RCC parishioners ‘rediscover, proclaim and build hope’ at recollection

Mar 22, 2025

By Stephanie Cheong
Parishioners of Risen Christ Church (RCC) gathered for their Parish Recollection on February 28 and March 1. The event was organised by the parish and led by Joe Fernandez and his team from the Gloria Patri Ministry, Singapore.

Joe, a lay missionary with years of experience in leading prayer and recollection retreats locally and internationally, facilitated the sessions. Nearly 200 participants, including attendees from nearby parishes, took part in the event.

Themed Rediscover, Proclaim, and Build Hope, the recollection featured a series of spiritual activities, including praise and worship, adoration, praying over, and spiritual input sessions. Masses were celebrated by parish priest Friar Esmond Chua, OFM, adding a solemn and reflective aspect to the retreat.

Using Scripture as the foundation, Joe invited participants to reflect on their relationship with Christ, as well as with their neighbours and friends. He reminded everyone that, as God’s children, we are always loved by Him, even in our sinfulness. We are His treasured possessions, called to place our faith and trust in Him, especially during times of trial and tribulation. Loving the merciful God, we are called to extend that same mercy to others. Forgiveness, Joe emphasised, is essential, as God has forgiven us.

In essence, “rediscover” calls us to actively re-engage with and deepen our understanding of God's will for us, encouraging individuals to reflect on their faith and embrace the richness of the Lord's teachings.

With a personal and intimate relationship with Christ, those who identify with Him through faith find their true identity in Him. Just as Christ appointed the twelve apostles (Mark 3:14), we too are called to “proclaim” Him and share His message. The Church, as emphasised by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, has made the “New Evangelization” a central mission. This involves proclaiming the Good News to those who have never heard of Christ, offering ongoing catechesis, and “reproposing” the Gospel to those who, though baptised, have drifted away. The Holy Spirit is the principal agent of this evangelisation. As the one who was entirely open to and guided by the Holy Spirit, Mary is recognised as “the Mother of the Church which evangelises.”

Joe further explored Romans 8:24- 25, emphasising that a Christian’s salvation is rooted in the “hope” of what is yet to come. If something is already visible or in our possession, there is no need to hope for it. This passage underscores the essence of true hope — it is for what has not yet been realised — and highlights the importance of patience and perseverance while waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises. Joe posed a powerful question: Are we a source of hope for others? The key takeaway was the reminder to always place our hope in the Lord, no matter the circumstances we face.

Risen Christ parish was truly blessed by this recollection, which proved both physically and spiritually healing. Many attendees of the two half-day sessions shared that they had gained valuable insights and experienced a personal transformation.