It would only be natural for many of us to lay back and take a long rest during the Raya Holidays. But this was not the case for 223 Sunday school students from the English speaking group who are preparing to take the sacrament of Confirmation next year.

Being an important part of their preparation for Confirmation, students who miss this workshop would not be entitled to partake in the sacrament next year. 

The workshop which covered 3 topics, entitled

• Challenges faced by youths today
• We are the Church
• Confirmation – Beginning of a New Life

touched on the life of Youths and the challenges they face in their daily lives, their roles as Christians in society and their responsibilities towards their religion and what they would after they receive the sacrament. After each session, the students were sent into groups and shared their  feedback.

During the workshop, the students were told of how fashion, modern music and even their idols can rob them of God’s love. In fact, if they are not careful, they can become ambassadors of the devil because some modern songs promote, abortion, suicide, illicit sex and ways that oppose our Christian values. The improper use of hand phones and skimpy dressing in Church were also a topic of concern. Further to this, the students were also reminded that the meaning of Church does not only refer to the building that they go to worship every Sunday, but more importantly on how they are to help promote and evangelize the Good News to all those around them. In short, Church refers to each and every one of us.

By the end of the workshop, it was hoped that the students would make the right choice and commit themselves in wanting to deepen their relationship with God after their Confirmation.

On the whole the workshop was well designed and presented and credit should be given to the students for sacrificing their holiday and their participation in the workshop and not forgetting the teachers who took almost a month to get the workshop prepared.