MOTIVATION SEMINAR AND SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR PMR, SPM AND STPM STUDENTS

Julita, SOCCOM Tawau   

Tawau : Holy Trinity Parish, Tawau organized a one-day seminar on Motivation and Spiritual Preparation  for  students, sitting for their PMR, SPM and STPM examinations this year. Preparation, either academically or spiritually is an important ingredient for success. Such uplifting activity,  run up to the exams is very helpful to students.

The seminar, held on Saturday 15th September 2012 at the Church Basement Room was jointly organized by the Catholic Students Association ( CSA ) and the Parish Youth Apostolate ( PYA )  from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm.  Some 116 students from Form One to Form Six participated in the seminar.

The session began with the enthronement of the Bible. Sr. Rusiah fsic facilitated the first session with a spiritual input. She began by inviting all students to focus their attention to the Lord by observing silence, in solitude and in the presence of God.  She called upon the participants to be loyal and faithful to God, remain faithful as  children of God and to take full responsibility of their future. They should not be distracted by other on-goings but to learn and at the same time to pray.

The theme of the seminar is 'Learn and Pray, Key to Success' The objectives of the seminar;
# to assist the students to deepen their faith in facing the earthly challenges
# to bring out the diamond hidden within them and
# to expose them to the various ministries and services which they may participate in accordance to their gifts.

Mario Domingo, the PPC Chairman in his welcoming speech gave a word of encouragement to the students to always uphold Christian values. He said, 'No matter how we are being persecuted, despised or hated by others, do remember to hold on to our faith. We shall remain Catholic in all circumstances till the end of time. We are blessed to be Catholic, the faithful Children of God.'

Sr. Liza fsic shared on the realities as a students ~ the many challenges and struggles confronting them. Each and everyone has a dream. A student needs to put in much effort without which our dream will remain merely a dream. Nothing can be achieved without struggles, pains and sufferings. You need to embrace your cross, for after the cross comes resurrection. 

'Set your priority in all you do as a student, first thing first. Love God, neighbors and yourselves, Love and honor your parents . Love yourselves. You must dare to dream and struggles to achieve your dream by staying faithful to God, Treasure every moment of your lives as students,' she said.

'The most important component of this seminar is the process of spiritual preparation before taking the upcoming exam. The foundation of our success is not based solely on our effort or struggle but most of all, our spiritual practice,'  added Sr. Liza.

Francis Kamuntah

Among the key elements to strengthen and motivate themselves as students;

• Pray for peace of mind
• Seek your parents' blessing in all you do
• Pray for God's protection and guidance
• Seek for the light of God and stay away from the influence of darkness
• Read and reflect on the Word of God daily

Topics shared covers the following;

• Challenges in schools
• Challenges as a Christian in Institutes of higher learning
• Our contribution to the Church
• The importance of spiritual preparaton

The session ended at 3.30 pm.