This year, Father Paul approached the Liturgy of the Word with Children (LOWC) ministry to conduct a special Mass and activities for young children and their families on Children’s Day.
This was the 1st Mass IHM had ever organised on the school holiday.
An overwhelming response of more than 350 attended the event on 6 October 2023 which commenced at 4pm and ended around 8.45pm. The teens from the church also came to celebrate.
In the spirit of Fr Paul, the organisers did not turn away any person who did not register.
The youth of IHM led the children with song and dance, followed by a Eucharistic Miracle story by Constance Ng.
Following the activities at the hall, the participants went to the main church for Mass which was celebrated by three priests, Father Paul, Father Joseph and visiting priest Father Britto.
The homilies were very interactive with Father Paul walking down from the sanctuary to ask the children who want to be priests when they grow up; 4 boys raised up their hands enthusiastically.
Father Paul went to them to take their names. Similarly, when Father Britto was invited to continue the homily, he showed inclusiveness for the girls and took the names of the girls who want to be nuns or sisters.
The Mass animator, gift bearers, readers and special prayer intercessor were children and after Mass, Fr Paul conducted the Eucharistic Adoration. The children were invited to come forward to pray for their own intentions.
The Mass and Adoration session was a beautiful experience for the children!
A buffet dinner was served in St. Gregory Hall by the Catechists and parents. The final highlight was the magic show which the children roared wild with their response and laughter.
All children went back home with goodie bags and a special IHM water bottle donated by generous sponsors.
View the images from that day here: https://ihmsg.smugmug.com/Childrens-Day-2023
Pauline Chua
