Pilots run out of fuel, pray, land near Jesus sign

In the news today...

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — It seemed like an almost literal answer to their prayers. When two New Zealand pilots ran out of fuel in a microlight airplane they offered prayers and were able to make an emergency landing in a field — coming to rest right next to a sign reading, "Jesus is Lord."

Grant Stubbs and Owen Wilson, both from the town of Blenheim on the country's South Island, were flying up the sloping valley of Pelorus Sound when the engine spluttered, coughed and died.
"My friend and I are both Christians so our immediate reaction in a life-threatening situation was to ask for God's help," Stubbs told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

He said he prayed during the ill-fated flight Sunday that the tiny craft would get over the top of a ridge and that they would find a landing site that was not too steep — or in the nearby sea.
Wilson said that the pair would have been in deep trouble if the fuel had run out five minutes earlier.

"If it had to run out, that was the place to be," he said. "There was an instantaneous answer to prayer as we crossed the ridge and there was an airfield — I didn't know it existed till then."
After Wilson glided the powerless craft to a landing on the grassy strip, the pair noticed they were beside a 20-foot-tall sign that read, "Jesus is Lord — The Bible."

"When we saw that, we started laughing," Stubbs said.

Nearby residents provided them with gas to fly the home-built plane back to base.

Suggestions on the CELEBRATION of Mass by Archbishop

From the CatholicNews:

ON THE CELEBRATION of Mass, Archbishop Chia said in his report that “perhaps we can take into account” the following points:

– 1. On the liturgical environment: The altar and altar linens, the sacred vessels must be in proper order. Attention must also be made with regard to the lectionary, Missal, candle sticks, floral decorations, thurible etc.
– 2. Celebrants must be punctual and wear proper liturgical vestments. They should be faithful to the liturgical norms and avoid casting shadows in the celebration.

– 3. The faithful should be in church before the commencement of the Mass and be decently dressed out of respect to the Lord in the solemn celebration of the Eucharist.

– 4. (Provide) some time for prayerful silence, silent reflection, and adoration (before and also during the Mass) so that (worshippers) can relate the Eucharist to their personal lives.

– 5. On the Eucharist as community building and its nature to bring people together and overcome barriers and divisions, (there should be) more emphasis on ‘communion’ of the faithful, worshipping as a body, sitting close to each other, meaningful sign of peace, and perhaps we can consider holding hands at the Our Father (to show our unity with the Lord and with each other). The unifying character of the Eucharist – “one bread, one cup, one body” must be emphasized.

– 6. The faithful should also understand the sacrificial nature of the Mass and how they themselves can offer spiritual sacrifices. The Mass should not only be “meal-centred” but also bring out the other aspects like the divine presence and sacrifice.

– 7. On the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist – priests should make themselves available to those who need to confess before the Mass. In general the faithful understand that in a state of mortal sin they are not to receive the Eucharist without first making their confession. The need for confession before Communion in the case of serious sin is conveyed through the availability of confession before Mass.

– 8. Masses with relevant liturgy of the Word should be encouraged for different groups of the faithful – children, youths, the elderly and sick, doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, migrants etc.

– 9. Many of our youths find the Mass ‘dull’. We must make efforts to organise Masses which meet the needs of our youths. They are the future of the church.

– 10. Masses in the native languages of foreign communities should also be encouraged.

– 11. On inculturation – translations of liturgical texts into the vernacular should be left to the discretion of the Bishops’ Conference as the local bishops are in the best position to understandthe local languages; similarly formusic and cultural practices which can help the faithful to better understand and appreciate the celebration of the Mass. It must be emphasized that such practice sshould not be for entertainment.

– 12. On “Inter-Communion”– our Catholics are aware that they are not allowed to receive the Eucharist in communities without the Sacrament of Orders. In our celebrations when non-Catholics are present, e.g. relatives and friends of wedding couples or of the deceased at funeral Masses, announcements are made that only Catholics are allowed to receive Communion.

– 13. Non-Catholics, catechumens and children be blessed when they come forward at Communion time as a sign of spiritual Communion on their part. This action is a sign of the care and concern for them.

– 14. On the missionary dimension of the Eucharist – more emphasis must be placed on “Ite Missa est” – We need to impress on the faithful with regard to the link between the Eucharist and Mission. They are ‘sent forth to proclaim the Good News!’

What do you think?

Anyone considering?

Post 101:

Oh yah! And for those who missed last issue's "Spotlight", here it is again....

The final figure of BSCyouth Lenten Campaign For the Poor 2008 -

S$22,284!












Pats on the back for everybody! You all did brilliantly!!!

and for those who missed Spotlight.... (tsk tsk + shakes head) you can download it here: http://www.bsc.org.sg/bulletin/spotlight_May2008.pdf

CORPUS CHRISTI GAMES DAY

CORPUS CHRISTI GAMES DAY
Date of Event: 25/5/2008

As Corpus Christi is around the corner, Arts4Christ intends to bring back the Corpus Christi games day on the actual Feast Day (Sunday 25th May 2008) from 12.45 pm to 3.30pm. All groups are to form a team of about 10 or more. The team that has the most score will win the Top Trophy for BSC Best Team for the Year.

The aim for this games day is to bring all the different organizations together and share some time knowing each other. We hope that you will give us your full support for this event. Just a brief information on the day’s events are as follows:-

• BSC Marathon Run – 20 Rounds around BSC
• Telematch Game
• Captain’s Ball
• Football (Girls/Guy) 7 aside
• Prize giving

Ready for the Challenge? Register with your parish youth group or your friends right away!
Details on Posters coming up... or email for more info!

All the best for those still preparing for exams / tests.
EXAM TIP #1093:
Always Read the Instructions / Title!!!!




























See you all soon this Corpus Christi!