By Ivy Teo
KUCHING — The Mandarin RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 2019/2020 candidates from Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) were baptised and confirmed at a Service Rite held in BSC on 5/6 December 2020. A total of 34 candidates received the Sacraments of Baptism & Confirmation, while another four candidates received only the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The first batch received their Sacraments and Certificates on 5 December, while the second batch received theirs on 6 December under full compliance with the Parish’s SOP. The neophytes also received their first Holy Communion on the same day.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated some changes to the performance of the rites. Godparents and limited family members of candidates were given permission to attend the celebration with an estimated congregation of around 60 persons at each Mass.
Both Masses were celebrated by Fr Nicholas Ng, who had been granted the faculty to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation by Archbishop Simon Poh, the Ordinary Minister of Confirmation.
In his homily after the Gospel reading, Fr Nicholas urged all candidates to begin their new life with a strong faith moving forwards. It is their responsibility to strive to live a life of Christian faith.
He also added that their journey of faith may not be smooth sailing. However, they should face challenges and pain with a new perspective and attitude. The entire congregation later congratulated and welcomed all the candidates into the community.
It was indeed an occasion to rejoice, despite the long postponement. The RCIA Team thanks Fr Nicholas Ng and BSC Rector Fr Patrick Heng, church ministries, sponsors, godparents and parishioners in extending their prayers to make the celebration a memorable one.
