SFX Sec 1 (Class of 2007): 2007

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Secondary One's RETREAT !!!

11 Nov 2007 .... A day of getting together, reflecting and having fun.... and FUN they all had. With a simple McDonald meal, all joined in the "Praise & Worship" session, singing away. The Catechists too had their share of having fun, with Auntie Pom dancing ... to just any tune.

The group had praise & worship sessions, church building activities, a quiz and spared some thoughts of the less fortunate ... the "invisible children" of Africa through a video clip. The day ended with some fun in the nearby Chartwell Park.

This is the very first Group Picture taken of the "HAPPY DOZEN" (Now, this is a rare shot ... cos, it's very difficult to get a group of happy people, willing to smile for the cameraman. (You made my day, girls. Thanks !!!!)

Feeding Time !!!

As "Chicken Burgers" were being distributed by the Catechists, Uncle Ben grabbed the microphone with the very first instruction for the day ... "DO NOT EAT yet !!!" Why ? ... cos the reminder of the day has to be announced ... "Thou shall not litter !!!". Any pieces of McDonald wrapper or chilly sauce found in the church's vicinity would be traced back to the class for they are the only ones that are having "Burgers" for lunch. (Certainly, the wedding reception at the canteen will not have "burgers" on their menu). Make do bins were setup at strategic location to ensure that this rule is religiously complied with.

As the burgers were eagerly distributed by "newly recruited" McDonald mobile distributors, all were ready to "dig-in". The hungry look of some faces, tells it all. "Give me my Burger ... Now !!!" Yum !! Yum !!

Complete with ketchup, chilli sauce & toilet paper (yes !! toilet papers ... budget-cut lah !!!), came the second announcement. "Thou shall not start eating before saying grace". ( "Alamak !!!, so difficult to start eating one !!! )

"Grace" it is. Whilst some closed their eyes, deep in thoughts ... others had their eyes wide opened guarding their "precious Burger" from taking a quick walk away from them. Others, even held it tightly or kept it in their bags.
(Not taking any chances !!! ... not gonna close my eyes.)

(" Chow times" ... are always "Happy Times". Dig-in !!! )
The next 30 minutes after grace was the quietest moment for the afternoon. No talking when the mouth is full.
As the entire lot of Burgers were all dished out, the hungry looking (part-time McDonald distributors) simply watched the meal being consumed. Fortunately, a generous, forward looking catechist envisaged this scene and wiped out the remaining "nasi lemak" stock from the canteen to feed the "feeders". One of them even took TWO packets of "nasi lemak" (No names mentioned... to protect that really hungry one !!!) ..... and HE is not taking it sitting down either !!!

Praise & Worship Session

Wait till Father sees this clip !!! It's gonna raise funds !!! Not often do you get to see Auntie Pom in such high spirit (non alcoholic, somemore !!) to a "Praise & Worship" session in Church ....

Now !!! Don't you think she is GOOD or WHAT ?!!!

Uncle Trevor with his guitar strumming certainly strummed up the beat for the afternoon with his series of songs for the "praise & worship" session ....

(No points for guessing who is in the background !!)

(Watch what Auntie Pom is doing !!....That's WHAT you should not be doing .... or the camera will be very happy "clicking away"... Sorry !! Too late !!!)

(It's not a Simple Simon says song ....!!!)

Can't beat them .. .. Bash them ? ..... No. Join them !!!

Obviously !!!! Timing and keeping in steps is not everything !!

Getting the beat !!.... Almost there !!!

OK !! OK !!! We are trying. Not very natural to behave like that in church.

How not to join in ? Even the reluctant ones shook to the tune !!!

Building a CHURCH !!!

The "CHURCH" of Christ has STRENGH and BEAUTY and is surrounded by WARMTH and LOVE. Teams comprising of 5-6 members each were tasked to "Build a Church" with these 4 attributes ... and the creativity, innovation and artistic talent began ....

This team had a 3D structure to signify STRENGTH with a Heart (for LOVE) at the top of it; A a glowing flame that provided the WARMTH and is nicely lined with colourful flowers to BEAUTifY the surroundings.
Another 3D version of their vision of the 4 attributes.
This team featured a DOVE to represent their 4 attributes.
A bright and cheerful one for this team.

From conception to its final outcome ... its teamwork and cooperation.

This is their version of the attributes.

No points (again !!!) for where this group gets their inspiration from.

More 3D versions. This had additional materials from recycled plastic bottles to provide the extra strength.
These are the visions/perspective of our young engineers/building designers in seeing their church with the 4 attributes. Not bad huh !!!?

Fun in the Sun ...

After some five hours under a roof, it was time to take a break at the Chartwell Park (next to the church) before ending the day.

In a less formal manner, each individual chooses what best appeals to him/her. Some preferred some organised games, whilst others collectively climbed the spiderweb structure to watch the sunset and some just ran around.

Alternatively, just relax and look pretty, if there is nothing else better to do.

Great !!! Now, that everyone had their own choice of games, climb around or just to do nothing ... Uncle Paul is left holding two balls & a large plastic bag... waiting for someone to get it from him. All in all, everyone had

a meaningful time and of course ... FUN !!!

Thanks to all for the participation and support. :p)

Sunday, September 16, 2007

SFX - Sec 1 Catechism Class (2007)

For the record, this is the "St Francis Xavier's Church - Secondary One (Class of 2007)". The Alter Boys from this class are not in these snap-shots as they were away managing the canteen for the day. Of the 6 groups, only ONE Group, collectively prayed that these digital shots will turn out GOOD !!! (No points for guessing which one did !!)

Pom, "Miss Photogenic (Sep 2007)". Anyone requiring lessons on "How to face the Camera ?" ... Look no further. Your very own Catechist can provide the 5 basic check points to look your best ...

#1-Determine your best angle. Decide which side of you provides the most flattering side for you.

#2-Get rid of a double chin. Tilt your head down slightly and try to position yourself so that the camera is a little above your eye level. (It is possible to hide things !!!)

#3- Think happy thoughts. An unnatural, forced smile can make you look stiff and, frankly, weird. Naughty thoughts do help at times !!!

#4-Smile with your eyes. Nothing projects happiness and beauty like smiling eyes. Shutting your eyes will not help.

#5- Get a better photgrapher. If you're going to put up a shot for an online dating service, consider enlisting a professional. Employing part-timers and collective praying will not help. ( Smile !!!)

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Canteen Week-20 May 07

Dressed in BLACK. Catechists, helpers and the Sec 1 students were out to generate some funds for their activities through the weekly canteen. Those in the earlier sessions had more variety of food to sell but by noon, only the curry lasted for the final crowd.