I never truly realised how much the faith community meant to me, until I was faced with the prospect of moving away from it.  In that moment, I began to see our parish family through a new lens – one of deep gratitude and appreciation.  It has also provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my own faith journey here, which feels especially timely as we approach the end of our liturgical year.

One phrase that continues to resonate with me is “We are one but many.”  It perfectly captures the spirit of our parish.  We are a diverse group, each with our own unique gifts, but united in our shared love for God and our desire to serve one another.  I have seen the work of the Holy Spirit in how different people come together, offering their talents, skills, and time to build up the body of Christ.  It has been a privilege to serve alongside so many of you, and I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement we provide one another.

If I had to choose a ministry that has touched my heart the most, it would undoubtedly be the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.  In all honesty, had I been asked this question before participating in the program, I might not have given the same answer.  At the outset, I had my doubts – about my ability to support the catechumens and candidates through such an important phase of their spiritual journey.  But as the weeks went by, I learned that it is not about what I know, but about my willingness to offer what little I have – whether that be knowledge, experience, or simply my presence.

What has truly struck me is the richness and depth of each person’s journey of faith.  It’s humbling to see how each of us walks a unique path, yet we are all, knowingly or unknowingly, drawn to the same Creator.  The sharing and reflections that take place each week never fail to inspire and move me.  There is something incredibly powerful in witnessing how God works in the lives of others, and in the process, I find myself growing in faith as well.

In the end, I have come away from this experience deeply humbled and inspired, knowing that I have received so much more than I have given.  The connections we form in this parish, through the sacraments, ministry, and shared prayer, are a testament to the love of God that unites us all.  As I prepare to take my leave of this wonderful community, I carry with me the blessings of these relationships and the lessons learned, knowing that the Spirit will continue to guide and strengthen us all, wherever our paths may lead.

By Joyce Ferng

Main Photo: Joyce Ferng and Jude Chng.

Joyce Ferng and her husband, Jude Chng are actively involved in parish ministry as members of the RCIA Parish Team and also serve as Eucharistic Ministers and Parish Life Team members at Our Lady of Victories in Camberwell.  Over the last couple of years, Joyce has also been a member of the Parish Pastoral Council. Joyce will soon be relocating overseas for work, with Jude set to join her in the coming months.

Published: 22 November 2024