and not wanting to learn from it but wanting an easy way out to clear things. Not good.

5. How have each and every CSS committee grown since one year ago?
I feel all of them has learnt something of which you will have to ask them yourselves haha. However I believe they have become more mature by acquiring or brushing up their leadership skills and faith, becoming better. Nevertheless I also feel there are some who have missed out a bit haha. For me I have gained more experience in organization, PR and of course more knowledge of our faith through our gatherings which many have missed haha for not coming.

6. What do you want CSS members to benefit from the CSS gatherings? Are there aims or objectives for each gathering?
ATOMIC has its aims and objectives but basically we want the members to learn more about our faith in a higher level more than what has already been thought in church and the same time to form a circle of friends which will be quality witnesses of Christ in the university. Also to grow in faith together while being students trying to lead a Cristian life hence.

7. What do you think CSS needs the most and why? (money, members etc.)
It needs some sort of dedication and love in doing God's work and wanting to learn to really follow His ways and thus serving the people around. Thats what makes us different from all other societies (non-religious). The people in CSS will have to learn how to sacrifice a little. Jesus sacrificed himself for us, did he not? So why not we make some sacrifice too for the benefit of others. There is nothing to loose but only gains.

8. How did you feel after being thrown into the Angkasa swimming pool after the Easter party? haha - I have been thrown into many pools, many times before so it is not something new. But i was happy and touched and grateful to know that I have good friends around me. It was unexpected because i thought you guys were not into doing these kind of stuff. hahaha

9. As the outgoing president, do you have anything else to say to the new president?
Persevere, don't give up, pray and know that God is always with you. Be sincere in your duty, respect others and listen to your members and accommodate them and be their friend and not their boss. Run CSS as a family not as a corporate body. There will be ups and downs and it is not going to be easy so be strong and value those around you. Be responsible and learn to sacrifice and prioritize. To add - for the members pula - support your president because nowadays organization is no more a one way thing meaning it does not all lies in the hands of the leader. So the ups and downs of CSS lies also in the hands of the members too. Remember that CSS is not a corporate body or not like other societies, it is a family and it belongs to all. The leader is to drive you people safely and correctly to where you want to go collectively. I also feel that though with a small group make it a strong group, in faith and knowledge and friendship. The bulk will later come slowly. Lastly dont panic and stay cool and enjoy what you do

10. It must have been hard typing everything using CORRECT english grammar and so forth. (Haha...payback for all the emails you sent.) Anything to comment or justify to this?
I have no problem in my English - grammar and spelling. I type fast and i have many things to do so i don't check. Pardon me for that haha. For the many mails is because I don't have a computer myself and i do not know when i will get one then, so the moment something pops up my head and i want all to know i send a mail if not i forget too. Also i send many, is to inform all EXCO what is happening so later there would not be any excuse of not knowing what is going on. (Although the result is not 100%) Again this is not one way leadership. Everyone will have to know what others are doing only then it is easier to coordinate certain things while organizing stuff.

Last few words...of the very long chat...

I have enjoyed myself being the president or some would call me the Chair @ Kerusi hahaha (chairman) for the past one year. I have learnt a lot and made many friends within the university and also in other universities and without CSS i would not be able to do so. Without CSS i would not have a soul but might become more of a robot being churned out from the university. The experience gained i am very grateful and happy for, and i know that these experiences will definitely help me in future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my EXCOs who are all good in their own ways and in their work. Sue, Bridgette, Byron, Ivan, Paul, Rebecca and the rest keep up the good work in the coming term and keep CSS alive.Lastly my sincere apologies if during my tenure as president i have hurt anyone through my actions or words.

Bon Voyage

Chitchat with Greg : Part 1

2008-06-29T13:32:00.000+08:00

Well, it's almost time for CSS's AGM(next week, July the 3rd). This means it is time to 'shoo' out the old committee and say 'hello' to the new ones. This also means that Gregory, the Kerusi, will be leaving CSS(and UCSI) for Kuala Terengganu. Before he leaves, cssucsi.blogspot.com sat down(in front of the computer) with him to discuss his tenure as President. Below is Part 1 of the fairly long chat...

1. Tell us about the beginning, how did you join CSS and how were you made the 1st President of CSS.

Well it was unexpected. I thought a CSS did not exist and i actually told Ivan there was none when he asked me. Then one day Ivan came up to me pula and said there was one and yup we were both excited.We went to one of the members house one night and realized it was a first gathering hahahaha. Both of us thought the group existed ages a go.. Ms June was leading the group and told us that contact has been made with Lifeline Ministry of SFX so we are hooked to themlah. Dunno how i got the first task to organize the following weeks' gatherings' activity and it was about Angels.

So as usual, I went back and got into business but unfortunately something came up and i did not attend that gathering but I passed my work and it was carried out together with a short movie screening and sharing too by the rest. After that about 6 gatherings or so were held and i attended only 1.Then came the exam and holiday season and no gatherings were held. To be honest i did not bother also because i myself was busy with medicine.

Then came a night where when i was walking back from UCSI to the condo i got a call from an unknown number. Uhmm who could it be?? I asked myself. Bah should be one of my classmates. Rupa rupanya it was Ms June. Ah maybe an invitation to join the next gathering. Tengok tengok 'Hey Greg can you take over this group!' she asked me. !!!! I declined and gave reasons for it and asked her too WHY ME??. (She only met me twice during those gatherings - so how can one know me??).

She said i was the first to pop up in her mind when thinking this. (?!?!??!) Ms June was sick and could not run the show. I told her i will think first.Hahaha - As i was thinking whether i can take over or not I was already planning how to set up CSS university level and join CMO. While contemplating on this issue i realized myself in ASAYO office asking how to set up a CSS when i was passing by Masjid Jamek one day, while on the way back to my kampung. Then I gathered some counterparts and then had a short meeting with Ms Jennifer from CMO in UCSI. The ball hence started rolling.

Forms to set up a society in UCSI were filled and complied too. Some research was done and we got to know that there are many Catholics around and we estimated bout 100. Ivan was a good fisherman and with his findings we decided to have an AGM. Well the turn out was poor and we realized our publicity was not strong enough so for the next 2 week we worked hard in publicity and the next AGM we saw 30 people turned out for it. Wohooo. And walla I became the first president. (I was still in contemplating mode haha).

Before all these events Fr. Valentine told Ivan and I that he wanted to see a CSS in UCSI. Hehe i did not feel wanting to take the initiative set up one also at that time. Guess his prayers were answered.Well God works in wonders and I was a Jonah here hahaha, finally stoped contemplating and said to myself "Woi!! You are the Pressie here and it is for a reason and a CSS is here also for a reason so get into business!!!". YOUR will be done. Without anymore hesitation i jumped into the building of the CSS here together with my new committee.

2. In the early part of CSS gathering, what were the obstacles that you faced as the President? Have these obstacles been resolved as you leave?

Well the first obstacles was getting everyone organized and 'into' CSS and that has been resolved and going well till now. Then it was finding a proper time to maximize the number of members and excos to attend each gathering. Won at times but till know it has not 100% resolved. UCSI timetables are not standardized and at every moment some one will either be having their exams, holidays or what so ever in uni. The number of attendance was fluctuating from as low as 4 to as high as 25 (normal gatherings excluding mass).

Next is people themselves who are difficult. Always give false hope and information hampering the EXCO's to do their job. Efficiency, responsibility, sincerity, sacrifice is quiet lacking as well as the will to explore and learn and to grow and mature in the faith. We are trying to change this through many ways but you know we only can bring the horse to the river but for it to drink is left up to the horse.

The other, is excuses, unreasonable ones....haish... . Well we cant force but we are still with our doors open and inside it there is much to gain which I feel bad as it is not reaching the members. The chances for a system itself not to work is about 30% the rest is human - 70%.

3. Tell us your best memory of CSS since it's birth almost one year ago.

The whole formation of setting up, carrying out and passing over CSS is an unforgettable memory itself.

Nothing specific in particular. Experiencing every moment to the fullest whether happy or sad are good memories.

~To be continued~

The portrait...

2008-06-15T12:19:00.000+08:00

Anyone want to add to this? Or got a better explanation?

Today, the face of Jesus is one of the most recognizable on the planet, and yet no one knows what Jesus actually looked like. This paradox of art, history and religion is the focus of a Tuesday, Sept. 25 lecture titled: “Competing Faces of Christ and the Emergence of an Authentic Portrait.” Art historian Herbert Kessler, a visiting professor at Emory, will deliver the free public talk at 5 p.m. in Cannon Chapel. A reception will follow in Brooks Commons.

The gospels and other early Christian writings do not describe the appearance of Jesus, said Kessler, a professor of early Christian and medieval art at Johns Hopkins University, who is currently Candler’s Alonzo L. McDonald Family Chair on the Life and Teachings of Jesus and their Impact.

“In the early period, there was a concerted effort to show Christ with various features as a way to suggest that no one really knew what he looked like,” Kessler said. “He was shown bald and beardless. He was shown with a golden corona of hair. He was shown with short, curly red hair.”

By the end of the sixth century, these various images of Christ had coalesced into the one most popular today: a bearded man with light-brown hair, parted in the middle and flowing to his shoulders.

“The church and the state wanted an identifiable image of Christ that connoted his dual nature — as human and divine,” Kessler said.

For the past two decades, Kessler has focused his career on the ways that Christ appears in art and in “miraculous images,” such as Veronica’s Veil and the Mandylion of Edessa. While at Emory this fall, he is conducting a seminar for students from both Candler and the art history department on how medieval artists depicted the face and body of Christ.

“Medieval artists paid close attention to virtually every part of Christ’s body — his face, his upper torso, his heart, his blood, the wound in his side, his feet — precisely because Christ returned to heaven and it remained for artists to create materialization, as there were no relics,” Kessler said.

Kessler’s time at Emory coincides with the exhibit “Cradle of Christianity: Jewish and Christian Treasures from the Holy Land,” continuing through Oct. 14 at the Carlos Museum.

“I was struck by the opening display, which shows how close Jewish and Christian artwork was at the origins of Christianity,” said Kessler, who visited the exhibit shortly after arriving in Atlanta. “It clearly makes the point that Christian art emerged from a complex pagan and Jewish culture.”

Taken from http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/2007/September/Setp24/JesusPortrait.htm

What do you think about REVELATIONS?

2008-06-05T17:36:00.000+08:00

Misconception of this book : Revelations indirectly predicts the future of the world

On the 5th of June, we were glad to have Mr. Bruno(not Dr. or Fr. or Your Grace) to speak on the book of Revelations in the Bible. This is what he said in the opening of his lesson : "We'll focus on Chapter 12 and 13 of the book of Revelation because according to scholars, if we are to understand the whole idea of this book, we just have to understand the basics in Chapter 12 and 13"

Important points to note :
1. From Chapter 1 to 3, the book is addressed to 7 churches in Asia i.e. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea in that order.

2. Chapter 12 speaks about a vision of a woman in labour crying in the pangs of childbirth. There was a red dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns waiting to swallow the child that is to be born. War broke out in the heavens and Michael attacks the dragon and throws it down to Earth. A beast comes out from the sea and the dragon gives all its power to this beast. A second beast came out from the ground and forced the people to worship the first beast that came out from the sea.

3. The number on the beast - 666 - represents the name of a man.

According to Mr. Bruno, in order to understand Revelations and dispel the common misconceptions, we have to look at the historical backdrop of this book.

1. Emperor Nero(54ad to 68ad), in a politically motivated move to get Rome united(the Roman empire was at that time, a multi-cultural and multi-racial community), he declared Julius Caeser(an earlier emperor) as Lord and God and Roma as the goddess. He erected emblems and statues of JC and Roma. Citizens were expected to put their hands towards the chest and bow when see the emblem of JC and Roman.
Evidence of this can be seen in many remaining artefacts and a script from Tiberius, Emperor when Jesus was crucified, saying that he received a letter that Julius Ceasar was worshipeed as god.

2. The catholic community, however, didn't want to follow the law and persecution of Catholics were started by Nero - peter and paul was persecuted in 64ad

3. In 68ad, Rome went into crisis as 2 new emperors were assasinated, and 1 sacked in that year because they deemed him incompetent.

4. Vespacian(68ad to 79ad) became the emperor, and herealised that the policy of execution was flawed. He tabled a new law; it was compulsory to put to death anyone practising christianity or those who were protecting the Christians.

5. Titus, his son - took over for another 2 years. Persecutions carried on.

6. Titus was succeeded by his son, Domitian. Domitian realised that Nero's and Vespacian's policies had flopped. He pressured the christians to recognise the Roman emperor as god; and he declared persecutions that were opened to the whole Roman empire, not only in Rome.

7. During Domitian's reign (81ad-96ad), christians were thrown to lions. In nero's time, christians were burnt. Between these times, the churches went underground - thus, giving birth to the catacombs.

8. The book of revelations was written in 95ad. That was still during Domitian's reign.

With this in mind, Mr. Bruno put us into "misery" by asking us what all of these related to the book of Revelations.

1. dragon with 7 heads - the Dragon represented the roman empire, 7 heads to represent the 7 emperors who persecuted the catholics, from Nero to Domitian.(now, go count all the BOLDED emperors!)
However, modern scholars disagree on the 3 short-termed emperors who were either assasinated or sacked. Instead, they argue, the 7 emperos includes Julius Ceasar, Augustus Ceasar, and Caligula(earlier emperors)

2. red - violence and bloodshed in Hebrew

3. 10 horns - represents the senate who was helping the dragon to carry out persecutions

4. the number 7(for 7 heads) - 7 represents totality or completeness in hebrew, and it is represented with a head because the head is deemed very powerful and controls everyhthing of the body.

5. the woman in the vision - the church in Rome, also known as mother church

6. the first beast - julius ceasar as the first beast was demanded to be worshipped

7. the second beast - nero - who forced people to worship the first beast(julius ceasar)

8. the woman was crying in the vision - the author pictures the mother church crying and struggle, in the effort to spread Christianity during the times of the persecution when the Roman empire was strong

9. 7 churches in Asia - the author was attempting to ask these 7 churches not to give up, in times of hardship and oppression from the Roman emperor. Times were so hard that the 7 churches intended on giving up on the faith.

10. 666 - the name of emperor nero. In Hebrew, each letter is assigned with a numerical value. When the numerical value of Emperor Nero's name was added, it gives 666. The name in hebrew is "nun, resh, waw, nun - quoph, samech, resh"

Thus, the author actually thought that the future was upon his community. He also thought that the world was going to end in 95ad and Jesus was going to come and save the world from the Roman empire. With persecutions going on, he wrote to the churches in Asia to describe how the situation was in Rome.(though somewhat figuratively) Each element in the description is related to the actual situation in Rome.

Practical question :
Why was the book of Revelations placed at the end of the Bible?
- the Roman church at the time when the Bible was compiled had the impression that it signals the end of the world - transition between the critical and pre-critical period
However, the bible doesn't predict the end of the world. Modern studies have proven it, sadly, it has not reached the grassroots. (But in this website, for you readers, hopefully it has!)

With that in mind, as a closing, Mr. Bruno said that Revelations indeed does NOT predict the future. We should use it to predict the future anyhow, because if we do, we will wreck our lives. Imagine if you are still thinking the world will end soon .....