By Cosmas Klumai and Clarice Chan
KOTA SENTOSA — On 21 March, ninety-two ministers of the Word, from Sacred Heart and St Mark’s, gathered for a half-day of recollection, pausing from the busyness of their ministry to listen — truly listen — to the God they are called to proclaim.
Held under the theme “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening,” drawn from the tender and faith-filled response of the young Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:9, the recollection invited Lectors, Commentators, Psalmists and Projectionists to reflect on the deeper meaning of their service at the altar of the Word. Before one can effectively proclaim, one must first receive.
The day was enriched by two input sessions, given by Fr Felix Au and Seminarian Kenny Geddy, that explored what it means to be a worthy vessel of God’s Word — not merely in technique and delivery, but in the interior disposition of the heart. Participants were reminded that their ministry begins long before they step up to the ambo; it begins in prayer, in personal encounter with Scripture, and in a life that seeks to embody the Word proclaimed.
Adding depth and warmth to the recollection were two sharings by experienced Lectors, Monica Leong and Michael Mendel, who spoke from the heart about their personal journeys in ministry. Their reflections — honest, inspiring and deeply human — resonated with many, offering both encouragement and the wisdom that only years of faithful service can bring.
A question-and-answer session gave participants the opportunity to raise questions from their real experiences, resulting in an open and enriching exchange that touched on both practical concerns and the deeper spirituality of the ministry.
The recollection served as a timely reminder, especially in this season of Lent, that those who minister the Word are first and foremost its servants. Like Samuel, they are called to stillness, to attentiveness, and to the humble readiness to say: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all who helped organise and facilitate the day, and above all, to the ninety-two participants whose presence and openness made the recollection a grace- filled experience for all.
